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Mafic rocks are the most common type of igneous rocks on Earth, however, constraining the crystallization age of mafic rocks can be challenging. Apatite is a common accessory phase in mafic rocks and is amenable to dating using the U–Pb system. However, the U–Pb system in apatite has a relatively low closure temperature (∼350°-550 °C) and is therefore prone to resetting by later thermal and metasomatic events. Here, a recently developed Lu Hf dating method using laser ablation reaction-cell mass spectrometry is applied to apatite from mafic rocks. The Lu Hf system in apatite has a higher closure temperature (∼650°-750 °C) compared to U–Pb, increasing the chances of obtaining primary crystallization ages. Furthermore, the laser-ablation method allows rapid data collection compared to traditional solution-based Lu Hf dating techniques. Four study areas were selected to compare the Lu Hf vs U–Pb systematics of apatite in mafic igneous rocks: the Paleoproterozoic Sudbury Igneous Complex (Canada), the Neoproterozoic Borborema Province (NE Brazil), the Paleoproterozoic Fennoscandian Shield (Finland), the Archean Yilgarn Craton and adjacent Mesoproterozoic Albany Fraser Orogen (Western Australia). For all analyzed samples that have apatite trace element compositions typical of an undisturbed primary mafic igneous lithology, the Lu Hf system retains primary igneous apatite crystallization ages, whereas the U–Pb system in the same grains often records isotopic disturbance or a cooling age. In few cases, the Lu Hf system has also been disturbed in response to recrystallization, however, such disturbance is readily detected with trace element data. Hence, this study demonstrates the potential of laser ablation apatite Lu Hf dating to obtain primary crystallization ages for otherwise difficult to date mafic rocks. • First study on Lu-Hf systematics for apatite from mafic rocks • U U-Pb system in apatite readily resets by thermal and metasomatic events • Lu Lu-Hf system is robust to volume diffusion < ∼660–730 °C, retaining primary crystallization ages. • Deformation leading to recrystallization 'resets' both U U-Pb and Lu Lu-Hf systems in apatite. • Apatite trace element data to differentiate isotopic disturbances related to recrystallisation versus volume diffusion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline rocks of prevailing sodic composition form major ring complexes and stocks along a seismically active N–S structural lineament parallel to the Paraguay river course. All these occurrences are encompassed by the Alto Paraguay Province, their rocks corresponding to the oldest known alkaline magmatic activity in the Paraná Basin, with a Middle Triassic age of 241.5 ± 1.3 Ma. Intrusive rocks ranging from silica-undersaturated (nepheline and/or sodalite syenites) to silica-oversaturated (quartz syenites and alkali granites) and their fine-grained counterparts constitute the most abundant rock-types. Clinopyroxenes, associated amphiboles and varying amounts of biotite are the main mafic minerals present. Alkali feldspar (mainly mesoperthites and subordinate sanidine and anorthoclase) and feldspathoids (nepheline and/or sodalite) are widespread. A late-stage magmatic to metasomatic/deuteric mineral assemblage is mostly typical of miaskitic to agpaitic rocks of the Cerro Boggiani complex, whereas rare accessory silicate minerals are found in peralkaline syenites of the Cerro Siete Cabezas major intrusion. Positive Nb–Ta and Zr–Hf anomalies and negative Sr, P, and Ti spikes are common features to the whole province. REE behavior shows enrichment in LREE and strong LREE/HREE fractionation with various parallel subtrends. This paper addresses petrological aspects of the origin and evolution of these alkaline rocks. • The paper reviews knowledge about the Alto Paraguay Alkaline Province (border between Brazil and Paraguay). • The main rock types vary from undersaturated (nepheline and sodalite syenites) to silica-oversaturated (quartz syenites and alkali granites) and their fine-grained equivalents. • The intrusion of the alkaline bodies took place along an N–S-oriented structure that marks the boundary of the Pampia and Rio Apa cratonic blocks. • The rocks are dated from the Middle Triassic and constitute the oldest alkaline magmatic event on the edge of the Paraná Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Valanginian Stage is marked by a period of global positive δ13C carbon cycle perturbation and biotic crises, which are collectively referred to as the Valanginian event (VE). Many attempts have been made to link the Paraná-Etendeka large igneous province volcanism with the VE. However, currently there is no conclusive proof to support this hypothesis, since the timing and duration of the volcanic activity are not known with sufficient precision. In this