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The Punta del Este Terrane, located in southeastern Brazil and eastern Uruguay, is a tectonostratigraphic terrane recognized in the Dom Feliciano Belt, the southern segment of Mantiqueira Province (Brasiliano Orogen). The northern sector of the terrane, called here by the Jaguarão Domain, is constituted by Arroio Telho, Arroio Grande, Matarazzo metamorphic complexes, and the Arroio Pedrado Gneisses. The first is composed of low to medium-grade metasedimentary rocks. Metasiliciclastic schists and marbles constitute the second, with serpentinites, magnesian schists, amphibolites, and metagabbros. The Matarazzo Complex comprises pure and siliceous dolomitic marble, metadolerite, and metagabbro. Arroio Pedrado unit comprises granodioritic to monzogranitic augen-gneisses. The rocks of the complexes were poly-deformed and intruded by high-K calc-alkaline peraluminous and metaluminous granitoids. The Pedro Osório, Arroio Grande, and Cerro Amaro dextral shear zones delimited the domain to the north. To the south and east, the units of the Jaguarão Domain were covered by coastal plain sediments. In gravimetric maps, the domain shows a high-density relief in contrast with the rocks of the granite belt (Pelotas Batholith). U-Pb zircon data from garnet-muscovite granites present crystallization ages of 587–568 Ma, which point to a widespread Ediacaran magmatism in the northern Punta del Este Terrane. U-Pb zircon provenance data of the metasedimentary sequences indicate main Meso- to Paleoproterozoic contribution, with subordinate Tonian to Cryogenian age populations. The geochronological results of the supracrustal rocks indicate a sedimentary deposition in an extensional setting, in which posterior deformation and metamorphism/magmatism compatible with a syn-orogenic setting in the context of the Dom Feliciano Belt framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A provenance and stratigraphic study of the Neoproterozoic Pontas do Salso Complex (PSC), western portion of the Dom Feliciano Belt (DFB), was conducted with U–Pb zircon geochronological analysis of the metasediments and the host rocks. The U–Pb isotopic data from detrital zircon of the metasediments indicate the source from the latest Middle Tonian to Late Cryogenian (between 897 and 684 Ma) and maximum depositional age of 685 ± 18 Ma in an arc-related basin setting adjacent in the Sao Gabriel Arc. The metasediments of the PSC form an elongated body in the N35°E direction and occur in the central portion of the São Gabriel Terrane (SGT), which is constituted by ophiolitic complexes and arc-related rocks, generated probably during the final consolidation of Rodinia supercontinent, although this question is still open. Low- to medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous affinity, and trace-element geochemistry suggest that the chemical composition of the protoliths was generated from metasomatized mantle sources in subduction zones. The PSC is composed of meta-arkoses, with subordinate metaconglomerates and metapelites. The meta-arkoses are disposed in plane-parallel layers, which also internally feature small-scale cross-bedding structures. The matrix has a blastopsammitic, poorly selected, fine to coarse texture, and hexagonal quartz and plagioclase porphyroclasts with superimposed thermal metamorphism. The polymict metaconglomerates are matrix-supported, with 15–55% of clasts of metavolcanic rocks, metasediments, undeformed granites, and quartz veins. The metapelites comprise mainly muscovite phyllites with syn-tectonic garnet and chloritoid porphyroblasts. The PSC represents a sedimentary succession deposited on an arc-related basin formed during the collapse and uplift of the SGT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic volcanic rocks in the Palma region, southern portion of the São Gabriel Terrane, have always been interpreted as generated during the active subduction period of the São Gabriel orogeny (Cryogenian). This terrane was built as the result of the Charrua Ocean closure between 900-680 Ma. The basalts show a subhorizontal igneous flow foliation and porphyritic texture, with plagioclase phenocrysts in a thin matrix composed of plagioclase, augite and magnetite, commonly altered to actinolite, chlorite and epidote. They have amygdales and veinlets reflecting a pervasive hydrothermal phase and are affected by thermal metamorphism related to Jaguari granite intrusion. Two samples were dated by the U-Pb zircon geochronology and yielded crystallization ages of 563±2 Ma and 573±6 Ma. The basalts have transitional composition from tholeiitic to calc-alkaline, metaluminous character, trace elements patterns rich in large-ion lithophile element (LILE) with