Search Results (281)

Against the backdrop of global coral reef degradation, benthic resource structure is shifting from coral dominance to turf algae and detritus-dominated epilithic algal matrix (EAM). As a typical detritivorous reef fish, Ctenochaetus striatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) plays an important ecological role in regulating the functioning of degraded coral reef ecosystems. Using stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N), this study systematically compared the trophic niche characteristics of different size classes of C. striatus across four reef habitats in the Xisha Islands, South China Sea, representing a gradient of disturbance (Qilianyu Island > Lingyang Reef > North Reef > Langhua Reef), in order to elucidate habitat-specific ontogenetic shifts and their adaptive features. The results showed that C. striatus from Qilianyu Island and Lingyang Reef exhibited overall higher δ¹⁵N values, suggesting an overall pattern consistent with stronger nitrogen enrichment at the more disturbed reefs, whereas individuals from Langhua Reef had significantly lower δ¹³C values, indicating a stronger reliance on offshore-derived carbon pathways. Across size classes, the trophic niche area (SEAc) and intraspecific trophic heterogeneity, measured as mean nearest neighbor distance and standard deviation of nearest neighbor distance, of populations from Qilianyu Island, Lingyang Reef, and North Reef generally decreased with increasing body size, revealing a pattern of trophic convergence toward core resources. In contrast, the Langhua Reef population exhibited a distinct expansion–contraction pattern, suggesting flexible resource use across developmental stages under conditions of low human disturbance and high resource heterogeneity. Although smaller size classes generally showed high probabilities of niche overlap among reefs, overlap declined markedly in the largest size class, with most values falling below 50%, indicating that resource assimilation strategies increasingly reflected reef-specific resource backgrounds. These findings demonstrate that ontogenetic trophic niche shifts in C. striatus are not fixed, but are highly dependent on local resource context and habitat conditions. In degraded reefs with simplified resource structure, individuals tend to converge on core resource spectra to maintain survival, whereas in healthier reefs with greater habitat heterogeneity, they tend to show greater variation in major food sources and resource use. This study provides a theoretical basis for coral reef ecological restoration. Full article

In this study, the growth of high-quality graphite single crystals from a molten metal flux at atmospheric pressure was optimized. The crystals were precipitated from a saturated iron–carbon solution by slowly cooling (4 °C/h) from a maximum temperature to reduce the carbon solubility. The graphite flakes were >25 square millimeters in area and >10 microns thick, with individual crystal grains as large as 1.2 mm². The crystals were (0002) oriented, as determined by X-ray diffraction. The high structural quality of the graphite crystals was verified by Raman spectroscopy. For graphite with the natural distribution of carbon isotopes, the G-peak at 1580 cm⁻¹ was narrow (~12 cm⁻¹) and the defect peak (D-peak) was absent. To demonstrate the process versatility, graphite crystals enriched in the ¹³C isotope were grown at 5 degrees of enrichment. The Raman G-peak linearly shifted from 1580 cm⁻¹ to 1520 cm⁻¹ for graphite crystals enriched from 1 to 99% ¹³C. The etch pit densities from defect-sensitive etching ranged from 0 to 1.6 × 10⁸ per cm². The process was refined by examining the grain size and quality as functions of the carbon concentration in the starting sources, the carrier gas composition, and maximum temperature. The simplicity of this process suggests it can be scaled to produce very large graphite crystals that would be suitable for a wide range of technologies. Full article

