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Late Triassic; Sichuan Basin; Tectonics; Paleogeography; Sedimentary facies; Provenance analysis; Xujiahe Formation

Introduction

The Late Triassic epoch, spanning approximately 237 to 201 million years ago, was a pivotal period in Earth’s geological history marked by significant tectonic reconfigurations and paleogeographic transformations. In the Sichuan Basin of Southwest China, these dynamic processes left a profound imprint, shaping the region’s geological framework and environmental landscapes. Understanding the evolution of tectonics and paleogeography during this time is not only crucial for deciphering the Earth’s past but also for elucidating the factors driving geological changes in a region of immense geological and cultural significance. The Sichuan Basin, nestled within the southwestern part of China, is renowned for its complex geological history and rich natural resources. It serves as an invaluable geological archive, preserving a record of ancient tectonic activities and paleoenvironmental conditions. Among the formations within the Sichuan Basin, the Xujiahe Formation stands out as a key stratigraphic unit that offers unique insights into the Late Triassic period [1].

This paper explores the evolution of tectonics and paleogeography during the Late Triassic in the Sichuan Basin, focusing on the Xujiahe Formation as a primary investigative target. By employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates sedimentary facies analysis and provenance analysis, this study aims to unravel the intricate interplay between tectonic processes and paleoenvironmental dynamics during this critical epoch. Sedimentary facies analysis provides a window into past environmental conditions, offering glimpses of ancient landscapes, depositional settings, and hydrological regimes [2]. By examining lithological variations, sedimentary structures, and fossil assemblages within the Xujiahe Formation, researchers can reconstruct the depositional history of the basin and infer paleoenvironmental changes through time. Complementing sedimentary facies analysis, provenance analysis offers insights into sediment sources, transport pathways, and tectonic settings. By studying detrital mineral assemblages, petrographic characteristics, and isotopic signatures of sedimentary rocks, researchers can trace the origins of sediments and discern the tectonic events responsible for their deposition within the basin [3]. Through the synthesis of sedimentary facies and provenance analyses, this study aims to contribute to our understanding of Late Triassic tectonic-paleogeographic evolution in the Sichuan Basin. By unraveling the geological complexities of this region, we can gain deeper insights into the processes shaping Earth’s surface and its environments millions of years ago. The Late Triassic period witnessed significant geological transformations globally, and the Sichuan Basin in Southwest China stands as a crucial geological archive of this era’s tectonic and paleogeographic evolution [4].

Triassic context

The Late Triassic epoch, spanning approximately 237 to 201 million years ago, was characterized by the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, leading to the opening of new ocean basins and the emergence of distinct landmasses. During this period, the Sichuan Basin experienced profound geological events, shaping its tectonic framework and paleogeography [5].

Sedimentary facies analysis

Sedimentary facies serve as invaluable proxies for deciphering past environmental conditions and depositional processes. Within the Xujiahe Formation of the Sichuan Basin, distinct sedimentary facies provide clues to the paleoenvironmental settings and depositional regimes prevalent during the Late Triassic. By analyzing lithological variations, sedimentary structures, and fossil assemblages, researchers have reconstructed ancient landscapes ranging from fluvial plains to lacustrine environments, unveiling the dynamic nature of the Late Triassic Sichuan Basin [6].

Provenance analysis

Provenance analysis, focusing on the study of sediment sources and transport pathways, complements sedimentary facies analysis by offering insights into the tectonic and geomorphic evolution of source regions. Through the examination of detrital mineral assemblages, petrographic characteristics, and isotopic signatures, researchers have traced sediment dispersal patterns within the Xujiahe Formation, shedding light on the tectonic events that influenced sediment production and transport during the Late Triassic [7].

Implications for tectonic and pale geographic evolution

Integration of sedimentary facies and provenance analysis yields a comprehensive understanding of the tectonic and paleogeographic evolution of the Late Triassic Sichuan Basin. By correlating sedimentary facies associations with specific tectonic settings and discerning shifts in sediment sources through provenance analysis, researchers can reconstruct paleogeographic landscapes and infer tectonic processes such as subsidence, uplift, and basin infilling [8].

Discussion

Sedimentary facies analysis provides a window into past environmental conditions, offering glimpses of ancient landscapes, depositional settings, and hydrological regimes. By examining lithological variations, sedimentary structures, and fossil assemblages within the Xujiahe Formation, researchers can reconstruct the depositional history of the basin and infer paleoenvironmental changes through time [9]. Complementing sedimentary facies analysis, provenance analysis offers insights into sediment sources, transport pathways, and tectonic settings. By studying detrital mineral assemblages, petrographic characteristics, and isotopic signatures of sedimentary rocks, researchers can trace the origins of sediments and discern the tectonic events responsible for their deposition within the basin. Understanding the intricate interplay between tectonic activities and paleogeography changes during this time is pivotal for unraveling the Earth’s dynamic history. In this article, we delve into the evolutionary narrative of the Late Triassic in the Sichuan Basin, focusing on insights gleaned from the analysis of sedimentary facies and provenance of the Xujiahe Formation [10].

Conclusion

The investigation into the evolution of tectonics and paleogeography during the Late Triassic in the Sichuan Basin, Southwest China, has provided valuable insights into the dynamic geological processes that shaped the region during this critical period. Through the analysis of sedimentary facies and provenance of the Xujiahe Formation, this study has shed light on the complex interplay between tectonic activities and environmental changes. Sedimentary facies analysis has revealed a diverse array of depositional environments within the Xujiahe Formation, ranging from fluvial plains to lacustrine settings. These sedimentary facies variations reflect the dynamic nature of the Late Triassic landscape in the Sichuan Basin, influenced by factors such as tectonic subsidence, climate fluctuations, and basin hydrology. The reconstruction of these ancient environments provides valuable context for understanding past ecosystems and paleoenvironmental conditions.

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