Archean Basement Research Articles

Tracing the sedimentary provenance of the Mesoproterozoic rocks from Taoudeni Basin (∼ 1.1 Ga) Mauritania: Evidence from Sm/Nd and elemental geochemistry

The Mesoproterozoic era is a crucial period in Earth history characterized by muted oxygen levels in the atmosphere–ocean system. This period is well represented in the non-metamorphosed sedimentary rocks from the Taoudeni Basin, Mauritania. Few studies have been carried out to trace the sources of these sedimentary archives. Here, we examined the sedimentary rocks from the Atar (S4 drill core) and El Mreiti groups (S2 and S3 drill cores). This study focuses on whole-rock elemental geochemistry and Sm/Nd isotope compositions to provide insights into the provenance of the fine-grained siliciclastic sediments from the basal part of the Mesoproterozoic Atar and El Mreiti groups. Paleoweathering indices reveal a moderate degree of chemical weathering in the source areas, consistent with the low compositional maturity of the studied samples. The concentrations of the relatively immobile trace elements suggest mixing sources of sediment provenance, which is dominated by felsic source rocks for the Atar sediments. However, distinctively positive ƐNd(t) values coupled with high 143Nd/144Nd and Sm/Nd ratios and high ƒSm/Nd values of the sediments from the El Mreiti Group indicate derivation from juvenile and less evolved sources rocks. Further, the depleted mantle model ages (TDM) of the provenance protolith (1.95–2.31 Ga) support the argument that the El Mreiti sediments are dominantly sourced from the Paleoproterozoic terrane exposed in the eastern Reguibat Shield while the Atar Group were predominantly from the Archean basement rocks in the western Reguibat Shield. Moreover, Sm/Nd isotope and mixing model results support the major contributions of the felsic Archean rocks of the Reguibat Shield for the Atar Group samples. Although these strata, separated by ∼1000 km, have been described as stratigraphic equivalent, our study demonstrates distinct sediment sources between the Atar Group strata and those of El Mreiti, therefore, reinforcing the importance of sediment provenance in understanding the evolution and reconstruction of modern and ancient sedimentary systems.

Cratonal tidal deposits of the Paleoproterozoic Mesnard Quartzite, Lake Superior region: interpretation challenges

The Mesnard Quartzite of Paleoproterozoic age is believed to represent among the first preserved cratonal continental rocks in the Lake Superior region, was deposited above Archean basement in the Marquette structural trough and is estimated to contain more than 99% sandstone (now quartzite) beds. The Mesnard Quartzite is interpreted to have been deposited largely by tidal currents. Evidence of tidal current deposition includes lack of wave-influenced structures such as hummocky cross-beds, and presence of strongly unidirectional paleocurrents from cross-beds, mud-drapes on cross-bed foresets, evidence of current reversal including herringbone cross-bedding and sigmoidal cross-bedding. Sandstone bedding types include homogeneous or structureless beds, parallel-laminated beds, cross-beds, and symmetric ripple marks. Unidirectional paleocurrents from cross-beds are largely subparallel to the axis of the Marquette structural trough, leading to the interpretation that the trough was subsiding during deposition. Cross-bed set thickness and symmetric ripple marks both support the interpretation of shallow water marine deposition, likely only a few meters. Although the Mesnard Quartzite is on the order of 110 m thick, there is no evidence of internal sequence boundaries or flooding surfaces, and low accommodation during deposition is inferred. The climate during deposition is interpreted to be humid, and tropical to subtropical based on the quartz arenite composition. Deposition likely occurred in a failed rift basin or in an intracratonic extensional basin.

Geologic map of the Bald Mountain Quadrangle, northern Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

Here we present the results of detailed (1:24,000 scale) mapping of the Bald Mountain 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Wyoming, which includes Archean basement rocks of the Laramide Bighorn uplift. These basement rocks are mantled by Paleozoic cratonic strata of the Flathead, Gros Ventre, Gallatin, Bighorn, Madison and Amsden formations. This region was explored for gold associated with the basement rocks, and Th in the basal Flathead sandstone. Isotopic age determinations (LA-ICPMS U-Pb on zircon) of the basement rocks were conducted at the University of Arizona Laserchron Center. Three phases of Archean rocks were defined, all of which range from ∼2880-2890 Ma, and include a prominent, pink, strongly foliated (WNW trending) alkali feldspar granite with pegmatite, a weakly foliated purple granite, and a yellow, poorly exposed adamellite. These rocks were uplifted during the Paleogene Laramide orogeny, and now form a southwest verging breached drape fold over a steeply inclined, basement-cored reverse fault. Dips of footwall strata range from 10–70° to the SW. Hanging wall rocks dip gently to the NE. Quaternary landslide deposits occur along steep slopes in the Gros Ventre Shale and alluvium occurs along the principle streams.