This study is based on isotope (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, ¹⁴C), hydrochemical, and groundwater-level data from the past 47 years in the central North China Plain (NCP). It uses methods such as mathematical statistics, Piper diagrams, Gibbs models, and ion ratios to investigate the characteristics of changes in the groundwater flow field, hydrochemistry, and isotopes across various aquifers in the Hengshui funnel area before and after the implementation of groundwater exploitation reduction measures (GWER). Furthermore, it reveals the driving mechanisms of these measures’ effects on hydrochemical characteristics and isotopic variations. The results show the following: (1) The hydrochemical type of shallow groundwater (SG) before GWER was primarily Cl▪SO₄-Na▪Ca, which diversified to Cl▪SO₄-Na and SO₄▪Cl-Na types after GWER; the deep groundwater (DG) type changed from Cl▪SO₄-Na to Cl-Na. (2) Before GWER, the hydrochemical composition of SG and DG was primarily controlled by the dissolution of silicates, salt rocks, and evaporites. After GWER, the hydrochemical composition of DG primarily originated from the dissolution of evaporites and salt rocks, accompanied by enhanced cation exchange. (3) The δ¹⁸O of SG was affected by the recharge of irrigation return water, changing from enrichment to depletion before and after the GWER. The δ¹⁸O value in DG changed from depletion to enrichment, and the groundwater age changed from older to younger after the GWER. The GWER altered the hydrodynamics, weakened the hydraulic connectivity, and led to changes in the evolution of the hydrochemistry. The findings have direct implications for water quality and promoting the sustainable utilization of deep groundwater in the NCP’s central funnel area. Full article

Kelp transplantation is a nature-based strategy aimed at restoring coastal habitat integrity and marine biodiversity. However, its functional consequences for trophic integration within benthic food webs remain poorly understood. Using δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N stable isotope analyses, we evaluated how Undaria pinnatifida transplantation alters consumer trophic structures and isotopic niche characteristics in Oeyeondo, South Korea. While basal source remained isotopically uniform across sites, the introduction of U. pinnatifida triggered significant isotopic shifts in consumers, reflecting a reorganization of carbon assimilation pathways. At the transplanted site, herbivores exhibited significantly enriched δ¹³C values (−14.7 ± 2.0‰ to −13.2 ± 0.3‰) compared to the control site (−19.3 ± 1.2‰), indicating direct assimilation of kelp-derived carbon. Conversely, grazers showed depleted δ¹³C values (−20.6 ± 0.6‰) reflecting a shift toward alternative benthic resources. Isotopic niche metrics revealed a broader community-level niche width at the transplanted site, driven by increased resource diversity and niche partitioning. These findings demonstrate that kelp transplantation effectively restructures benthic food web dynamics by providing new energy pathways, offering a robust functional framework for evaluating marine forest restoration success. Full article

This study investigates the potential influence of Saharan dust intrusions on the stable carbon isotopes of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), using continuous in situ measurements from the ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) atmospheric station at the CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory (CIAO) in Tito, Basilicata, southern Italy. The analysis builds upon the recent investigation of a two-month isotopic dataset (20 February–20 April 2025), which identified anomalous isotopic behavior in March, coinciding with three distinct dust events. The observations reveal shifts in δ¹³C–CH₄ values that align temporally with the dust intrusions, accompanied by a decrease in CH₄ mole fractions. Such patterns could suggest fractionation processes affecting CH₄, potentially driven by enhanced oxidation promoted by mineral aerosols. At the same time, δ¹³C–CO₂ shows a gradual decline, deviating from the typical springtime enrichment associated with intensified photosynthetic uptake of ¹²CO₂. This unexpected decrease suggests that dust-related radiative effects, particularly the attenuation of incoming solar radiation, may inhibit photosynthesis, thereby altering the isotopic composition of atmospheric CO₂. Consistently, CO₂ mole fractions exhibit a modest increase during periods of declining δ¹³C–CO₂, reinforcing the interpretation of reduced photosynthetic activity. These findings provide new observational data beyond existing studies from Atlantic regions and highlight the need for further research on the role of mineral dust in shaping greenhouse gas isotopic variability in the Mediterranean, where such events are frequent and climatically relevant. Full article