negative anomalies of Nb, P and Ti, slight enrichment in light rare-earth elements (LREE) and horizontal pattern of heavy rare earth elements (HREE). The data allow interpreting the basalts as belonging to the Acampamento Velho Formation of the Camaquã Basin, and related to the basalts of the Ramada and Taquarembó plateaus. These associations represent the final evolution of the volcanism generated in the post-collisional period of the Dom Feliciano Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U Pb LA-ICPMS geochronological analyses were carried out on zircon grains from metavolcanic rocks of the Bossoroca Complex and for one ash tuff of the Acampamento Velho Formation of the Camaquã Basin, in order to understand the evolution of the Neoproterozoic São Gabriel magmatic arc. A total of 42 analyses of igneous zircon grains were performed in three samples. The results yielded U Pb ages of 767.2 ± 2.9 Ma for the metavolcanic agglomerate (BOS-02); 765 ± 10 Ma for the metacrystal tuff (BOS-03) and 565.8 ± 4.8 Ma for the ash tuff (BOS-04). The Orogenic Cycle in Brazil is characterized by a set of orogenic belts consisting of petrotectonic associations juxtaposed by two collisional events that occurred at the end of the Neoproterozoic. In southern Brazil this orogeny formed the Dom Feliciano Belt, a unit composed of associations of rocks developed during two major orogenic events called São Gabriel (900–680 Ma) and Dom Feliciano (650–540 Ma). The main São Gabriel associations are tectonically juxtaposed as elongated strips according to the N20–30°E direction, bounded by ductile shear zones. The Bossoroca Complex comprises predominantly metavolcano-sedimentary rocks, characterized by medium-K calc-alkaline association generated in a cordillera-type magmatic arc. The volcanism occurred in sub-aerial environment, developing deposits generated by flow, resurgence and fall, sporadically interrupted by subaqueous epiclastic deposits, suggesting an arc related basin. The São Gabriel Terrane contains the petrotectonic units that represent the closure of the Charrua Ocean associated to the subduction period of the Brasiliano Orogenic Cycle in the Sul-rio-grandense Shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Várzea do Capivarita Complex is composed of pelitic gneisses with subordinate calc-silicate rock, marble and rare quartzite. It is part of the neoproterozoic Dom Feliciano Belt, in southern Brazil. The gneisses are associated to veins and tabular leucogranite bodies, which are the product of anatexis of the pelitic gneiss. The paragneisses of the Várzea do Capivarita Complex are tectonically juxtaposed to orthogneisses of the Arroio dos Ratos Complex. This complex is exposed as megaxenoliths in granites of the Encruzilhada do Sul Suite and as smaller fragments in the Quitéria and Cordilheira Granites, all part of the Pelotas Batholith. The metamorphic foliation is oriented to N30°W, with dips between 35 and 55° to the SW and mineral lineation is suborizontal with rake ranging from 15° to 30° and down dip to NW and SE, suggesting deformation associated with a transpressive system. Based on the paragenesis garnet–cordierite–sillimanite-biotite, metamorphism occurred at 720–820° C and pressure of 8–9 kbar, characterizing it as of intermediate pressure and high temperature series. Zircon grains of one sample of garnet–cordierite–sillimanite-biotite gneiss and one of peraluminous leucogranite was dated by the U–Pb SHRIMP method. The paragneiss metamorphic zircon yielded an age of 619 ± 4.3 Ma interpreted as an age of the main metamorphic event, whereas igneous zircon grains from the leucogranite indicates that magma crystallization took place at 620 ± 6.3 Ma. The main metamorphic foliation (S2) of the paragneiss and the leucogranite magmatic foliation (S 0 ) are parallel to each other, indicating that they were formed during the same event. This suggests that anatexis of the paragneisses of the Várzea do Capivarite Complex generated the peraluminous leucogranites right after the climax of the collisional metamorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Cordilheira Suite is comprised of peraluminous granites that constitute, together with the Quitéria granite, the beginning of the formation of the Pelotas Batholith in the central portion of the Dom Feliciano Belt. The batholith is composed of seven granitic suites with minor occurrences of gabbro, diorite and subvolcanic rocks. Its evolution between 650 and 550 million years ago is characterised by a ranging from metaluminous to peraluminous rocks and from calc-alkaline to alkaline and peralkaline series. The Cordilheira Suite is composed of the Cordilheira, Arroio Francisquinho, Butiá and Três Figueiras granites, which contain