New Insights About the Mesoproterozoic Sedimentary Framework of North China Craton

Received: 2 July 2017 Revised: 30 December 2017 Accepted: 4 January 2018 DOI: 10.1002/gj.3190

RESEARCH ARTICLE

New insights about the Mesoproterozoic sedimentary framework of North China Craton

Zhenhong Li1 | Shengli Xi2 | Jianmin Hu1 | Xiaopeng Dong1 | Guisong Zhang2

1 Institute of Geomechanics, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China At the south‐western margin of the North China Craton (NCC), there existed a lot of 2 Exploration and Development Research Mesoproterozoic strata. However, it is hardly known about the Mesoproterozoic stratigraphic Institute of Petrochina Changqing Oilfield sequence and deep structures of the south‐western part of NCC (most is the Ordos Block) due Company, Xi'an, China to the thick Phanerozoic sedimentary cover above the Precambrian basement and strata. Com- Correspondence bining the drilling well data, seismic profiles, and outcrops around the whole Ordos Block, it Zhenhong Li, Institute of Geomechanics, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, No. becomes possible to reveal the deep structure and distribution of Mesoproterozoic strata. The 11 South Minzudaxue Road, Haidian District, distribution and sedimentation of Mesoproterozoic at the southwestern margin of NCC were Beijing 100081, China. controlled by a series of NE–SW extension deep faults just existed in Mesoproterozoic Email: [email protected] Changcheng System and Jixian System. According to the drilling well data, the Changchang Sys- Funding information tem includes several various thickness volcanic rocks, and the stratigraphic sequence and litholog- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award Number: 41372122 ical combination are similar to the Yanliao Rift. During the sedimentation from Longjiayuan Formation to Duguan Formation, the water got deeper revealed by the content of Ce element Handling Editor: S. Li gradually decreasing. However, the content of Ce element unusually increases during the steady subsidence of the Mesoproterozoic basin, while the Xunjiansi Formation sedimented. The deposition of tephra or hydrothermal might contribute a lot to the increase of the Ce element's content. Besides that, numerous soft‐sediment deformation structures developed in carbonate rocks of Mesoproterozoic Xunjiansi Formation at the south‐western margin of NCC. What's more, the Xunjiansi Formation with soft‐sediment deformation structures can be regarded as a marker bed for the comparison with the Wumishan Formation in Yanliao Rift. Besides that, there is a set of residual sandstone conformably covered the dolomite of Mesoproterozoic Fengjiawan Formation. It corresponds with Xiamaling Formation of Building System in Yanliao Rift System based on the stratigraphic sequence and relative sedimentary time limited by the youngest zircon U–Pb age peak 1,511.1 ± 10 Ma (n = 7) and single zircon U–Pb age 1,436 ± 28 Ma. Therefore, the south‐western part of NCC have high similarity of stratigraphic sequence and sedimentary framework withYanliao Rift. Moreover, the development of volcanic rocks in Changcheng System, soft‐ sediment deformation structures, and Ce abnormal increasing in Xunjiansi Formation might suggest that there developed an active Mesoproterozoic Rift in the south‐western part of the NCC similar to Yanliao Rift. Generally, the south‐western part of NCC share similar tectonic background with Yanliao Rift.

KEYWORDS

Ce anomaly, Mesoproterozoic, sedimentary framework, soft‐sediment deformation structure, stratigraphic sequence, the south‐western NCC

1 | INTRODUCTION Hu, Peng, & Zhao, 2014; Zhai & Peng, 2007; T. P. Zhao, Jin, et al., 2002; J. H. Zhao & Zhou, 2009). What has been broadly accepted is that the North China Craton (NCC) experienced a long evolutionary history NCC went through multistage rifting which might correlate with the that lasted over 3.8 Ga, and it is still under controversy about the breakup of Columbia and Rodinia supercontinent during the Late tectonic subdivision and evolution process of the Archean‐ Palaeoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic (S. N. Lu et al., 2008; Palaeoproterozoic basement (S. N. Lu, Zhao, Wang, & Hao, 2008; Zhai, Peng, 2010; Peng et al., 2011; Y. J. Wang et al., 2004; Zhai & Peng,