Crustal evolution of the Laurentian continental margin from the Paleo- through Mesoproterozic: A zircon U–Pb and Hf transect through the western Grenville Province, Ontario, Canada

The Great Proterozoic Accretionary Orogeny along the southern and southeastern margin of Laurentia is arguably the first long-lived, modern-style active plate margin on Earth, representing significant crustal growth and reworking. Here, we present new detrital zircon U–Pb and Hf data, along with zircon and monazite metamorphic ages, from tectonic domains in the southwestern Grenville Province that represent depositional basins formed and reworked during a series of events between 2.2 and 1.2 Ga. As such, the data allow a glimpse into the evolution and assembly of this extensive margin. The Nepewassi domain contains Archean basement overlain by mature sandstone characterized by near-unimodal, ca. 2.7–2.6 Ga detrital zircon peaks and likely correlative with Superior Province basement and its Huronian cover. The Nepewassi domain underwent both Archean (ca. 2.65 Ga) and Killarnean (ca. 1.76 Ga) metamorphism. In addition, all units preserve evidence of Grenvillian high-grade metamorphism between ca. 1.05 and 0.99 Ga. The structurally highest parts of the Nepewassi domain also contain younger sedimentary rocks that received detritus from Killarnean sources, with evolved Hf isotopic compositions indicative of reworked Archean crust. Sedimentary rocks in the Tomiko domain preserve detrital zircon of Penokean and Killarnean age (1.9–1.7 Ga) with evolved Hf compositions, along with Labradorian (1.7–1.6 Ga) grains of more juvenile composition. Detrital zircon from the Kiosk domain yield Penokean through Labradorian ages, with Hf compositions ranging from evolved to juvenile. In contrast to the sedimentary rocks found in these Laurentia-derived parautochthonous domains, similar rocks from younger, more allochthonous units, including the Shawanaga and basal Parry Sound domain, dominantly contain zircon ranging from Pinwarian (ca. 1.45 Ga) through ca. 1.20 Ga that show exclusively juvenile isotopic compositions. The data show that sedimentary basins received detritus from nearby active sources as well as from the nearby Superior continent, and that successively younger sources and basins became increasingly less influenced by continental input as the margin grew wider. The data add to a growing database of similar data from other parts of this several thousand-kilometer-long margin that seemingly displayed little along-strike variation in overall evolution, implying the existence of a vast, Pacific-scale ocean.

Multi-method dating constrains the diversification of early eukaryotes in the Proterozoic Mbuji-Mayi Supergroup of the D.R.Congo and the geological evolution of the Congo Basin

We present a petrological and geochronological study of the Proterozoic Mbuji-Mayi sedimentary Supergroup (Sankuru-Mbuji-Mayi-Lomami-Lovoy basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo) and of the overlying subvolcanic doleritic rocks. Dating this Supergroup in Central Africa is crucial to reconstruct the geological history and evolution of the Congo Basin and because it contains a large diversity of organic-walled microfossils including early eukaryotes. For this study, we use the Re–Os dating method on kerogen from shales from the top of the lower Group BI (which contains the microfossils) and Ar–Ar, Sm–Nd and U–Pb methods on the dolerites emplaced near the top of the succession, defining the end of the sedimentation in the basin. The 187Re/187Os dating yield an age of 1041 ± 58 Ma. For the dolerites, 40Ar/39Ar dating provide a similar minimum age from 1006 ± 13 to 1009 ± 32 Ma in the whole basin. 147Sm/143Nd dating confirms a less precise but overlapping age of 926 ± 170 Ma for sample from the Western part of the basin. Some 40Ar/39Ar dating and U–Pb dating provide also inherited Archean ages. The weighted average age for igneous samples from the basin is 1006 ± 12 Ma. This confirms that the upper Group BII was deposited from 1030 to 1040 to 1006 Ma, consistent with previous U–Pb dating on diagenetic minerals and with biostratigraphy. This new dating provides constraints on the late Mesoproterozoic – early Neoproterozoic diversification of early eukaryotes in Central Africa.We also compare the petrology, geochemistry and geochronology of dolerites from different locations of the basin. Our new data evidence a common origin for all the subvolcanic rocks, emplaced in an intraplate setting and intruding the Archean basement, and indirectly date the end of the extensional stage that initiated the development of the Congo Basin.

Paleogeographic affinity of the Alxa Block across the Archean–Proterozoic: Insights from metamorphosed Archean basement

