The evolution and mineralization in the Xiangcheng inter-arc basin,western Sichuan during the Late Triassic

The Xiangcheng inter-arc basin in western Sichuan is a NNW-directed elongated basin intermediate between the Jinshajiang suture and Garze-Litang suture. A suite of volcanic associations with the flysch sediments derived from recycled orogens was successively accumulated in the basin during the Late Triassic due to the extension and convergence of the Garze-Litang Ocean and the convergence and collision of the Jinshajiang Ocean. The geological back-ground of mineralization in the intermediately acidic volcanic rocks from the Upper Triassic Tumugou Formation in the basin is found to be similar to that of the Gacun-type ore deposits. It is clear that these intermediately acidic volcanic rocks in the Xiangcheng inter-arc basin in western Sichuan is expected to be an improtant target area for the prospecting and exploration of the Gacun-type ore deposits.