摘要：AbstractThe newly discovered early Paleozoic Delenuoer ophiolite, in the western margin of the Central Qilian Shan, is composed of serpentinized peridotite, cumulate gabbro, diabase, massive basalt, and pillow basalt. This study presents geochronological and geochemical data for the cumulate gabbro and basalt. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of zircons from the cumulate gabbro yielded a magmatic crystallization age of 472 ± 4 Ma. The basalts have normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) compositions and a narrow range ofεNd(t) values (+4.5 to +5.3), which indicates they were derived from a depleted mantle source. On the basis of regional geological constraints, it is proposed that the Delenuoer ophiolite is a westward extension of the South Ophiolite Belt (Yushigou–Youhulugou–Donggou–Dongcaohe Ophiolite Belt) in the North Qilian Shan. The Delenuoer ophiolite, along with the Gulangxia–Delenuoer fault, defines the westernmost part of the tectonic boundary between the North and Central Qilian Shan. This ophiolite may have formed during southward subduction of the Qilian Ocean slab during the early Paleozoic.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•A newly discovered Delenuoer ophiolite occurs in the western margin of the Central Qilian Shan.•LA–ICP–MS zircon analysis yields an age of 472 Ma of the cumulate gabbro.•This ophiolite defines the westernmost part of the tectonic boundary between the North and Central Qilian Shan.
