New Paleomagnetic and Chronological Constraints on the Late Triassic Position of the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane: Implications for the Closure of the Paleo‐Jinshajiang Ocean

The tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean, and in particular time its closure, is debated. Here we present new constraints on this region from an integrated paleomagnetic geochronologic study Late Triassic Batang Group volcanic rocks Qamdo, Eastern Qiangtang Terrane (EQT). Two zircon U-Pb ages indicate that erupted at ∼227–222 Ma. New results yield a robust paleopole 57.6°N, 176.4°E (A95 = 7.8°), corresponding to paleolatitude 32.5 ± 7.8°N for area. Integrated with other lines geological evidence, show northward drift EQT placed it same as Tarim Block by Ma, which suggests Ocean Qamdo closed before time, likely around ∼230