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In the present paper, well-preserved specimens of taxonomically distinctive Proterozoic eukaryotic fossil Tappania Yin are recorded for the first time from the rocks of the Saraipali Formation of the Singhora Group, Chhattisgarh Supergroup, India. In the global context, among the various species of this genus, Tappania plana is widely distributed in the latest Palaeoproterozoic (Statherian) to the early Mesoproterozoic (Calymmian) organic-walled microfossil assemblages. Tappania plana of the Saraipali is subjected to transmitted light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and laser Raman spectroscopy and these results are presented. Collectively, the occurrence of remarkable microfossil Tappania and other associated microfossils in the Saraipalli Formation of rocks demonstrate the Calymmian age for the lower sediments of the Chhattisgarh Supergroup.

The Nova Monte Verde metamorphic core complex is an arched structure located in the southern portion of the Rio Negro-Juruena geochronological Province and is part of a belt of metamorphic rocks containing gneiss and migmatite domes exhumed during Statherian extension of rifted Ventuari-Tapajos crust. This metamorphic core is bordered, both to the north and south, by felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks intensely foliated near the metamorphic core and becoming progressively undeformed as one moves away from the metamorphic core. U-Pb analyses of zircon and monazite from migmatites exposed in the core of the complex, coupled with a detailed structural analysis, enlighten the timing and duration of migmatite crystallization, indicating that crystallization, extensional deformation and exhumation of the core-complex were coeval. Analysis of a high melt fraction from migmatites outcroping near Bacaeri Farm suggest that the Nova Monte Verde metamorphic core complex records a history of neosome formation spanning at least 37 Ma, as indicated by 206Pb/238U ages (1800-1763Ma) for new zircon growth attributed to migmatization. Monazite from two samples yielded U-Pb ages of 1798 ± 29 Ma for the aluminous metatexite and 1754 ± 11 Ma for sillimanite-biotite metatexite. The former is interpreted as the metamorphic peak and main generation of leucosomes, and the latter as the second phase of partial melting or as an alternative, the timing of cooling and exhumation of metamorphic core complex. Crystallization of the Nova Monte Verde migmatites was therefore coeval in part with upper crustal extension and ductile flow of the mid-crust, suggesting that crustal anatexis was widespread over much of the mid-crust during Statherian time (∼1800-1760Ma). Therefore, the tectonic history of the Nova Monte Verde core complex involved regional extension and exhumation of high-grade metamorphic rocks by transtensional tectonics. The following results are at least more compatible with, if not suggestive of, a continental rift setting than the traditionally accepted continental arc setting.

We present geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data on Statherian–Calymmian metaplutonites located within the Alto Moxoto Terrane (Borborema Province, Brazil). The Carnoio Suite occurs within a large area of this terrane. It is characterized by slightly deformed syenogranites and quartz-syenites, which present a geochemical signature typical of within-plate magmas. In contrast, the Coloete Suite occurs in the northern border area of the terrane. Its petrographic and geochemical characteristics vary between those of granodiorite and syenogranite, while its geochemistry suggests an arc-related/syn-collisional origin. There are few Statherian A-type granites in the Borborema Province and in its African counterpart. Zircon crystals recovered from the Carnoio Suite (dated 1638 Ma) and from the Coloete Suite (dated 1652 Ma; LA-ICP-MS) provide some clues about magma volume and concentration during the Statherian-Calymmian transition. Coeval collisional magmas are scarce in this region: they are interpreted worldwide as a product of peripheral convergences and coeval with the fragmentation of cratonic blocks. Our results suggest that the Alto Moxoto Terrane was part of an ancient block affected by an intraplate event during at the Statherian-Calymmian transition; moreover, its northern limits might have experienced accretion during a crust-reworking episode.

The Ouricuri do Ouro Formation represents sedimentary deposits of the Statherian period in Sao Francisco Craton. Previous works have focused just on the Formation mapping, interpreting the depositional system only in general aspects. However, this study focuses on detailed facies analysis and geochronological investigations of the Ouricuri do Ouro Formation in the central area of Sao Francisco Craton, Brazil. Four facies associations are recognized: i) Proximal deposits dominated by non-cohesive debris flow; ii) Proximal sheetfloods; iii) Intermediate sheetfloods; and iv) Sandy plains of distal floods. Paleocurrent directions derived from cross-bedding indicate a radial pattern to NE-N. The vertical stacking of distal deposits overlying the proximal facies association suggests a retrogradation of the alluvial fan system, indicating a change in the dynamic of the depositional system. Retrogradation might have been caused by a decrease in the regional gradient declining of the tectonic activity or the retreat of the basin's margin faults system. Furthermore, the presence of higher frequency fining-upward cycles also suggests a climatic control in those deposits. These cycles could be results of the progressive decrease in flow capacity and competence, associated with a decrease of superficial runoff over time. Allied with the dominant paleocurrent, the geochronological data of four tuffaceous sandstones reveal the contribution of Rhyacian to Mesoarchean zircons, suggesting that they came with sediments transported from SW and S of the studied area during the Statherian. The transported sediments came from the southern portion of Gaviao Paleoplate. The contribution of volcanic zircons recognized in the tuffaceous sandstones is related to syndepositional magmatism of Statherian Rift of Espinhaco Supergroup. The tuff layer at the base of drill hole (Sample FLV-61 A) contains a zircon age with dominant fraction represented by Statherian zircons defining the syn-sedimentary age of 1722 ± 13 Ma at the basal section of the Ouricuri do Ouro Formation. The present results and available geochronological data constraints the depositional interval of Lower Espinhaco Basin or Megasequence (in sense of Chemale et al., 2012; Guadagnin et al., 2015a, b) between 1.68 Ga in the Chapada Diamantina Region.