study, we significantly revise the time scales of magmatism and environmental impact of the Paraná magmatic province (PMP) in Brazil with new high-precision zircon U-Pb ages from the low-Ti Palmas and high-Ti Chapecó sequences. Our data demonstrate that signifi- cant volumes of low-Ti silicic rocks from the PMP erupted rapidly at ca. 133.6 Ma within 0.12 ± 0.11 k.y. The age of the high-Ti Chapecó sequence from central PMP is constrained at ca. 132.9 Ma and thus extends the duration of magmatic activity by ~700 k.y. Our new ages are systematically younger than previous ages and postdate the major positive carbon isotope excursion, indicating that PMP silicic magmatism did not trigger the VE but could have contributed to extending its duration. Within the framework of the stratigraphic column of the PMP, the earliest low-Ti basalts could have been responsible for the VE if they are at least 0.5 m.y. older than the low-Ti silicic rocks dated herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Juiz de Fora Complex (JFC) in the Araçuaí-Ribeira orogenic system, southeastern Brazil, is a basement unit displaying a variety of rock types that is tectonically imbricated with the supracrustal rocks of the Raposos Group in the Upper Thrust System of the Occidental Terrane, Ribeira Belt. Here we report new petrological, geochemical, and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data on mafic garnet-granulites from the JFC with a view to evaluate the timing and P-T conditions of the collisional event as well as protolith formation. This work presents the most comprehensive metamorphic study on the Juiz de Fora Complex rocks to date. Metamorphic P-T estimates for the metamorphic peak conditions of 800–900 °C and 8–9 kbar in basic garnet-bearing granulites were obtained for the JFC, indicating that metamorphism took place at deeper crustal levels. Geochemical, zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock Sm–Nd, Rb–Sr isotopes, and Lu–Hf isotopic data of mafic granulites yielded U–Pb ages of ca. 2201 Ma, and moderately juvenile εNd(t) = −0.5 and were obtained from the JFC marking the timing of volcanic arc magmatism during the Rhyacian period. This arc-related stage was followed by the post-collisional period during the Early Paleoproterozoic with ca. 1.94 Ga E-MORB signature granulites that shows evidence of magma sourced from Neoarchean (∼2.8 Ga) crust with addition of juvenile components. The high-grade metamorphism is possibly related to the final collision of the Congo and São Francisco Cratons at 590–560 Ma, which placed the Neoproterozoic metasediments and the JFC rocks at the same level. The integrated information sheds light on two collisional episodes where the oldest is represented by arc-related granulites during the Rhyacian Orogeny and the youngest is the higher-pressure Neoproterozoic overprint during the Brasiliano Orogeny. • The garnet-bearing mafic granulites formed under 800–900 °C with pressures of 8–9 kbar. • Rhyacian and Brasiliano orogenic cycles imprinted the Juiz de Fora Complex rocks. • Zircon data and metamorphic textures indicate a complicated evolution over the two orogenic cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absolute dating of sedimentary rocks and fossils from the Mesozoic are still rare, mainly due to the difficulties arising from diagenetic changes. Diagenesis promotes changes in the primary structure and chemical composition of biomineralization, which should remain unchanged from the time of deposition and fossilization. Three bioapatite teeth extracted from a jaw fragment of Cladocyclus gardneri from the Romualdo Formation, Araripe Basin, Northeastern Brazil were dated by the U/Pb method in order to obtain an absolute age. The rocks that contain this fossil are dated to Aptian by biostratigraphy of palynomorphs (Sergipea variverrucata biozone, Petrobras P-270), ostracods (Damonella grandiensis biozone, Petrobras) and from the international biozoning of planktonic foraminifera Microhedbergella miniglobularis. The teeth were mounted in 25 mm epoxy resin rounds, imaged by optical microscope and SEM and dated with a Nu Instruments AttoM single-collector ICP-MS coupled to an NWR193nm UC (Ultra Compact) ArF excimer laser system. A Discordia U–Pb date obtained from three separate Cladocyclus gardneri dentine is 110.5 ± 7.4 Ma (2s, MSWD = 2.6), consistent with the biostratigraphic age. This date was based on 155 integrations of line scan analyses (spot size of 30 μm, scan moved at 2 μm per second/100 μm in total length). 