Discovery of metamorphic diamonds in central China: an indication of a > 4000‐km‐long zone of deep subduction resulting from multiple continental collisions

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3121.2003.00511.x
• Publication Date: 2003-12-15T10:15:45Z
• Authors: Jingsui Yang; Zhiqin Xu; Larissa F. Dobrzh...; Harry W. Green; Xianzhi Pei; Rendeng Shi; Cailai Wu; Joseph L. Wooden; Jianxin Zhang; Yusheng Wan; Haibing Li
• Keywords: continental collision; Eclogitization

Abstract The Central Orogenic Belt (COB) of China is a major continental collision zone that contains extensive outcrops deeply subducted and exhumed rocks at both the eastern western end belt. Here we report discovery microdiamonds from eclogites felsic gneisses in North Qinling central portion COB. This demonstrates country affinity shared ultra‐high‐pressure metamorphic (UHPM) event provides bridge connecting two previously recognized UHPM terranes, thereby establishing existence belt extending more than 4000 km. Geochronological dating yields Early Palaeozoic ages west Mesozoic east, recording separate collisions overprinted within Occurrence UHP metamorphism during recurrent here Alps suggests deep subduction material such probably common rather exceptional, with significant implications for processes plate tectonic reorganization mantle mixing over time.