Geochemistry and tectonic setting of Permian volcanic rocks in Yingen-Ejin Banner basin and its neighboring areas, western Inner Mongolia

Permian volcanic rocks are widespread in Yingen-Ejin Banner basin and its neighboring areas, and their genesis and tectonic setting remain a problem of much controversy. Based on a petrologic and geochemical analysis of Permian volcanic rocks in the study area, this paper attempts to clarify the palaeo-tectonic setting and provides independent evidence for understanding the nature of the basin. The volcanic rocks are dominated by basalts, basaltic-andesite and andesite, which fall into the sub-alkaline series. Mg# content of this suite ranges from 0.53 to 0.86, exhibiting strong depletion of the high field strength elements Nb, Ta and Ti and slight enrichment of LREE. In terms of REE, (La/Yb)N content ranges from 1.68 to 6.10, showing insignificant Eu depletion (δEu=0.64～0.99) and slightly right-oblique REE distribution patterns. These data show not only the characteristics of an intraplate setting on the whole but also the signature of a subduction zone. Combined with the sedmentary formation characteristics, the authors have reached the conclusion that the Permian magmatic activity of the study area was generated in an intraplate setting, with variable degrees of contamination of the crust during magmatic ascending, related probably to the mantle plume event.