Maximum Depositional Age Research Articles

U-Pb and Lu-Hf zircon data of the grenvilian arc-related Zâmbué, Fíngoè and Cazula supracrustal complexes, Southern Irumide Belt, NW Mozambique

The supracrustal rocks from the Zâmbuè and Fíngoè Supergroups and the Cazula Group in the Mesoproterozoic Southern Irumide Belt (SIB) of NW Mozambique provides a sedimentation record associated with the Rodinia supercontinent. The Zâmbuè Supergroup comprises a succession of thick massive orthoquartzites and meta-arkoses, with minor calc-silicatic schists, marble, and a basal complex of ortho- and paragneisses. The Fíngoè Supergroup and Cazula Group are composed of metasandstones, calc-silicatic schists, and metapelites interlayered with felsic, mafic, and ultramafic metavolcanic rocks. U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic determinations of detrital zircon from five key samples show similar ages for the main source rocks. Detrital zircon from the Zâmbuè Supergroup range between 1208 and 1086 Ma in age, with a restricted contribution of Paleoproterozoic source rocks. The maximum depositional age was established at 1110 ± 2 Ma. The Fíngoè Supergroup shows zircon ages between 1233 and 1106 Ma, with a subordinate contribution of Paleoproterozoic and NeoArchean zircon grains. The calculated maximum depositional age of 1142 ± 6 Ma is similar to the crystallization age of 1094 ± 9 Ma obtained from a meta-andesite, and indicates the syn-orogenic nature of these volcanism. In the Cazula Group samples, the zircon ages range between 1164 and 1076 Ma, with minor Paleoproterozoic contributions. The maximum depositional ages were established at 1076 ± 1 Ma and 1139 ± 1 Ma. The Lu-Hf data show predominantly positive εHf(t) values (+2 and +10) and TDM2 ages ranging between 1.75 and 1.50 Ga, indicating isotopic signatures of juvenile sources, with limited older continental crust contributions. The age results, the well-defined young age modes of the detrital zircon associated with the arc magmatism of the Southern Irumide Belt and the Hf isotopic composition demonstrate that the Zâmbué and Fíngoè Supergroups and Cazula Group represent arc-related basins. Structural data indicate a complex and polyphasic evolution, with the development of the metamorphic foliations associated with Mesoproterozoic transpressional oblique tectonics, related to accretionary and collisional phases of the Irumide Orogeny (1200–1000 Ma).

Mid−late Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the Yangtze Block, South China, as constrained from the detrital zircon record

The northern margin of the Yangtze Block (NYB) experienced distinct tectono-magmatic evolution during the mid- and late-Neoproterozoic, as compared with the northwestern margins of the Yangtze Block (NWYB), although the geodynamic mechanism remains controversial. The South Qinling Belt (SQB), which forms the northernmost NYB, is a significant target for studying the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the NYB. Here we present U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopes of detrital zircons from clastic rocks belonging to the Yaolinghe and Wudangshan Groups in the SQB. The U-Pb ages reveal that the maximum depositional ages are respectively ca. 630 Ma and ca. 680 Ma for the Yaolinghe and Wudangshan Groups in the Ankang and Wudang Uplifts. Based on the compilation of U-Pb ages and Hf−Nd−O isotopic data as well as multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis, clastic rocks of the Yaolinghe Group are suggested to be sourced mainly from the NWYB, whereas those of the Wudangshan Group were derived mostly from the NWYB and the NYB. The data compiled also indicate ca. 800−680 Ma northeastward migration of magmatism in response to slab rollback and ca. 680−600 Ma eastward migration of magmatism resulting from slab tearing. A tectonic model is proposed that envisages an arcuate subduction system around the Yangtze Block during the mid−late Neoproterozoic. The continuous slab rollback and slab tearing underneath the NYB resulted in an extensional environment at that time. The rocks in the NWYB underwent uplift and erosion, and the detritus was transported to the NYB. The new model can well account for the two distinct groups of volcanic rocks in the Yaolinghe Group.

