Re–Os age constraints and new observations of Proterozoic glacial deposits in the Vazante Group, Brazil

Abstract

A new Re–Os radiometric age date for an organic-rich shale horizon from the Vazante Group in Brazil, coupled with geological observations, provide evidence for late Mesoproterozoic glacial episodes, conflicting with the general view of greenhouse conditions marked by a eustatic high stand at this time. Field observations of a reverse fault juxtaposing older Mesoproterozoic sedimentary rocks above younger Neoproterozoic strata provide a new stratigraphic framework and reconcile the apparent inversion of U–Pb detrital zircon ages through the succession. Combined, the geochronological, geochemical and stratigraphic evidence suggest that the Vazante Group sediments accumulated along a passive margin of the São Francisco craton and are correlative with the neighboring Paranoá Group. Biomarker, sulfur isotope and iron speciation analyses support the interpretation of a strongly stratified water column during post-glacial transgression and deposition of one of the bituminous shale horizons. The relationship of the glaciogenic Vazante Group to other late Mesoproterozoic successions, such as the non-glacial Atar Group in West Africa and Bylot Supergroup in arctic Canada, however, remains enigmatic.