The Tawenchahanxi mining area, situated in the southeastern Qimantagh region of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, hosts a skarn-type Fe–polymetallic deposit associated with acidic granitic intrusions. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating yields ages of 233.3 ± 1.2 to 234.3 ± 1.1 Ma for a granodiorite and 397.7 ± 1.4 Ma for a quartz porphyry, indicating two magmatic intrusive events during the Early Devonian and Late Triassic. The Early Devonian quartz porphyry is characterized by high ${\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{O}}_2$ (72.39%–74.04%), high total alkalis (7.81%–7.83%), high TFeO (>1.0%) and high crystallization temperatures (~865 °C), together with low CaO (1.64%–1.70%) and MgO (0.61–0.65%), which are all consistent with A-type granite affinity. The granodiorite exhibits aluminum saturation index (A/CNK) values of 0.67–1.07 (metaluminous to weakly peraluminous) and belongs to the high-K calc-alkaline series. It exhibits moderate negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.71–0.83), and zircon saturation temperatures of ~748 °C, collectively indicative of I-type granite affinity. Both rock suites display depletion in Nb, Ta, and Sr and enrichment in Rb and LREEs. Zircon Hf isotopic data show εHf(t) values of −0.64 to 0.57 for the quartz porphyry and −4.37 to −1.06 for the granodiorite, indicating derivation primarily from partial melting of ancient crust with variable mantle contributions. These intrusions formed during post-collisional extensional (Early Paleozoic) and collisional to post-collisional (Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic) stages, respectively, associated with mantle magma underplating and crust–mantle mixing. Such processes formed the material basis for the polymetallic mineralization in the Tawenchahanxi district by providing Fe–Cu–Pb–Zn and other ore-forming elements from deeper crust. Full article

The Bagenheigqier medium-sized Pb-Zn deposit is located in central-southern segment of Great Xing’an Range, northeastern China, where its vein-type orebodies are hosted within the structural contact zone between the Lower Permian Dashi Formation and granite porphyry intrusions. Five mineralization stages are divided into skarn (I), oxide (II), quartz-pyrite-arsenopyrite (III), quartz-polymetallic sulfide (IV), and quartz-calcite-pyrite (V). Three types of fluid inclusions (FIs) are identified in Bagenheigeqier Pb-Zn deposit, including daughter mineral-bearing three-phase (SL-type), vapor–liquid two-phase (VL-type), and vapor-rich two-phase (LV-type) FIs. All FI types occur in Stages I–III, with homogenization temperatures (Th) of 423–486, 389–441, 362–408 °C, and salinities of 1.1–49.2, 0.9–43.9 and 0.9–38.8 wt.% NaCl equiv, respectively. Stage IV hosts only VL- and LV-type FIs (Th: 277–319 °C; salinity: 2.1–8.7 wt.% NaCl equiv), whereas Stage V contains exclusively VL-type FIs with Th of 173–214 °C and salinity of 1.2–5.7 wt.% NaCl equiv. The H-O isotopic results of quartz in stage II–IV (δD = −103.5‰–−99.1‰, −115.7‰–−107.8‰ and −121.5‰–−117.2‰; δ¹⁸O_H2O = 4.4‰–7.1‰, 1.1‰–3.5‰ and −4.6‰–−3.5‰) indicate the ore-forming fluids are predominantly of magmatic origin with subordinate meteoric water mixing. Fluid boiling and the mixing of meteoric water may lead to the precipitation of metal. The in situ trace elements analyses indicate that sphalerites in main mineralization stage are enriched in Fe, Mn, Co and In and depleted in Ga and Ge. The calculation results suggest that the sphalerites crystallized under moderate temperature conditions (286–330 °C) and intermediate f_S2 (−10.5 to −9.2) conditions. The geological, fluid inclusion, isotopic and trace element evidences indicate that the Bagenheigeqier deposit is classified as a skarn-type deposit. Full article

Understanding the impact of monsoonal oscillations during past climatic changes in the Arabian Sea is crucial for improving climate model predictions under ongoing global warming. This study investigates whether millennial-scale climate shifts in Greenland, specifically Dansgaard–Oeschger events 12–11, affected the Indian Ocean monsoon system and the associated productivity and oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) dynamics in the northwestern Arabian Sea. In the Arabian Sea, DO stadials correspond to reduced water-surface productivity, well-ventilated intermediate water masses, and a weakened or absent OMZ. Contrarily, DO interstadials are distinguished by enhanced water-surface productivity, a reorganization of intermediate water masses, and a reinvigoration of the OMZ. Eleven sediment samples from ODP Site 721A were analyzed using a multiproxy approach combining total organic carbon, C/N ratios, bulk-sediment isotopes (δ¹⁵N, δ¹³C), and the relative abundances of Globigerina bulloides and Globigerinoides ruber, complemented by isotopic data (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O) from G. ruber shells. Further Mg/Ca–δ¹⁸O and δ¹⁸O_sw measurements were included to refine the reconstruction of surface-water hydrography linked to productivity changes. Results reveal significant oscillations in water-surface productivity and OMZ intensity, modulated by shifts in monsoon strength and water-column ventilation. Enriched δ¹⁵N values, elevated TOC, and increased G. bulloides relative abundances reflect intensified denitrification and organic matter preservation under a stronger southwest monsoon, whereas depleted δ¹⁵N, reduced TOC, and higher G. ruber abundance indicate enhanced ventilation and a weaker OMZ under northeast monsoon dominance. These findings provide new evidence that refines the paleoceanographic history of the Arabian Sea. Additionally, they demonstrate that high-latitude climatic forcing during DO events modulated Arabian Sea monsoon dynamics and oxygenation through strong interhemispheric teleconnections. Full article

