The eastern extension of Paleozoic South China in NE Japan evidenced by detrital zircon

The South Kitakami belt is unique in exposing a thick, well-preserved Paleozoic shelf sequence in Japan in which Phanerozoic accretionary complexes dominate. Its origin with respect to continental blocks has been debated in regard of two options, i.e., as belonging to the margin of North China or South China. Present work on U–Pb detrital zircon dating has identified Neoproterozoic mineral grains from the Silurian and Carboniferous sandstones in the S. Kitakami belt, and proved the link between Paleozoic Japan and South China with dominant Proterozoic basements. South China likely extended further to the east from the mainland China.