Evidence of Jurassic extension in NW Argentina: Characterization of fault-related strata at the Salta Group base using sandstone provenance and zircon U–Pb geochronology

The present-day structure of the Eastern Cordillera in NW Argentina is governed by structural and lithological heterogeneities inherited from preceding deformation phases, which influence the localization of newly-formed faults and the inversion of pre-existing structures. The Salta Rift Basin formed during a Late Jurassic-Cretaceous extensional phase and created a dominant structural and stratigraphic imprint in NW Argentina that is particularly evident within the Eastern Cordillera, where uplift and exhumation have exposed the Salta Group syn-rift succession. Although in general, the Salta Group rests upon Paleozoic rocks, locally the Tacurú Group forms an intermediate succession, consisting of interfingering eolian sandstones and proximal fault-related conglomerates with a Jurassic maximum depositional age. This succession might be the key to unraveling the Mesozoic history of NW Argentina, prior to the deposition of the Salta Group. The conglomerates represent the earliest deposits related to extension in the western Lomas de Olmedo sub-basin, which is also documented in predominantly Jurassic zircon (U–Th-Sm)/He cooling ages of the rift shoulders. The detrital zircon U–Pb age signature and sandstone provenance of the Tacurú Group conglomerates differs strongly from the Salta Group syn-rift strata, which show a more regional signal. These variations and the angularity of the unconformity may be connected to a rotation of the extension direction in the western Lomas de Olmedo sub-basin.

Clockwise P-T-t path of Paleoproterozoic metamorphism from the Dengfeng Complex, southern North China Craton

Garnet-bearing metapelites are widely distributed in the Dengfeng Complex situated in the southern segment of the North China Carton (NCC). Petrological studies indicate that garnet-bearing metapelites mainly comprise quartz, muscovite, chlorite, plagioclase, garnet and biotite, with minor ilmenite, zircon, and apatite. Garnet porphyroblasts show obvious growth zoning from the core to inner rim and they are separated by a prominent chemical discontinuity narrow edge. By pseudosection modeling calculations, the P-T conditions of sample 20DF17-C determined by the isopleths of XGrs and XPrp of the garnet core and inner rim are ∼ 530 °C/6.7 kbar and ∼ 560 °C/5.1 kbar, respectively; while the P-T conditions of sample 20DF24 determined by the isopleths of the garnet core and inner rim are ∼ 530 °C/5.2 kbar and ∼ 550 °C/4.5 kbar, respectively. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating from the Dengfeng metapelites suggest that the maximum depositional age of their protoliths was ∼ 2.52 Ga. These metapelites were affected by the hydrothermal event immediately after diagenesis. The age of ∼ 1.92 Ga contributed to clockwise P-T paths containing decompression with slight heating segments, which occurred at the Paleoproterozoic and likely were related to a subduction-collision event in the NCC. Combined with the occurrence features of the amphibolites, TTG gneisses, metapelites and quartzites, we inferred that all the Dengfeng metapelites and Songshan Group involved a Paleoproterozoic orogenic event along the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO)/Jinyu Mobile Belt (JMB).

The Cretaceous-Paleogene contact in the Tornillo Group of Big Bend National Park, West Texas, USA

Abstract The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) contact interval is constrained by vertebrate fossil sites at seven sites in the Tornillo Group and lies within an 80–100-m stratigraphic section between the top of the Javelina Formation and the base of the “log jam sandstone” marker bed in the Black Peaks Formation. In western exposures of this interval, the highest occurrence of in situ dinosaur specimens and the lowest occurrence of Paleocene mammal specimens are separated by an unusual conglomerate bed. This thin conglomerate bed coincides with the contact between Cretaceous and Paleogene strata and contains reworked Cretaceous fossils. It is superficially similar to conglomerate beds elsewhere attributed to the effects of tsunamis generated by the Chicxulub impact; however, the maximum depositional age of ca. 63 Ma based on detrital zircons indicates that the conglomerate was deposited about three million years after the K-Pg boundary event. Paleocene mammalian fossils from immediately above the conglomerate bed represent a fauna that can be no older than the middle Torrejonian (To2 interval zone). The contact between Cretaceous and Paleocene strata is therefore disconformal and represents a hiatus of at least three million years. A condensed section occurs at the westernmost exposure of the K-Pg contact, where at least 80 m of strata are absent below the conglomerate bed; these strata are present in exposures farther east. This condensed section likely records an erosional event resulting from uplift and deformation of the nearby Terlingua monocline. Although the 80 m of strata below the conglomerate bed are poorly fossiliferous, several clearly in situ dinosaur specimens indicate that this entire interval is Late Cretaceous in age. There is no compelling evidence for preservation of the K-Pg boundary event horizon at any of the seven sites in the Tornillo Group, and so the hiatus represented at the Cretaceous/Paleocene contact here likely also includes some part of latest Cretaceous time. Mammalian specimens from sites in the “log jam sandstone,” ~40 m above the middle Torrejonian sites, represent an early Tiffanian fauna (Ti1 interval zone). Latest Torrejonian (To3) sites have not been recognized, and therefore a second disconformity likely coincides with the base of the “log jam sandstone” marker horizon in the Black Peaks Formation.

