The petrogenetic interrelationship of Wajilitag complex components in the early Permian Tarim large igneous province, NW China
The Permian Tarim large igneous province (TLIP) is located in the Tarim basin, NW China. Although the flood basalt of the TLIP has been intensively studied, other igneous components within TLIP have not yet been sufficiently investigated. The Wajilitag igneous complex is outcropped with a rather limited exposure by regional tectonic uplift. However, various igneous rocks, both mafic–ultramafic and syenitic, can be observed as either intrusions or extrusions in this area. It is an ideal location for studying the magmatic evolution of different components within the TLIP. We systematically examine the geological, geochronological, and geochemical characteristics of the Wajilitag complex, to further constrain the petrogenesis of each component and their interrelationships, as well as the implications to the petrogenetic model of TLIP. The igneous rocks in Wajilitag complex can be classified into two series based on their geochemical features: Series A and Series B. Series A are more alkalic, more trace element enriched and more isotopically depleted than Series B. Series A includes nephelinite, aegirine–nepheline syenite (ANS), and syenite porphyry (SP), whereas the Series B consists of clinopyroxenite, gabbro, diorite, hornblende-bearing syenite (HS), and quartz syenite (QSN). Dolerites can either belong to Series A or Series B depend on its geochemistry. Kimberlitic rocks are independent of the Wajilitag complex geologically, geochemically, and geochronogically. The temporal sequences of Wajilitag complex would be clinopyroxenite→gabbro→ diorite/syenite→nephelinite. The dolerite can be emplaced later than the syenite but can extend to an earlier period. In contrast to the Tarim basalts, the Wajilitag complex belongs to the second stage of magmatism in the TLIP. The mantle source for the Tarim basalts, the Series B and Series A gradually changed from SCLM-dominated to plume-dominated component.
