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Cratons are generally considered to comprise lithosphere that has remained tectonically quiescent for billions of years. Direct evidence for stability is mainly founded in the Phanerozoic sedimentary record and low-temperature thermochronology, but for extensive parts of Canada, earlier stability has been inferred due to the lack of an extensive rock record in both time and space. We used 40 Ar/ 39 Ar multi-diffusion domain (MDD) analysis of K-feldspar to constrain cratonic thermal histories across an intermediate (∼150–350 °C) temperature range in an attempt to link published high-temperature geochronology that resolves the timing of orogenesis and metamorphism with lower-temperature data suited for upper-crustal burial and unroofing histories. This work is focused on understanding the transition from Archean–Paleoproterozoic crustal growth to later intervals of stability, and how uninterrupted that record is throughout Earth's Proterozoic “Middle Age.” Intermediate-temperature thermal histories of cratonic rocks at well-constrained localities within the southern Canadian Shield of North America challenge the stability worldview because our data indicate that these rocks were at elevated temperatures in the Proterozoic. Feldspars from granitic rocks collected at the surface cooled at rates of <0.5 °C/Ma subsequent to orogenesis, seemingly characteristic of cratonic lithosphere, but modeled thermal histories suggest that at ca. 1.1–1.0 Ga these rocks were still near ∼200 °C – signaling either reheating, or prolonged residence at mid-crustal depths assuming a normal cratonic geothermal gradient. After 1.0 Ga, the regions we sampled then underwent further cooling such that they were at or near the surface (≪60 °C) in the early Paleozoic. Explaining mid-crustal residence at 1.0 Ga is challenging. A widespread, prolonged reheating history via burial is not supported by stratigraphic information, however assuming a purely monotonic cooling history requires at the very least 5 km of exhumation beginning at ca. 1.0 Ga. A possible explanation may be found in evidence of magmatic underplating that thickened the crust, driving uplift and erosion. The timing of this underplating coincides with Mid-Continent extension, Grenville orogenesis, and assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia. 40 Ar/ 39 Ar MDD data demonstrate that this technique can be successfully applied to older rocks and fill in a large observational gap. These data also raise questions about the evolution of cratons during the Proterozoic and the nature of cratonic stability across deep time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of expanded documentation of complex fossils, early Mesoproterozoic has already been proven as an important Era for eukaryotic evolution. In order to portray the biological community of this critical era, we studied a new silicified microbiota from the ∼1560 Ma Gaoyuzhuang Formation in the classic Jixian section, Tianjin, China. In total, eighteen species have been recognized, four species have been identified informally and five species have been identified in open nomenclature. Similar to other Proterozoic microbial mat biota, the new microbiota is dominated by cyanobacteria filaments and coccoids as well. Potential eukaryotic microfossils, such as ornamented coccoids, filaments with flanges and terminal cell, were firstly recovered. Amongst them, filaments with flanges and conidia-like terminal cell probably were the earliest unidirectional growing multi-cellular organisms as well as the earliest phylogeny-resolved multicellular eukaryotes. Combined with increasing records of Proterozoic eukaryotes, these microfossils indicated that eukaryotes have evolved into a new level in Early Mesoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies metapelites are widespread in northern part of the North China Craton (NCC), and their metamorphic conditions and P-T paths provide important constraints for tectonic evolution of the NCC. However, it is still controversial on the metamorphic evolution of these rocks due to variations of retrograde modification. In combination with detailed petrological studies, geological mapping, and geochronology, we here present new evidence from Gushan, Datong, conjunction zone of the Ji’ning Complex and Huai’an Complex to constrain P-T evolution of the metapelites. Field investigations reveal that the pelitic granulites are spatially associated with high-pressure (HP) mafic granulites, showing concordant characteristics of deformation and metamorphism. Fine mineralogical and microstructural studies reveal that kyanite-bearing HP granulite-facies indicators preserved in garnet porphyroblasts of the pelitic granulites. It suggests the previously assumed moderate- to low-pressure (MP-LP) and high- to ultrahigh-temperature (HT-UHT) pelitic granulites have experienced HP granulite-facies metamorphism. Four metamorphic generation assemblages (M 1 –M 4 ) are recognized in the studied samples. The pre-P max assemblages (M 1 ) are characterized by mineral inclusions within garnet core, including Bt-Qz-Rt±Ms±Liq, representing the late stage of prograde metamorphism. The P max assemblages (M 2 , HP granulite-facies) are represented by garnet mantle and its inclusion-type minerals, i.e., Grt-Ky-Kfs-Bt-Rt-Liq-Qz±Ms±Zn Spl. It is followed by heating until the maximum of temperature stage (M 3 , T max ), featured by disappearance of biotite and transition from kyanite into sillimanite, with mineral assemblages of Grt-Sil-Kfs-Liq-Qz-Ilm±Zn Spl. The cooling stage (M 4 ) is featured by breakdown of garnet to Bt+Qz±Pl±Sil±Ilm. Phase equilibrium modeling and titanium-in-biotite thermometer are combined to constrain the P-T evolution of the studied samples. The P-T conditions for the M 1 –M 4 are respectively estimated around ∼11–11.5 kbar/∼770–790 °C, ∼10.3–13.8 kbar/∼820–835 °C, ∼6.5–9.5 kbar/∼850–925 °C, ∼6 kbar/∼645–761 °C, which defined a clockwise P-T path. Zircon U-Pb ages of two representative samples demonstrated comparable age clusters of ∼1950 Ma and ∼1850 Ma, which are interpreted to represent the timing of HP and MP-LP granulite-facies stages, respectively. Combining with other studies of the NCC, we propose that the pelitic granulites and associated HP mafic granulites have experienced the common metamorphic processes from peak stage (HP-HT granulite-facies) to retrograde metamorphism. Due to intensive and pervasive overprint of sillimanite-type granulite-facies metamorphism, the HP granulite-facies mineral assemblages of the pelitic granulites are partially or completely reworked. The metamorphic peak conditions and relatively high thermal gradients of these granulite-facies rocks suggest that their formation is probably in response to a crustal-scale subduction-collision process during the late Paleoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Liaohe Group is an important Paleoproterozoic lithostratigraphic unit of the Jiao-Liao-Ji orogenic belt and traditionally subdivided into the North and South Liaohe Groups. However, their tectonic setting and evolution are still a matter of debate. The precise depositional and metamorphic data of the studied metasedimentary rocks from the South Liaohe Group provide important information on the controversial discussion of the tectonic setting and evolution. Based on cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging and connecting LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology, zircon grains separated from metasedimentary rocks of different formations of the South Liaohe Group were subdivided into detrital and metamorphic zircons or zircon domains. Igneous zircon cores of detrital zircons of the Li’eryu, Gaojiayu, Dashiqiao and Gaixian Formations yield U-Pb age peaks at ∼2130 Ma, ∼2520 Ma, ∼2160 Ma/∼2500 Ma, and ∼2040 Ma, indicating that their sediments were transported from the Liaoji Granitoids, the Archean basement rocks of the adjacent Complex. In addition, deposition age of the sedimentary precursors was investigated which must have taken place at some time after ∼2.05 Ga, ∼2.07 Ga, ∼2.04 Ga and ∼1.92 Ga, respectively. These new geochronological data can be well explained by (1) a continent-arc collision model which suggests that the South Liaohe Group formed an intervening island arc and foreland basin sandwiched between the Longgang and Nangrim Complexes, and (2) a northward subduction of the Nangrim Complex source rocks of the South Liaohe Group; these source rocks were successively deposited along the margin of the two Complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metamorphic complexes in the northern part of the Olkhon terrane (Zunduk megazone), Central Asian Fold Belt, are studied. It is found that the age of gneiss-granites, which correspond to granites of type I formed within the active continental margin, is 800 ± 11 Ma, whereas the age of the protolith of epidote-muscovite-feldspar-quartz schist, which formed by metamorphic reworking of island-arc volcanic rocks, is 650-630 Ma. New results and those published earlier show that the structure of the Olkhon terrane contains traces of at least three stages of different ages when suprasubduction processes were manifested. The earliest episode (∼850-800 Ma) occurred within the Panthalassa, and the subsequent ones (∼650-620 and ∼500 Ma) occurred in the Paleoasian Ocean. New data give us grounds to consider protoliths of the studied rocks from the northern flank of the Olkhon metamorphic terrane as products of convergence-related processes that took place within the limits of the paleooceans in the Late Precambrian, rather than in the Pleoproterozoic as was supposed earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several tectonic models have been proposed for the Neoproterozoic amalgamation of the South China block during the assembly of Rodinia. However, the timing of the end of arc magmatism between the two subblocks in the South China block (i.e., the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks) remains controversial because it is unclear whether the 860-820 Ma magmatic rocks and coeval sedimentary basins in this area are related to subduction or plume activity. Here, we present new detrital zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic data for the sediments directly overlying early Neoproterozoic arc volcanic rocks in this region. These data reveal a rhythmic change in source coincident with a progressive increase in the amount of juvenile and old crustal detritus within these sediments. This result, combined with the presence of a fining-upward grain-size trend and horizontal bedding within these sediments, provides evidence of bidirectional sources that are consistent with a backarc setting. The juvenile crustal material within these sediments was sourced from adjacent arc terranes to the east, whereas the old crustal detritus was derived from the Yangtze block to the west. In addition, sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe zircon U-Pb dating of mafic rocks within equivalent sedimentary sequences yielded ages of ca. 860-840 Ma, and these mafic rocks have arc- or mid-ocean-ridge basalt-like geochemical features that indicate the initiation of backarc spreading associated with Neoproterozoic NW-directed subduction. The data from the sediments and mafic rocks suggest the presence of a backarc basin system at ca. 860-820 Ma within the southeastern margin of the Yangtze block. This in turn indicates that Rodinia assembly was not completed until ca. 820 Ma, with the South China block possibly acting as a connection between a Neoproterozoic Andean-type active continental margin and Grenvillian belts on the paleo-western margin of the Rodinia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several sedimentary units in North China that are proposed to be associated with the Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event (GOE) and/or subsequent events; however, few of them have been precisely dated. In this study, deposition age of the greenschist facies Gaofan and Hutuo Groups is determined. Zircon grains