Did a Late Paleoproterozoic-Early Mesoproterozoic Landmass Exist in the Eastern Cathaysia Block? New Evidence from Detrital Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Sedimentary Indicators

The South China Craton comprises the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks and is one of the largest Precambrian continental blocks in East Asia. However, the early geological and geographical evolution of the Cathaysia block is relatively poorly understood, due to the sparse exposure of pre-Neoproterozoic rocks and reworking during Phanerozoic polyphase magmatism and metamorphism. In this contribution, we carried out detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and sedimentary analyses on five Proterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks collected from the northeastern Cathaysia block, which belong to the previously defined Chencai, Mayuan, and Mamianshan Groups (strata). LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results of the detrital zircons show various ~1.85–1.35 Ga maximum depositional ages. They are significantly older than the previously constrained Neoproterozoic formation ages of these Proterozoic strata of northeastern Cathaysia, suggesting that their deposition and formation were probably initiated as early as the late Paleoproterozoic. Provenance analyses reveal that the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic detrital zircons with igneous-origin were derived from in situ contemporary crystalline basements in eastern Cathaysia. In addition, by implication, the easternmost part of Cathaysia was probably an emerged area (i.e., the “proto-Cathaysia Land”) under active erosion. It had a ~NWW orientation and provided detrital sediments to the neighboring marine basin (i.e., the Cathaysia Sea) during the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic. Finally, the Paleoproterozoic evolution of Cathaysia was involved in the assembly of the Nuna supercontinent. Our results, together with the published data, reveal a distinct late Paleoproterozoic (~1.8 Ga) detrital zircon age peak, which seems to support the view that eastern Cathaysia had close tectonic affinities with terranes such as the Precambrian terranes of current northern India, in the framework of the Nuna supercontinent reconstruction.

Timing and stratigraphic evolution of a Miocene foreland unroofing sequence in the Austral–Magallanes Basin during Southern Patagonian Andes uplift

Detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology is a widely used technique for interpreting sedimentary provenance in basin systems. This, combined with detailed sedimentary facies interpretation and stratigraphy evolution, has been extensively applied in foreland basin settings to understand tectonic processes by tracking the exposure and erosion of distinct sediment source areas through time. We present a case study in the Miocene foreland sedimentary record of the NW Austral–Magallanes Basin ( c. 47° 30′ S), which is associated with the main phase of Andean uplift. We define three sedimentary units (SU) for palaeoenvironmental interpretation from shallow-marine deposits (SU-I) to mixed-load fluvial deposits (SU-II) to an alluvial fan (SU-III). Also, we constrain the timing of this synorogenic clastic wedge between c. 20 and c. 12 Ma applying U–Pb zircon maximum depositional ages of six sandstones and one tuff sample. From detrital zircon provenance analysis, we document a progressive upsection loss of contribution from younger units and an enrichment of older units derived from hinterland sources, suggesting the development of an unroofing erosional process owing to coeval Andean uplift of the cordilleran sources. Tectonostratigraphic stages determine the initial stages of orogenic uplift (Stage 1), the subsequent advance of the orogenic belt and progressive loss of accommodation space (Stage 2) and finally foreland clogging (Stage 3). Supplementary material: Geochronological U–Pb isotopic ratios are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6132000

Mid-Devonian basaltic magmatism and associated sedimentation: the Ooloo Hill Formation, central-eastern South Australia