This study investigates the genesis of gold mineralization at the Rodruin prospect in the central Eastern Desert (CED) of Egypt, with the aim of constraining the relative contributions of metamorphic and magmatic fluids to ore formation. Gold mineralization at Rodruin is hosted by quartz–carbonate veins emplaced within a shear zone that transects low-grade metasedimentary sequences intruded by Ediacaran post-tectonic granitoids. It exhibits characteristics transitional between orogenic turbidite-hosted and polymetallic vein-type mineralization. Although metamorphic devolatilization is interpreted to have generated the dominant ore-forming fluids, adjacent granitoid intrusions acted primarily as a thermal engine, with only a limited direct input of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. This interpretation is supported by the occurrence of magmatic-affiliated mineral inclusions (monazite, cassiterite, and zircon) coupled with generally low concentrations of trace elements typically enriched in granitic magmatic-hydrothermal fluids (Sb, Bi, Mo, W, Sn, Nb, and Ta), collectively indicating a subordinate magmatic contribution. Rare earth element (REE) patterns of the ore samples closely resemble those of the nearby granitoids, displaying LREE enrichment; however, a distinct positive Eu anomaly is restricted to the ore assemblages and is attributed to hydrothermal feldspar alteration supporting magmatic involvement in ore formation. Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions (δ¹³C = −6.6 to −2.36‰; δ¹⁸O = +15.7 to +19.7‰), together with REE signatures comparable to primitive mantle values and textural evidence for synchronous sulfide–carbonate precipitation, manifested by rhythmic banding of carbonates and sulfides unequivocally indicate a hydrothermal–metasomatic origin. Collectively, these lines of evidence support a hybrid metamorphic–magmatic model in which gold and associated base metals were predominantly transported by metamorphic fluids, whose mobilization and focusing were enhanced by the thermal influence of Younger granitic intrusions, whereas magmatic-hydrothermal fluids contributed only a minor proportion to the overall metal budget. Full article

Monitoring the soil–plant system in forest ecosystems is crucial for preserving their ecological functions and services. This study assessed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry as suitable indicators for characterizing the soil–plant system as a functional unit of ecological processes. To this end, in June 2021 six plots (1 m² each) were selected in two typical Mediterranean forest ecotypes: a coastal stone pine forest (Pinus pinea L., PF) and a meso-hygrophilous broadleaf forest (RV). Soil samples (0–15 and 15–30 cm depth) and litter samples (40 × 40 cm) were collected and characterized in terms of physical, chemical and biochemical properties. t-tests revealed significant differences between RV and PF, indicating distinct microbial nutrient acquisition strategies. The higher C:N ratio in PF suggested lower litter quality and greater recalcitrance to microbial decomposition. Consistently, RV showed a more pronounced ¹³C and ¹⁵N enrichment from litter to SOM down to a 30 cm depth, confirming faster organic matter decomposition and mineralization. Enzyme activity patterns supported these findings. The higher β-glucosidase and butyrate esterase activities in RV reflected its greater microbial potential to activate biogeochemical cycles. Both forests exhibited a higher microbial demand for C and P than for N to maintain ecological stoichiometric balance, with stronger C limitation at the surface and P limitation in the subsoil, particularly in RV soil. This integrated monitoring approach provides insights into nutrient cycling and ecosystem resilience and offers tools to evaluate ecosystem functionality under changing environmental conditions, supporting sustainable forest management. Full article