liberated from a tuff layer (metamorphosed to sericite-quartz schist) in the upper part of the Mohe Formation (the second of the three formations of the Gaofan Group) yield a weighted average 207 Pb/ 206 Pb age of 2186 ± 8 Ma (n = 7, MSWD = 1.3), representing time of deposition. This age and the detrital zircon U-Pb ages of the basal feldspar quartzite (meta-siltstone), as well as the initial deposition age of the unconformably overlying Hutuo Group, confine the deposition age of the Gaofan Group to 2350–2150 Ma. This result negates the Gaofan Group as one subgroup of the 2560–2510 Ma Wutai greenstone belt. Zircons from the Banlaoyao mafic sill (meta-diabase) that intruded the Dongye Subgroup of the Hutuo Group yield an upper intercept U-Pb age of 2057 ± 25 Ma (n = 14, MSWD = 1.3), representing time of crystallization. Considering the age of the basalt in the first formation of the Doucun Subgroup and the tuff in the first formation of the Dongye Subgroup, the deposition age of the Doucun and Dongye Subgroups of the Hutuo Group is confined to 2150–2090 Ma and 2090–2060 Ma, respectively. These age brackets, as well as the available carbon and nitrogen isotope data indicate that the Zhangxianbu Formation of the Gaofan Group possibly recorded the GOE; whereas the Mohe-Yaokouqian Formations of the Gaofan Group and the Doucun-Dongye Subgroups of the Hutuo Group recorded the subsequent Lomagundi-Jatuli Event (LJE). However, the Lomagundi-Jatuli carbon excursions are hardly distinguishable from the Gaofan Group and the Doucun Subgroup (Hutuo Group) as both units consist of little inorganic carbon but terrestrial clastic turbidites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining an age framework for Precambrian crystalline rocks and associated granulite-facies metamorphism of the inner blocks in the North China Craton (NCC) is important for determining the tectonic setting and evolution of the craton during the Neoarchaean–Palaeoproterozoic. The Eastern Hebei terrane (EHT), located in the Eastern Block of the NCC, is composed of tonalitic-trondhjemitic-granodioritic (TTG) gneisses and potassium-rich granitoids, along with rafts of supracrustal rocks that are intruded by basic dikes. TTG gneisses in the EHT yield crystallization ages of 2516–2527 Ma. The oldest age of inherited zircons from a mylonitic TTG gneiss is ~2918 Ma. Granulite-facies supracrustal metamorphic rocks in the Zunhua high-grade meta-greenstone belt indicate an andesitic/basaltic protolith that was formed at ~2498 Ma. A syn-deformational granite in the Jinchangyu greenschist-facies shear zone yields a crystallization age of ~2474 Ma. Metamorphism of the supracrustal rocks and mylonitic greenschist took place at ~2461 and ~2475 Ma, respectively. Rare earth elements (REE) patterns and slightly negative Nb and Ta anomalies indicate that the magmatic precursors of the supracrustal rocks might be derived from partial melting of a sub-arc mantle wedge and metasomatized by fluids derived from a subducting slab. These rocks plot in the island arc basalts (IAB) field on a La/Nb vs. La diagram, further supporting this interpretation. The microstructures of a garnet–two-pyroxene granulite indicate an approximately clockwise P-T path. The crystallization ages of the TTG gneisses represent periods of the major crustal growth in the NCC, and the granulite- and greenschist-facies metamorphism indicates an orogenic event that involved crustal thickening at ~2.47 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Precambrian basement rocks of the Tarim Craton, NW China, occur mostly along the margins of the craton. These rocks have been metamorphosed under amphibolite-facies or granulite-facies, particularly in the Dunhuang and Kuluketage Blocks, whose crustal evolution and paleographic relationship are still unclear. This study presents in-situ zircon U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotopes and whole-rock elemental compositions for the Paleoproterozoic meta-felsic and mafic rocks in the NE Altyn Tagh area in order to constrain the Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal events of the Dunhuang Block and to further investigate its relation to the Kuluketage Block. The meta-felsic rocks have a crystallization age of ∼1.96 Ga. Their zircon ε Hf (t) values vary from −0.5 to +7.2, with T DM1 model ages from 2.4 to 2.1 Ga, suggesting that their parental magmas were mainly derived from juvenile sources, with a relatively small contribution from pre-existing ancient materials. The meta-felsic rocks have geochemical affinities with typical high-Al TTG generated by slab melting except for the extremely low Cr/Ni ratios. The steeply negative slope of their REE patterns indicates that garnet and/or hornblende extraction was involved in the magma generation process. The ∼2.06 meta-mafic rocks have slightly variable positive ε Hf (t) values (0 to +3.4), corresponding to fairly uniform T DM1 model ages of 2.4–2.3 Ga. These results indicate that their parental magma was sourced mainly from juvenile components with minor old materials. The meta-mafic rocks have nearly flat REE patterns that bear a remarkably close resemblance to E-MORB, but the depletion in Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Th is typical of arc rocks. The wide range of zircon ε Hf (t) values from the meta-felsic and mafic rocks indicates that the Dunhuang Block experienced both crustal growth and crustal reworking during the Paleoproterozoic. In both the Dunhuang and Kuluketage Blocks, plenty of early Precambrian basement rocks experienced comparable magmatism and metamorphism. However, the Dunhuang Block has a crust-formation age peaked at ∼2.83 Ga, and it experienced intensive tectono-thermal events in Paleoproterozoic. These events are nearly absent in the Kuluketage Block. The discrepancy implies that the Dunhuang and Kuluketage Blocks were probably unrelated terranes before Paleoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents new data on the U-Pb zircon age, as well as results of isotopic geochemical analysis, of granites and rhyolites from Wrangel Island. The U-Pb age estimates of granites and rhyolites are grouped into two clusters (~690-730 and 590-610 Ma), which imply that these rocks crystallized in the Late Neoproterozoic. Granitic rocks dated back to 690-730 Ma are characterized by negative εNd( t) values and Paleoproterozoic Sm-Nd model age. The older inherited zircons corroborate the ancient age of their crustal source. The granitic rocks pertain to involved peraluminous granites of type I, which form at a continental margin of the Andean type and can be compared with coeval granites and orthogneisses from the Seward Peninsula in Alaska. Rhyolites and granites ~590-610 Ma in age are distinguished by a moderately positive εNd( t) and Mesoproterozoic model age. It is suggested that they have a heterogeneous magma source comprising crustal and mantle components. The geochemical features of granites and rhyolites correspond to type A granites. Together with coeval OIB-type basalts, they make up a riftogenic bimodal association of igneous rocks, which are comparable with orthogneisses (565 Ma) and gabbroic rocks (540 Ma) of Seward Peninsula in Alaska. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamonds from Dachine, French Guiana, are unique among worldwide diamond populations. The diamonds were transported to the surface in an unusual ultramafic extrusive magma with an affinity to boninite or komatiite, which was emplaced within an arc geological setting at ~ 2.2 Ga. Dachine diamonds have internal and external morphologies indicative of relatively rapid growth from carbon oversaturated fluids or melts, and exhibit internal features consistent with residence in a high-strain environment. On the basis of nitrogen (N) defects the diamonds are categorized as Type Ib–IaA. The unusually low aggregation state of N places severe constraints on the thermal history of the diamonds, effectively ruling out derivation in convecting mantle. The carbon and N isotopic compositions of Dachine diamonds are consistent with a sedimentary source of carbon, with the majority of diamonds having δ 13 C values < − 25‰ and δ 15 N values > + 4‰. The primary carbon was presumably deposited on an early Proterozoic seafloor. Sulphide inclusions have low Ni and Cr and are comparable to lithospheric eclogitic-type sulphide inclusions. Three garnet and one clinopyroxene inclusion are also eclogitic in composition, and one garnet inclusion has a majorite component indicating an origin around 250 km depth. The silicate inclusions are highly depleted in many incompatible trace elements (e.g. LREE, Nb, Hf, Zr), and modelling indicates an eclogitic source lithology that contained a LREE-enriched trace phase such as epidote or allanite, and an HFSE-rich phase such as rutile. Four of the five inclusions are unusually enriched in Mn, as well as Ni and Co, and modelling suggests a protolith with a bulk composition of subducted normal MORB plus about 10% ferromanganese crust component. We suggest a model wherein Dachine diamonds precipitated from remobilized sedimentary carbon at the slab–mantle interface from liquids derived ultimately by deserpentinization of slab peridotite at depths of ~ 200 to 250 km. These fluids may also trigger melting in wedge peridotite, resulting in a volatile-rich ultramafic melt that transports the diamonds rapidly to the surface. The process of diamond formation and exhumation from the slab–mantle interface occurred in a Paleoproterozoic subduction zone and over a very limited timespan, likely less than a million years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace element concentrations in garnet and associated minerals from the mid-Miocene Zhibula Cu skarn, Gangdese Belt, Tibet reflect a diversity of local environments, evolving fluid parameters and partitioning with coexisting minerals. Exoskarn occurs as massive but narrow intervals within a Lower Jurassic volcano-sedimentary sequence containing limestone, the main skarn protolith. Endoskarn is present at the contact with mid-Miocene granodiorite dikes. Prograde skarn associations are garnet-dominant but also include diopside-dominant pyroxene in variable amounts. Garnet compositions in exoskarn change from andradite (And)- to grossular (Gr)-dominant from the massive intervals to bands/lenses within marble/tuff, but not in endoskarn. In both cases however, associations at the protolith contact include anorthite and wollastonite, both indicative of skarnoid or distal (relative to fluid source) skarn formation. Exoskarns also contain vesuvianite. Retrograde clinozoisite, actinolite and chlorite replace pre-existing skarn minerals. Garnet displays brecciation and replacement by Al-richer garnet. Depending on partitioning among coexisting minerals, chondrite-normalised REY (REE + Y) fractionation trends for garnet depict endo- to exoskarn diversity, the dominance of And- vs. Gr-rich garnet (in turn related to proximal-to-distal relationship to fluid source), as well as prograde-to-retrograde evolution in the same sample. A strong variation in Eu-anomaly, from positive to negative, in And-dominant garnet can be correlated with variation in salinity of ore-forming fluids, concordant with published fluid inclusion data. Trends depicted by And- and Gr-dominant garnets are consistent with published data from skarns elsewhere, in which the dominant substitution mechanism for REY is YAG-type. Zhibula garnets are enriched in a range of trace elements less commonly reported, including W, Sn, and As, but also Mo (as high as 730 ppm), an element seldom analysed for in silicates. Molybdenum, W, and Sn display excellent co-correlation and shared zonation patterns on LA–ICP–MS maps of garnet, indicating substitution in the crystal lattice. As well as assisting in interpreting skarn evolution in time and space, and providing constraints on ore genesis, the trace element data for garnet explain the range of colours observed. The discovery of garnets carrying significant concentrations of W, Sn and Mo is a valuable finding that deserves evaluation in post-collisional