We report composition and age data from a restricted <370 km2, volcano-sedimentary basin beneath Mesozoic cover to the northwest of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. This volcano-sedimentary basin comprises two components: a sedimentary sequence that includes shales, siltstones and sandstones, and a basalt–sedimentary member. Together, these components are defined as the Ooloo Hill Formation. Whole-rock K–Ar geochronology for five basalt samples yields a preferred mean K–Ar age of 392 ± 8 Ma. Two samples of detrital zircons from the sedimentary rock yield SHRIMP U–Pb maximum depositional ages of ca 527 and 510 Ma. These ages are significant, as they rule out a Neoproterozoic age for the sedimentary basin and demonstrate that this basin is not part of the Adelaide Superbasin. Lower eruptive sequences are calc-alkaline and mafic in composition (SiO2 = 46.1–47.8 wt%, Na2O + K2O = 3.7–6.1 wt%, MgO = 6.85–8.37 wt%, Mg# = 57–65 and εNd(390 Ma) = 3.4–4.0) and may represent two small-scale melting events from compositionally distinct mantle reservoirs. The uppermost eruptive sequence is tholeiitic andesite (SiO2 = 51.6 wt%, Na2O + K2O = 8.1 wt%, MgO = 2.2 wt%, Mg# = 27 and εNd(390 Ma) = 3.0) and displays geochemical affinity to the first two eruptive sequences, possibly representing a differentiated magma from a similar source region. Incompatible trace-element ratios and isotopic compositions suggest the source was a heterogeneous oceanic island basalt-like parent magma derived from partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle. We envisage decompressional melting was linked to large-scale tectonic processes inboard of the Tasman Orogen, with magma ascent facilitated by crustal faulting. KEY POINTS First record of a mid-Devonian intracontinental volcano-sedimentary basin in South Australia. Basalts have an oceanic island basalt-like mantle source that represents at least two small-scale melting events from compositionally distinct mantle reservoirs. A localised mid-Devonian backarc basin or transpressional/transtensional basin linked to intracontinental faulting formed inboard of the Tasman Orogen.

Age and correlation of the Proterozoic Mafingi Group in Malawi

The low-grade Mafingi Group form a restricted sequence of Proterozoic arenaceous and pelitic metasedimentary rocks which locally lie unconformably on the Palaeoproterozoic Ubendian Domain basement gneisses in northern Malawi. Four samples were taken from different parts of the sequence, in order to obtain detrital zircons for U–Pb geochronology to constrain their maximum age of deposition, provenance and thereby to suggest correlations with other sequences in the wider SE African region. Three samples, including one from the Type Area (Mafingi Hills), and two from different tectonic slivers within the Ubendian gneisses, gave maximum deposition ages of around 1800 Ma. A third sample, also from a tectonic sliver gave a much younger maximum depositional age of ∼1500 Ma. Apart from this, all samples show similar zircon age spectra, with a major composite age-peak at ∼1900 ± 100 Ma from zircon detritus most probably derived from the local Ubendian Domain basement. Three samples show a very small Archaean age component probably derived from the Tanzania Craton which lies to the NE. The most NE sample of strongly recrystallised “Virauli Quartzite”, apparently interlayered with Ubendian gneisses of the Ufipa Subdomain, contained metamorphic zircon grains dated at ∼560 Ma, reflective of a Pan-African overprint within the local western margin of the wider East African Orogen. Significantly, no evidence of ∼1 Ga (Irumide) metamorphism was detected in any of the samples.The three older samples gave maximum depositional ages confirming previous proposed correlations of the Mafingi Group with the Manshya River Group of the Muva Supergroup in Zambia. Despite having a similar detrital age spectrum to the other samples, and an identical field appearance, one contains a population of five much younger detrital grains, suggesting a maximum deposition age of ∼1500 Ma. This is well outside the age-range of the Manshya River Group and might suggest correlation with the youngest sequence of the Muva Supergroup; the Mesoproterozoic Kasama Formation. This inference should, however be treated with extreme caution as dating of that formation itself rests on the age of a single detrital zircon.

U–Pb Geochronology and Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Terrestrial Carbonates, Lower Cretaceous Cedar Mountain Formation, Utah: Implications for Synchronicity of Terrestrial and Marine Carbon Isotope Excursions

The terrestrial Lower Cretaceous Cedar Mountain Formation, Utah, is a critical archive of paleoclimate, tectonics, and vertebrate ecology and evolution. Early Cretaceous carbon cycle perturbations associated with ocean anoxia have been interpreted from this succession, as expressed in stable carbon isotopes. However, refining the timing of the observed stable isotope excursions remains a key challenge in understanding how marine anoxia affects the Earth system, and is ultimately recorded in the terrestrial realm. The geochronology and geochemistry of a terrestrial carbonate near the base of this succession, which potentially records the Ap7 global carbon isotope excursion, is studied here. Petrographic and geochemical analyses are used to test plausible mechanisms for U incorporation into the calcite lattice in this sample. Using these methods, the hypothesis that the incorporation of U was at or close to the timing of carbonate precipitation is evaluated. U–Pb geochronology of calcite indicates a plausible Early Cretaceous age. However, comparison of the new U–Pb ages of calcite with detrital zircon maximum depositional ages immediately beneath the studied sample indicates a disparity in the apparent sedimentation rates if both types of geochronologic information are interpreted as reflecting the timing of sediment deposition. The totality of data supports an early, and high-temperature, diagenetic timing of U incorporation, with potential for minor leaching of U in subsequent fluid–rock interaction. The most likely mechanism for U transport and immobilization in these samples is hydrothermal fluid–rock interaction. Therefore, the radiometric ages, and corresponding stable isotope composition of U-bearing carbonate domains in this sample, indicate early subsurface fluid–rock interactions and not a record of atmosphere–soil geochemical reactions.