The Alxa, Quanji, and Dunhuang blocks are microblocks that link the North China craton (NCC) and the Tarim craton (TC). Their paleogeographic affinities during the late Archean–early Paleoproterozoic remain poorly constrained due to a paucity of reliable paleomagnetic data and less exposed Archean basement, especially in the Alxa Block. This study presents new geochronological and Hf isotopic data from Archean granitic gneisses in the northern Alxa Block. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results indicate that the protoliths of these granitic gneisses were emplaced at 2.67–2.65 Ga and subsequently metamorphosed at ca. 2.5 Ga and 1.84–1.83 Ga. In addition, in-situ zircon Hf isotopic compositions suggest that the protoliths were likely derived from reworking of Mesoarchean crust. These newly obtained data, together with previous data across the Alxa Block, indicate that Mesoarchean crustal materials were principally reworked to generate the 2.7–2.3 Ga crystalline basements of the Alxa Block. Given the recently reported ca. 2.6–2.5 Ga orthogneisses elsewhere in the Alxa Block, there should have existed a Neoarchean basement in the block, which experienced two episodes of magmatism at 2.7–2.5 Ga and 2.3–2.0 Ga, along with a metamorphic event at ca. 2.5 Ga. A further review of field geology and data across the Alxa Block and its adjacent blocks constrain a late Archean–early Paleoproterozoic crustal evolutionary history of the Alxa Block that was analogous to those of the Kuruktag Block of TC, the Khondalite Belt of NCC and the Quanji Block, indicating a close paleogeographic affinity of these blocks at this time.

Archean and Paleoproterozoic zircons in Paleozoic sandstones in southern New Zealand: evidence for remnant Nuna supercontinent and Ur continent rocks within Zealandia

Detrital zircon age patterns are reported from quartz sandstones and metaquartzites in the Russet and Wangapeka formations (Western Province, Takaka Terrane) in Fiordland and northwest Nelson, and the Pegasus Group on Stewart Island. The latter indicate a possible maximum early Carboniferous depositional age with a significant Lower Devonian zircon component that suggests a source on the Campbell Plateau or Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica. In contrast, Russet Formation ages indicate a correlation with Upper Ordovician, Wangapeka Formation quartz sandstones in northwest Nelson. These zircon age patterns have two major groups: late Mesoproterozoic (1200–1000 Ma) of Rodinia origin and Cambrian–late Neoproterozoic (700–500 Ma) of early Gondwana derivation. Both groups have local Zealandia provenances. In addition, there are unusually high proportions (to 20%) of early Paleoproterozoic and Archean zircons, 3500–2000 Ma, with significant age components, 2550–2450 Ma and ca 2800 and 2650 Ma, which are characteristic of an Expanded-Ur continent. Their high proportions of euhedral grains indicate a local source within a postulated Archean basement block at or near the eastern margin of the Takaka Terrane. A proposed Rodinia supercontinent reconstruction locates this Precambrian basement as a Zealandia component placed between Gawler and North Australia cratons of Australia and Yangtze Block of the South China Craton. KEY POINTS Pegasus Group, metaquartzites, Stewart Island are not correlated with the Russet Formation, Fiordland but are an Upper Devonian or lower Carboniferous sedimentary unit. Russet Formation high-grade metasandstones in Fiordland are correlated with the lower-grade and fossiliferous Upper Ordovician Wangapeka Formation in Nelson. Upper Ordovician sandstones in Western Province, New Zealand contain unusually high proportions of Neoarchean euhedral detrital zircons that suggest a local Zealandia source. An Archean block is proposed within the Rodinia supercontinent, between the Gawler and North Australia cratons of Australia and Yangtze Block of the South China Craton.

Trapped in a graben: deposition of Huronian gold-bearing conglomerates in a fault-influenced, valley-confined, fluvial system in the southern Cobalt Basin, Ontario, Canada

Isopachs of Huronian strata of the Elliot and Hough Lake groups in the southern part of the Cobalt Basin can be used to define the geometry of a 4 km wide valley system that directly influenced the location of gravel-bed rivers bearing detrital gold and auriferous pyrite in the Mississagi Formation. Distribution and thickness of these and underlying formations can be directly linked to initial valley formation parallel to existing north-south-oriented faults in the Archean basement. Thickness distributions were directly influenced by active subsidence associated with transverse, east-south-east (ESE)-oriented, normal faults, related to extension along the Huronian transform-rift margin further south. Strata underlying the Mississagi Formation were largely removed by erosion in the northern part of the paleovalley system, but thickened and then thinned south of the ESE faults. Pyrite and detrital gold in the Mississagi Formation may have been concentrated from reworking of coarse clastic rocks of the Matinenda and Ramsay Lake formations, along with significant contributions from erosion of proximal Archean basement within 3–5 km of the preserved basin margins. There is strong evidence to suggest that stream flow was initially concentrated in three main structurally influenced valley systems in the north, with one lateral tributary in the south-eastern part of the basin. The fluvial systems merged, and thickened, south of the Tee Lake fault, possibly reflecting trans-tensional influences on the basin margin faults.