muscovite and/or biotite, with the following accessory minerals: tourmaline, garnet, sillimanite, apatite, zircon, monazite and ilmenite. The granitic bodies are elongate; their ascent and emplacement were controlled by high-angle shear zones oriented at N45-70°E. They have mylonitic structures with magmatic foliation accompanied by a low-angle stretching lineation, indicating that these bodies were emplaced under syn-kinematic conditions during a transcurrent event. The granites have high-K calc-alkaline affinity and are peraluminous. The LILE and REE contents are low. The K2O/Na2O and CaO/Na2O ratios are approximately 1 and less than 0.3, respectively. Pseudosections calculated using the Perple X program suggests that the granites were formed at partial melting temperatures between 740 and 820 °C and pressure between 8.5 and 9 kbar. Petrographic and chemical data suggest that the magmas were generated by the partial melting of the migmatitic pelitic gneisses of the Várzea do Capivarita Complex and, to a lesser degree, orthogneisses of the Arroio dos Ratos Complex, which left a granulitic residue. UHT conditions of granulite facies metamorphism were recorded in the Várzea do Capivarita paragneisses by mineral paragenesis and indicate that temperatures between 900 and 1000 °C and pressures between 4 and 8 kbar were required for the partial melting. It is likely that these medium-pressure conditions resulted from the thickening of the continental crust when the Rio de La Plata Craton collided with the Kalahari Craton to form southwestern Gondwana at the end of the Neoproterozoic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Brusque Metamorphic Complex (BMC) is one of the main units of the Tijucas Terrain within the Dom Feliciano Belt, located in the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. In the Itapema region, the BMC is composed chiefly of metasediments, including subordinate metabasalts, meta-ultramafic rocks, and clinoamphibole schists. The metavolcanic rocks form 4 m-thick lenses interlayered with metapelites and calc-silicate schists. Based on the observed textures and the associated structural, bulk-rock geochemical, and mineral chemical data, these metamafites and ultramafites were ancient lava flows of tholeiitic basalts and ultramafic cumulates. The mineral parageneses of the metabasalts are albite + actinolite + chlorite + epidote + titanite + magnetite and oligoclase + hornblende + epidote + titanite + magnetite, indicating progressive transformations produced under greenschist to amphibolite facies conditions. Volcanogenic metasediments show the same geochemical patterns as the metabasalts, whereas the metamorphosed ultramafic rocks consist of cumulates generated by crystal fractionation and flow segregation. The studied rocks show similar rare-earth element (REE) patterns, characterized by clearly higher normalized contents of light REEs compared with heavy REEs, without Eu anomalies in the metabasalts and positive Eu anomalies in meta-ultramafic rocks and volcanogenic metasediments. In accordance with the trace element contents that indicate a within-plate nature, the corresponding mafic melts apparently formed in the mantle by partial fusion and were subsequently enriched with crustal components during ascent into the sialic crust. The analysed 143Nd/144Nd and 87Sr/86Sr ratios lie between 0.5123 and 0.5126 and 0.7067 and 0.7086, respectively, and are thus typical of tholeiitic basalts of the continental plateau type. Initial ϵNd(936) values and derived model ages (T DM) between 1028 and 1762 million years support a mantle source or sources, with extraction and emplacement in the Neoproterozoic. Field relations and geochemical data (including isotopic data) indicate the generation of the studied mafic and ultramafic rocks in a continental rift. In the regional geologic context, the formation of the BMC volcanic and metasedimentary units marks a period of fragmentation of the Palaeoproterozoic continental crust. This extensional event is preserved regionally in gneisses from the Santa Catarina Granulitic Complex and the Camboriú Complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Capivarita Anorthosite, formed in an intraplate environment and later metamorphosed under amphibolites facies conditions, is exposed in the Dom Feliciano Belt as part of the Brasiliano magmatic arc and occurs as a roof-pedant in, or is even intruded by, 0.6Ga post-collisional granites. In this work, magmatic and metamorphic minerals were dated using the LA-MC-ICP-MS in situ method. U–Pb magmatic and metamorphic zircon dating yielded an age of 1573±21Ma and of 606±6Ma, respectively, whereas the igneous titanite dating yielded an age of 1530±33Ma and the metamorphic ages were 651±9Ma