A Laurentian affinity for the Embu Terrane, Ribeira Belt (SE Brazil), revealed by zircon provenance statistical analysis

New and compiled detrital zircon U–Pb ages from the southern Neoproterozoic–Cambrian Ribeira Belt, SE Brazil, demonstrate Laurentian affinity of the Embu Terrane which is statistically distinct from the adjoining Apiaí and São Roque terranes with cratonic affinity (e.g., São Francisco Craton). Zircon provenance results indicate that the type-area of the Embu Terrane is dominated by detrital zircon age modes at ca. 1200 Ma, 1400 Ma, and 1800 Ma, with maximum depositional age of ca. 1000 Ma. In contrast, the Apiaí and São Roque terranes are dominated by Paleoproterozoic detrital zircon ages (ca. 2200–2000 Ma age dominant component), with maximum depositional ages of ca. 1400 Ma and 1750 Ma, respectively. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of non-parametric similarity measurements on zircon age populations indicates for the first time that the Embu Terrane encompass two statistically distinct detrital zircon age spectra, which is also reflected in the metamorphic zircon age record. The statistical characterization of the Embu Terrane through populational metrics allow a quantitative comparison with surrounding tectonic domains and rock samples classified such as Embu-type. Our results clearly highlight the distinction between the statistically differentiated Embu Terrane from the Apiaí and São Roque terranes, supporting an allochthonous interpretation. In addition, we demonstrate that rocks samples previously classified as Embu-type are significantly dissimilar to the definition of Embu Terrane, failing to support alternative tectonic models (e.g., intracontinental evolution). Detrital zircon age spectra reveal that the Apiaí and São Roque terranes have similar zircon provenance to domains sourced from the São Francisco Craton, whereas detrital zircon populations from the Embu Terrane have greater affinity with SW Laurentia basins (and their inferred sediment sources), consistent with previous findings. Therefore, we interpret the Embu Terrane as a Rodinia descendant developed along the active margin of the SW Laurentia that collided with the Ribeira Belt during early Neoproterozoic (810–760 Ma).

Detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology of the upper Carboniferous strata of Hala’alat Mountain, West Junggar: implications for provenance

AbstractDuring late Carboniferous time, the residual ocean basin gradually closed in West Junggar and only a small amount of seawater remained in the Hala’alat Mountain area, where discussions of provenance and tectonics are limited. In this study, LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating and heavy mineral identification are conducted on the upper Carboniferous tuffaceous sandstones from the Hala’alat and Aladeyikesai formations in the Hala’alat Mountain area. The results reveal the low maturity of the clastic sediments, indicating proximal deposition. The Hala’alat Formation detrital zircons present a single peak (c. 330 Ma). Speculatively, the primary provenance is the Boshchekul–Chingiz Arc, and the secondary sources are the Darbut Tectono-Magmatic Belt and island arcs in the basin. The main peak and provenance of the Aladeyikesai Formation are similar to those of the Hala’alat Formation. Moreover, several age groups, namely, 370–344 Ma, 427–404 Ma and 478–476 Ma, potentially correspond to provenances of the Darbut Tectono-Magmatic Belt, the Boshchekul–Chingiz Arc and the Kujibai–Hongguleleng Ophiolitic Mélange Belt. In addition, the maximum depositional ages of the Hala’alat and Aladeyikesai formations calculated are 314.6 ± 1.54 Ma and 330.8 ± 0.61 Ma, respectively. Comprehensive analysis shows a relatively singular provenance of the Hala’alat Formation. While the provenance of the Aladeyikesai Formation shows inheritance, the provenance area extends northwards to the Kujibai–Hongguleleng Ophiolitic Mélange Belt. Furthermore, the closure of the Junggar Ocean during Carboniferous time caused the potential source region of the Hala’alat Mountain area to migrate northeastwards from Barleik Mountain to Xiemisitai Mountain. This study provides a basis for the analysis of regional geological evolution.