2007; S. H. Zhang, Zhao, & Santosh, 2012; S. H. Zhang, Zhao, Ye, Hu, 2 | GEOLOGICAL SETTING & Wu, 2013; J. H. Zhao & Zhou, 2009). After the eruption of a large amount of volcanics in the Xiong'er Rift during the early stage (1.78– NCC is one of the oldest cratons in the world and has a complicated 1.75 Ga) of the Mesoproterozoic (G. C. Zhao, He, & Sun, 2009), the evolutionary history with multistage crustal growth (D. Y. Liu, Nutman, sedimentary strata mainly developed in the three major rifts, which Compston, Wu, & Shen, 1992; B. Song, Nutman, Liu, & Wu, 1996; Wan are Xiong'er Rift in the south, Yanliao Rift in the middle, and et al., 2005; Shen, Geng, Song, & Wan, 2005; L. Z. Gao et al., 2005; Zhaertai‐Bayan‐Huade Rift in the north of the NCC (Cui et al., Diwu et al., 2008; Geng, 2009; L. Chen, Sun, Diwu, & Wang, 2009), 2010; Cui, Zhang, & Zhang, 2011; Zhai et al., 2014; G. C. Zhao, Wilde, and recorded nearly all important geological events in the early geotec- et al., 2002; Figure 1). It had been proposed that there existed a tonic history and Mesozoic era of the Earth (Wan et al., 2000; Wu, Xu, Meso‐Neoproterozoic Qin‐Qi‐He three‐armed Rift or Helan Gao, & Zheng, 2008; Zhai, 2010). aulacogen in the southwest of the NCC once (Hua & Qiu, 2001; There is still no agreement about the amalgamation model of the S. L. Gao, Lin, & Lu, 2013; T. H. Wang, 1995). However, the existence NCC. Some researchers suggested that NCC was amalgamated by sev- of this rift or aulacogen is still controversial due to the uncertainty eral micro Archean blocks, such as Alxa Block, Jining Block, Fuping about which block the Meso‐Neoproterozoic strata in Qinling, Block, Qianhuai Block, Xuchang Block, Jiliao Block, and so on, during Qilianshan, and Helanshan mountains belong to (Di & Xie, 2008). 2,600–2,500 Ma in different ways (Geng, Liu, & Yang, 2006; Wan, With the further development of natural gas exploration in Ordos Dong, Wang, Xie, & Liu, 2009; Zhai, 2001; Zhai, Guo, & Liu, 2005). Block, more and more recognition about Meso‐Neoproterozoic strata While there is another major viewpoint that the Archean‐ and lithology combination were revealed by the combined applica- Paleoproterozoic basement of NCC was formed by the Western tion of geophysics and drilling well. Contrasted with the three major Block and Eastern Block collided with each other along the Trans‐ Mesoproterozoic rifts in NCC, the sedimentology, lithology, and geo- North China Orogen (Guo, Sun, Chen, & Zhai, 2005; Guo, Zhai, & Xu, chronology research about the Meso‐Neoproterozoic in the south- 2001; S. Z. Li, Zhao, & Sun, 2016; S. W. Liu et al., 2005; S. W. Liu, west of NCC is relatively scarce. It is the first detailed analysis Pan, Li, Li, & Zhang, 2002; Trap, Faure, Lin, Bruguier, & Monie, 2007; about the deep structure of the Mesoproterozoic strata under the Wilde, Zhao, & Sun, 2002; T. P. Zhao, Jin, et al., 2002; G. C. Zhao, very thick Phanerozoic cover. Combined with the latest drilling well, Sun, Wilde, & Li, 2005). In addition, there are still controversies about geophysics, and geochronology data, the Mesoproterozoic strati- the collision time, such as 2.5 Ga (Kusky & Li, 2003; Polat et al., 2005; graphic sequence of the three major Mesoproterozoic rifts and the W. Wang et al., 2014; Zhai, 2011; Zhai & Bian, 2000; Zhai & Santosh, south‐western NCC can be contrasted. The data and information in 2011), 1.85 Ga (Guo et al., 2001; Guo et al., 2005; S. Z. Li et al., 2017; this study contribute a lot to the sedimentary framework reconstruc- G. C. Zhao et al., 2005; G. C. Zhao, Cawood, Wilde, Sun, & Lu, 2000), tion of the south‐western part of the NCC, even the whole NCC. 2.1 Ga, and 1.85 Ga (Trap et al., 2007, 2009).

FIGURE 1 The distribution of the three major Mesoproterozoic rifts and the Meso‐Neoproterozoic strata in the NCC. (modified after J. M. Hu, Gong, Wu, Liu, & Liu, 2014). According to this study, the Mesoproterozoic stratigraphic sequence and lithology combination of the south‐ western part of the NCC have high similarity with the Mesoproterozoic Changcheng System and Jixian System in the Xiong'er Rift and Yanliao Rift. If there existed a Mesoproterozoic rift in the south‐western part of the NCC during the early stage of the Mesoproterozoic is still uncertain [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] LI ET AL. 3