and 601±5Ma. The Lu–Hf model ages showed two clusters from 1.81 to 2.03Ga (ɛɛHf from +2.21 to +6.42) and 2.55–2.62Ga (ɛɛHf from −4.59 to −5.64). This intraplate magmatism can be connected to a very important episode of continental accretion in an extensional setting from the fragmentation of the supercontinent during the Early Mesoproterozoic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The main populations of detrital zircon range in age from meso - to Paleoproterozoic. • The Jaguarão Domain (eastern Dom Feliciano Belt) is related to an extensional basin. • U-Pb/Lu-Hf zircon data pointed to geological units sources in the Namaqua Belt (Africa). The Neoproterozoic supracrustal units of the Dom Feliciano Belt in southern Brazil and eastern Uruguay provide a record of the tectonic evolution of the Brasiliano/Pan-African cycle in terms of sedimentation, deformation, and metamorphism during the western Gondwana supercontinent assembly. From the northern Punta del Este Terrane (Jaguarão Domain) and neighboring Herval Complex were acquired new LA-ICPMS U-Pb and Lu-Hf zircon data from significant samples of metasedimentary rocks and intrusive granites. The central units of the domain are the Arroio Telho and Arroio Grande metasedimentary complexes, which have detrital zircon data ranging in age from 3.2 to 0.7 Ga, with prominent age peaks at 2.2–1.7 Ga, 1.5–1.0 Ga, and 1.0–0.7 Ga. The Herval Complex samples revealed a similar provenance of detrital zircon ages, with two main intervals of 1.5–1.1 Ga and 1.0–0.7 Ga, and also minor Paleoproterozoic (2.0–1.7 Ga) and Archean (2.8–2.4 Ga) ages. The maximum depositional age of the supracrustal complexes is constrained to age populations between 700 and 650 Ma. The mylonitic intrusive peraluminous granites yielded crystallization ages of ca. ∼570 Ma. The Neoproterozoic metamorphic zircon overgrowths range from 680 to 570 Ma. The Lu-Hf data from the meso - to Paleoproterozoic zircons have εHf(t) values ranging from −10 to +10, with the dominance of slightly positive results, and Hf(t) model ages from Paleoproterozoic to Archean. The εHf(t) values in Neoproterozoic zircons are dominantly negative (−15 to +5) with meso - to Paleoproterozoic Hf(t) model ages. These results demonstrate that sedimentary deposition ceased and underwent metamorphism during the development of the Cryogenian/Ediacaran arc-related magmatism of the Dom Feliciano belt. Given the scarcity of Mesoproterozoic rocks in the Mantiqueira Province and nearby cratonic areas, the obtained data suggest that these detrital populations originated in southwestern African rocks. The Congo/Kalahari cratons (Africa) are the most likely source area for Paleoproterozoic and Archean detrital zircons. The geological context and isotopic results of the investigated supracrustal complexes point to a prior extensional tectonic setting during the Tonian (∼800 Ma), with regional deformation and metamorphism linked with the Dom Feliciano Belt accretionary and collisional stages (660–570 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genesis of Precambrian granitic batholiths related to supercontinent assembly is controversial, especially regarding their generating processes and tectonic settings. The present study focused on the Pelotas Batholith (Magmatic-arc domain) of the Dom Feliciano Belt, which comprises the southern segment of the Mantiqueira Province in southeastern South America. New U–Pb and Lu–Hf zircon data from plutonic rocks with evidence of magma mixing and mingling, as well as assimilation of wall rocks, suggest multi-stage magmatism related to flare-up episodes of intense magmatism, potentially triggered by changes in the tectonic setting. U–Pb zircon analyses yielded crystallization ages of granodioritic gneiss xenolith at 691.5 ± 7 Ma, microgranodiorite xenolith at 645.9 ± 3.7 Ma, host monzogranite at 634.4 ± 4.4 Ma, and intrusive syenogranite at 620.1 ± 4.7 Ma, all intruded by syenogranitic pegmatite at 606.9 ± 1.7 Ma. Other analyses were performed on calc-alkaline granite (633 ± 4 Ma) and peraluminous granite (609.6 ± 2.2 Ma). The Lu–Hf data highlights a model age interval ranging from 1.7 to 1.3 Ga with εNd values between −4 and 1, except for the pegmatite sample which also includes Paleoproterozoic and Archean model ages (3.3-1.6 Ga) and εNd values between −33 and −1. Furthermore, the acquired data, together with the gathered dataset Dom Feliciano Belt granites, emphasizes a contribution from slightly juvenile to crustal sources, with model ages ranging primarily from Statherian-Orosirian to Mesoproterozoic. Signature patterns are consistent with sources from African basement rocks. • The studied magma mixing outcrop represents the Granite belt's fractal evolution. • The magmatic