Denudation of the Cordillera and intraplate belt in central Patagonia inferred by detrital multi-dating of foreland basin deposits

The evolution of central Patagonia is associated with episodic shortening and extension that have greatly affected the topography of the Cordillera and intraplate belt. The San Jorge Basin is a site of sediment accumulation in the foreland that is surrounded by igneous and broken foreland relief. The latter originated from episodic deformation and reactivation of inherited structures associated with a period of slab shallowing that allowed the far-field transmission of Andean stresses to the foreland. Thus, due to of its location, the San Jorge Basin provides an exceptional opportunity to study the denudation of both Cordilleran and intraplate topography during the Cenozoic, particularly during the late Eocene–early Miocene interval of mild deformation. In this study, we use a single-grain geochronological approach combining apatite fission tracks and UPb dating on apatite, along with maximum deposition ages obtained from UPb zircon dating for Neogene foreland basin deposits, to distinguish between two distinctive sediment source regions in central Patagonia during the Cenozoic, despite the persistent volcanic signal. A compilation of previously published cooling ages combined with our new data define: (i) a dominant local source from the northern broken foreland from the late Eocene until the early Miocene; and (ii) a widespread source in the Cordillera during the Miocene based on a very uniform thermochronological signal observed throughout the entire foreland. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the variation in sediment sourcing in the central Patagonian foreland. This variation is primarily controlled by the decrease of post-orogenic erosional processes during a period of relative tectonic quiescence following the highly active Early Cretaceous–middle Eocene time interval.

Age and provenance of the Middle Jurassic Norphlet Formation of south Texas: stratigraphic relationship to the Louann Salt and regional significance

The age and provenance of the Norphlet Formation in south Texas and its stratigraphic relationship to the Louann Salt are documented for the first time using new detrital zircon U–Pb geochronological data. Nine samples from the Hockley salt diapir and four deep wells (three in south Texas, one offshore México) yielded 1001 zircon ages and eight age populations; the most important of these are Neoproterozoic (900–541 Ma), Cambrian–Middle Mississippian, and arc-related Middle to Late Mississippian–Permian–Triassic and Triassic–Jurassic, the latter two representing the first evidence of Nazas and Guerrero arc extrusive volcanism reaching south Texas. Statistical analyses of these data and published zircon ages support the interpretation that these age populations reflect the dominance of peri-Gondwanan sources, especially the Yucatán/Maya Block and Coahuila terrane, although Laurentian sources probably contribute to specific populations. The maximum depositional age of upper Norphlet Formation sandstones is 165.5 ± 1.5 Ma (Callovian). These upper sandstones are separated from lower Norphlet sandstones by an unconformity spanning 1.5–5 myr; the lower sandstones are interbedded with halite of the Louann Salt, and may be as old as Bathonian. These new data may be of regional significance when applied to future models of the Jurassic evolution of the Gulf of Mexico. Supplementary material : The detrital zircon dataset for this study, DZmix and DZmds model parameters, DZmix statistics and references for figures are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6002060

Geology of the Neoarchean-Rhyacian Supracrustals of the Northern Intracontinental Sector of the Araçuaí Orogen: Evidence for Overlapping Basins

The northern region of the intracontinental sector of the Araçuaí Orogen preserves geological records related to overlapping basins and tectonic reactivations between the Mesoarchean to the Cryogenian. The representatives are the metavolcanosedimentary sequences (i) Leandrinho (LMVS), here defined, that intercalates aluminous schists (metapelite), metagreywackes, acid metatuffs, and metalapillites, with a crystallization age of 2550 ± 2 Ma and; (ii) Rio São João (RSJMVS), with metagreywackes and metarkoses, metapelites, metarhytmites, itabirites, hematite-schists, and schistified mafic-ultramafic metavolcanics, presenting maximum depositional ages of 2280 ± 46 and 1971 ± 50 Ma for the Ibiassucê and Água Branca units, respectively. The metavolcanics of the LMVS are mainly subalkaline, sodic, magnesian, metaluminous to peraluminous, and of continental arc setting, with chemistry similar to TTG correlates. One sample has a chemical composition similar to that of sanukitoids. The model age (TDM) varies between 3003 and 3074 Ma and ƐNd between −5,06 and −5,84. In the SMRSJ, schistified metamafics, metagreywackes and metarkoses, and metapelites present chemical signature and geological context associated with a continental arc setting. These siliciclastic rocks have a model age (TDM) between 2618 and 3069 Ma, with ƐNd between −2,70 and −9,21. The entire sequence of the Araçuaí-West Congo intracontinental sector was deformed and metamorphosed during the Ediacaran, generating a prominent gneissic banding that embeds the sequences. The main point of the paper is the description of the previously unrecognized Leandrinho metavolcanosedimentary sequence (LMVS). Subordinately, to demonstrate the superposition of two basin-forming events, at the end of the Neoarchaean and during the Rhycian/Orosirian.