238U/206Pb ratios that differed from the mean value by more than 2SD for each tooth were excluded based on the likelihood they reflect U-redistribution during fossilization/post-fossilization fluid alteration. Remaining variations in 238U/206Pb and 207Pb/206Pb ratios along the Discordia reflect variable contributions from common Pb, both within and between the three teeth. They reflect primary U/Pb compositions given that they date the expected age of fossilization. • Direct dating on fossils is still a challenge to be overcome in Geochronology. • Biomineralized parts are more likely to be preserved in the fossilization. • First absolute dating result for the Romualdo Formation, Araripe Basin. • The U–Pb dating corroborates biostratigraphy data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the extinct Quaternary megafauna is widely recorded in northeastern Brazil, geochronological studies carried out on its fossiliferous deposits are still scarce. In this study, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) was applied to date 12 tooth fragments of Toxodon platensis (Mammalia, Notoungulata) collected in the tank deposit of Lago do Rumo, Baixa Grande, state of Bahia, Brazil. The results obtained in the geochronological analysis performed here reveal ages from around 60 ka to 34 ka for T. platensis in Lagoa do Rumo; and, considering the integration data in the paleontological literature, our results evidence the largest time-averaging ever recorded for tank deposits: around 51 thousand years. • Twelve teeth of Toxodon platensis from Brazilian Northeast were dated using Electron Spin Resonance. • Absolute dating revealed fossils of Toxodon platensis ranging from around 60 ky to 34 ky. • Considering the literature, time-averaging in Lagoa do Rumo is around 51 thousand years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: U–Pb single zircon crystallization ages were determined using TIMS and sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) on samples of granitoid rocks exposed in the Serrinha nucleus granite–greenstone terrane, in NE Brazil. Our data show that the granitoid plutons can be divided into three distinct groups. Group 1 consists of Mesoarchaean (3.2–2.9Ga) gneisses and N-S elongated TTG (Tonalite-Trondhjemite-Granodiorite) plutons with gneissic borders. Group 2 is represented by ca. 2.15Ga pretectonic calc-alkaline plutons that are less deformed than group 1. Group 3 is ca. 2.11–2.07Ga, late to post-tectonic plutons (shoshonite, syenite, K-rich granite and lamprophyre). Groups 2 and 3 are associated with the Transamazonian orogeny. Xenocryst ages of 3.6Ga, the oldest zircon yet recorded within the São Francisco craton, are found in the group 3 Euclides shoshonite within the Uauá complex and in the group 2 Quijingue trondhjemite, indicating the presence of Paleoarchaean sialic basement. Group 1 gneiss-migmatitic rocks (ca. 3200Ma) of the Uauá complex constitute the oldest known unit. Shortly afterwards, partial melting of mafic material produced a medium-K calc-alkaline melt, the younger Santa Luz complex (ca. 3100Ma) to the south. Subsequent TTG melts intruded in different phases now exposed as N-S elongated plutons such as Ambrósio (3162±26Ma), Araci (3072±2Ma), Requeijão (2989±11Ma) and others, which together form a major part of the Archaean nucleus. Some of these plutons have what appear to be intrusive, but are probably remobilized, contacts with the Transamazonian Itapicuru greenstone belt. The older gneissic rocks occur as enclaves within younger Archaean plutons. Thus, serial additions of juvenile material over a period of several hundred m.y. led to the formation of a stable micro-continent by 2.9Ga. Evidence for Neoarchaean activity is found in the inheritance pattern of only one sample, the group 2 Euclides pluton. Group 2 granitoid plutons were emplaced at 2.16–2.13Ga in a continental arc environment floored by Mesoarchaean crust. These plutons were subsequently deformed and intruded by late to post-tectonic group 3 alkaline plutons. This period of Transamazonian orogeny can be explained as a consequence of ocean closure followed by collision and slab break-off. The only subsequent magmatism was kimberlitic, probably emplaced during the Neoproterozoic Braziliano event, which sampled older zircon from the basement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Models of fault growth propose that rift initiation starts with short fault segments. Knowledge of the growth of these segments and their interactions is important to understanding rift geometry and evolution. In the northern part of the Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil, a continental-scale, Cretaceous extensional system of faults has been observed to have reactivated ductile Precambrian shear zones. The faults form small grabens that represent the rift stage of the sedimentary basins. We integrated airborne radiometric and magnetic data with terrestrial gravity survey to investigate the influence of crustal heterogeneity on fault growth and the development of the extensional faults in one of these grabens, the Iguatu basin. Previous studies presented geophysical data, which provide evidence that the Iguatu basin contains a half-graben