Freezing and thawing structures: An evidence of cold climate in the Neoproterozoic Liantuo Formation in Shennongjia of northern margin of Yangtze Craton
Wang Yu-Chong1,2, Kuang Hong-Wei2, Peng Nan2, Liu Yong-Qing2, Fan Zheng-Xiu2, Xia Xiao-Xu1,2, Chen Xiao-Shuai2, Zheng Hang-Hai1,2, Sun Yu-Xiang3
1 China University of Geosciences(Beijing),Beijing 100083; 2 Institute of Geology,Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences,Beijing 100037; 3 College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering,China University of Mining & Technology(Beijing),Beijing 100083
Abstract：The palaeoclimates(i.e.,greenhouse or icehouse)in South China before the Sturtian period of the Neoproterozoic Cryogenian are still controversial. Recently,a series of soft sedimentary deformation structures(SSDSs)were recognized in the upper part of the Liantuo Formation of the Shennongjia in the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton. They are represented by gray-green sandy veins host in purple mudstone or sandstone matrix. Based on their marco-mirco morphology,texture and structure,and geochemistry characteristics,we interpret them to be a type of freezing and thawing structures developed under cold climates,or perhaps being suggestive of the existence of permafrost. According to their morphologies,the documented Liantuo SSDSs are categorized into four main types,namely reticulate,dendritic veins bearing rigidity fracture,along with banded,mottled veins bear plastic deformation. our results suggest that the characteristics of the veins were more matrix debris supported less clay minerals,weak particles directionality lining the wall,loss of Fe(Ⅲ),indicating that the veins had been liquefied. Moreover the veins are more depleted in trace element such as Bi,Pr,W,La than those in the matrix. However,different REE distribution patterns of veins and matrices also indicate that there is no effect on the alteration during the later diagenesis. The dual structures in debris rocks(i.e.,low Sr/Ba ratio of 0.05 to 0.25 versus low V/Ni ratio of 0.05 to 0.5)suggest that the structures were developed in microenvironments like floodplains of meandering rivers. The low CIA values of 55-65and negative carbon and oxygen isotope negative excursion(i.e.,δ13CPDB of-17‰~-14‰,δ18OPDB of-15‰~-13‰) in the veins and matrices,in contrast,indicate that they would probably have formed in cold climates. All of these observations suggest that the Shennongjia area in the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton was located in the cold periglacial environments before the start of Stuartian Period in the Neoproterozoic Cryogenian. Furthermore,the paper opens up a new research idea and approach for the recognition of the cold climatic conditions in late sedimentary period of the Liantuo Formation,particularly the response on the “Snowball Earth”event in Yangtze Craton. Meanwhile,it also provides a new scientific evidence and sedimentary index for the division of glacial period in Yangtze Craton and correlation at home and abroad.
Wang Yu-Chong,Kuang Hong-Wei,Peng Nan et al. Freezing and thawing structures: An evidence of cold climate in the Neoproterozoic Liantuo Formation in Shennongjia of northern margin of Yangtze Craton[J]. JOPC, 2018, 20(4): 579-594.
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