Multi-proxy evidence for subduction of the Neoproterozoic Adamastor Ocean and Wilson cycle tectonics in the South Atlantic Brasiliano Orogenic System of Western Gondwana

Abstract

Field, petrographic, geophysical, geochronological, elemental and isotopic data support the identification of distinct components of a Wilson cycle (rift-drift-subduction-collision-collapse) in the South Atlantic Brasiliano Orogenic System (Mantiqueira Province). The main lines of evidence are: 1) Tonian-Cryogenian ophiolite complexes; 2) Hundreds of Hf-Nd-Sr isotope determinations indicating a temporal trend of juvenile to mixed Tonian-Cryogenian-Ediacaran igneous rocks comprising expanded calc-alkaline, magnesian, metaluminous gabbro-tonalite-granodiorite-granite/basalt-dacite-andesite-rhyolite series, developed in island arcs and in continental-margin (Andean-type) arcs; 3) Cratonic-sourced conglomerate-diamictite-sandstone-pelite-carbonate successions deposited in Tonian-Cryogenian rift-passive margins fringing the paleocontinental borders, covered by orogenic basins with contrasting provenance from the arc systems; 4) Paired negative-positive Bouguer anomalies typical of suture zones with ophiolite-bearing accretionary prisms in the lower plate and arc systems in the upper plate; 5) Paired HP/HTmetamorphic belts associated with Ediacaran suture zones and retro-eclogites associated with Tonian subduction. Proposed intracontinental models for this region, both original and revisited, are based on the visual interpretation of restricted space for an oceanic realm and rely on calculations using presumed spreading and subduction rates. However, those do not account for a number of pre-, syn- and post-collisional modifications of the original paleogeography and for plate configurations over a curved planetary surface, with asynchroneity of extensional, accretionary and collisional events over thousands-of-km long orogenic fronts. Scissor-shaped oceanic basins are the rule rather than the exception, with connection of (i) an aulacogen to (ii) a partially enclosed gulf that is, in turn, connected to (iii) an open ocean with complex subduction systems. This configuration leads, after closure of the oceanic realm, to the gradation found in the South Atlantic Brasiliano Orogenic System, with (i) an inverted rift (Paramirim) connected to (ii) a confined orogen with a pre-collisional continental-margin Andean-type arc (Araçuaí), connected, in turn, to (iii) complex accretionary-collisional orogens (Ribeira and Dom Feliciano) with accreted juvenile pre-collisional island arc terranes. This arrangement characterizes, thus, a prime example of a typical subduction-collision orogenic system. The various lines of evidence from distinct fields coherently indicate a full Wilson Cycle with generation and consumption of the Adamastor oceanic lithosphere, followed by continental collisions, ultimately giving birth to the Gondwana paleocontinent.