Energy Drive for the Kiruna Mining District Mineral System(s): Insights from U-Pb Zircon Geochronology

The Kiruna mining district, Sweden, known for the type locality of Kiruna-type iron oxide–apatite (IOA) deposits, also hosts several Cu-mineralized deposits including iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG), exhalative stratiform Cu-(Fe-Zn), and structurally controlled to stratabound Cu ± Au. However the relationship between the IOA and Cu-systems has not been contextualized within the regional tectonic evolution. A broader mineral systems approach is taken to assess the timing of energy drive(s) within a regional tectonic framework by conducting U-Pb zircon geochronology on intrusions from areas where Cu-mineralization is spatially proximal. Results unanimously yield U-Pb ages from the early Svecokarelian orogeny (ca. 1923–1867 Ma including age uncertainties), except one sample from the Archean basement (2698 ± 3 Ma), indicating that a distinct thermal drive from magmatic activity was prominent for the early orogenic phase. A weighted average 207Pb/206Pb age of 1877 ± 10 Ma of an iron-oxide-enriched gabbroic pluton overlaps in age with the Kiirunavaara IOA deposit and is suggested as a candidate for contributing mafic signatures to the IOA ore. The results leave the role of a late energy drive (and subsequent late Cu-mineralization and/or remobilization) ambiguous, despite evidence showing a late regional magmatic-style hydrothermal alteration is present in the district.

Metallogeny of the Hunjiang basin, northeastern North China block

The Hunjiang basin in the northeastern North China block is host to a wide range of ore deposit types that are currently exploited by more than 100 past and producing mines. Extensive field and laboratory investigations were conducted to summarize the regional metallogeny, classify the different deposit types, and to place the deposits within a regional geologic and tectonic context. The Archean basement of the basin is host to magnetite deposits that have been affected by high-grade metamorphism. In addition, Proterozoic magmatic Cu-Ni deposit and orogenic Au deposits that are likely of Mesozoic age are located in the metamorphic basement rocks. Polymetallic Co-Cu and Ni-Co-Cu deposits are located in Proterozoic schists within the basin and are of pre- to syn-metamorphic origin. However, most deposits in Hunjiang basin can be related to Mesozoic igneous activity. This includes porphyry Cu and Cu-Mo deposits as well as associated skarns and carbonate replacement deposits. Economically most significant are Au deposits hosted in Proterozoic limestone and dolomite that are located distal to the Mesozoic igneous intrusive centers. This includes the White Mountain deposit near Baishan City, which contains an endowment of more than 50 tonnes Au. There are no known high-sulfidation epithermal deposits within the Hunjiang basin, which is consistent with fluid inclusion evidence demonstrating that emplacement of the porphyry intrusions occurred at significant depth below the paleosurface. Geochronological constraints indicate that Mesozoic igneous activity and associated deposit formation in the Hunjiang basin occurred as a result of Jurassic subduction processes and subsequent extension after slab rollback and lithospheric delamination under the Eastern North China Block in the Cretaceous. Future mineral exploration efforts in the Hunjiang basin should focus on the distal sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits associated with Mesozoic intrusions, with special emphasis on the northern part of the basin where these deposits occur preferentially at the intersection of extensional faults with a vanished evaporite unit that is distinctly enriched in Fe oxides providing a chemical trap.

The generation and evolution of the Archean continental crust: The granitoid story in southeastern Brazil

The Archean Eon was a time of geodynamic changes. Direct evidence of these transitions come from igneous/metaigneous rocks, which dominate cratonic segments worldwide. New data for granitoids from an Archean basement inlier related to the Southern São Francisco Craton (SSFC), are integrated with geochronological, isotopic and geochemical data on Archean granitoids from the SSFC. The rocks are divided into three main geochemical groups with different ages: (1) TTG (3.02–2.77 Ga); (2) medium- to high-K granitoids (2.85–2.72 Ga); and (3) A-type granites (2.7–2.6 Ga). The juvenile to chondritic (Hf-Nd isotopes) TTG were divided into two sub-groups, TTG 1 (low-HREE) and 2 (high-HREE), derived from partial melting of metamafic rocks similar to those from adjacent greenstone belts. The compositional diversity within the TTG is attributed to different pressures during partial melting, supported by a positive correlation of Dy/Yb and Sr/Zr, and batch melting calculations. The proposed TTG sources are geochemically similar to basaltic rocks from modern island-arcs, indicating the presence of subduction processes concomitant with TTG emplacement. From ∼2.85 Ga to 2.70 Ga, the dominant rocks were K-rich granitoids. These are modeled as crustal melts of TTG, during regional metamorphism indicative of crustal thickening. Their compositional diversity is linked to: (i) differences in source composition; (ii) distinct melt fractions during partial melting; and (iii) different residual mineralogies reflecting varying P–T conditions. Post-collisional (∼2.7–2.6 Ga) A-type granites reflect rifting in that they were closely followed by extension-related dyke swarms, and they are interpreted as differentiation or partial melting products of magmas derived from subduction-modified mantle. The sequence of granitoid emplacement indicates subduction-related magmatism was followed by crustal thickening, regional metamorphism and crustal melting, and post-collisional extension, similar to that seen in younger Wilson Cycles. It is compelling evidence that plate tectonics was active in this segment of Brazil from ∼3 Ga.

