The definition and geological significance of tuffs about 1.85Ga in Yimen area, central Yunnan Province

Medium-acid tuff was extensively found in Meidang Formation of Kunyang Group, which was determined by previous researchers in the west of Yimen-Luoci faults belt. Using the zircon laser denudation method (LA-ICP-MS), the authors obtained weighted average ages of 1842±26Ma (MSWD=7.6, n=29) and 1860±25Ma (MSWD=2.5, n=11) from dacitic tuff and quartz crystal tuff in Tongchang area, Yimen County, central Yunnan Province. Th/U ratios of zircon, which was of magmatic origin and with clear vibration band, were obtained from two samples (0.2~1.0). The tuff was found from a volcanic-microclastic rock assembly, which is over 1000m in thickness. There is a black slate-carbonate rock assembly, which is about 800m in thickness, under the volcanic-microclastic rock assembly. It is thus inferred that there is a large area of Paleoproterozoic strata, which are over 2000m in thickness in Yimen area of central Yunnan Province. The ages coincide with Columbia Supercontinent, and hence Yangtze block's location and significance ought to be taken into account in the reconstruction process of Columbia Supercontinent.