Provenance Analysis of Eolian Loess in the Southern Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from U–Pb Ages of Detrital Zircons

Zircon samples of loess detritus were taken from Qugang loess profile in Maizhokunggar area, southern Tibetan Plateau. Based on the experimental analysis of zircon morphology, trace elements and zircon U–Pb age, provenance information and formation model of Qugang loess were discussed in combination with regional geological, topographic and geomorphological characteristics. The information of zircon morphology and trace elements suggests that the clastic zircons are of magmatic origin and proximal sedimentary characteristics. Zircon U–Pb age spectrum shows that the provenance information is significantly different from loess in the Loess Plateau and the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, related to the distribution of bedrock in regional geology, and corresponding to the Gangdese magmatic activity. The loess sediment development has a “Rock-Valley detrital material-Loess” model.