Archean to Paleoproterozoic crustal evolution of the southern Yangtze Block (South China): U–Pb age and Hf-isotope of zircon xenocrysts from the Paleozoic diamondiferous kimberlites

Crustal zircon xenocrysts from mantle-derived magmatic rocks have the potential to probe the deep crust. Here we present integrated U–Pb dating and Hf-isotope analyses of zircons from a Paleozoic diamondiferous kimberlite dike in the Maping area of Zhenyuan County (southeastern Guizhou Province), with implications for the tectonothermal evolution of unexposed continental crust beneath the southern Yangtze Block, South China. All zircons (n = 236) show a wide range of U–Pb ages between Mesoarchean and middle Carboniferous. Among them, 96 zircons with 90–110% concordance yield concordant ages from 2942 ± 8 Ma to 342 ± 2 Ma, and form major age peaks at ∼2.9 Ga, ∼2.6 Ga and ∼2.0 Ga. The overwhelming majority of zircons are dominated by Mesoarchean–Paleoproterozoic U–Pb ages regardless of their concordance degrees. The zircon populations mainly consist of magmatic zircons, with minor metamorphic grains (Th/U < 0.10). The youngest magmatic zircon (Th/U = 0.43) with a well concordant 206Pb/238U age of 342 ± 2 Ma (M1-16) is interpreted as the maximum emplacement age of the Maping diamondiferous kimberlites. Most zircons with pre-eruption ages are considered to be xenocrysts, and they may be derived from the deep-seated continental crust through which kimberlite host magmas have passed. Their U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions suggest the possible existence of a highly evolved Archean basement beneath the southern Yangtze Block, South China, which is much older than its known surface rocks. A lot of magmatic zircon xenocrysts reveal complex Precambrian crustal evolution in the southern Yangtze Block. These processes involved the important growth of continental crust at 2.6–2.5 Ga, and in the meantime, crustal reworking could be intermittently proceeding at 3.0–2.6 Ga. In addition, a group of xenocrystic zircons are identified to be of metamorphic origin, indicating that the proposed Archean basement beneath the southern Yangtze Block likely experienced a metamorphic event around 2.0 Ga. This geologically significant episode is consistent with the well-developed coeval metamorphism in other places of the Yangtze Block (e.g., Kongling Terrane), which has been considered to link to the assembly of the Paleoproterozoic Nuna/Columbia supercontinent. Our zircon data implies that the unexposed Archean basement beneath the southern Yangtze Block was affected by multiple thermal activities.

Basement domes in a greenschist facies context: Tectono-metamorphic evolution of the southern Quadrilátero Ferrífero, southeast Brazil

New petrostructural data are presented from the southeastern Quadrilátero Ferrífero, a distinct polyorogenic domain of the São Francisco Craton characterized by granite-gneiss domes and keel structures. The Minas Supergroup of Siderian age that hosts a huge volume of ferriferous sediments was deposited on the flat and eroded surface of the Archean basement. The domes of Archean gneisses and granites represent semi-rigid extrusions around which the Minas Supergroup accumulated in deep synclines with common triple junctions. This study focuses first on the petro-structural context of low-pressure thermal aureoles observed towards the dome margins. Pressure-temperature estimates on these mineral assemblages indicate nearly static burial to ≥ 10 km depths of the Minas Supergroup cover, followed by decompression and heating during the intrusion of pegmatites and granitoids of late Rhyacian age in basement and cover. The Archean basement and the thermal aureoles were severely overprinted by synkinematic greenschist facies metamorphism portrayed by chloritoid, chlorite, pyrophyllite, kyanite, phengitic mica and secondary biotite. This deep greenschist facies metamorphism (T ca. 420°C and P = 0.4 to 0.45 GPa) is regionally observed in all units from the domes and the keels ranging in age from Archean to Ediacaran. It is concluded that this major tectono-metamorphic event relates to tectonic burial of the southern Quadrilatero Ferrifero below the west-verging nappes of the Araçuaí belt during the Early Paleozoic, as documented by 40Ar/39Ar ages of 490-485 Ma obtained on syn-kinematic metamorphic micas [Chauvet et al., 2001]. It is proposed that building up of the dome and keel tectonic style is first a consequence of the high-density contrast estimated around 0.5 g/cm3 between the crystalline basement and the Minas Supergroup, the final architecture being achieved during the Cambro-Ordovician stage of the E-W Late Neoproterozoic collision.

