Keywords: 
• provenance analysis /
• sedimentological analysis /
• detrital zircon /
• Benxi Formation /
• Ordos Basin

Abstract: The Ordos Basin experienced uplift and bending in the Paleozoic,then started to subside and deposit the sea-land transition phase clastics of the Benxi Formation. Data from outcrops,cores and various analytical testing tools were used to clarify the provenance of the Benxi Formation,including conglomerate distribution,light mineral debris component,quartz cathodoluminescence,heavy mineral suites,stability coefficient and zircon ages. Different provenance systems were recognized from consistent source-rock types from different sources,as well as the tectonic evolutionary history of the southern part of the basin. The study revealed two main provenance systems,which were further subdivided into four systems,two in the northern basin and two in the south. The northern provenance supply ability was found to be greater than in the south. The source rocks of the NW provenance were metamorphics,together with a small amount of volcanic rocks. The NE source rocks were acidic intrusives. The SW source rocks were highgrade metamorphics,with some magmatic rocks and a small proportion of sedimentary rocks. The SE source rocks were high-grade metamorphics. During deposition of the Benxi formation,the southern provenance extended as far as the center of the basin. A main component of the southern provenance system at that time was the collision of the North Qinling terrace and the North China Block.