Geochemical indicators to constrain weathering, provenance and tectonic setting of the Pisha Sandstone (Early–Middle Triassic) in Northeast Ordos Basin, China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29120
• Publication Date: 2024-04-04T01:00:00Z
• Authors: Shuhua Fan; Fucang Qin; Zhihui Che
• Keywords: H1-99; Science (General); Weathering; Pisha sandstone; 01 natural sciences; Social sciences (General); Q1-390; Fragile ecological environment; Provenance; Geochemical indicators; Tectonic setting; Research Article; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

The Pisha Sandstone is widely exposed in the northeastern margin of Ordos basin. Since Mesozoic basin was subjected to uneven uplift several times, strong weathering and erosion have been occurring a large amount sediments derived from these erosional strata are input into lower Yellow River, posing fragile ecological environment along river. However, geochemical characteristics remained poorly understood. In this study, we focus on Early-Middle Triassic Liujiagou, Heshanggou Ermaying Formation, present very first petrographic data together with detailed field geological characteristics, aiming place indicators weathering, provenance tectonic setting Sandstone. results show that sandstones classified as arkose, litharenite wacke. proxies including Chemical Index Alteration (CIA = 67.2), Weathering (CIW 80.1), Plagioclase (PIA 75.6) Compositional Variability (ICV 1.6) indicate experienced first-cycle deposit moderate chemical weathering. Trace element rare earth concentrations their ratios (La/Sc, La/Co, Th/Sc, Th/Co, Cr/Th) reveal felsic provenance, source rock compositions predominantly granodiorite granite north Inner Mongolia Paleo-Uplift (IMPU), small mafic or intermediate components. signatures discrimination diagrams display collision for further had deposited continental island arc setting. work may provide new theoretical basis environmental protection area.