The second member of the Kongdian Formation (Ek₂; also referred to as the Kong 2 Member) in the Cangdong Sag within the Bohai Bay Basin contains a series of high-quality lacustrine shales characterized by high organic matter abundance and significant hydrocarbon shows. However, the mechanisms governing organic matter enrichment in the deep parts of the sag remain poorly understood, and the impacts of depositional environments on organic matter enrichment are yet to be determined. This study investigated shales in the C1, C3, and C5 sublayers of the Kong 2 Member. Specifically, this study examined the mineralogy and petrology, organic geochemistry, and elemental geochemistry of the shales using whole-rock X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, pyrolysis experiments, and analyses of macerals, major and trace elements, and stable carbon and oxygen isotopes. Additionally, numerical analyses were conducted. The results indicate that shales in the Kong 2 Member consist primarily of felsic, dolomitic–calcareous, and mixed shales. These shales exhibit high TOC content (average: 3.07%), and favorable organic matter types dominated by liptinite and interbedded with minor planktonic algae and amorphous sapropelinite. These suggest great potential for hydrocarbon exploitation. During the deposition of shales in the Kong 2 Member, substantial terrigenous clasts were deposited at moderate rates under relatively arid climates characterized by frequently alternating dry and humid conditions. In this period, the anoxic to reducing depositional water bodies showed elevated salinity, resulting in saline-to-brackish water environments and moderate paleoproductivity. The organic matter enrichment of shales in the Kong 2 Member was jointly governed by paleoclimate dynamics, terrigenous input, and redox conditions, as demonstrated by multivariate analyses including the correlation analysis of depositional environmental factors, the univariate analysis of TOC content, gray relational analysis (GRA), and robust regression analysis. Two organic matter enrichment patterns were identified: (1) the preservation-dominated pattern under arid climates, governed by intense reducing environments, and (2) the productivity-driven pattern under humid climates, enhanced by terrestrial input. Full article

Temperature Swing Absorption (TSA) is the primary candidate for the Isotope Rebalancing and Protium Removal (IRPR) system within the envisioned EU-DEMO fusion reactor fuel cycle. TSA separates a mixed hydrogen isotope stream into two product streams using a semi-continuous process. One stream, enriched in heavy isotopes, is used to re-establish the required deuterium-to-tritium fuel ratio. The second, enriched in protium, is stripped off from the fuel cycle to counteract the protium build-up. Separation is achieved by cycling an isotope mixture between two columns filled with metallic absorption materials that have opposite isotope effects of metal hydride formation. The selection of these materials, the operation parameters and the column geometry allow for adjusting the resulting enrichments. To identify suitable operation parameters, a TSA process model is developed which depicts the process dynamics and interactions between the columns. A modified process operation mode is introduced, which enables higher system throughputs and non-cryogenic operation, i.e., operational temperatures between 0 to 130 °C, while reducing the tritium inventory due to shorter cycling times by reduced amplitudes of the temperature swings. Finally, simulations of a TSA system at relevant scale confirm the suitability of TSA technology for the separation task of the EU-DEMO IRPR system. Full article

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a persistent environmental contaminant requiring effective removal strategies. Biofilms offer advantages over conventional activated sludge for refractory compound degradation, yet the specific microorganisms and mechanisms driving BPA removal in biofilms remain poorly understood. This study employed an integrated approach, combining ¹³C-DNA stable isotope probing (SIP) and metagenomics to identify BPA-assimilating microorganisms and elucidate their metabolic pathways in biofilms. Two moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) were operated at contrasting BPA concentrations (500 μg/L and 10 mg/L) to enrich distinct microbial communities. Using DNA-SIP, we revealed differences in assimilating bacteria across diverse concentrations of BPA-enriched biofilms. Simultaneously, we reconstructed the genomes of these assimilating bacteria, dissecting the functional genes essential to the degradation process and identifying significant gene variations among different assimilating bacteria. By integrating these gene functions, we constructed the BPA metabolic pathway, which surprisingly comprised genes from various assimilating bacteria. This research significantly advances our understanding of BPA-assimilating bacteria within biofilms and provides valuable insights for refining biofilm technologies aimed at BPA removal from wastewater. Full article