After the final amalgamation of the NCC, the long‐term multistage Mountains and Niushoushan‐Guyuan Fault to the west (Figure 1; Late Palaeoproterozoic‐Neoproterozoic rifting started on the meta- Dong et al., 2017; Z. H. Li, Xu, Liu, Yuan, & Hu, 2015). The Ordos Block morphic basements (Zhai et al., 2014). Combining the abundant precise went through long‐term rifting and sedimentation process during the dating results, all the magmatic events can be assigned into four stages Meso‐Neoproterozoic era, steady tectonic evolution process in the during the Late Palaeoproterozoic‐Neoproterozoic (Zhai et al., 2014): Palaeozoic, development of the foreland basin in the Mesozoic, (a) The 1.78 Ga Xiong'er Volcanic Province (XVP) and coeval North and fault and depression inside the Ordos Block during the Cenozoic China giant mafic Dyke Swarm (NCDS) are the most important mag- (Z. H. Li et al., 2015). matic events occurring after the amalgamation of the North China Cra- ton (He, Zhao, Sun, & Xia, 2009; NCC; Peng, Zhai, Zhang, Zhao, & Ni, 2004; Peng, Zhai, Guo, Kusky, & Zhao, 2007; Peng et al., 2008; 3 | SAMPLES COLLECTED AND 2010; T. P. Zhao et al., 2004; Y. J. Wang et al., 2004); (b) The prolonged ANALYTICAL METHODS ~1.72–1.62 Ga anorogenic magmatic events closely related with continent rifting triggered by the ~1.78 Ga Volcanic Province or mantle 3.1 | Sample description plume (Zhai et al., 2014; S. H. Zhang et al., 2007; G. C. Zhao, He, et al., 2009); (c) The 1.35–1.34 Ga Yanliao Large Igneous Province The sample HB103 was sampled from the residual sandstone (LIP) related either to a mantle plume and/or continental rifting during comformably overlain the Mesoproterozoic Fengjiawan Formation breakup of the NCC from the Nuna (Columbia) supercontinent (Su at Shuiyan village in Long county, Shanxi Province (Figures 2, 3, et al., 2010; S. H. Zhang et al., 2012; S. H. Zhang, Zhao, Li, Ernst, & and 4g,h,i). The lithology is feldspathic quartz sandstone, with Yang, 2017; S. H. Zhang, Zhao, Yang, He, & Wu, 2009); and (d) The blasto‐heteroblastic texture. There also developed graded bedding, radiating widely distributed 0.92–0.89 Ga diabase sills emplaced consisted of medium‐grain sandstone and fine‐grain sandstone. The during the early Neoproterozoic continental rifting event (S. W. Liu medium‐grain sandstone lamella mainly contains quartz generally et al., 2005; Peng et al., 2011; S. H. Zhang, Zhao, Ye, & Hu, 2016). developed secondary overgrowth, and the space between the grains All these magmatic events indicate that NCC had a close relationship was filled with fine feldspar and quartz. Among the clastics of the with breakup of the Precambrian supercontinents (Hoffman, 1991; B. fine‐grain sandstone lamella, the content of orthoclase occupied first Hu et al., 2013; Karlstrom et al., 1997; Z. X. Li et al., 2003; Z. X. Li, place, and the quartz and plagioclase come second. And the fine‐grain Li, Zhou, & Kinny, 2002; Rino et al., 2008; Rogers & Santosh, 2004; sandstone lamella develops blastopsammitic and mosaic granuloblastic Xu, 2001). texture (Figure 5d). There are some dust‐like resolvents generally During the multistage rifting process, there developed very thick contained in orthoclase which might be kaolinite or Ti‐Fe mineraliza- Mesoproterozoic sandstone and carbonate units with several volcanic tion (Figure 5d). The sandstone of Building System comformably interlayers around the NCC, including the south‐western margin. The contacted with underlain Mesoproterozoic Fengjiawan Formation south‐western margin of the NCC is a part of the Ordos Block, which dolomite (Figures 3, 4i, and 5a). At the boundary between these two was bounded by Qinling Orogenic Belt to the south, Trans‐North Formations, the arenaceous dolomite is rich in ferritization iron‐min- China Orogen to the east, Kondalite Belt to the north, and Helanshan erals and microfissures (Figure 5e,f).

FIGURE 2 Regional geological sketch of the study area [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] 4 LI ET AL.

