Discussion on the Neoproterozoic glaciations in the South China Block and their related paleolatitudes

Abstract

The Kaigas, Sturtian, Marinoan, and Gaskiers glaciations are widely recognized in Neoproterozoic. However, in the South China Block only the Jiangkou (Sturtian) and Nantuo (Marinoan) are symbolized by sedimentary records. The Kaigas, recorded by isotopic and chemical proxies, exhibited likely the nature of cold paleoclimate with local mountain glaciation. The correlation of the Doushantuo Formation with the Gaskiers is indicated by the carbon isotope excursion and the dated age from the interval, however the South China Block was then under non-glacial weather. With no paleomagnetic data, the position of the South China Block during the Sturtian glaciation cannot be determined. The paleolatitudes of the South China Block during the Kaigas and Nantuo glaciations are intermediate, even though the Nantuo was once rendered erratically deduced equatorial. In fact, the paleolatitudes of the South China Block during the Neoproterozoic glaciations are all likely at about 30°–40°.