This study investigates the Lower Cretaceous Madongshan Formation in the Liupanshan Basin, a classic saline lacustrine succession, to elucidate the key mechanisms for high-quality source rock development. An integrated approach combining organic geochemistry (Rock-Eval, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry [GC-MS], δ¹³C) and inorganic elemental geochemistry (X-ray Fluorescence [XRF]) was applied to a well-characterized outcrop section. The results reveal that the Madongshan Formation contains mature, oil-prone source rocks dominated by Type II₁ and II₂ kerogen. Geochemical proxies consistently indicate deposition within an arid to semi-arid climate, which drove the formation of a stratified, saline-to-hypersaline water column with persistent bottom-water anoxia (Pristane/Phytane [Pr/Ph] < 0.5). Isotopic and biomarker data confirm a mixed source input, with an average contribution of approximately 55% from aquatic organisms supplemented by a significant terrestrial influx. Based on these findings, we propose a “Salinity-Driven Preservation” model. This model posits that climate-induced salinity played a critical role in establishing a persistent halocline, leading to an intensely anoxic “preservation factory” at the lake bottom. Current evidence suggests that this exceptional preservation efficiency was a pivotal factor compensating for moderate productivity to control organic matter enrichment. This study provides a robust framework for predicting source rock quality in the Liupanshan Basin and serves as a valuable analogue for other saline lacustrine systems. Full article

The Late Cretaceous to Paleocene magmatic evolution along the southern margin of the Lhasa Terrane records a critical transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision, yet its western segment remains underexplored. This study presents integrated petrographic, zircon U–Pb geochronological, zircon Hf isotopic, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic data for three distinct phases of intermediate to felsic intrusions from the Qiuwo area in the western segment of the southern Lhasa terrane. The results reveal three distinct magmatic pulses: an early granodiorite emplaced at 89.9 ± 0.75 Ma, followed by a diorite crystallizing at 68.6 ± 0.56 Ma, and a late-stage granodiorite forming at 56.75 ± 0.43 Ma. All three rock units are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK < 1.1), sodic (Na₂O > 3.2 wt.%), and dominated by amphibole, with zircon saturation temperatures of 737–786 °C, consistent with I-type granitoid affinity. All units are metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.92–1.00), calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline, and enriched in LILE (K, Th, Rb) while depleted in HFSE (Nb, Ta, P, Ti), with moderate ΣREE (81–130 ppm), elevated (La/Yb)_N (9.3–15.8), and negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.70–0.89). The early granodiorite is Na-rich (Na₂O/K₂O = 1.6), whereas the Paleocene granodiorite shows elevated K₂O (3.2 wt.%) and reduced Na₂O/K₂O (~1.0), reflecting progressive crustal thickening and increasing magmatic differentiation. Zr and Hf are relatively enriched, and Sr/Y ratios decrease from 39 to 21, consistent with evolving magmatic conditions from deeper crustal melting in the Late Cretaceous to shallower, more evolved sources in the Paleocene. Zircon Hf isotopes reveal consistently positive εHf(t) values (+10.4 to +4.9), indicating derivation from juvenile basaltic lower crust. Sr–Nd isotopic data further demonstrate a systematic evolution: εNd(t) decreases from +2.7 to −0.1, while (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i increases from 0.7044 to 0.7055, reflecting progressive incorporation of ancient crustal components into the magma source from the early Late Cretaceous to the Paleocene. These findings indicate that the Qiuwo intrusions formed by partial melting of a juvenile basaltic lower crust, with increasing crustal contamination during ascent and emplacement. The temporal progression of magmatism—spanning the waning stages of Neo-Tethyan subduction to the initial India–Eurasia collision (~55 Ma)—supports a model in which slab breakoff and lithospheric delamination triggered decompression melting of the lower crust, while assimilation of older crustal materials intensified as the continental collision progressed. This work provides key geochemical evidence for the transition from arc to post-collisional magmatism in the western Gangdese belt and refines the timing and mechanism of crustal growth in southern Tibet. Full article