FIGURE 3 Mesoproterozoic stratigraphic column for Qishan section in Qishan county, Shanxi Province. The enlarged column in the right shows the similar stratigraphic sequence from the Fengjiawan Formation to the Sinian Luoquan Formation in the Shuiyancun section, Longxian county, Shanxi Province [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

3.2 | Zircon U–Pb geochronological dating and Qu (2014). All measurements were normalized relative to standard zircon 91500. Standard silicate glass NIST SRM610 was used to calcu- To get the ages of the important sedimentary formation and tectonic late U and Th concentrations. The data were processed using the event, a sample for zircon U–Pb dating was collected in this study. ISOPLOT program (Ludwig, 1999). 207Pb/206Pb ages was applied Sample crushing and the separation of zircons were performed at the for zircons older than 1,000 Ma. Institute of Regional Geological and Mineral Resources Survey of 3.3 | Geochemical analysis Hebei Province. The target zircon samples were prepared at the Electron Microprobe Laboratory of the Institute of Mineral Resources, Samples QS1 to QS10 were collected in Jixian System from Qishan Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (CAGS). Single‐grain U–Pb section in Qishan County, Shanxi Province. Samples QS11 and QS12 dating were performed using the laser ablation ICP‐MS technique at were collected from Jixian System in Shuiyan village section at the Tianjin Institute of Mineral Resources, China. Details of the analyt- Longxian County, Shanxi Province. In Qishan section at Qishan ical methods and the apparatus used are reported by Z. H. Li, Dong, County, four dolostone samples (including QS1 to QS4) were collected LI ET AL. 5

FIGURE 4 Field photos of the Mesoproterozoic strata and syn‐sedimentary soft‐sediment deformation structures. (a) Syn‐sedimentary folds in Xunjiansi Formation; (b) plate‐spine breccia formed by asymmetric compressional stress in Xunjiansi Formation; (c) shatter breccia in the lower part of Fengjiawan Formation; (d) large plate‐spine breccia in Xunjiansi Formation; (e) shatter breccia and diaper structures in Xunjiansi Formation; (f) syn‐sedimentary minor normal faults in Xunjiansi Formation; (g) Dolomite of Fengjiawan Formation; (h) sandstone with ripple marks in Building System; (i) The contact boundary between the Fengjiawan Formation and the Building System [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] from Longjiayuan Formation, two siliceous bands containing dolostone concordant degree over 95% and analysis plots fall on or close to con- samples (including QS5 and QS6) were collected from Xunjiansi For- cordant line (Figure 8). The U and Th contents and Th/U ratios show mation, two siliceous shale samples (including QS7 and QS8) were large variations from 27 to 1,030 ppm, 5,830 to 927 ppm, and collected from Duguan Formation, and two dolostone samples (includ- 0.0924 to 2.3165, respectively. (Table S1). According to the zircon ing QS9 and QS10) were collected from Fengjiawan Formation structure and ratios of the Th/U, it can be suggested that most zircons (Figure 6). are igneous zircons. The samples were oven‐dried at 70 °C for approximately 24 hr and One hundred and twenty analyses were made randomly from then homogenized; 100 g of each homogenized sample was ground to >1000 zircons from sample HB103 (Figures 7 and 8). The ages of zir- 200 meshes in an agate mortar for geochemical analyses. The elemen- cons are mainly Palaeoproterozoic and Middle Mesoproterozoic with tal analyses were conducted at the National Research Centre for range from 2,767 (#29) to 1,436 Ma (#49; Table S1). The Geoanalysis, China. Details of the analytical methods and apparatus Mesoproterozoic zircons yield age peaks at 1,511 ± 10 and are reported by Z. H. Li et al. (2014). 1,792 ± 7 Ma (Figure 8). The Palaeoproterozoic zircons yield age peaks at 1,862 ± 6 (n = 21), 1,950 ± 7, 2,067 ± 7, 2,199 ± 8, 2,328 ± 9, 2,408 ± 8, and 2,503 ± 5 Ma (Figure 8). 4 | ANALYTICAL RESULTS The dolostone samples from Jixian System have ΣREE values ranging from 1.0–3.0 μg/g and LREE/HREE ratios ranging from 2.29–6.58 Most of the zircons from HB103 are small in size (~50 to 70 μm), and (Table S2). The REE patterns have marked negative Ce and Eu anoma- stubby, or subhedral in shape. Zircons show oscillatory zoning lies and LREE enrichment relative to HREE (Figure 9). Two samples (Figure 7, #17, 38, 52, 56, 70, and 90) or core‐rim structure (Figure 7, from the residual sandstone above the Fengjiawan Formation have #43 and 90) in CL image. And the overgrowth rim of zircons from this ΣREE values of 56.1 and 59.7 μg/g and LREE/HREE ratios of 6.33 sample are so thin that the crystallization ages cannot be tested. and 5.75, respectively (Table S2). The REE patterns of these two sand- One hundred and twenty analyses were made randomly from stone samples have marked negative Ce and Eu anomalies and LREE >1000 zircons from sample HB103 (Table S1). 105 data with enrichment relative to HREE (Figure 9). The content of Ce in dolostone 6 LI ET AL.

