Some stratigraphic and sedimentologic constraints on the features of the Changning-Menglian Tethys, Yunnan, China

The interpretation of the (Lower Carboniferous) basalt- (Middle Carbonifero us to Middle Permian) carbonate succession in the central zone of the Chang ning-Menglian Belt in western Yunnan, China as a seamount is one of the maj or arguments supporting a large ocean model of the Changning-Menglian Tethy s. Our field investigations and laboratory work lead to the conclusion that the basalt-carbonate succession of the Changning-Menglian Belt is not gene tically related to seamount. It is a normal lithological succession that de veloped on continental crust, and it is underlain and overlain by marine ca rbonate and/or elastic deposits.