The Redefinition of the “Bulunkuole Group” in the West Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang (NW China): Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Proto-Tethys

The formation ages and tectonic features of the Bulunkuole Complex (BKC) is critical for understanding geological evolution western section West Kunlun Orogenic Belt (WKOB), they are also metallogenic background Taxkorgan Iron Belt. In this paper, we report new geochemical in situ zircon U–Pb isotopes data most southwestern iron-bearing BKC. petrography sedimentation BKC reveal that main part was emplaced Early to Late Cambrian period as a giant accretionary wedge formed during Proto-Tethys Ocean south-southwestward subduction. high-pressure metamorphic rocks located at margin Kangxiwa Fault should be further disintegrated from form Triassic complex. Geochemical characteristics indicate metasedimentary derived predominantly regional contemporary intermediate felsic source rocks, deposited fore-arc basin. Provenance studies demonstrate detrital materials were mainly sourced Gondwana-affinity terranes, Mazar Terrane well volcanic magmatic produced Tethys metamorphism occurred ca. 200 Ma WKOB. did not close until 230 Ma, possibly Mesozoic (200–180 Ma).