Geologic Map of the Woodrock Quadrangle, Sheridan and Big Horn Counties, Wyoming

Here we present the results of detailed (1:24,000 scale) mapping of the Woodrock 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Wyoming, which mainly consists of Archean basement rocks of the Laramide Bighorn uplift. Our focus was on the Archean geology of the Laramide age Bighorn uplift. Isotopic age determinations (U-Pb on zircon) were conducted at the University of Arizona LaserChron Center. Our work revealed the presence of four different components of the batholith. The oldest unit is a ~2880 Ma foliated Lookout Mountain Granodiorite that occurs in the southern part of the quadrangle in the vicinity of Bruce and Lookout Mountains. The ~2775 Black Mountain Tonalite occurs in the northeastern part of the quadrangle. The age of the Black Mountain Tonalite and Lookout Mountain Granodiorite overlap but the units are distinct in terms of structure and lithology so they were mapped separately. The central part of the quadrangle is underlain by the massive, ~2860 Ma Taylor Mine Granite. This unit is poorly exposed and variable in texture. The youngest unit is the ~2850 Ma Owen Creek Alkali Feldspar Granite, which occurs in the western part of the quadrangle. Mafic dikes of variable geometry, texture and age cross-cut the quartzofeldspathic rocks. Less than 25 m of poorly exposed Cambrian Flathead Sandstone occurs along the extreme western margin of the quadrangle. We discovered as much as 30 m of Oligocene White River Formation strata occur as terrace deposits along the western side of the Tongue River in the central part of the quadrangle. The White River strata are poorly exposed and consist of thin bedded tuffaceous sandstone and massive conglomerate that are light colors and include as clasts Paleozoic carbonate and Archean basement rocks. Less than 50 m of Pinedale-age glacial tills occur along the upper Tongue River in the southern part of the Quadrangle, forming hummocky, poorly-drained topography. Quaternary alluvium occurs along some of the larger streams.

Zircon U-Pb chronology and Lu-Hf isotopic characteristics of the Pre-Sinian Wumaqing Formation and its intrusions in Yakou area, Miyi County, Sichuan Province, and their geological significance

在扬子板块西缘断续分布有多套变质沉积岩系，厘定区内不同岩石单元的时代对于探讨扬子西缘的构造演化具有重要意义。本文对出露于扬子板块西缘米易垭口地区的五马箐组变沉积岩以及侵入其中的片麻状黑云二长花岗岩体进行了锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年和Lu-Hf同位素分析。结果表明:区内五马箐组的沉积时代介于1.19~1.01Ga，其地层归属为会理群而非康定群，位于五马箐组之下的“冷竹关组”并非变沉积地层而是一套片麻状黑云二长花岗岩体。五马箐组碎屑锆石年龄存在~1.56Ga、~2.50Ga两个主要峰值以及~1.43Ga、~1.68Ga、~1.87Ga、~2.32Ga、~2.68Ga五个次要峰值，推断其物质来源主要为扬子板块西南缘的撮科杂岩、隐伏的或还暂未发现的太古代基底岩石、同时期岩浆岩和早期变沉积岩的再循环。碎屑锆石的ε_Hf（t）值在~1.7Ga发生了显著变化，暗示扬子板块西缘的构造体制由陆壳汇聚向裂谷活动转变，且在~1.56Ga处于裂谷岩浆活动的峰期。花岗岩体正的ε_Hf（t）值反映出扬子板块西缘在~1.0Ga有一次新生陆壳生长事件，可能是格林威尔造山后的伸展塌陷构造背景下裂谷岩浆活动的产物。;There are several sets of metasedimentary rock series distributed intermittently in the western margin of Yangtze Block, it is of great significance to determine the ages of different rock units in the area for discussing the tectonic evolution. This study has conducted zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopic analysis of the metasedimentary rocks from the Wumaqing Formation as well as its intrusive gneissose biotite adamellite in Yakou area, western margin of Yangtze Block. The results indicate that the sedimentary age of Wumaqing Formation in the area is between 1.19~1.01Ga, and the strata belongs to Huili Group rather than Kangding Group. The Lengzhuguan Formation under the Wumaqing Formation is not a metasedimentary stratum but a set of gneissose biotite adamellite. The detrital zircon dating of the Wumaqing Formation have two main peaks of~1.56Ga and~2.50Ga, five minor peaks of~1.43Ga,~1.68Ga,~1.87Ga,~2.32Ga and~2.68Ga, it is speculated that its sedimentary material sources are mainly from Cuoke complex, buried or undiscovered Archean basement, contemporaneous magmatic rocks and the recycled of early metasedimentary rocks in the southwestern margin of Yangtze Block. The ε_Hf(t) values of detrital zircons has changed significantly at~1.7Ga, suggesting that the tectonic regime in the western margin of Yangtze Block has shifted from continental crust convergence to rift activities, and the rift magmatism has peaked at~1.56Ga. The positive ε_Hf(t) values of granitic pluton implies that there was a new continental crust growth event at~1.0Ga in the western margin of Yangtze Block, possibly is the product of rift magmatism under the extensional collapse tectonic setting after the Grenvillian Orogeny.

