Akhtar, Shamim , Zafar, Tehseen , Yang, Xiaoyong , Frontalini, Fabrizio
2026-03-01 GLOBAL AND PLANETARY CHANGE 2026 258(卷), null(期), (null页)
The Dongsheng region of the Ordos Basin (China) contains important sandstone-hosted uranium deposits that reveal an evolving interaction of geochemical evolution and tectono-sedimentary dynamics. The present work combines whole-rock and carbon-sulfur isotopic compositions to understand the origin and formation of uranium metallogeny within the Middle Jurassic intracontinental Zhiluo Formation of the Ordos Basin. The S13C values (-26.7%o to -2.2%o) of calcite-cement indicate that the carbon mainly originated through biochemical remineralization. Negative and variable S13C values indicate a strong biogenic carbon contribution, while positive excursions reflect mantle or inorganic inputs. Additionally, the S34S composition (-25.2%o to 10.2%o) indicates the mutual inputs from bacterial sulfate reduction and Rayleigh fractionation. The broad S34S range of pyrite similarly points to multiple sources, with a strong bacterial sulfate reduction signal. Trace element patterns show Light Rare Earth Element (LREE) enrichment, Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) depletion, and distinctive "Wshaped" anomalies (e.g., Nd, Nb, Zr), consistent with reductive immobilization under diagenetic conditions. Tectonic reconstruction and sedimentary provenance support a deposition along an active continental margin with felsic to intermediate source rocks. The Zhiluo Formation was deposited in arid to semi-arid settings, as evidenced by low Rb/Sr and high Sr/Cu and Sr/Ba ratios, reflecting high paleosalinity and strong evaporation. A revised genetic model is here proposed in which oxidized uranium-bearing groundwater interacts with both locally derived organic matter and hydrocarbon-charged reducing fluids (e.g., CH4, CO, H2S, CO2) along structurally controlled fluid pathways, resulting in redox-driven uranium precipitation. This integrated isotopic-geochemical framework not only refines the mineralization model for the Dongsheng deposit but also provides a predictive approach for uranium exploration in analogous basinal settings worldwide. Our outcomes stress the wider role of microbial-hydrocarbon cycling in modulating uranium deposits across continental settings.