FIGURE 5 Microscopic characteristics of sandstone from the lower part of the residual Building System and dolomite from the upper part of Fengjiawan Formation. (a) The sample is composed of dolostone containing medium‐coarse quartz sandstone in the upper part and dolomicrite in the lower part, and lithology gradually changes from bottom to the top; (b and c) in the lower part, the dolomite is euhedral‐subhedral with grain size ranging from 0.03 to 0.12 mm. There existed argillaceous and ferruginous residual among or in most dolomite grains. Dolomite partly recrystallized into bigger in homogenous grains with size up to 0.15 mm; (d) The lithology of the upper part is arkose with blasto‐heteroblastic texture; (e and f) at the contact boundary, sandy dolostone contains granulous power dolomite crystalline and is rich in iron‐minerals with ferritization. The iron‐minerals also filled the horizontal fractures in the sandstone [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] of Jixian System ranges from 0.25–1.01 μg/g with average value at most of the Ordos Block, and the sedimentary centre might locate 0.63 μg/g (Table S2). The contents of Ce in the two residual sandstone around Guyuan‐Etuoke Banner‐Hangjing Banner area (Figure 11). samples above Fengjiawan Formation are 22 and 24 μg/g with average Combining the seismic profiles around the whole Ordos Block and the value at 23 μg/g (Table S2). stratigraphic sequence interpreted from core rock and log data, the sedimentation and distribution of Mesoproterozoic strata in the south‐western part of NCC were mainly controlled by a set of 5 | DISCUSSION NNE–SSW direction deep faults (Figures 11 and 12). From the stratigraphic column comparison of Mesoproterozoic rocks at the south‐western margin of the Ordos Block (Figure 10, 5.1 | The Mesoproterozoic sedimentary framework Huating‐Maxia section), we know that the lithology of Changcheng of the south‐western part of NCC System is mainly quartz sandstone interbedded with shale, and most Ordos Block lies in the western part of the NCC, and they share the of the Jixian System is dolomite. And Mesoproterozoic volcanic rocks same south‐western margin. Although a lot of study have been made have not been found in field outcrops until now. However, there are about the Mesoproterozoic sedimentary and tectonic evolution several volcanics interlayers detected by drilling well (Figure 10). history, the study areas mainly distributed at the southern or western Unfortunately, the core rocks from 1980s drilling well have been lost margin of the Ordos Block (Y. Z. Chen et al., 2016; K. Deng, Zhang, due to improper preservation measures so that the precise age of the Zhou, Liu, & Li, 2009; J. P. Gao, Zhou, & Luo, 2016; M. Lu, Chen, Wu, volcanics cannot be determined. Combining the Mesoproterozoic Peng, & Wang, 2013; L. J. Song, Liu, Zhao, Wang, & Zhang, 2016). stratigraphic sequence revealed by field work or drilling well, there What is more, Precambrian basement and strata were covered by very existed high similarity between the Changcheng System in the south‐ thick Phanerozoic strata (J. Deng et al., 2005; J. M. Hu et al., 2012) so western part of NCC and Yanliao Rift (Figures 6 and 10). Overall, the that it is hard to find Mesoproterozoic strata outcrops inside the Ordos Changcheng System in the south‐western part of NCC is mainly com- Block. Based on the geophysics and drilling well data, the posed of sandstone, shale, and volcanic rocks. The thickest Mesoproterozoic sedimentary framework of not only the south‐west- Mesoproterozoic strata characterized by littoral‐neritic facies shale, ern margin of NCC but also the whole Ordos Block can be revealed sandstone, and eruptive volcanic rocks mainly distributed from the (Figure 10). centre to the west side of the Ordos Block (Figures 11 and 12). At According to the drilling well core rock and log data, there exten- the east side of the Ordos Block, the Changcheng System mainly con- sively developed very thick marine strata during Mesoproterozoic at sists of littoral facies sandstone and the thickness becomes thinner the south‐western margin of NCC. The Mesoproterozoic strata cover (Figure 11). LI ET AL. 7

FIGURE 6 Comparison profile of Mesoproterozoic stratigraphic sequence in the Yanliao Rift and south‐western part of NCC [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

During the sedimentary period from Longjiayuan Formation to During the diagenetic process, the content of the Ce element can be Duguan Formation of Jixian System, the sedimentary environment affected by the transformation of oxidation or reducing environment get deeper and gradually changed from intertidal zone, gentle slope and the change of water's pH value. It is favourable for the Ce element zone, slope zone, neritic shelf, to deep water basin. The enrichment separate from sea water and deposited in sediments when the Ce3+ is of Ce element concerns with the supply of terrigenous clastics, tephra, oxidized to CeO2 in oxidation environment or the Ce element is com- and the absorption effect of clay (Muarry, Brink, & Jones, 1990). When bined to form colloidal cerium hydroxide under alkaline environment the terrigenous clastics, tephra, and the clay are rare or absent, the Ce with pH ≥8. The content of Ce element also can indicate the change element separates from sea water and deposits in sedimentary rocks. of sedimentary environment because the content of Ce element 8 LI ET AL.