The Horto-Baratinha (HBD) iron ore deposit is located at the eastern border of Sao Francisco Craton, comprising BIF-hosted high-grade bodies (>60 wt.% Fe) associated with polydeformed quartz-mica-schists, amphibole-schist of Statherian maximum deposition age, enclosed by Statherian granitoids of the Borrachudos Suite and Neoarchean gneiss. All the sequence is crosscut by undeformed dikes and sills of pegmatitic bodies probably formed during Late Ediacaran-Cambrian. The metasedimentary sequence is stratigraphically correlatable with the Orosirian-Statherian Serra da Serpentina and Serra de Sao Jose Groups that comprise the basal units of the Espinhaco Supergroup and was intensively segmented into distinct tectonic blocks. The sedimentary/diagenetic bedding of the metamorphosed BIF (itabirite) is generally transposed by an axial planar schistosity. The lamellar hematite from itabirite is the oldest iron oxide generation, which was formed during the syn-deformational stage, parallel-oriented to the rock foliation. The (keno)magnetite grains from itabirite, iron ore and pegmatite bodies developed as idioblasts that grew over the foliation formed during late and post-deformational stages. Magnetite oxidizes subsequently to martite and granular hematite. Coarse lamellar hematite crystals randomly oriented in the border of the pegmatitic bodies also formed during the post-deformational stage due to hydrothermal reaction with itabirite. The country rocks have undergone at least three stages of deformation developed during the syn-collisional and late-collisional (Ediacaran to early-Cambrian) phases of the Brasiliano Orogeny: stage 1 with the development of a pervasive foliation (S1), parallel to axial plane to tight folds and transposition of all sedimentary structures; stage 2 with folding of S1; stage 3 with refolding of S1. Both fold systems interfere with each other making up a dome and basin refolding shape. During the late-collisional (Ediacaran to early-Cambrian) and post-collisional/gravitational collapse (Cambrian) the sequence was intruded by anatectic pegmatitic bodies, which are part of the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province, one of the most significant pegmatitic regions worldwide. The fluid related with these intrusions could be related with the Si leaching, crystallization of magnetite and granular hematite, and consequent formation of high-grade iron bodies.

The geological timescale before 720 Ma uses rounded absolute ages rather than specific events recorded in rocks to subdivide time. This has led increasingly to mismatches between subdivisions and the features for which they were named. Here we review the formal processes that led to the current timescale, outline rock-based concepts that could be used to subdivide pre-Cryogenian time and propose revisions. An appraisal of the Precambrian rock record confirms that purely chronostratigraphic subdivision would require only modest deviation from current chronometric boundaries, removal of which could be expedited by establishing event-based concepts and provisional, approximate ages for eon-, era- and period-level subdivisions. Our review leads to the following conclusions: (1) the current informal four-fold Archean subdivision should be simplified to a tripartite scheme, pending more detailed analysis, and (2) an improved rock-based Proterozoic Eon might comprise a Paleoproterozoic Era with three periods (early Paleoproterozoic or Skourian, Rhyacian, Orosirian), Mesoproterozoic Era with four periods (Statherian, Calymmian, Ectasian, Stenian) and a Neoproterozoic Era with four periods (pre-Tonian or Kleisian, Tonian, Cryogenian and Ediacaran). These proposals stem from a wide community and could be used to guide future development of the pre-Cryogenian timescale by international bodies. Publisher PDF

In this study, petrological, structural, geochemical, and geochronological analyses of the Statherian alkali feldspar granite and porphyritic alkali feldspar granite in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula were conducted to examine petrogenesis of the granitoids and their tectonic setting. Zircon U-Pb dating revealed that the two granites formed around 1.71 Ga and 1.70–1.68 Ga, respectively. The results of the geochemical analyses showed that both of the granites have a high content of K2O, Nb, Ta, and Y, as well as high FeOt/MgO and Ga/Al ratios. Both granites have alkali-calcic characteristics with a ferroan composition, indicating an A-type affinity. Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic compositions yielded negative εHf(t) values (−3.5 to −10.6), indicating a derivation from ancient crustal materials. Both granite types underwent ductile deformation and exhibited a dextral sense of shear with a minor extension component. Based on field relationships and zircon U-Pb dating, it was considered that the deformation event postdated the emplacement of the alkali feldspar granite and terminated soon after the emplacement of the porphyritic alkali feldspar granite in an extensional setting. These data indicated that there were extension-related magmatic activities accompanying ductile deformation in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula during 1.71–1.68 Ga. The Statherian extension-related events are well correlated with those in the midwestern part of the Korean and eastern parts of the North China Craton.