Tectonic setting of the South Liaohe Group in the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji Belt, North China Craton: Geochemical and geochronological constraints from metasedimentary rocks

The metasedimentary rocks of the South Liaohe Group are widely distributed along the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji Belt (JLJB) in eastern Liaoning Province. It is important to understanding tectonic setting and evolution of the JLJB by determining its sediment sources and properties of the provenances, sedimentary facies, metamorphic ages, and facies. After the detailed field geological surveys and comprehensive laboratory observation, many high‐grade metapelitic rocks are identified in the South Liaohe Group. The main rock type is sillimanite‐garnet‐cordierite‐biotite plagiogneiss. The zircon U–Pb geochronology of three samples shows that these high‐grade meta‐pelitic rocks are mainly derived from the Liaoji Granites and the Archean basement. The protolith formation ages are between 2.00 and 1.93 Ga. Subsequently, these protolithes underwent high‐pressure metamorphism resulted from collisional orogeny, with peak metamorphism at ca. 1.88 Ga. Then, at 1.88–1.84 Ga, these rocks experienced the retrograde metamorphism and exhumed to the surface during crustal uplift. Geochemical data show that the protoliths are alumina‐rich claystones and graywackes with low maturity, implying near‐source sedimentation. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of these samples range from 60 to 80, indicating that the protoliths underwent moderate weathering. The sediment source was mainly felsic components of the upper crust, possibly with the addition of ancient sediments. Various tectonic environment discrimination diagrams combined with previous results on metamorphism and isotope chronology of these metasedimentary rocks in the JLJB indicate that the rocks in the study area originated from an active continental margin with an evolving island arc.

Neoarchean basement, mantle enrichment and crustal extraction in central Asia: petrogenesis of 2.5 Ga amphibolite and metadiorite in NE China

Archean basement in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is relatively rare, but it has the potential to provide additional information on the processes of lithospheric mantle enrichment and crust extraction processes during the early history of the Earth. We identified Neoarchean amphibolite (2537−2565 Ma) and metadiorite (2481−2539 Ma) in the Biliya area of the Erguna Terrane in the southeast CAOB. The amphibolite is geochemically MORB-like and has a weakly left-leaning REE pattern, and low zircon εHf(t) (−0.7−+6.2), and whole-rock εNd(t) (−1.7–+4.5) and εHf(t) (−1.9) values. Our petrogenetic modeling reveals that the amphibolite is derived from ∼20 % partial melting of the lithospheric mantle in the spinel stability field (∼65 km depth). The metadiorite shows near-zero εNd(t) (−0.5–+3.6) and εHf(t) (+0.5–+1.4) values and is likely derived from partial melting of mafic lower crust. The metadiorite and amphibolite likely formed in an extensional continental arc/back-arc setting and represent the Archean crystalline basement of the microcontinents within the CAOB. Three-staged mantle segregation and crust extraction processes have been proposed: (a) 20 % melt extraction from primitive mantle-like lithospheric mantle, leaving behind a depleted mantle; (b) subduction-related fluid/melt metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle and its partial melting, generating the arc-type enriched mantle and mafic lower crust; and (c) partial remelting of the mafic lower crust produced the Tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) crust.

Peculiar features of correlation between petrophysical signatures of rocks and distribution of geophysical heterogeneities in the Monchegorsk ore area (Kola Peninsula, northeastern Baltic Shield)

The current article presents stratified data on physical properties of rocks and ores from the Monchegorsk ore area (Kola region). The constructed petrodensity and petromagnetic maps reflect peculiar features of changes in petrophysical parameters of both Paleoproterozoic intrusive rocks and host rocks at the Archean basement of the area. To assess the complementarity degree of physical properties of the rocks and geophysical fields, we additionally analyzed the structure of geophysical anomalies (Δg, ΔZ) in the study area. It allowed constructing a distribution scheme for geophysical heterogeneity in the area and assessing their nature.&#x0D; The conducted studies showed that nickel-bearing and potentially nickel-bearing intrusions in the Monchegorsk ore area were highly dense, but composed of weakly magnetic rocks. Layering of the gabbro-labradorite massif of the Main Ridge is reflected in petrophysical parameters, i. e. endocontact gabbro and gabbronorite show an increased density and magnetic susceptibility compared to leucocratic gabbro and labradorite in the core of the intrusion. Thus, petrophysical data indicate a general increase in the basicity of the rocks towards the bottom of the intrusion.&#x0D; The discrepancy between intense geophysical anomalies and physical parameters of near-surface rocks of the block adjacent to the gabbro-labradorite massif of the Main Ridge in the southeast was revealed. This fact indicates a layer of dense rocks under the supracrustal basement rocks (a complex of gneisses and amphibolized volcanic-sedimentary rocks) and rocks of the Imandra-Varzuga structure. This layer can be composed of potentially nickel-bearing rocks of the Imandra complex, including intrusions of the clinopyroxene-wehrlite formation series exposed in some areas.&#x0D; According to the configuration pattern of the identified axes of local magnetic anomalies, the Archean blocks are considered isolated areas given the uniform pattern they create, i. e. Belomorian — isometric structures, Kola — linearly extended. Therefore, during transformation of the structural plan in the Paleoproterozoic, the Archean blocks gave differentiated responses to the emerging stress-strain state of the environment and were subject to heterogeneous deformations.&#x0D; The performed work, including integrated results of petrophysical studies with the analysis of the structure of geophysical anomalies in the ore region, is relevant in substantiating a strategy for prospecting for new ore occurrences and patterns of their localization, as well as for developing criteria for predicting industrial ores in the region. At the same time, the studies carried out make it possible to answer questions related to the reconstruction of the geodynamic settings that took place during the formation of the region’s crust.