FIGURE 7 Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of detrital zircons from the sandstone of Building System. The yellow circles represent the location of U–Pb analytical sites, and their diameters are 32 μm [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

FIGURE 8 U–Pb Concordia age plots and relative age probability diagrams for detrital zircons from the sandstone of Building System. Date‐point error ellipses are 1σ [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

gradually changes from enrichment to loss with sedimentary environ- by the volcanic events during the extension period of Mesoproterozoic ment changing from shallow continental shelf to open sea basin. The basin in Ordos Block. Moreover, there existed numerous soft‐sediment content of Ce element from Longjiayuan Formation to Duguan Forma- deformation structures related to palaeo‐earthquakes in Xunjiansi tion gradually decreases indicating the water getting deeper in general. Formation, such as plate‐spine breccia, water‐escape structure, diaper The content of Ce element unusually increases, however, when the structure, syn‐sedimentary minor fractures, and so on (Figure 4a–f). depositional water of Xunjiansi Formation gets deeper. The deposition Generally, soft‐sediment deformation structures have close relation- of tephra might contribute to the increase of the Ce element's content. ship with palaeo‐earthquakes (L. Z. Gao, Zhang, Shi, Zhou, & Wang, Therefore, the siliceous bands developed in the dolostone of Xunjiansi 2008; Qiao & Gao, 2007; Qiao & Li, 2009). During the sedimentation Formation might closely relate with the hydrothermal activities caused of Xunjiansi Formation, the Mesoproterozoic basin might go through LI ET AL. 9

FIGURE 9 Rare earth element standardization and Ce element content of the Mesoproterozoic samples in the south‐ western part of NCC. (a) Rare earth element standardization of dolomite samples; (b) rare earth element standardization of clastic samples; (c) Ce element content of dolomite and clastic samples [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] multistage tectonic activities. Moreover, there always are slump System, and Zhaertai‐Bayan Obo‐Huade Rift System make it possible deposits and soft‐sediment deformation structures in the Jixian System to reconstruct the sedimentary framework of NCC. The most impor- developed close to the deep faults. Considering the soft‐sediment tant breakthrough is redetermining the time of Xiamaling Formation deformation structures and siliceous bands related to hydrothermal from former Neoproterozoic Qingbaikou System to Mesoproterozoic activities, the sedimentary period of Xunjiansi Formation might be Building System based on the 1,368 ± 12 and 1,380 Ma zircon U–Pb a critical phase during the development of deep faults and ages of bentonite interlayered in the Xiamaling Formation, and Mesoproterozoic basin in the south‐western part of NCC. In general, 1,320 Ma baddeleyite U–Pb age of diabase sills (dykes) intruded into carbonate rocks formed in open platform facies dominated the lithology Xiamaling Formation (L. Z. Gao et al., 2008; H. K. Li et al., 2009; combination of the Jixian System in the south‐western part of NCC. Su et al., 2008; Su et al., 2010; S. H. Zhang et al., 2009; S. H. Zhang et al., 2012). The 1,673 ± 10 Ma age of granite porphyry veins unconformably covered by pebbly sandstone of Changzhougou 5.2 | Reconstruction for the Mesoproterozoic Formation in Miyun provide precise constraints for the initialization sedimentary framework of NCC time of Yanliao Rift System (H. K. Li et al., 2011). And the volcanic rock With the development of high‐precision dating methods, precise interlayers are of great significant for the redefinition of stratigraphic zircon U–Pb dating results from Yanliao Rift System, Xionger Rift ages, such as 1,625 ± 8.9 Ma potassium‐rich trachyte in Dahongyu 10 LI ET AL.

FIGURE 10 Comparison profile for Mesoproterozoic stratigraphic columns from the drilling wells and field outcrops in the south‐western part of NCC. The curves on the right side of the stratigraphic columns are log data. Besides the sandstone of Building System found in the Shuiyancun section, it was also detected in the Qingshen1 well. GR = gamma ray; RLLD = deep investigate double lateral resistivity log; CAL = borehole diameter; SP = spontaneous potential [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