skarns elsewhere, and is potentially of critical significance in prospecting. Together with a conspicuous trace ore mineral signature, garnet compositions at Zhibula support a genetic connection and sharing of ore-forming fluids between the skarn and the Qulong porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, 2 km to the north. Within the Gangdese belt, or in analogous settings elsewhere, the presence of deep-seated porphyry mineralization beneath exposed skarns could be tested for by studying garnet chemistry. As more data become available, such trace element signatures could be viable tools for distinguishing barren from mineralized skarn systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of minor leucocratic intrusions known as “plagiogranites” in oceanic complexes dominated by basaltic compositions have been debated in the literature. Here we use well preserved plagiogranites within the contrasting Santa Elena Ophiolite and the Nicoya Complex, NW Costa Rica, to investigate the origin and age of these leucocratic intrusions. Magmatic zircons of plagiogranites of the Santa Elena ophiolite and the Nicoya Complex, yield weighted mean SHRIMP 206 Pb/ 238 U ages of 125.3 ± 2.0 Ma and 90.9 ± 2.0 Ma to 88.5 ± 2.0 Ma ( n = 5), respectively. These ages record the main magmatic phases of formation of these intrusions preserved in each complex. Relatively flat, unfractionated chondrite-normalized REE patterns of plagiogranites from both complexes mimic signatures of related mafic rocks, which is consistent with formation via fractional crystallization from a mafic source as opposed to partial melting of a mafic (basalt, amphibolite) protolith. In the case of the Nicoya Complex, modelling suggests that the Nicoya plagiogranites are consistent as ~ 10–15% residual liquids after fractional crystallization from its mafic parental source. Trace element systematics of the plagiogranites are consistent with an oceanic arc origin for Santa Elena and a mostly mid-ocean ridge to oceanic-plateau origin for Nicoya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kerala Khondalite Belt (KKB) of the southern India encompasses volumetrically significant magmatic components. Among these, orthopyroxene-bearing, felsic ortho-granulites, popularly known as charnockites in Indian context, constitute an important lithology. In contrast to the well-known phenomena of arrested charnockitization, the geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of these ortho-granulite suites remain poorly studied, leaving geodynamic models envisaged for the KKB highly conjectural. In this paper, we try to bridge this gap with detailed results on orthopyroxene-bearing, felsic ortho-granulites spread over the entire KKB and propose a new petrogenetic and crustal evolution model. Based on geochemical characteristics, the orthopyroxene-bearing, felsic ortho-granulites (charnockites sensu lato ) of KKB are classified into (1) tonalitic (TC), (2) granitic (GC), and (3) augen (AC) suites. Members of the TC follow sodic (characterized by decreasing CaO/Na 2 O), whereas those of the GC and AC follow calc-alkaline trends of differentiation. Geochemical patterns of the TC resemble those of the Archaean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) suites, with slightly magnesian character (average Mg# = 33), moderate LREE (average La N = 154), low HREE (average Yb N = 6) and Y (1–53 ppm; average 11 ppm). The TC is also characterized by positive to slightly negative europium anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.7 to 1.67). The GC and AC suites, on the other hand, resemble post-Archaean arc-related granites. The GC displays ferroan nature (average Mg# = 22), low to moderate degrees of REE fractionation (average [La/Yb] N = 34.84), high contents of Y (5–128 ppm; average 68), and low Sr/Y (1–98) ratios. Significant negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.18–0.91; average 0.50) and low Sr (65–690 ppm) are also noted in the GC. Similar chemical characteristics are shown by the AC, with ferroan nature (average Mg# = 21), low to moderate degrees of REE fractionation (average [La/Yb] N = 26), high contents of Y (71–99 ppm; average 87), and low Sr/Y (average 2) ratios with significant negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.03–0.31; average 0.23) and low Sr (average 160 ppm) contents. The protoliths of the TC are interpreted as being derived from partial melting of thickened oceanic-arc crust composed of Archaean mafic composite source rocks ( i.e., eclogite and/or garnet amphibolite) with a garnet amphibolite residue. Geochemical features of the GC, such as high Rb/Sr (average 1.80) and Ba/Sr ratios (average values > 6), are considered as evidence for crustal reworking in their genesis, suggesting remelting of a quartzo-feldspathic (TTG) source, within the plagioclase stability fields. The geochemical features of the felsic ortho-granulite suite, substantiated with published geochronological data on members of the TC, GC, and AC suites, suggest a four-stage crustal evolution of the KKB. The first stage is marked by the formation of an over-thickened oceanic-arc. Zircon Hf c model ages of the TC and GC suites constrain the time of this juvenile magmatic crust-forming event as Meso- to Neoarchaean (2.8 to 2.6 Ga). The second stage corresponds to the production of TTG magmas by melting of the over-thickened oceanic-arc crust, subsequent to basaltic underplating during Palaeoproterozoic ( ca. 2.1 Ga). The third stage was initiated by a transition in subduction style from shallow to steep due to continent-arc accretion. This stage is marked by the formation of granitic magmas through partial melting of the TTG crust and their differentiation into GC and TC. The zircon crystallization ages (1.89 and 1.85 Ga) of the GC indicate arc accretion occurred during the Palaeoproterozoic. The fourth stage of crustal evolution is correlated with the Mesoproterozoic (~ 1.5 Ga) emplacement of megacrystic K-feldspar granites (protoliths to the AC and augen gneisses). The distinct petrography, geochemistry and crystallization ages of the AC suggests recurrence of megacrystic, high-K calc-alkaline granitoids as the product of final phases of crustal-remelting marking subduction cessation. All these magmatic events are fairly well correlated with the major episodes of crustal growth observed in the once contiguous continental fragments (Sri Lanka and Madagascar) and worldwide events (2.7, 1.9, and 1.2 Ga) implying similar episodic nature in the lower crustal evolution of the KKB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central Fennoscandia is characterized by the Archean-Proterozoic (AP) boundary and the Central Finland Granitoid Complex (CFGC), a roundish area of approximately 40,000 km 2 surrounded by supracrustal belts. Deep seismic reflection profile FIRE 3A runs across these units, and we have re-interpreted the profile and crustal evolution along the profile using 1.92–1.85 Ga plutonic rocks as lithospheric probes. The surface part of the profile has been divided into five subareas: Archean continent (AC) in the east, AP, CFGC, boundary zone (BZ) and the Bothnian Belt (BB) in the west. There are 12 key samples from which zircons were studied for inclusions and analyzed (core-rim) by ion probe for U–Pb dating and oxygen isotopes, followed by analyzes for Lu–Hf by LA–MC–ICP–MS. The AC plutonic rocks (1.87–1.85 Ga) form a bimodal suite, where the proposed mantle source for the mafic rocks is 2.1–2.0 Ga metasomatized lower part of the Archean subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) and the source for the felsic melts is related plume-derived underplated mafic material in the lower crust. Variable degrees of contamination of the Archean lower crust have produced “subduction-like” Nb–Ta anomalies in spidergrams and negative ε Nd (T) values in the mafic-intermediate rocks. The felsic AC granitoids originate from a low degree melting of eclogitic or garnet-bearing amphibolites with titanite ± rutile partly prevailing in the residue (Nb–Ta fractionation) followed by variable degree of assimilation/melting of the Archean lower crust. The AP plutonic rocks (ca. 1.88 Ga) can be divided into I-type and A-type granitoids (AP/A), where the latter follow the sediment assimilation trend in ASI diagram, have high δ 18 O values (up to 8‰) in zircons and exhibit negative Ba anomalies (Rb–Ba–Th in spidergram), as found in sedimentary rocks. A mixing/assimilation of enriched mantle-derived melts with melts from already migmatized sedimentary rocks ± amphibolites is proposed. The CFGC is characterized by both I-type and A-type (CFGC/A) intermediate and felsic granitoids. The I-type granitoids are divided into two groups at ≥ 1885 Ma and ≤ 1882 Ma, where the latter overlap in age with the CFGC/A granitoids. Both I-type CFGC and CFGC/A granitoids are interpreted to have formed from mixing of Paleoproterozoic SCLM-derived melts with crustal melts from hydrous and dry intermediate-felsic igneous sources, respectively. The geochemistry, dominantly δ 18 O values below 6.5‰ in zircons and T DM (2.11–2.42 Ga) of the CFGC granitoids favor the occurrence of older crust (ca. 2.1–2.0 Ga) in their genesis. The BZ granitoids are similar in age but more juvenile with T DM ages between 1.94 Ga and 2.16 Ga. The 1.92 Ga granodiorite in the BB is correlated with juvenile gneissic tonalites and granodiorites found from the AP boundary. We suggest that the present high-velocity lower crust under the CFGC is composed of melt-extracted granulites (crustal source age ≥ 2.0 Ga) and mafic cumulates which both formed during 1.90–1.88 Ga arc magmatism. The ≤ 1.88 Ga stage represents the end of compression/transpression and is followed by 1.87–1.86 Ga buckling, forming the Bothnian Oroclines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ‘Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event’ comprises the rapid diversification of marine organisms during the Ordovician Period. It is now clear that this adaptive radiation started for some organisms already in the Cambrian and continued for others beyond the end of the Ordovician, making the ‘Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event’ part of a long-term late Proterozoic and Early Palaeozoic radiation, that in part is expressed by the fossil record as the ‘Cambrian Explosion.’ A significant diversification of different groups of the plankton is observed in the late Cambrian–Early Ordovician interval, leading to the subsequent ‘Ordovician Plankton Revolution.’ The possible causes of this ‘plankton revolution’ are currently debated. They include changes in palaeoclimate, palaeogeography or tectonic and volcanic activity, as well as a modified nutrient supply. In this context, the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion δ 13 C carb (SPICE) event in the late Cambrian (Paibian Stage, Furongian Series) has been related to a major increase in atmospheric O 2 (from 10–18% to some 20 – 29%) and to increased oceanic nutrient availability. Here we analyze the diversification of the planktonic groups during the late Cambrian and Early Ordovician, in particular in relation to the SPICE event. Our analyses include the changing diversities of the phytoplankton (acritarchs), diverse groups of zooplankton (e.g., radiolarians, graptolites, chitinozoans) and the switch to a planktonic mode of life of fossil groups (e.g., arthropods, molluscs) that were part of the Cambrian benthos and that later occupied pelagic niches. In addition, we focus also on data indicating evidence for a late Cambrian to Ordovician origin of planktotrophy in invertebrate larvae. It can be concluded that none of the diversifications of the different planktonic organisms can be related directly to the SPICE event. However, a long term (10–20 million years) oxygenation pulse related to the SPICE event might have fuelled the explosion of phytoplankton diversity observed in the latest Cambrian–Early Ordovician that led to completely modified trophic structures permitting an increase in diversity and abundance of plankton-feeding groups during the Ordovician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cratons and orogenic belts are integral components of ancient continents. In some cases, stable continents can be reactivated and even largely destroyed by younger events. The mechanisms of reactivation or destruction of ancient cratons remain equivocal. Here we compile zircon U–Pb data from the metamorphic rocks of the Hongqiyingzi Group in the northern part of the North China Craton (NCC) to evaluate this problem. The results reveal episodic tectonothermal events related to three major periods of Latest Neoarchean–Earliest Paleoproterozoic (2.6–2.4 Ga), Paleoproterozoic (1.85–1.95 Ma) and Phanerozoic (480–220 Ma, with peak at 360–320 Ma). The Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic crust as represented by the Hongqiyingzi Group was subducted to eclogite facies at ca. 1.95 Ga, followed by the final collision between the Eastern and Western Blocks at ca. 1.85 Ga to produce the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO). The ubiquitous presence of Phanerozoic concordant zircons in the Hongqiyingzi Group suggests the episodic exhumation of the TNCO in the northern segment during the Phanerozoic. The 460–420 Ma concordant zircons record the onset of exhumation, triggered by the Ordovician–Silurian southward subduction of the Paleoasian Ocean. Widespread occurrence of 360–320 Ma metamorphic and magmatic zircons in the Hongqiyingzi Group demonstrates that the Carboniferous–Permian was an important period of exhumation for the TNCO, possibly related to back-arc extension. A few Permian–Triassic concordant zircons record late Permian accretion and Triassic post-accretional uplifting. Our study demonstrates that the young orogeny during the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt resulted in extensive reactivation of not only the Archean continental crust but also the Paleoproterozoic orogen in the northern NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proterozoic Sirban Limestone Formation (SLFm) exposed in a number of inliers in Jammu (India), NW Himalaya is a potential target for hydrocarbon and ore mineral exploration. The structural complexity not only makes correlation of the SLFm with coeval hydrocarbon producing Proterozoic formations in the neighbouring Salt Range in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world extremely difficult, but also limits the understanding of the genesis of sedimentary hosted mineral deposits. The base of the SLFm inliers is not exposed anywhere in the region and the age of this sequence has been suggested to range from Palaeoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic. Important age diagnostic palynomorphs have been repeatedly recovered from different sections of the SLFm. To place the palynomorph bearing intervals into stratigraphic order is important for correlation of these sections. However, structural complexity and the monotonous nature of the lithology limit the scope for correlation. This problem can only be resolved by geochronology and dating of the important marker horizons in the SLFm. In the absence of tuff horizons the Rhenium (Re)-Osmium (Os) geochronology data can provide a direct date. Within the SLFm an important sedimentary marker horizon (black shale bed) was selected for the Re-Os geochronology. Re-Os isotope dating is a reliable geochronometer. However, in the present study this method yielded a Re-Os date of 607 ± 330 Ma, indicating that the Re-Os system was interrupted in response to hydrothermal fluid flow associated with the thrust tectonics in the region. Additionally, the decay of the total organic carbon (TOC) seems to have had an adverse effect on the Re-Os mobility and concentration. Since, relative abundance of Re and Os is sufficient enough to attempt Re-Os geochronology of these shale samples. The analysis of the deep drilling cores would give reliable results and provide a dependable correlation tool to place the SLFm in context of the Peri-Gondwana margin successions with proven petroleum systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence and expansion of complex eukaryotic life on Earth is linked at a basic level to the secular evolution of surface oxygen levels. However, the role that planetary redox evolution has played in controlling the timing of metazoan (animal) emergence and diversification, if any, has been intensely debated. Discussion has gravitated toward threshold levels of environmental free oxygen (O2) necessary for early evolving animals to survive under controlled conditions. However, defining such thresholds in practice is not straightforward, and environmental O2 levels can potentially constrain animal life inways distinct from threshold O2 tolerance. Herein, we quantitatively explore one aspect of the evolutionary coupling between animal life and Earth's oxygen cycle-the influence of spatial and temporal variability in surface ocean O2 levels on the ecology of early metazoan organisms. Through the application of a series of quantitative biogeochemical models, we find that large spatiotemporal variations in surface ocean O2 levels and pervasive benthic anoxia are expected in a world with much lower atmospheric pO2 than at present, resulting in severe ecological constraints and a challenging evolutionary landscape for early metazoan life. We argue that these effects, when considered in the light of synergistic interactions with other environmental parameters and variable O2 demand throughout an organism's life history, would have resulted in long-term evolutionary and ecological inhibition of animal life on Earth for much of Middle Proterozoic time (∼1.8-0.8 billion years ago). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A suite of ~1.84-1.92 Ga metamafic dykes within the paragneiss suite (khondalite) of the Quanji massif in NW China, has been chosen in this study for further understanding the tectonic evolution and possible links to the global Columbia supercontinent. Occurrence and field relations suggest that they were formed coevally with a previous studied ~1.83-1.85 Ga metamafic dyke swarms. Whole-rock major and trace elemental geochemistry suggests precursor magma of the amphibolites being generated from a volcanic arc-related tectonic setting rather than a back-arc environment where the metamafic dyke swarms were emplaced. The metamafic dykes show enrichment of LREE and strongly negative anomalies for Ta-Nb, Zr-Hf and Ti, have high SiO (49.3 wt.%-52.5 wt.%) but low MgO (6.40 wt.%-7.76 wt.%) contents and Mg (Mg=[100×(MgO/40.3)]/[MgO/40.3+FeO/71.8]) values (45.7-52.1), suggesting evolved precursor magma. The high values of La/Ta (22.2-42.8) and La/Nb (1.71-2.47), mildly negative ε( t) values (-2.51-0.15), with depleted mantle model ages ( T) of 2.45-2.84 Ga, suggest that their precursor magmas were possibly derived from a subduction-related fluid metasomatized Archean sub-continental lithospheric mantle. This study provides further evidence for oceanic plate subduction prevailing before or around ~1.85 Ga, which confirms a prolonged subduction-accretion-collision history in the NW China which is possibly linked to the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Precambrian, an informal chronostratigraphical unit, represents the period of Earth history from the start of the Cambrian at ca. 541 Ma back to the formation of the planet at 4567 Ma. It was originally conceptualized as a 'Cryptozoic Eon' that was contrasted with the Phanerozoic Eon from the Cambrian to the Quaternary, which is now known as the Precambrian and can be subdivided into three eons, Le., the Hadean, the Archean and the Proterozoic. The Precambrian is currently divided chronometrically into convenient boundaries, including for the establishment of the Proterozoic periods that were chosen to reflect large-scale tectonic or sedimentary features (except for the Ediacaran Period). This Chronometrie arrangement might represent the second progress on the study of chronostratigraphy of the Precambrian after its separation from the Phanerozoic. Upon further study of the evolutionary history of the Precambrian Earth, applying new geodynamic and geobiological knowledge and information, a revised division of Precambrian time has led to the third conceptual progress on the study of Precambrian chronostratigraphy. In the current scheme, the Proterozoic Eon began at 2500 Ma, which is the approximate time by which most granite-greenstone crust had formed, and can be subdivided into ten periods of typically 200 Ma duration grouped into three eras (except for the Ediacaran Period). Within this current scheme, the Ediacaran Period was ratified in 2004, the first period-level addition to the geologic time scale in more than a century, an important advancement in stratigraphy. There are two main problems in the current scheme of Proterozoic chronostratigraphical division: ① the definition of the Archean-Proterozoic boundary at 2500 Ma, which does not reflect a unique time of synchronous global change in tectonic style and does not correspond with a major change in lithology; ① the round number subdivision of the Proterozoic into several periods based on broad erogenic characteristics, which has not met with requests on the concept of modern stratigraphy, except for the Ediacaran Period. In the revised chronostratigraphic scheme for the Proterozoic, the Archean-Proterozoic boundary is placed at the major change from a reducing early Earth to a cooler, more modern Earth characterized by the supercontinent cycle, a major change that occurred at ca. 2420 Ma. Thus, a revised Proterozoic Eon (2420-542 Ma) is envisaged to extend from the Archean-Proterozoic boundary at ca. 2420 Ma to the end of the Ediacaran Period, Le., a period marked by the progressive rise in atmospheric oxygen, supercontinent cyclicity, and the evolution of more complex (eukaryoüc) life. As with the current Proterozoic Eon, a revised Proterozoic Eon based on chronostratigraphy is envisaged to consist of three eras (Paleoproterozoic, Mesoproterozoic, and Neoproterozoic), but the boundary ages for these divisions differ from their current ages and their subdivisions into periods would also differ from current practice. A scheme is proposed for the chronostratigraphic division of the Proterozoic, based principally on geodynamic and geobiological events and their expressions in the stratigraphie record. Importantly, this revision of the Proterozoic time scale will be of significant benefit to the community as a whole and will help to drive new research that will unveil new information about the history of our planet, since the Proterozoic is a significant connecting link between the preceding Precambrian and the following Phanerozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we present zircon U–Pb ages, Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry of the Longzhu rhyolite porphyry from the Cathaysia Block, Southeast China to constrain its petrogenesis and provide insights into the early Precambrian tectonic evolution of the Cathaysia Block. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of a representative sample yields a weighted mean206Pb/207Pb age of 1819 ± 16 Ma, interpreted as the crystallization age of the Longzhu rhyolite porphyry. Zircons from this sample haveεHf(t) values ranging from – 8.4 to – 2.2 andTHfDM2model ages from 2.76 to 2.46 Ga. The whole-rock Nd isotopic data from the Longzhu rhyolite porphyries yieldεNd(t) values spanning – 6.3 to – 4.7 andTNdDM2model ages from 2.81 to 2.69 Ga. The rhyolite porphyries have geochemical features similar to those of the typical A-type granites (rhyolites), with high SiO2, total alkali contents and FeOt/MgO ratios, and low CaO and MgO contents. Additionally, the rhyolite porphyries have high total rare earth element concentrations (627 ~ 760 ppm), high (La/Yb)Nvalues (14.5 ~ 26.9), strongly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.28 ~ 0.41), and display enrichments of Rb, Ga, Th, and U and depletions of Sr, Nb, Ta, Eu, and Ti. The geochemical and Nd-Hf isotopic features suggest that the Palaeoproterozoic Longzhu rhyolite porphyries were generated by partial melting of source rocks similar to those of the Badu Complex in an intra-plate extensional setting. The results from this study, when combined with existing geochronological data, further demonstrate that the Palaeoproterozoic rocks of Wuyishan terrane probably represent a remnant of the Columbia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triassic coeval mafic and intermediate magmatism occurred in the area suggested to be the southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) in the Gyeonggi Massif (GM) of the Korean Peninsula. This study investigates aspects of the mafic and intermediate magmatism using SHRIMP zircon ages and whole-rock chemical and isotopic Sr–Nd data. The mafic and intermediate rocks intruded into a basement paragneiss in three areas (Yangpyeong, Odesan and Yangyang) within the GM at ca. 230 Ma. The paragneiss was metamorphosed in both the Paleoproterozoic and Triassic. Gabbros (hornblende gabbro and pyroxene–mica gabbro) from the study areas exhibit strong light REE (LREE) enrichment relative to chondrite (La N /Yb N = 11.1–30.6) and a high LILE/HFSE pattern, Ta–Nb–P–Ti troughs and positive Ba–K–Pb–Sr spikes on the N-MORB-normalized multi-element variation diagram. These features are typical characteristics of arc-related gabbros. The gabbros also show strongly enriched initial isotopic compositions ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (i) = 0.7100–0.7137; ε Nd (t) = − 13.1 to − 19.7). The coeval intermediate intrusive rocks also exhibit whole-rock chemical and isotopic features ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (i) = 0.7099–0.7143; ε Nd (t) = − 10.8 to − 18.6) similar to those of the gabbros. The mafic and intermediate intrusive rocks plot in the within-plate and/or post-collisional fields on tectonic discrimination diagrams. These data indicate that the mafic and intermediate magmatism in the study areas occurred during the Triassic post-collisional relaxation period via partial melting of sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) that was enriched in a subduction environment prior to (or during) the Permo-Triassic continental collision between the NCC and the South China Craton (SCC). The highly enriched mantle signatures revealed by the gabbros from the study areas are matched to the enriched features identified in Cretaceous mafic igneous rocks (ca. 130 Ma) on the southern margin of the NCC. Thus, this study suggests that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Yangpyeong, Odesan and Yangyang areas are comparable to the SCLM of the NCC southern margin. The highly enriched nature of mafic and intermediate rocks from the study areas indicates that their source is the SCLM that was metasomatized by Permian to early Triassic subduction–continental collision processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andesites and related plutonic rocks are major contributors to continental growth and provide insights into the interaction between the mantle and crust. Paleoproterozoic volcanic rocks are important components of the East Sarmatian Orogen (ESO) belonging to the East European Craton, although their petrogenesis and tectonic setting remain controversial. Here we present petrology, mineral chemistry, bulk chemistry, Sr–Nd isotopes, and zircon U–Pb geochronological data from andesites and related rocks in the Losevo and Vorontsovka blocks of the ESO. Clinopyroxene phenocrysts in the andesites are depleted in LREE, and enriched in HFSE (Th, Nb, Zr, Hf, Ti) and LILE (Ba, Sr). Based on the chemistry of pyroxenes and whole rocks, as well as Fe–Ti oxides, we estimate a temperature range of 1179 to 1262 °С, pressures of 11.3 to 13.0 kbar, H 2 O content of 1–5 wt.%, and oxygen fu gacity close to the MH buffer for the melts of the Kalach graben (KG) and the Baygora area (BA) andesites. Our zircon U–Pb geochronological data indicate new zircon growth during the middle Paleoproterozoic as displayed by weighted mean 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ages of 2047 ± 17 Ma and 2040 ± 16 Ma for andesite and dacite–porphyry of the BA, and 2050 ± 16 Ma from high-Mg basaltic andesite of the KG. The andesites and related rocks of the KG and BA are characterized by high magnesium contents (Mg # up to 0.68). All these volcanic rocks are depleted in LREE and HFSE, and display negative Nb and Ti anomalies relative to primitive mantle. The high-Mg bulk composition, and the presence of clinopyroxene phenocrysts suggests that the parent melts of the KG and BA suite were in equilibrium with the mantle rocks. The rocks show positive εNd(T) values and low initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, suggesting that the magmas were mostly derived from metasomatized mantle source. The geochemical differences between the two andesite types are attributed to: the predominance of fractional crystallization, and minor role of contamination in the case of KG andesites in contrast to the higher degree of contamination with continental crustal lithologies and/or dacitic melts for the BA andesites. Furthermore, the upper mantle source of the KG andesites is inferred to be metasomatically enriched in comparison with the hydrous mantle source of the BA magmas. We propose post-collisional setting for both the high-Mg andesites of the KG and normal andesites of the BA, with magma generation through partial melting of enriched mantle sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neoproterozoic Sete Lagoas Formation (ca 610 Ma) of the S~ao Francisco Basin, Brazil, is a succession of siltstone, limestone and phosphorite. Phosphorite forms part of a previously unrecognized 150 to 200 m thick, unconformity bounded depositional sequence. Lithofacies stacking patterns indicate that deposition was punctuated by higher order fluctuations in base level that produced aggradational parasequences. These shallowing-upward cycles record the progradation of phosphate-rich intertidal flats over shallow subtidal deposits as accommodation filled. The presence of mudcracks, authigenic chert nodules, lack of coarse terrigenous clastics and the abundance of silt with fine, abraded quartz grains suggests accumulation along an arid coastline with significant aeolian input. Delivery of phosphorus adsorbed on aeolian Fe-(oxyhydr)oxide and clay is interpreted as having stimulated phosphogenesis in peritidal environments. Lithofacies associations indicate that windblown phosphorus promoted the establishment of cyanobacterial communities along the coast, which produced photosynthetic oxygen and the suboxic conditions necessary for the precipitation of authigenic carbonate fluorapatite. As in other Precambrian phosphatic systems, nearshore oxygen oases were a prerequisite for phosphorite accumulation because redox sensitive phosphogenic processes were pushed into the sediment to concentrate phosphorus. In more distal, anoxic environments phosphorite could not form because these biotic and abiotic processes were suspended in the water column, which cycled phosphorus in sea water rather than at the sediment--water interface. Such shallow-water phosphorite is unlike larger, younger Neoproterozoic--Phanerozoic phosphatic deposits inferred to have formed in deeper-upwelling related environments. The increasing size of phosphatic deposits through the latest Precambrian is interpreted as reflecting the progressive ventilation of the oceans during the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Event, and resultant expansion of phosphogenic environments into distal settings. The widespread cycling of bioavailable phosphorus at the sea floor not only produced the first true phosphorite giants, but may have also been an important precondition for the evolution of multicellular animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive study of thickness and composition of the crust; and the nature of crust-mantle boundary beneath Southern India using P-wave receiver function from 119 seismic stations. Data from distributed network of seismograph location encompass geological domains like mid to late Archean Dharwar craton, Archean and Proterozoic metamorphic terrains, Proterozoic basin, rifted margins and escarpments, and Deccan volcanics. Except for the mid to lower crust exhumed Archean terrains (of West Dharwar and Southern Granulite) all other geological domains have crustal thickness in the range 33-40 km. In the western Dharwar, crustal thickness increases from ~40 km in the north to over 50 km in the south. The Archean domain of granulite terrain is thicker (40-45 km) and more mafic compared to its counterpart in south deformed at 550 Ma. Most of the crustal blocks have low to moderate Vp/Vs (1.72-1.76) representing a felsic to intermediate composition. Exception to the above include Archean granulite terrain with high Vp/Vs (1.76-1.81) suggestive of more mafic crust beneath them. When accounted for the paleo burial depth of 15-25 km, the study suggests a possible Himalaya-Tibet like scenario beneath the mid-late Archean in southwestern Dharwar and north granulite terrain whose deeper crust has progressively densified. This led to a gradational crust-mantle transition that is otherwise sharp elsewhere. The study suggests a more homogenized and felsic nature of the Precambrian crust beneath the terrains formed after 2.6 Ga, possibly due to delamination of the mafic lower crust. Our study does not suggest any distinction between late Archean and Proterozoic crust. The Deccan volcanism at 65 Ma does not appear to have altered the crustal character beneath it and is similar to the adjoining late Archean east Dharwar craton. The western Ghat escarpment and the coastal plain formed due to separation of India from Madagascar are underlain by mafic lower crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex paleontological and isotope-geochronological study of clastic sediments of the Vychegda Depression (Mezen syneclise) has been carried out on samples retrieved from the Keltmen-1 borehole drilled in the junction zone of the Russian and Timan-Pechera plates. The stratigraphic structure of the clastic unit in the depth interval 1874-2910 m has been perfected. At the base of the unit, the new Okos Formation has been described: glauconite from it was dated by Rb-Sr to 807 ± 8 Ma. The obtained microphytologic characteristic of the upper part of the section is in agreement with lithological and geochemical data, allowing recognition of two Upper Vendian Formations: Ust-Pinega and Mezen. The stratigraphic hiatus between the Upper Riphean and Vendian deposits in the Keltmen-1 borehole reaches 200-250 M.y. For the first time Ediacaran acanthomorph microfossils of the genera Appendisphaera and Tanarium have been found in the high horizons of the Upper Vendian, proving their wider stratigraphic distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, we describe the occurrence of well-preserved Paleoproterozoic raindrop impact imprints on two surfaces of rippled siltstone–mudstone from the uppermost part of the Paleoproterozoic Kungarra Formation, Turee Creek Group, Western Australia. The raindrop imprints appear on the tops of two immediately overlying bedding surfaces in siltstone, near the top of a shallowing upward sequence that progresses from sandstone to mudstone. Imprints are circular to elliptical with an average diameter of 2–3 mm and a maximum length of 6.3 mm when elliptical. Flat ripple crest morphologies, varied ripple crest orientations, and marks of standing water in the ripple troughs indicate very shallow water conditions. When combined with sedimentological data from the underlying Kungarra Formation (shallow marine sandstones and siltstones), and mature quartz arenites of the overlying Koolbye Formation (mixed tidal, beach, fluvial and eolian), the interval examined is interpreted as a tidal flat deposited during a falling stage systems tract. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Alto Moxotó Terrane is a Paleoproterozoic inlier within the Transversal Domain of the Neoproterozoic Borborema Province (NE Brazil). An isotopic and whole-rock geochemistry study has been performed in the Sucuru region (Paraiba State, NE Brazil) which revealed a long-lived evolution for this terrane. The first event is Siderian-aged, dated on 2.44 Ga, being represented by granitic to granodioritic banded orthogneisses and migmatites of the basement. They correspond to meta to peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline series, where geochemical patterns besides zircon features and Nd isotopic data indicate that they were formed in a convergent tectonic environment with reworking of an older Archean continental crust. This basement was intruded by different magmatic suites through two distinct tectono-magmatic events. The older one is Rhyacian-aged recorded by emplacement of the Carmo mafic-ultramafic suite and Pedra d'Água granitic suite, with ages varying from 2.15 to 2.0 Ga. The Carmo Suite shows compositions similar to tholeiitic and minor calc-alkaline series and geochemical patterns of a depleted source. These general chemical characteristics are compatible with an arc-related magmatism in early stages of subduction. The Pedra d'Água suite corresponds to middle to peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline magmatism which presents a typical magmatic arc geochemical signature. The negative εNd ( t ) values suggest a strong continental component for genesis of these magmas. The last tectonomagmatic episode occurred in the Statherian-Calymmian boundary and is represented by bimodal magmatic association of the Serra da Barra Suite, dated around 1.6 Ga. The dominant felsic rocks present an evolved composition and correspond to typical metaluminous sub-alkaline suite. The trace-element and REE patterns of both mafic and mainly felsic rocks suggest a within-plate setting. The attributed source is of crustal derivation, which is supported by the negative εNd ( t ) values. A mantle plume can be invoked for mechanism of generation of the Serra da Barra magmatism. This polycyclic Paleoproterozoic evolution observed at Alto Moxotó terrane is also well documented in orogenic terranes worldwide, mainly those related to Atlantica supercontinent amalgamation. On the other hand, Statherian-Calymmian extensional event is also coherent with worldwide descriptions and are commonly referred to early break-up stage of the large Paleoproterozoic land masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of the microcontinent VanDieland extends back to the late Paleoproterozoic, where it was positioned between East Antarctica and southwestern Laurentia, within the supercontinent Nuna and Rodinia. Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic events recorded in VanDieland have greater affinities with southwest Laurentia and East Antarctica, suggesting southern VanDieland was part of the Grenville Front, and the central Tasmanian part was adjacent to the Miller Range in the central Transantarctic Mountains. Late in the Neoproterozoic Rodinia break-up, VanDieland separated from East Antarctica and southwestern Laurentia, and moved north along the Terra Australis margin until its southern part was positioned next to the easternmost Robertson Bay Terrane of north Victoria Land. VanDieland comprises up to seven different crustal megaboudins or microcontinental ribbon terranes that likely had amalgamated by the end of the Cambrian; these ribbon terranes are bounded by major faults and suture zones. Some boundaries, such as the Arthur Metamorphic Complex, are well known. However, other boundaries, like the eastern edge of the Tyennan Zone, and the boundary between King Island and northwestern Tasmania, are more cryptic, as they are covered by younger geology or are under water. The boundaries are commonly defined by sedimentary and mafic volcanic infill that has been trapped between the crustal fragments. These rocks have previously been interpreted as allochthonous terranes but are more likely to represent inverted sections of attenuated transitional crust and back arc basin fill that formed along the eastern margin of the Gondwana plate during the Cambrian. This interpretation also provides an explanation for the previous tectonic analysis that suggests that Tasmania's mafic–ultramafic complexes were obducted westward onto older sequences and were subsequently transported southwards as other ribbons collided along the northeastern and western edges of the growing microcontinent, which existed in the overriding plate of a west-dipping subduction zone at the convergent margin between Gondwana and the proto-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gneisses and migmatites exposed in the Yangpyeong area in the northern Gyeonggi Massif provide insight into the Paleoproterozoic and Triassic metamorphic events in South Korea. Garnet–biotite gneiss and sillimanite–garnet–biotite gneiss in the western part of the area reveal Paleoproterozoic metamorphism (1888–1871 Ma) at P–T conditions of 760–820 °C and 8–10 kbar and 710–750 °C and 5–7 kbar, respectively. These rocks were overprinted by low-P/T type metamorphism (590–650 °C, 3–4 kbar) during the Triassic (ca. 237 Ma). In contrast, a cordierite-rich migmatite near the post-collisional Triassic igneous complex in the eastern part of the area was strongly metamorphosed during the Triassic (ca. 235 Ma) at 750–790 °C and 7–8 kbar. The similar Triassic ages in the western and eastern areas suggest that low-P/T type metamorphism occurred as a second stage of regional metamorphism, which is characterized by the production of cordierite with an irregularly shaped garnet. The metamorphic grade of the Triassic metamorphism decreases spatially towards the west from granulite facies to amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions, and the Paleoproterozoic metamorphism is well preserved in the western part with low grade Triassic metamorphism. The new discovery of the Triassic metamorphic event in the Yangpyeong area, in addition to the previously reported Triassic post-collision igneous event, supports the idea that the continental collision belt between the North and South China blocks extends from the Hongseong area into the Odesan area through the Yangpyeong area in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light microscope and scanning electron microscope observations on new material of unicellular microfossils Dictyosphaera macroreticulata and Shuiyousphaeridium macroreticulatum, from the Mesoproterozoic Ruyang Group in China, provide insights into the microorganisms’ biological affinity, life cycle and cellular complexity. Gigantosphaeridium fibratum n. gen. et sp., is described and is one of the largest Mesoproterozoic microfossils recorded. Phenotypic characters of vesicle ornamentation and excystment structures, properties of resistance and cell wall structure in Dictyosphaera and Shuiyousphaeridium are all diagnostic of microalgal cysts. The wide size ranges of the various morphotypes indicate growth phases compatible with the development of reproductive cysts. Conspecific biologically, each morphotype represents an asexual (resting cyst) or sexual (zygotic cyst) stage in the life cycle, respectively. We reconstruct this hypothetical life cycle and infer that the organism demonstrates a reproductive strategy of alternation of heteromorphic generations. Similarly in Gigantosphaeridium, a metabolically expensive vesicle with processes suggests its protective role as a zygotic cyst. In combination with all these characters and from the resemblance to extant green algae, we propose the placement of these ancient microorganisms in the stem group of Chloroplastida (Viridiplantae). A cell wall composed of primary and secondary layers in Dictyosphaera and Shuiyouisphaeridium required a high cellular complexity for their synthesis and the presence of an endomembrane system and the Golgi apparatus. The plastid was also present, accepting the organism was photosynthetic. The biota reveals a high degree of morphological and cell structural complexity, and provides an insight into ongoing eukaryotic evolution and the development of complex life cycles with sexual reproduction by 1200 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Houxianyu borate deposit in northeastern China is one of the largest boron sources of China, hosted mainly in the Paleoproterozoic meta-volcanic and sedimentary rocks (known as the Liaohe Group) that are characterized by high boron concentrations. The borate ore-body has intimate spatial relationship with the Mg-rich carbonates/silicates of the Group, with fine-grained gneisses (meta-felsic volcanic rocks) as main country rocks. The presence of abundant tourmalinites and tourmaline-rich quartz veins in the borate orebody provides an opportunity to study the origin of boron, the nature of ore-forming fluids, and possible mineralization mechanism. We report the chemical and boron isotopic compositions of tourmalines from the tourmaline-rich rocks in the borate deposit and from the tourmaline-bearing fine-grained gneisses. Tourmalines from the fine-grained gneisses are chemically homogeneous, showing relatively high Fe and Na and low Mg, with δ 11 B values in a narrow range from +1.22‰ to +2.63‰. Tourmalines from the tourmaline-rich rocks, however, commonly show compositional zoning, with an irregular detrital core and a euhedral overgrowth, and have significantly higher Mg, REE (and more pronounced positive Eu anomalies), V (229–1852 ppm) and Sr (208–1191 ppm) than those from the fine-grained gneisses. They show varied B isotope values ranging from +4.51‰ to +12.43‰, which plot intermediate between those of the terrigenous sediments and arc rocks with low boron isotope values (as represented by the δ 11 B = +1.22‰ to +2.63‰ of the fine-grained gneisses of this study) and those of marine carbonates and evaporates with high boron isotope values. In addition, the rim of the zoned tourmaline shows notably higher Mg, Ti, V, Sn, and Pb, and REE (particularly LREEs), but lower Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, Mn, and lower δ 11 B values than the core. These data suggest that (1) the sources of boron of the borate ore-body are mainly the Paleoproterozoic meta-volcanic and sedimentary rocks, and (2) the ore-forming fluids should be the high temperature metamorphic fluids related to the amphibolite-facies metamorphism of the Paleoproterozoic foldbelt, which leach boron from the boron-rich meta-volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Liaohe Group, and the boron-rich metamorphic fluids subsequently interacted with the marine Mg-rich carbonates and evaporates, forming borate deposit, the tourmaline overgrowth in the rim and the tourmaline-rich rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bayanwulashan Metamorphic Complex (BMC) exposes along the eastern margin of the Alxa Block, the westernmost part of the North China Craton (NCC). BMC is principally composed of metamorphic rocks with amphibole plagiogneiss, biotite plagioclase gneiss and granitic gneiss. Our research has been focused on the petrography and zircon U–Pb geochronology of the BMC to better understand the evolution of the Alxa Block and its relationship with the NCC. Evidences from field geology, petrography, and mineral chemistry indicate that two distinct metamorphic assemblages, the amphibolite and greenschist facies, had overprinted the preexisting granitic gneiss and suggest that the BMC experienced retrograde metamorphic episodes. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages reveal that the primary magmatic activities of BMC were at ca. 2.30–2.24 Ga and the two metamorphic events were at ca. 1.95–1.91 Ga and ca. 1.88–1.85 Ga respectively. These ages indicate that BMC initially intruded during Paleoproterozoic, not as previously suggested at Archean period. The Early Paleoproterozoic metamorphic records and the magmatic thermochronological data in BMC exhibit different evolution paths between the Alxa Block and the NCC. The Alxa Block was most likely an independent Early Paleoproterozoic terrain. Following different amalgamation processes, The Alxa Block combined with Western Block at ca. 1.95 Ga and then united with NCC at ca. 1.85 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a geochronological and geochemical study on the Paleoproterozoic potassic granites in the Lushan area, southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) to understand the tectonic regime of the NCC at 2.2–2.1 Ga. This rock suite formed at 2194 ± 29 Ma. The rocks are rich in SiO 2 (76.10–77.73 wt.