suites are primarily classified as I-Type and S-Type granites. • The Hf isotopes present mainly Meso-to Paleoproterozoic model ages (1.7-1.3 Ga). • The εHf values are primarily slightly negative to positive. • The U–Pb dataset shows well-defined intervals of magmatic pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Porongos Group is the major component of a fold and thrust belt located in the central portion of the Dom Feliciano Belt in the Sul-Riograndense Shield, Brazil. In this paper, the variations in composition of sediments and the depositional time are presented. Major and trace elements indicate that Porongos Group is composed mostly of immature sediments derived from intermediate felsic sources with minor contribution from mature recycled sources. U–Pb SHRIMP ages for a chlorite schist (sample 300) exhibit a proeminent population of 570–800 Ma, subordinate population of 1800–2250 Ma and minor population of 1200 Ma, whereas for a schist (sample 198) the main population is 1050–1500 and minor populations are 2040–2300 and 580–800 Ma. The εHf values of Neoproterozoic grains indicate variable degrees of crustal reworking (εHf = −18 to −4) with three main T DM model ages (2.2, 1.8, 1.5 Ga). The Paleoproterozoic grains include a few Archean (3.2–2.5 Ga) T DM ages. The trace elements of all analyzed detrital zircon grains reflect continental crust origin. According to the data set, the sediments of the Porongos Group were derived from locally eroded granitic rocks of the Dom Feliciano Belt and from the uplifted Paleoproterozoic basement (La Plata Craton). Further analytical signal and total magnetic field maps delimit regionally the shape and extension of the Porongos fold and thrust belt and includes the Capané region. We conclude that the duration of Porongos Group basin filling probably lasted from 650 to 570 Ma in a foreland tectonic setting of the Dom Feliciano Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Passo Feio complex (PFC) is a sequence of metapelite, amphibolite, metavolcanic/metavolcanoclastic rocks, marble, calc-silicate rocks, quartzite and magnesium schist. It is part of the São Gabriel Terrane, a Neoproterozoic juvenile arc formed during the early stages of evolution of the Neoproterozoic Dom Feliciano Belt (DFB), in southern Brazil. This belt corresponds to the southernmost portion of the Mantiqueira Province, an important Neoproterozoic orogenic system exposed in the NNE direction along the southeastern coast of Brazil. The geotectonic significance of the original Passo Feio basin in the tectonic evolution of São Gabriel Terrene is not well understood. It has been considered as part of a passive margin sequence or as a back-arc sequence. Geochronological and isotopic data are very scarse for the Passo Feio rocks and this has hampered the better understanding of its significance in the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of southern Brazil. In the present study the age and significance of metasedimentary rocks of the PFC were investigated. The provenance study was carried out in four metapelite samples from the southern and northern Passo Feio complex, using U-Pb dating of detrital zircon. The results showed varied provenance patterns and zircon ages range from 3637 to 803 Ma. Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic detrital zircon grains are present in all samples, but an important Neoproterozoic population has been identified in one of them. 3.5 Ga old zircon grains form the oldest population of detrital zircon ever reported in southern Brazil. Paleoproterozoic/Archean terranes within the Rio de la Plata Craton may represent the main source of detrital sediments and this suggests that part of the Passo Feio complex might have been a passive margin sequence, developed along the northeastern margin of that paleocontinent. However, the presence of a Neoproterozoic zircon population is not consistent with derivation solely from the craton and indicates contribution from younger sources, such as the Neoproterozoic São Gabriel Arc itself. This Neoproterozoic zircon population with ages ranging from 948 to 803 Ma, suggests that the onset of the magmatic/tectonic evolution of the São Gabriel Arc might have started as early ca. 0.95 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We combined U-Pb and Lu-Hf analyses of detrital zircon grains. [•] We analysed paleocurrent data for information about the sedimentary provenance. [•] The U–Pb zircon data present predominantly Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic ages. [•] Lu–Hf model ages exhibit a predominantly Archean and Paleoproterozoic inheritance. [•] The zircon grains display a predominantly negative ɛHf values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]