Formation, 1,559 ± 12 Ma tuff in Gaoyuzhuang Formation, bituminous dolostone. Wumishan Formation is mainly massive stro- 1,437 ± 61 Ma tuff in Tieling Formation, and so on (H. K. Li et al., matolite‐bearing dolostone characterized by clear rhythmicity in 2009; Su et al., 2010). In Xionger Rift System, the stratigraphic age of carbonatite and plentiful microorganism fossils. Hongshuizhuang Xionger Group is 1,800 Ma ~ 1750 Ma, while the peak age of volcanism Formation is mainly grey black macker interbedded with thin quartz is 1,780 Ma (Cui et al., 2011; Zhai et al., 2014). The Ruyang Group siltstone and thin dolostone. Tieling Formation is mainly stromatolite consisted of Xiaogoubei Formation, Yunmengshan Formation, dolostone, while the upper part contains calcareous, ferruginous, and Beidajian Formation, and Baicaoping Formation above Xionger Group, manganiferous minerals, and the lower part is characterized by which was formerly regarded as Jixian System, and the Luoyukou agminate columnar stromatolite. The Xiamaling Formation of Building Formation composed of Cuizhuang Formation, Sanjiaotang Formation, System is mainly composed of greyish‐green or grey black shale, clay, and Luoyukou Formation, which was previously determined as and ferruginous siltstone with auburn lenticulate pyrite, ferruginous Qingbaikou System (Zhou, Wang, Cui, & Lei, 1998). Considering the siltstone, and basal conglomerate in the bottom, flat lentoid 1,611 ± 8 Ma zircon U–Pb age of tuff interlayered in the middle of marlstone interbedded in the middle part, and carbon or siliceous band Luoyukou Formation around Mianchi‐Queshan area in the west of containing shale interbedded in the upper part. Compared with the Henan Province, the former Luoyu Group of Qingbaikou System Mesoproterozoic lithology combination in the south‐western part of and Ruyang Group of Jixian System were redetermined as NCC, there is a high similarity of stratigraphic sequence between these Mesoproterozoic Changcheng System (Su et al., 2012). All these latest two areas (Figure 6). Besides that, there existed numerous of similar geochronology data provide foundation for the reconstruction of soft‐sediment deformation structures caused by palaeo‐earthquake Meso‐Neoproterozoic tectonic and sedimentary frame of NCC. in the Wumishan Formation of Yanliao Rift (Qiao & Gao, 2007, Qiao & Within the Yanliao Rift, Changcheng System consists of Li, 2009; Su et al., 2011) and Xunjiansi Formation at the south‐western Changzhougou Formation, Chuanlinggou Formation, Tuanshanzi margin of NCC (Figure 4a–f). Earthquake events are kind of instanta- Formation, and Dahongyu Formation. The lithology of Changzhougou neous event and have wide‐range affection. In consequence, there Formation is mainly white sandstone suffered slight metamorphism developed a lot of relative isochronous soft‐sediment deformation and characterized by glauconite and haematite containing sandstone. structures, and they can be used as marker bed for regional strati- Chuanlinggou Formation is mainly composed of black or green shale graphic comparison (L. Z. Gao et al., 2005; Qiao & Li, 2009). and siltstone interbedded with thin quartz sandstone and greyish Considering the similar lithology combination of the Jixian Group in yellow stromatolite‐bearing reef dolostone. Tuanshanzi Formation is the Yanliao Rift and the south‐western margin of the Ordos Basin, mainly thick and massive carbonatite. Dahongyu Formation is a set combined with the maker bed in which a lot of soft‐sediment of volcanic sedimentary rock series composed of quartz sandstone, deformation structures developed, the middle and south‐western part feldspathic quartz sandstone, conglomerate, dolostone, stromatalite‐ of the North China Craton might share similar tectonic and sedimen- bearing dolostone, chertite, potassium‐rich trachyte, potassium‐rich tary background. Considering the multilayers eruptive volcanic rocks tuff. Yangzhuang Formation consists of aubergine silty dolomicrite, in Changcheng System, siliceous bands in Xunjiansi Formation of Jixian dolostone, chert‐bearing dolostone, dolomite limestone, and System related to hydrothermal activities, and numerous soft‐ LI ET AL. 11

FIGURE 11 Distribution and isopach map of Mesoproterozoic strata in the south‐western part of NCC. The blue lines represent the locations of seismic sections across the Ordos Block. The red and black circles marked the locations around the whole Ordos Block. The two red dashed lines (A–B and C–D) marked two big structural profiles showing the deep structure of the Ordos Block. (The data was collected from the interior data and files from Changqing Oilfield) [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

sediment deformation structures in Xunjiansi Formation of Jixian 4,420–4,450 m in Qingshen1 well and four volcanics interlayers at System, there might be an unidentified rift basin in the south‐western the depth of 4,900–5,110 m in Tianshen1 well. Besides that, a set of part of NCC. The unidentified rift basin went through multistage layer with strong reflection can be recognized in seismic section which volcanic activities at the initial phase, and the deep faults activated might be dark shale. Contrasting the Changcheng System in Yanliao frequently during the Jixian period. Rift System, Xionger Rift System, and at the southwestern margin of According to the drilling well data, the Changcheng System at the NCC, their lithology combinations are highly consistent with each southwestern margin of NCC is mainly thick feldspathic quartz other. In general, Jixian System at the southwestern margin of NCC sandstone. There existed a volcanics interlayer at the depth of is mainly dolostone. And the Longjiayuan Formation, Xunjiansi 12 LI ET AL.

