The Mohe Foreland Basin, located in northeastern China, is a crucial area for studying sedimentary processes, tectonic evolution, and provenance analysis. The basin's sandstones, in particular, provide valuable insights into the geological history and tectonic setting of the region. In this article, we will explore the geochemical discriminations of sandstones from the Mohe Foreland Basin and discuss their implications for understanding the basin's tectonic setting and provenance.
The Mohe Foreland Basin is situated in the northeastern part of China, adjacent to the Russian border. It is a key area for understanding the tectonic evolution of the region, as it records the sedimentary responses to the tectonic activities of the adjacent orogenic belts. The basin is characterized by a series of sedimentary rocks, including sandstones, which are important for reconstructing the paleogeography, paleoclimate, and paleoenvironment of the region.
Geochemical analysis of sandstones from the Mohe Foreland Basin provides valuable information about their provenance and tectonic setting. Major and trace element compositions, as well as isotopic signatures, can be used to identify the source rocks and the tectonic processes that have influenced the basin's sedimentary history.
One of the key geochemical discriminations used in provenance analysis is the composition of heavy minerals. Heavy minerals such as zircon, tourmaline, and garnet have distinct compositions that can be used to trace their source rocks. By analyzing the heavy mineral assemblages in the sandstones from the Mohe Foreland Basin, researchers can infer the nature of the source rocks and the tectonic processes that have transported them to the basin.
Another important geochemical discrimination is the composition of detrital minerals. Detrital minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica can provide valuable information about the weathering processes and the source rocks of the sandstones. By analyzing the composition of detrital minerals, researchers can infer the provenance of the sandstones and the tectonic setting of the basin.
In addition to heavy minerals and detrital minerals, geochemical analysis of sandstones from the Mohe Foreland Basin also includes the analysis of major and trace elements. Major elements such as SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 can provide information about the composition of the source rocks, while trace elements such as Zr, Ti, and Y can be used to trace the source of the sedimentary material.
Overall, geochemical discriminations of sandstones from the Mohe Foreland Basin are crucial for understanding the basin's tectonic setting and provenance. By analyzing the composition of heavy minerals, detrital minerals, and major and trace elements, researchers can reconstruct the geological history of the basin and gain insights into the tectonic processes that have shaped the region.