geometry. In our study, gravity and airborne geophysical data indicate that the basement of the Iguatu basin is part of a heterogeneous structural framework composed of two structural domains, is affected by several ductile shear zones and intruded by a few granite bodies. The gravity modeling reveals that this basin is composed of three right-bend en echelon fault segments. They form a sigmoid system of normal faults that accommodate the strong ∼90° bend of the Precambrian shear zones from E–W to roughly N–S. The growth of these segments led to the generation of two isolated depocenters. The overlapping fault segments link through relay ramps. Release faults that are nearly perpendicular or oblique to the three main fault segments form marginal strike ramps and horst structures in both depocenters. 3D-gravity modeling incorporates the presence of interfering sources of a heterogeneous structural framework. The modeling reveals a maximum sedimentary cover 1620m thick, which occurs at the bend of the reactivated shear zones. The gravity signature of a possible granite body, after removal of the gravity effect of the basin-filling deposits, indicates that this possible intrusion forms a horst oriented roughly parallel to the basement fabric. The relationship between maximum displacement and fault length indicates that the fault segments formed independently during the initiation of the half-graben. But the fault segments, linked by relay ramps, influence the development of one another. We interpret the segments to represent a pre-linkage, multisegmented stage of an aborted rift system. This pattern of fault growth may have also influenced the rift stage of other sedimentary basins in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The end of the Neoproterozoic is punctuated by glacial deposition, but the chronology of these deposits is hindered presently by the paucity of geochronological data. Here, we present new radiometric dating for the basal Sete Lagoas cap carbonate deposits that overlie glacial units in the São Francisco craton. Six samples from aragonite-pseudomorph crystal-rich facies, showing pristine textures and constant 87Sr/86Sr ratios around 0.7075, yielded a Pb–Pb isochron age of 740 ± 22 Ma, which is interpreted as the depositional age for these remarkably preserved rocks. This age can be used to infer a low-to-moderate palaeolatitude of 20–30° for carbonate (and glacial) deposition. In addition, as it overlaps the ages obtained for the oldest Neoproterozoic glacial successions, our result reinforces the idea of a long-standing ‘Sturtian’ interval, suggesting that this event represents either different discrete glaciations or a protracted event encompassing almost 80 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentary and isotope data as well as 14C AMS dating on 15 box cores were used to identify the main post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) processes in the outer shelf and upper slope of the northernmost part of the Sa˜o Paulo Bight, southeastern Brazil. Results show slight but significant variations in calcium carbonate, total sulphur and nitrogen contents as well as carbon and oxygen isotope ratios. Sedimentation rates, varying from 5 to 184 mm kyr−1 are controlled by the shelf and upper slope morphology, the Brazil Current meander dynamics, and the Coastal Water offshore motion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigates the excavation made by Danish naturalist Peter Wilhelm Lund in limestone caverns around Lagoa Santa in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Details on the archaeological site; Discussion on the fossil remains of the limestone caverns and the impossibility of dating; Lund's method of owl-cast dating; Role of Lund in the history of science.

• Archean and Paleoproterozoic rocks emerge within the Neoproterozoic Araguaia Belt-AB. • Northern AB exhibits Mesoarchean (2.93–2.87 Ga) and 1.86 Ga granitic gneisses. • Southern AB shows Rhyacian orthogneisses (2.06 Ga) and 1.87 Ga deformed granite. • Northern and southern basement already formed a single crustal segment by the Orosirian. • This Archean/Paleoproterozoic basement integrated the Amazonian Craton. Archean and Paleoproterozoic basement rocks are exposed in the Araguaia Belt, a Neoproterozoic orogen bordering the eastern portion of the Amazonian Craton. Zircon LA-MC-ICPMS U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic systematics allowed a more accurate dating of the basement rocks and investigating the evolution of this large Archean/Paleoproterozoic crustal segment and discuss the relationship with the southeastern Amazonian Craton. Archean TTG orthogneisses (2.93 to 2.87 Ga) prevail in the northern belt while distinct magmatic events generated their protoliths in approximately 60 Ma. Zircon Hf model ages (~3.0 to 3.4 Ga) and Ɛ Hf(2.87-2.93) from −4.3 to +5.3 suggest crustal reworking of Mesoarchean juvenile sources, with the subordinated contribution of older crust. A Mesoarchean source is also indicated by the Hf model ages (2.93–3.25 Ga) and Ɛ Hf(−1.86 Ga) from −4.8 to −1.6 of a 1.86 Ga granitic gneiss intrusive in the Archean TTG. An orthogneiss and an intrusive granitoid from southern segment of the belt were dated 2.06 Ga and 1.87 Ga, respectively. The Hf model ages (2.65–2.86 Ga) determined for these rocks, the Ɛ Hf(-2.06 Ga) (−4.8 to −1.6) for the orthogneiss and the Ɛ Hf(1.87 Ga) (−15.8 to −9.7) found for the granitoid reveal a dominant crustal source for the southern basement rocks. The Archean and Paleoproterozoic basement constituted a single crustal segment by the Orosirian, since both segments present intrusive granites of this geological period. The Archean orthogneisses of the Araguaia Belt and the granitoids of the Carajás Province Mesoarchean domains in southeastern Amazonian Craton share some similarities, such as the TTG affinity magmatism formed in a relatively similar time interval, the Orosirian intrusive granites, and the Mesoarchean juvenile source. Therefore, the basement rocks cropping out in the northern segment of the Araguaia Belt may represent portions of the adjacent Amazonian Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied the ESR (Electron Spin Resonance) dating method to fossils of Notiomastodon platensis (two teeth) and Toxodontinae (two teeth) found in the fossiliferous deposit of Lajedão do Patrício, João Dourado, State of Bahia, Brazil, to identify the period of formation of this fossil accumulation. Neutron Activation Analysis was applied to determine the concentrations of the main radioisotopes in enamel, dentine and sediment. The ages found for N. platensis are 16.8 ± 2.6 ka and 12.5 ± 2.3 ka, while the ages for Toxodontinae are 9.6 ± 1 ka and 9.1 ± 1 ka. The results for Notiomastodon. platensis and Toxodontinae are similar to other fossiliferous of Brazil. The estimated maximum time-averaging for Lajedão do Patrício is 11.3 ka, indicating a long period of accumulation of skeletal remains, attributed to resedimentation and reworking. The crossing between the period of formation of fossil assemblage Lajedão do Patrício and ages of climatic variations diponible in paleoclimatic curves produced for the Quaternary of northeastern Brazil indicates different climatic and environmental conditions during the formation of the deposit. • Dating Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Notiomastodon platensis and Toxodontiane from the Quaternary of Northeast Brazil. • Notiomastodon platensis are 16.8 ± 2.6 ka and 12.5 ± 2.3 ka, and Toxodontinae 9.6 ± 1 ka and 9.1 ± 1 ka. • Maximum time-averaging for Lajedão do Patrício is 11.3 ka, indicating a long period of accumulation. • Comparison of Lajedão do Patrício and paleoclimatic curves different climatic and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbidity currents, tectonism, debris flows, glaciation, and other geologic processes are considered to be responsible for the generation of Silurian–Mississippian diamictites in northern Brazil. Processes that best account for the features observed in these strata are glaciation, deglaciation and sedimentary deformation. Four main glacial ages are identified to have occurred in the Parnaíba Basin during the Paleozoic. Glacially influenced deposits are found in the Lower Silurian, Upper Devonian, Lower Mississippian, and Middle Mississippian strata. The Parnaíba Basin is characterized by outcrops providing robust lithological evidence for three glacial ages, identified by lithological features and dated by palynological studies. A fourth glaciation, as old as Tournaisian, was recently recognized only in the subsurface of the basin. The glacial features were illustrated and the rocks accurately dated with palynomorphs based on very accurate palynological studies. Additional, palynological information, derives from outcrops and shallow boreholes drilled by a private company (Themag) and the National State Mineral Production Department (Departamento Nacional de Produção Mineral -DNPM), and the Brazilian Geological Survey Company (Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais-CPRM). The purpose of this reexamination, including many new illustrations, interpretations and conclusions, is to evaluate primary sedimentological and paleontological data related to the above mentioned glaciations. Some authors remain skeptical about the record of Early to early Late Paleozoic glaciations in western Gondwana, especially in Brazil, mainly because evidence provided in the literature is relatively scanty. The Parnaíba Basin provides special conditions for the study of these glaciations, although evidence for each of them varies considerably as discussed in the text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]