%), and K 2 O (5.94–6.90 wt.%) with high K 2 O + Na 2 O contents from 7.56 wt.% to 8.48 wt.%, but poor in CaO (0.10–0.28 wt.%), P 2 O 5 (0.02–0.05 wt.%) and MgO (0.01–0.30 wt.%, Mg# = 1.08–27.3), indicating they experienced fractional crystallization. Major element compositions suggest the potassic granites share an affinity with high K calc-alkaline granite. Even though the Lushan potassic granitic rocks have high A/CNK ratios (1.11–1.25), which can reach peraluminous feature, the very low P 2 O 5 contents and negative correlation of P 2 O 5 and SiO 2 ruling out they are S-type granites. Different from peralkaline A-type granites, the Lushan potassic granites have variable Zr concentrations (160–344 ppm, 226 ppm on average) and 10,000 Ga/Al ratios (1.76–3.00), together with high zircon saturation temperatures ( T Zr = 826–885 °C), indicating they are fractionated aluminous A-type granites. Enriched LREE ((La/Yb) N = 9.72–81.8), negative Eu anomalies, and low Sr/Y with no correlations in Sr/Y and Sr/Zr versus CaO suggest the possible presence of Ca-rich plagioclase and absence of garnet in the residual. Magmatic zircon grains have variable ε Hf ( t ) values (−2.4 to +7.3) with zircon two-stage Hf model ages ( T DM C ) varying from 2848 Ma to 2306 Ma (mostly around ca. 2.5 Ga), and are plotted in the evolution line of crustal felsic rock. We propose that the rocks mainly formed by partial melting of ca. 2.50 Ga tonalitic–granodioritic crust as a result of upwelling mantle-derived magmas which provided thermal flux and source materials in an intra-continent rifting. The ca. 2.2 Ga magmatism suggests that intra-continental rifting occurred at 2.35–1.97 Ga at least in the southern margin of the NCC after its final cratonization in the late Neoarchean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Älvestorp conglomerates, deposited in an alluvial fan setting, form part of the Svecofennian orogenic belt in west Bergslagen, south central Sweden and are estimated to be as old as c. 1.85 Ga. Reaching a thickness of one kilometre, their architecture and form suggest an alluvial origin. Along sections, massive conglomerates often grade into pebbly mudstones and greenschist facies slates, while pure slates with dolomite concretions and olistolites occur in dark slatey mudstones on the eastern shore of lake Brunnsjön. Inner fan trenches are filled with massive, clast-supported conglomerates that contain more than 80 percent epiclastic tuffaceous material. The Älvestorp conglomerate is therefore classified as the product of a Proterozoic stream-flow channel and debris flow, or alluvial fan. The Grythyttan Basin to the north originated by extension after the first of two orogenic stages of Bergslagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon geochronological and geochemical data of meta-igneous and metasedimentary rock types of the Katuma Block of the Paleoproterozoic Ubendian Belt in Tanzania are used to unravel the crustal evolution of this metalliferous terrain. The protoliths of the metabasites and orthogneisses previously considered to be Paleoproterozoic are in fact mostly Neoarchean in age (2713 ± 11 Ma to 2638 ± 5 Ma), from which the oldest rocks experienced their first metamorphism during the same Neoarchean orogenic cycle at ca. 2650 Ma. A second event of mafic magmatism (2021 ± 11 Ma) was concomitant with the migmatization of the Neoarchean orthogneisses and was succeeded by granitic intrusions at 1990–1940 Ma. All rocks of the Katuma Block experienced their main metamorphic reworking during several Paleoproterozoic orogenic events, which were recognized by dating of various metamorphic zircon growth zones and the age of magmatic events dated at ca. 2050, 1960 and 1880 Ma. The detritus of the high-grade metasedimentary rocks derived from Neoarchean (Katuma Block or Tanzania Craton?) and Paleoproterozoic provenances and the minimum age for the deposition is constrained by its first metamorphism at ca. 1960 Ma. The Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic metabasites, gabbronorites and orthogneisses are sub-alkaline in composition displaying a REE and trace element geochemistry akin to those of rocks formed in modern-arc settings. On the basis of the geochemical data, the presence of eclogites, deformation and metamorphic ages, we suggest that in Paleoproterozoic time the Katuma Block was again at an active continental margin, below which a Paleoproterozoic oceanic lithosphere was subducting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The branching morphology of Ediacaran rangeomorph fronds has no exact counterpart in other complex macroorganisms. As such, these fossils pose major questions as to growth patterns, functional morphology, modes of feeding, and adaptive optimality. Here, using parametric Lindenmayer systems, a formal model of rangeomorph morphologies reveals a fractal body plan characterized by self-similar, axial, apical, alternate branching. Consequent morphological reconstruction for 11 taxa demonstrates an adaptive radiation based on 3D space-filling strategies. The fractal body plan of rangeomorphs is shown to maximize surface area, consistent with diffusive nutrient uptake from the water column (osmotrophy). The enigmas of rangeomorph morphology, evolution, and extinction are resolved by the realization that they were adaptively optimized for unique ecological and geochemical conditions in the late Proterozoic. Changes in ocean conditions associated with the Cambrian explosion sealed their fate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentological investigation of the late Paleoproterozoic (Orosirian) Vempalle Formation of the Cuddapah Basin, Dharwar craton, India, reveals three facies association that range from supratidal to deep subtidal. Sedimentary rocks of this succession are dominated by heterolithic carbonate mudstone, intraformational carbonate conglomerate, and a variety of columnar, domal, and stratiform microbialite facies. Deposition occurred in an extensional regime during development of a low gradient ramp, where the distribution of microbialite facies is distinctly depth partitioned. A gradual increase in synoptic relief of columnar stromatolites through the section, and the upward transition from stratiform to columnar microbialites, record a prolonged marine transgression with little or no influx of terrigenous detritus. Siliciclastic influx along the northeastern side of the shelf reflects the redistribution of topographic highs concomitant with large scale volcanic activity. Redistribution of topographic highs eventually led to progradation of peritidal facies and shutting down of the carbonate factory. Earthquake-induced ground shaking and voluminous volcanism experienced by this platform point to the reactivation of a deep-seated mantle-plume that resulted in thermal doming of the Dharwar crust prior to the onset of Cuddapah deposition. Isotopic and elemental chemistry of a selection of Vempalle Formation carbonate rocks record elevated Mn 2+ and Fe 2+ concentrations and depleted carbon isotope values in inner ramp lagoonal facies, relative to more open marine stromatolitic facies. Patterns of isotopic and elemental variation suggest the presence of geochemically distinct water masses-either within the water column or within substrate pore fluids-that resulted from a combination of globally low marine oxygenation and restricted oceanographic circulation in inner ramp environments. These data suggest that, even in the aftermath of Early Paleoproterozoic oxygenation, that ocean chemistry was heterogeneous and strongly affected by local basin conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) Pb/Zn deposits is linked to ocean euxinia, but recent evidence suggests that ferruginous conditions may have dominated the deep ocean during the Middle Proterozoic, a maximum period for SEDEX distribution. Biomarkers of sulfate-reducing and sulfide-oxidising bacteria are valuable indicators of euxinic conditions in such settings. Organic matter (OM) from SEDEX deposits is often affected by alteration and/or migration, but OM entrapped within the kerogen/mineral matrix (Bitumen II) may be less affected than the freely-extractable OM (Bitumen I). We analysed Bitumen II from the Paleoproterozoic Here’s Your Chance (HYC) Pb/Zn/Ag deposit to find evidence of euxinic conditions in the depositional environment. n-Alkane distributions in Bitumen II are markedly distinct from previously-reported Bitumen I. Bitumen II contains long-chain n-alkanes (up to C36 or C38) and a strong even-over-odd distribution in a number of samples, which are 4‰ to 7‰ depleted in 13C compared to n-alkanes in Bitumen I and verified as indigenous by comparison with δ13C of isolated kerogen. These features are interpreted as evidence of sulfate-reducing and sulfide-oxidising bacteria, confirming that HYC was deposited under euxinic conditions. Bitumen II has the potential to reveal information from OM that is degraded and/or overprinted in Bitumen I. Commonly-used methylphenanthrene maturity ratios give conflicting information as to the relative maturity of Bitumens I and II. Bitumen I contains a far higher proportion of methylated phenanthrenes than Bitumen II. As Bitumen II is sequestered within the kerogen/mineral matrix it may have restricted access to the ‘methyl pool’ of organic compounds that can donate methyl groups to aromatic hydrocarbons. Parameters that include both phenanthrene and methylphenanthrenes do not appear suitable to compare the maturity of Bitumens I and II; hence there is no clear evidence that Bitumen II is of lower thermal maturity than Bitumen I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bolla Bollana Formation is an exceptionally thick ( ca 1500 m), rift-related sedimentary succession cropping out in the northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, which was deposited during the Sturtian (mid Cryogenian) glaciation. Lithofacies analysis reveals three distinct facies associations which chart changing depositional styles on an ice-sourced subaqueous fan system. The diamictite facies association is dominant, and comprises both massive and stratified varieties with a range of clast compositions and textures, arranged into thick beds (1 to 20 m), representing stacked, ice-proximal glaciogenic debris-flow deposits. A channel belt facies association, most commonly consisting of normally graded conglomerates and sandstones, displays scour and fill structure of ca 10 m width and 1 to 3 m depth: these strata are interpreted as channelized turbidites. Rare mud-filled channels in this facies association bear glacially striated lonestones. Finally, a sheet heterolithics facies association contains a range of conglomerates through sandstones to silty shales arranged into clear, normally graded cycles from the lamina to bed scale. These record a variety of non-channelized turbidites, probably occupying distal and/or inter-channel locations on the subaqueous fan. Coarsening and thickening-up cycles, capped by dolomicrites or mudstones, are indicative of lobe build out and abandonment, potentially as a result of ice lobe advance and stagnation. Dropstones, recognized by downwarped and punctured laminae beneath pebbles to boulders in shale, or in delicate climbing ripple cross-laminated siltstones, are clearly indicative of ice rafting. The co-occurrence of ice-rafted debris and striated lonestones strongly supports a glaciogenic sediment source for the diamictites. Comparison to Pleistocene analogues enables an interpretation as a trough mouth fan, most probably deposited leeward of a palaeo-ice stream. Beyond emphasizing the highly dynamic nature of Sturtian ice sheets, these interpretations testify to the oldest trough mouth fan recorded to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yanshan