Monazite Age Spectra in the Late Cenozoic Strata of the Changjiang Delta and its Implication on the Changjiang Run-through
The Changjiang (Yangtze) River, one of the longest rivers in the world, plays a crucial role in the geological and geomorphological evolution of the Changjiang Delta. The Late Cenozoic strata of the Changjiang Delta are of great significance for understanding the geological history and environmental changes in this region. Monazite, a rare earth phosphate mineral, is widely distributed in these strata and has been extensively studied for its age information. This article focuses on the monazite age spectra in the Late Cenozoic strata of the Changjiang Delta and its implications on the Changjiang run-through.
Geological Setting of the Changjiang Delta The Changjiang Delta is located in eastern China, where the Changjiang River flows into the East China Sea. The delta is characterized by its flat topography and extensive sedimentary deposits, which are mainly composed of fluvial, lacustrine, and marine sediments. The Late Cenozoic strata in the delta are primarily composed of mud, sand, and gravel, which record the sedimentary history of the region.
Monazite Age Spectra in the Late Cenozoic Strata Monazite is a common accessory mineral in the Late Cenozoic strata of the Changjiang Delta. It is often found in association with other minerals such as zircon, rutile, and garnet. Monazite age dating has been widely used to constrain the timing of sediment deposition and tectonic events in the delta.
Studies have shown that the monazite age spectra in the Late Cenozoic strata of the Changjiang Delta are complex, indicating multiple phases of sedimentation and tectonic activity. The ages of the monazite grains range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of years, suggesting that the sediments in the delta are derived from a variety of sources and have undergone multiple reworking events.
- Implications for the Changjiang Run-through The Changjiang Delta has undergone significant changes in its geomorphology and sedimentary environment over the past few million years. The monazite age spectra in the Late Cenozoic strata provide important clues about the Changjiang run-through and its impact on the delta.
The complex monazite age spectra suggest that the Changjiang River has experienced multiple phases of run-through and sediment deposition. The presence of old monazite grains in the delta sediments indicates that the Changjiang River has been flowing through the region for a long time, possibly since the late Cenozoic era. This implies that the Changjiang River has played a crucial role in shaping the geomorphology and sedimentary environment of the delta.
Overall, the monazite age spectra in the Late Cenozoic strata of the Changjiang Delta provide valuable insights into the geological history and environmental changes in the region. Further studies are needed to better understand the complex sedimentary processes and tectonic events that have shaped the Changjiang Delta over time.
