Probing deep 3D to 4D lithospheric architecture: Based on magmatic big data

The lithospheric deep architecture is generally uncovered through two primary avenues: geophysical exploration and the analysis of xenoliths. This article endeavors to construct an approach to lithospheric deep architecture through an investigation of magmatism based on big data. Our approach leverages rock probes and multi-isotopic mapping of igneous rocks, complemented by a synthesis of geophysical exploration and experimental simulations. We introduce several studies that have applied isotopic mapping (Sr, Nd, Hf, Pb) in conjunction with geophysical data to delineate the spatial distribution of juvenile, ancient, and reworked components within the deep lithosphere. The results demonstrate the consistency and effectiveness of the multi-isotopic systems in tracing deep materials and the correspondence between the isotopic mapping and geophysical investigation results.

The application of this methodology to various geological settings, such as the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (an accretionary orogen), the Tibetan Plateau (a collisional orogen), and the North China and Yangtze cratons, has yielded promising results. These outcomes highlight the significant potential of our approach. The achievements illustrate that our methodological system is adept at deciphering the three-dimensional material architecture of the lithosphere and its four-dimensional evolutionary narrative. This capability opens new avenues for the investigation of the deep lithosphere, offering insights that were previously inaccessible. Our methodological system enhances our understanding of the lithospheric architecture.

Key words: Magmatic rock; rock probe; isotopic mapping; deep compositional architecture.