Provenance of pre- and Carboniferous sequences of the Esquel-Arroyo Pescado-Tepuel regions (Argentine Patagonia): A combined U–Pb and Hf isotope study of detrital zircon and constraints on depositional setting

Provenance and stratigraphic age of pre-Carboniferous or pre-glacial (Esquel and Arroyo Pescado formations) and Carboniferous glacial (Valle Chico Formation) metasedimentary units exposed in the southwestern sector of the North Patagonian Argentine region are analyzed by sedimentary petrology and combined U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope on detrital zircons. Additionally, a sample of the Jaramillo Formation (Tepuel Group) allowed comparison and correlation to the Carboniferous deposits in the type area of the Tepuel-Genoa basin.Despite differences, samples of all units studied indicate deposition linked to an arc tectonic environment using ternary petrological diagrams. U–Pb detrital zircon age distribution of the Esquel Formation show a dominance of Famatinian, Pampean-Brazilian and Mesoproterozoic ages, whereas the Arroyo Pescado Formation displays a predominant Mesoproterozoic data cluster. On the other hand, the Valle Chico Formation records a main input of post-Famatinian or Chanic (Devonian) ages and minor Gondwanic (Carboniferous) ages. The Jaramillo Formation is unique due to the remarkable unimodal concentration of Gondwanic ages (Carboniferous) and the scarcity of older than Famatinian detrital zircon ages. The maximum sedimentation age is Lochkovian (Lower Devonian) for the Esquel Formation and, Tournaisian and Tournaisian-Visean (lower Carboniferous) for the Valle Chico and Jaramillo formations, respectively; the youngest records for the Arroyo Pescado Formation indicate a middle Cambrian to Middle Ordovician age. Most Mesoproterozoic zircon grains show a remarkable juvenile Hf isotopic character and a slight age difference between U–Pb and Hf TDM data. These records are equivalent to those identified in different units of the Paleozoic of the Patagonian region and the Malvinas/Falkland Islands, where the Mesoproterozoic detrital zircons with positive εHf (t) values indicative of a juvenile character are present. The conspicuous participation of Mesoproterozic zircons ages within the pre-Carboniferous units supports the probable existence of an unexposed Mesoproterozoic crust in the North Patagonian region, as mentioned by previous authors.The allochthonous or autochthonous character of South Patagonia is tested using combined U–Pb ages and initial Hf-isotope compositions of single zircons. The allochthonous alternative of South Patagonia in the pre-Carboniferous stage, favours contributions from eastern Antarctica, South Africa, Malvinas/Falkland Islands and local sources such as the Deseado Massif and the suspected Chaitenia terrane. An autochthonous scenario suggests that the North Patagonian, Deseado Massifs, Malvinas/Falkland Islands and local areas (Chaitenia terrane) were the main source for the pre-Glacial and Glacial studied units, with minor influence from distant regions of South America.

Deep-water Tectono-Stratigraphy at a Plate Boundary Constrained by Large N-Detrital Zircon and Micropaleontological Approaches: Peninsular Ranges Forearc, Baja California, Mexico

The distribution of sedimentary systems on Earth’s surface is intimately linked to tectonics, therefore, at plate boundaries the stratigraphic archive can unlock the timing and style of tectonism and relative plate motions. Using large-n detrital zircon and micropaleontological analyses, tied to field mapping and data collection, we unravel the timing of strike-slip motion and its influence on the development of a Cretaceous submarine canyon on a long-lived oblique-convergent margin. Structural analysis demonstrates that the canyon bedrock, composed of fluvial rocks (La Bocana Roja Fm., of maximum depositional age (MDA): 93.6±1.1 Ma), underwent both syn- and post-depositional contractional and extensional deformation during the Cenomanian-Turonian in response to dextral strike-slip movement. Relative sea-level rise associated with basin subsidence and hinterland uplift was coincident with incision and fill of a submarine canyon system (Punta Baja Fm., MDA 87.1±1.5 Ma to 84.9±2.0 Ma), which exploited structural lineaments in the bedrock. The canyon was filled by sediment derived from an uplifted magmatic arc during the Coniacian to Santonian, most likely shed from erosional topography associated with plutonic intrusions to the NE. Structural data suggest that oblique dextral strike-slip motion on the Pacific margin controlled the development and location of submarine erosion, and had ended by the earliest Santonian, significantly earlier than previously estimated. Basinward tilting led to uplift, followed by transgression and wave ravinement of the canyon fill, which was then overlain by a shallow-marine to fluvial system. Thus, the canyon was cut, filled, buried, uplifted and rotated basinward, planed off through wave ravinement, and onlapped by shallow-marine to fluvial sediments within an 8 Myr period. Our findings, in part, reconcile contrasting basin evolution models for the Late Mesozoic Pacific margin.

