Abstract:
[Objective] By determining the rock type, deposition age, and tectonic background of volcanic ash, foundational constraints can be provided for studies on regional stratigraphic correlation, metallogenic events, and sedimentary environment transformation. [Methods] Three layers of waxy yellow tuffaceous siliceous rocks were found at the bottom of the Meishucun Formation in the Leibo area of southern Sichuan. Zircon U-Pb dating, along with zircon trace element and Hf isotope tests were conducted on the tuffaceous siliceous rocks. [Results] The results indicates that the zircon U-Pb concordant age is 539.3±2.7 Ma, ε
Hf (t) values ranging from -1.2 to 2.9, and a two-stage model age (T
DM2) between 1312 and 1567 Ma. [Conclusion] Through the comparison of volcanic sedimentary records across the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition period, the age of the Meishucun Formation is determined to be the Fortunian stage of the Cambrian Newfoundland Series. The age align closely with the recommended global Cambrian Series boundary age. It is more reasonable to position the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary in the southern Sichuan-eastern Yunnan region at the interface between the Daibu member of the Meishucun Formation and the Dengying Formation. The widely distributed tuffaceous layers from the same period indicating the synchronous nature of global tectonic movements at this time. This provides an isochronous surface for comparative studies of basin evolution. By analyzing the Yangtze region's basin evolution and metallogenic effects during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition, the age provides a clear limitation on the beginning of phosphorite deposition in the southern Sichuan-eastern Yunnan area. The activity of the Xingkai Movement's first episode in southern Sichuan is constrained to about 539 Ma. Through the analysis of zircon trace elements and Hf isotopes, it is indicated that the tuffaceous composition is rhyolitic, and the material is mainly formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust. It is likely that the magma formed in a magmatic arc environment. The formation of tuff in this region may be related to the collision and amalgamation with the Gondwana continent or the subduction and collision of surrounding microplates towards Gondwana.