Basin, located in northern North China, underwent three primary stages in the Mesoproterozoic, and corresponding biotas have been summarized for each stage in the present study. The three stages are stage A (the lower part of the Changcheng Group which dominated by clastic sediments), stage B (the upper part of the Changcheng Group to the Jixian Group which characterized by carbonate sediments), and stage C (the upper part of the Jixian Group which dominated by clastic sediments). This paper will focus on the evolution of biota during stage B. Microbiota of the stage B exhibits a high level of diversity and abundance. Planktonic microfossils have various forms and complex decorations. Most microfossils are generally small. In stage B, there was great variation in the biotic abundance and diversity, the average diameter of spherical benthic microfossils, and the maximum diameter of the spherical microfossils. We analyzed these parameters and identified two typical biotic events, and both biotic events were corresponded with geological events. The first event occurred in the third member of the Dahongyu Formation. In this era, the maximum diameter of the silicified microfossils significantly increased, and large, spherical planktonic specimens are abundant. The flourishing of large organisms in the strata is presumably related to volcanic activity. The second event occurred in the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation. During this era, the microfossil assemblage changed significantly. The changes correspond with a decline in stromatolites as well as the transformations of the carbon isotope ratios and the elemental geochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed field and petrological studies in Vanambayi-Lingala-Lopatnutala section and old Kadiri Ghat-Pulivendela section in SW part of the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin of Eastern Dharwar craton brought to light the occurrence of hitherto unreported two significant phases of pyroclastic volcanic activity associated with the Vempalle Formation in Papaghni sub-basin. Occurrence of a significant pyroclastic agglomerate at the contact zone of Vempalle dolomite of Papaghni Group and Pulivendela quartzite of Chitravathi Group represents a significant event of the mafic phase of pyroclastic volcanic activity, while the finely laminated felsic tuff within the intercalated reddish siltstone, chert and dolomite sequence in the lower part of Vempalle Formation represents the felsic phase of pyroclastic activity. Studies indicate that the pyroclastic agglomerate zone in Vanambayi-Lingala-Lopatnutala section is a classical example of pyroclastic volcanism wherein the highly vesicular rock with rounded basalt clasts often exhibit embayed contact of welded nature with the matrix. The pyroclastic zone reported in the present paper particularly at the interface of Vempalle Formation and Pulivendela quartzite in Vanambayi-Lingala-Lopatnutala section represents a significant tectono-magmatic event of explosive volcanic activity that is contemporaneous with the culmination of the carbonate precipitation of Vempalle dolomite and marks the termination of sedimentation in Papaghni Group in southwestern part of Cuddapah basin during Paleoproterozoic times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Major and trace element and Nd, Sr and Pb isotope data from c. 550Ma-old gray granites and c. 510Ma-old red leucogranites of the high-grade central part of the Damara orogen (Namibia) indicate a dominantly deep crustal origin. Moderately peraluminous gray granites are isotopically evolved (initial εNd: c. −17) and were likely derived from meta-igneous sources with late Archean to Paleoproterozoic crustal residence ages. Based on a comparison with experimental results, the granites were derived by partial melting of a granodioritic biotite gneiss at c. 900–950°C and less than 10kbar. Slightly peraluminous red leucogranites are also isotopically evolved (initial εNd: −15 to −18) but have undergone extensive crystal fractionation coupled with minor contamination of mid crustal meta-pelitic material. Major and trace element data do not support closed-system fractional crystallization processes for all samples, however, some chemical features underline the importance of crystal fractionation processes especially for the leucogranites. Isotope data do not support mixing of different crust-derived melts or assimilation of crustal rocks by a mafic magma on a large scale. For the gray granites, unradiogenic Pb isotope compositions with substantial variation in 207Pb/204Pb at almost constant 206Pb/204Pb, strongly negative εNd values and moderately radiogenic Sr isotope compositions argue for an undepleted nature of the source. High Rb/Sr ratios of the red leucogranites permit a comparison with the gray granites but similar initial εNd values indicate that the source of these granites is not fundamentally different to the source of the gray granites. The most acceptable model for both granite types involves partial melting of meta-igneous basement rocks of Archean to Proterozoic age. The consistency of the chemical data with a crustal anatectic origin and the observation that the gray granites intruded before the first peak of high-grade regional metamorphism suggests that they intruded simultaneously with crustal thickening. The red leucogranites are interpreted to be a result of crustal melting during the main peak of regional metamorphism. The heating events that promoted melting of fertile deep-crustal rocks might have been caused by the inferred high heat productivity of heat-producing radioactive elements (Th, U, K) together with crustal thickening during the main periods of orogeny. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Koongarra ore body is an early Proterozoic U ore body in the Alligator Rivers U province, Northern Territory, Australia. It has surface expression with a redox front located ∼30 m below the surface. The 234U/238U activity ratios (AR) for the ground water and the amorphous phase of the solid have been analysed for the ore zone and dispersion halo as a function of depth. The results display a 234U/238U AR signature with depth which may be common to all U ore bodies. The 234U/238U AR is depressed below secular equilibrium in the weathered material above the redox front; rises significantly above secular equilibrium in the vicinity of the redox front; and is followed by a gradual decrease with depth below the redox front. The amplitude of the profile is a function of local conditions. A model is proposed for the signature in which oxidising waters preferentially leach the 234U sites at the redox front due to preconditioning of the 234U sites by α recoil during the decay of 23 8U to 23 4U. Mass balance requires the solid material left behind the redox front to have a 234U/238U AR reduced below 1. Local second order effects may be superimposed on the signature. The signature may have application to calibrating scenarios for nuclear waste repositories, assisting in understanding historical climates, economic evaluation of U ore bodies and U exploration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Manyingee ore body is a roll-front U ore body located at depth in the Cretaceous sandstone sediments of a Proterozoic palaeo valley. It is located in a confined aquifer. The aquifer is recharged 4 km upstream by the Ashburton River. Groundwater samples were collected at and up to 4.7 km downstream of the ore body. The ground water 234U/238U activity ratios (AR) were elevated to 1.86 in the vicinity of the ore body and then declined to 1.06 over the 4.7 km transect. The elevated 234U/238U ARs are attributed to selective leaching of 234U sites by oxidising waters, with α recoil as a necessary precursor to produce activated 234U sites. Direct ejection into another phase following α recoil is considered to be a minor contributor to 234U –238U disequilibrium in this environment. The profile is considered to be typical of the 234U/238U AR profile at and down gradient of the redox front of a U ore body. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Taoudeni Basin is a large intracratonic trough located in the West African craton, with more than 2km of Neoproterozoic–lower Palaeozoic sedimentary thickness. The occurrence of late Ediacaran–Cambrian sabkha deposits, in which playa-lake evaporites are bounded by proximal braided-fluvial and distal shoal complexes, is easily distinguishable in the field by their variegated colour banding. The diagenetic processes recorded in the sabkha substrates were largely facies-controlled, associated with microbial development and mat-decay mineralization. Due to anaerobic decay of mat microorganisms, chemical conditions beneath mats and biofilms tended to be strongly reducing. As a result, precipitation of authigenic indicators of anoxic conditions, such as pyritic crusts, led to variegated colours parallel to stratification. Reworking of microbial mats and structures by ephemeral streams also generated isolated reduction spots around their microbial clasts leading to the formation of pyritic haloes. The subsequent alteration of pyrite to amorphous (reddish) hematite and subsequent recrystallization to (brownish to yellow) goethite contributed to the variegated aspect of the unit. Final reddening of the sediment took place irregularly as a result of dehydration of ferric hydroxides, a process relatively common in desert environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eclogites and metapelites from the Ubende Terrane of the Proterozoic Ubendian Belt were studied for the purpose of establishing their metamorphic history. Geochemical, petrological and geochronological data of these rocks indicate that oceanic lithosphere was subducted in the Paleoproterozoic and experienced repeated regional metamorphic cycles following their emplacement into continental lithosphere in the Proterozoic. Eclogite facies metamorphic conditions are recorded by well-preserved porphyroclasts of omphacite (Jd17), matrix plagioclase (Ab72) and garnet core, which give a minimum peak pressure of 15kbar at 700°C reflecting a geothermal gradient lower than 13°C/km. These eclogites have chondrite normalized REE patterns that resemble those of N-MORB and E-MORB. U–Pb SHRIMP dating of zircon in the eclogites reveal metamorphic dates of 1886±16 and 1866±14Ma. These data indicate that eclogites of the Ubende Terrane in the Ubendian Belt may represent former oceanic crust that was metamorphosed during Paleoproterozoic subduction. The subduction was followed by a regional metamorphic event dated at 1831±11Ma (monazite in metapelite) and 1817±26Ma (zircon in metapelite). Mylonitic textures are common in all lithologic units of the Ubende Terrane and reflect regional Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic metamorphic overprints. The Mesoproterozoic event is dated at 1091±9Ma (U–Pb SHRIMP date on zircon rims in a metapelite), while Neoproterozoic dates of 596±41Ma (U–Pb SHRIMP zircon age of an eclogite) and 601±7Ma (U–Th total Pb age of a monazite rim from a metapelite) reflect later metamorphic events. The Neoproterozoic mylonitization of eclogites occurred under high-pressure amphibolite-facies conditions at 680–750°C/10–11kbar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Terra Nova, 23, 382-389, 2011 Abstract An in situ assemblage of Cloudina, thrombolites and an ichnofossil (cf . Archaeonassa), together with fragments of Corumbella werneri, is reported here, from a tidally influenced, shallow, lagoonal setting on a carbonate ramp within the Itapucumi Group, Paraguay. The association of Cloudina with thrombolites is comparable to other terminal Neoproterozoic occurrences, but the coexistence of shelly fossils in situ with trace fossils and microbially induced sedimentary structures is apparently unique. This discovery extends the record of Cloudina and Corumbella in South America and further elucidates the diversity, distribution and palaeoecology of shelled organisms in late Ediacaran time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]