Zircon ages, geochemistry and Nd isotopic systematics for the Palaeoproterozoic 2.3-1.8 Ga Kuilyu Complex, East Kyrgyzstan - The oldest continental basement fragment in the Tianshan orogenic belt
The Kuilyu Complex represents the oldest continental fragment in the Tianshan orogen. Granite-gneisses of the Kuilyu Complex yielded zircon ages of ca. 2.3 and 1.85 Ga. Nd isotope systematics imply a Neoarchaean ca 2.7 Ga crustal source. The Kuilyu Complex may represent a rifted off fragment of the Tarim Craton.