The Bastar Craton of Central India: Tectonostratigraphic evolution and implications in global correlations

The Bastar Craton occupies a key position in the Peninsular India, being located between three cratonic nuclei of India, the Dharwar Craton in the southwest, the Singhbhum Craton in the northeast, and the Bundelkhand Craton in the northwest. The southeastern and the northern margins of the craton are bordered by the Proterozoic orogenic belts constituting the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt and the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (the Satpura Mobile Belt), respectively. Analysis of the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the craton indicates the formation of the craton during Paleoarchean Era (~3582 Ma). The Archean evolution of the craton is marked by the development of granite-greenstone belts containing chemogenic sediments (Banded Iron Formations) and gold mineralisation . High-grade gneisses and granulites were developed during three orogenic episodes in the terrane (~2700 Ma Bailadila orogeny , ~2900 Ma Bengpal orogeny and ~3400 Ma Sukma orogeny). The Paleoproterozoic evolution of the craton is gleaned from the record of siliciclastic, volcaniclastics and chemogenic precipitates (carbonates, Banded Manganese Formation, and Banded Iron Formation) on the northern margin of the craton, which were deposited during the Great Oxidation Event (GOE; 2500–2300 Ma) and Paleoproterozoic glaciation (2400–2300 Ma) as well as immediately after the GOE (2050–1850 Ma). Effects of orogenic activities in the adjacent mobile belts are marked by the metamorphic and magmatic activities affecting the rocks at the margin of the craton. The Satpura orogenic event on the northern margin of the craton led to the amalgamation of the Bastar Craton with the Bundelkhand Craton at ~2250 and ~2100 Ma, forming the major part of the Peninsular India. Orogenic collapse (extension) developed basins transverse to the orogenic trend, where clastic, volcaniclastic and chemogenic sediments (Khairagarh and Chilpi Groups) were deposited. The southeastern margin of the craton has records of migmatisation and granite emplacement during the Eastern Ghats orogeny at ~1700 Ma. A number of sedimentary basins , aligned along a line parallel to the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, were developed during the orogenic collapse of the Eastern Ghats. Later orogenic activities along the Eastern Ghats were responsible for the development of depositional hiatus/unconformity within these sedimentary basins of the craton. Mafic dykes of different generations (2400 Ma, 2100 Ma and 1890 Ma) cutting across the Archean basement complex provide suitable markers for paleomagnetic reconstructions of the craton. The Archean and early Paleoproterozoic rock assemblages and mineralisation patterns in the craton show a broad similarity with the Western Australian Craton, indicating near-neighbourhood positions of the two ancient cratonic blocks. Paleomagnetic studies have shown the separation of these two blocks at ~2000 Ma, with the development of a paleo-ocean which closed subsequently during the amalgamation of the Bastar Craton with the East Antarctic Shield to form the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt in three phases at ~1700–1600 Ma, ~1050–950 Ma and ~500 Ma, with extensional phase between 1450 and 1100 Ma. The Bastar Craton preserves important clues regarding the evolution of the ocean and atmospheric conditions in the early Earth. • The Bastar and Yilgarn Cratons were juxtaposed at ~2400 Ma. • Bundelkhand-Pilbara Cratons collided with Bastar-Yilgarn Cratons at ~2000 Ma. • Satpura-Singhbhum-Capricorn Orogen developed at ~2000 Ma. • No collision/accretion took place along the CITZ after ~1800 Ma. • New tectonic model for 1950–1000 Ma is proposed for Bastar-Yilgarn Cratons.

Geochemical and geochronological evidence of meteorite impact excavating the Archean basement at Lonar Crater, Central India

The effect of meteorite impact on basement rocks remains widely debated at Lonar Crater, Central India. We investigate an impact melt-bearing rock from the ejecta layer of Lonar to assess the potential interaction of the projectile with the underlying Archean basement. The investigated sample is a melanocratic, aphanitic melt rock comprising glassy inclusions, and plagioclase and quartz clasts. Plagioclase and quartz show shock-induced features including diaplectic glass and well-developed planar deformation features (PDFs), respectively. The decrease in shock pressure is thus established with the plagioclase of overlying basalt showing shock features like diaplectic glass whereas the quartz from lower Archean basement showing PDF development. Laser Raman spectroscopy reveals the presence of cristobalite. The impact melt-bearing rock shows major element geochemistry similar to that of Deccan basalt with a tholeiitic trend, but the Harker variation plots reveal an independent field for the melt rock between the two end members: Deccan basalt and Archean basement represented by Peninsular gneiss. The REE geochemistry also reveals more fractionation for the melt rock. Zircon U-Pb data indicate an upper intercept age around 3.0 to 3.1 Ga. Chondrite normalized zircon REE data display a positive Eu anomaly indicating a reheating during the impact event. This indicates that the melt rock sample was generated by the incorporation of Archean basement gneiss components, which is compatible with the estimated depth of excavation for an impact structure of this size. This specifies a depth to basement in the range between 522 and 570 m.