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.

Detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf isotope record of conglomerates in the southern Aravalli orogen, NW India: Implications for stratigraphy, provenance and Archean to Paleoproterozoic crustal evolution

The inconsistent stratigraphic framework of the Proterozoic successions in the Aravalli orogen, NW India hinders the detailed reconstruction of its geodynamic evolution during the Archean to Paleoproterozoic. In this study, we present new results of combined U-Pb-Hf isotope data of detrital zircon grains of two conglomerate samples from the southern Aravalli orogen, presently assigned to the upper unit of the Aravalli Supergroup. The youngest concordant zircon grains in both the conglomerates yield concordia ages of 1735 ± 13 Ma (n = 2) and 1736 ± 15 Ma (n = 2), respectively, interpreted as maximum ages of deposition. Older zircon grains mostly reveal Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic age clusters at 2560–2550, 1870–1860 and 1760–1740 Ma, and minor Paleoarchean ages between 3558 ± 17 Ma and 3239 ± 14 Ma, corresponding to known magmatic events in the Aravalli orogen. Most detrital zircon grains show subchondritic εHft values (+6 to −20), signifying minor reworking of late Hadean/Eoarchean crust during the Paleoarchean, and substantial reworking of Paleo-to Neoarchean crust during the late Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic, with only minor juvenile input. The maximum depositional ages indicate that the investigated conglomerates were deposited either synchronous or after the emplacement of extension-related A-type granites, which intruded the Aravalli orogen between 1733 ± 9 Ma and 1703 ± 5 Ma. Furthermore, the data suggest that the conglomerates do not belong to the upper Aravalli unit as envisaged by previously published stratigraphic concepts. Instead, these were deposited earlier, during opening of a rift-related basin, grading from a terrestrial into a marine environment, contemporaneous with other sedimentary successions exposed in the North Delhi basin, which are presently assigned to the North Delhi Supergroup. The compiled zircon age-Hf isotope data additionally provide evidence for a series of late Hadean to Archean juvenile crust formation events in hinterland of the Aravalli orogen at 4200–3300 Ma for east Indian cratonic blocks and 3550–3100 Ma for northern and southern cratonic nuclei, and 2700–2500 Ma all over India. Substantial crustal reworking took place during the late Neoarchean at 2500 Ma, and the late Paleoproterozoic at 1850 Ma and 1730–1700 Ma.

Bioturbation supplying young carbon into West Antarctic continental margin sediment

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) 14C dating is a widely applied method for establishing high-precision chronologies used to underpin late Quaternary paleoclimatic studies. Feedbacks associated with Antarctic Ice Sheets (AIS) and Southern Ocean variance are thought to have played a critical role in regulating past global climate changes since the Last Glacial Maximum. However, determining the exact role of the AIS and Southern Ocean in these changes has proven difficult because of the sparse occurrence of biogenic carbonate suitable for AMS 14C dating in Antarctica. Consequently, AMS 14C dating is often measured on acid insoluble organic matter (AIOM) from bulk sediment samples, which are often biased towards ages that are older than the depositional age, due to pervasive reworking of old carbon. In this scenario, ages can still potentially provide maximum deposition ages, but such interpretations need to be assessed carefully. Here, we document AIOM and foraminifer AMS 14C dates at the same depth intervals from Antarctic continental margin cores, and we find AIOM AMS 14C dates can range between 2000 and 16,000 years younger than those of foraminifera samples. The younger AIOM 14C dates were found in bioturbated sedimentary facies, which often have extremely low sedimentation rates in Antarctica. In cores with low sedimentation rates, the down sediment contribution of organic carbon from macro-benthos can be quite significant in the sediment column with low organic carbon concentration. After considering possibilities of contamination, foraminifer reworking, and remineralization of secondary carbonate to explain this offset, we conclude that bioturbation plays an important role in the Antarctic carbon cycle as a young carbon supplier to depth into the sediment column. This has clear implications for using condensed sedimentary sections to date post-LGM records in Antarctica. These bioturbation processes also have implications for novel radiocarbon dating methods that have recently been developed to overcome sediment reworking processes and more accurately constrain timing of past AIS retreat, including ramped pyrolysis and compound specific isotopes methods.