FIGURE 12 Two big structural profiles showing the deep structure of the Ordos Block. (a) An east–west trend structural profile showing the deep structure, deep faults, and sedimentary sequence of the Ordos Block. The sedimentation of the Mesoproterozoic Changcheng System and Jixian System was controlled by the deep faults. (b) A northwest‐southeast trend structural profile showing the deep structure, deep faults, and sedimentary sequence of the Ordos Block. The sedimentation of the Mesoproterozoic Changcheng System and Jixian System were controlled by the deep faults. (c) A representative seismic profiles and drilling well with log data. The deep faults can be interpreted according to the seismic profile. And the stratigraphic sequence in one drilling well can be established combining the core rocks and log data. It is not allowed to put all seismic profiles on exhibition considering the confidentiality issues [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

Formation, Duguan Formation, Fengjiawan Formation, and the resid- of NCC might deposit contemporarily with or a little earlier than ual sandstone with ripple marks above the Fengjiawan Formation at Xiamaling Formation. the southwestern margin of NCC can be contrasted with Constrained by the latest U–Pb dating results and the comparison Gaoyuzhuang Formation and Yangzhuang Formation, Wumishan For- with stratigraphic sequence in Yanliao Rift and the south‐western part mation, Hongshuizhaung Formation, Tieling Formation, and Xiamaling of NCC, the Mesoproterozoic tectonic framework of NCC can be Formation in Yanliao rift System. Moreover, a lot of soft‐sediment reconstructed: During the Mesoproterozoic Changcheng period, deformation structures developed both in Xunjiansi Formation and there might be four rift systems in NCC, Zhaertai‐Bayan Obo‐Huade Wumishan Formation which means they developed under a similar Rift System in the north, Yanliao Rift System in the middle, Xionger tectonic background. The youngest age peak and single zircon age Rift System in the south, and an unidentified rift system‐Guyuan Rift of the detrital zircons from the residual sandstone above Fengjiawan System in the south‐west part of NCC (Figure 13). During the Formation in Shuiyancun section is 1,511.1 ± 10 (n = 7) and sedimentation of Jixian System, the four rift systems continued to 1,436 ± 28 Ma (#49). These two ages can limit the sedimentary time evolve, and the lithology combination of sedimentary strata were of Building System in the south‐western part of NCC to younger than dominated by carbonate rocks in open platform facies (Figure 14). ~1.44 Ga. The sandstone of Building System in the south‐western part At the centre of these rift basins, there always existed some soft‐ LI ET AL. 13

FIGURE 13 Lithofacies palaeogeography reconstruction of the Mesoproterozoic Changcheng System in the NCC (modified after H. Z. Wang, 1985) [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

FIGURE 14 Lithofacies palaeogeography reconstruction of the Mesoproterozoic Jixian System in the NCC (modified after H. Z. Wang, 1985) [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] sediment deformation structures related to palaeo‐earthquakes. shale of Xiamaling Formation and the residual sandstone above During the Building period, large scale regression all over the NCC Fengjiawan Formation in the south‐western part of NCC initiated. And the rift basins characterized by the sandstone and (Figure 15). 14 LI ET AL.

FIGURE 15 Lithofacies palaeogeography reconstruction of the Mesoproterozoic Building System in the NCC (modified after H. Z. Wang, 1985) [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]

6 | CONCLUSIONS sandstone in the south‐western part of NCC might deposit contemporarily with or a little earlier than Xiamaling Formation of Combined the drilling well and geophysics data, the Mesoproterozoic Building System in Yanliao Rift. sedimentary framework of the southwestern margin of NCC is prelim- 4. On the basis of the high similarity between the sedimentary inarily figured out. And the Mesoproterozoic tectonic framework of framework of Yanliao Rift and Ordos Block, the middle and NCC is reconstructed based on the comparison with Mesoproterozoic south‐western part of the North China Craton might share similar ‐ stratigraphic sequence of Yanliao Rift System and the south western tectonic and sedimentary background. part of NCC.

1. Based on the drilling well core rock, log data, and seismic profiles ACKNOWLEDGEMENT around the whole Ordos Block, the sedimentation and distribution This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of Mesoproterozoic strata in the south‐western part of NCC were of China (41372122). mainly controlled by a set of NNE–SSW direction deep faults.

2. Considering the multilayers eruptive volcanic rocks in ORCID Changcheng system, siliceous bands related to hydrothermal Zhenhong Li http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0383-5981 activities, and numerous soft‐sediment deformation structures in

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