The Tsäkkok Lens of the Seve Nappe Complex in the Scandinavian Caledonides comprises eclogite bodies hosted within metasedimentary rocks. These rocks are thought to be derived from the outermost margin of Baltica along the periphery of the Iapetus Ocean, but detrital records from the sedimentary rocks are lacking.Many metasedimentary outcrops within the lens expose both well-foliated metapelitic rocks and massive calc-silicates. The contacts between these two lithologies are irregular and are observed to trend at all angles to the high-pressure foliation in the metapelites. Where folding is present in the metapelites, the calc-silicate rocks are also locally folded. These relationships suggest metasomatism of the metapelites during the Caledonian orogenesis. Zircon U-Pb geochronology was conducted on sixty-one zircon grains from a calc-silicate sample to investigate if they recorded the metasomatic event and to assess the detrital zircon populations. Zircon grains predominantly show oscillatory zoning, sometimes with thin, homogeneous rims that have embayed contacts with the oscillatory-zoned cores. The zircon cores yielded prominent early Stenian, Calymmian, and Statherian populations with a subordinate number of Tonian grains. The zircon rims exhibit dissolution-reprecipitation of the cores or new growth and provide ages that span similar time frames, indicating overprinting of successive tectonic events. Altogether, the zircon record of the calc-silicate suggests that the Tsäkkok Lens may be correlated to Neoproterozoic basins that are preserved in allochthonous positions within the northern extents of the Caledonian Orogen.

A U-Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronological study was carried out in the Nico Pérez Terrane in the central-eastern portion of Uruguay with the aim of constraining its geological evolution and its cratonic affinity. Nico Pérez Terrane is made up by a mosaic of tectonic blocks with diferente lithologies and sizes. This terrane is limited to the west by the Piedra Alta Terrane through the Sarandí del Yí shear zone, and to the east, is in tectonic contact through the Retamosa thrust with the Dom Feliciano Belt (Brasiliano orogenic cycle). Lithologically, the Nico Pérez Terrane is composed by medium to high grade metamorphic rock contained in three tectonic blocks (Pavas, Valentines and Rivera blocks) represented mainly by granitoids, as well as ortho and parametamorphic rocks, such as amphibolites, metapyroxenites, BIFs, schists, quartzites with fuchsite, among others. Archean inheritance, Rhyacian, Statherian, and Neoproterozoic magmatic ages are reported here. Similar ages, which show Archaean inheritance and Neoproterozoic imprint, reported in units of the Piedra Alta Terrane modify the idea that the Río de La Plata Craton only corresponds to a juvenile Paleoproterozoic tectonic unit. This, together with recently published geophysical information, supports the cratonic affinity of the Nico Pérez Terrane with the Río de La Plata Craton.

RESUMEN Para avanzar en la comprensión de la Provincia Geocronológica Rio Negro-Juruena (1,55-1,8 Ga) del Cratón Amazónico en el suroriente colombiano se analizaron rocas metamórficas, ígneas y meta-sedimentarias aflorantes alrededor del Río Cuiarí en el sur del Departamento de Guainía, zona limítrofe Colombia-Brasil. Con base en observaciones de campo, análisis mineralógicos, geoquímicos y edades LA-ICP-MS U/Pb en circones se identificó en el área un basamento Estateriano (formando aquí el Complejo Mini) compuesto de granitoides tipo S, principalmente monzograníticos y en menor proporción cuarzo-monzoniticos a granodioriticos, calco-alcalinos, meta a peraluminosos, con características de granitos sin-colisiónales a pos-orogénicos con edades U/ Pb de cristalización entre 1760 y 1800 Ma. Adicionalmente afloran intrusivos graníticos más alcalinos de textura porfirítica con fenocristales ovoides de feldespato potásico y una edad de cristalización U/Pb en circones de ~1750 Ma (probablemente asociado a la Suite Intrusiva Tiquié definida en Brasil). Sobre este basamento Estateriano fue depositada una secuencia sedimentaria (que pertenece al Grupo Tunuí) entre 1750 y 1600 Ma descritas como metarenitas y cuarcitas con turmalina, probablemente como miembro superior del Grupo Tunuí que fue afectado por metasomatismo relacionado con la intrusión de un granito porfirítico de dos micas con una edad de cristalización entre 1550 y 1600 Ma (asociado a la Suite Intrusiva Rio Içana). Circones heredados con edades del Complejo MM ~1780 Ma en este intrusivo sugieren un origen del magma por fusión parcial de material cratónico en presencia de suficiente agua y presión no demasiada alta para una temperatura de fusión relativamente baja que permitieron formar un magma enriquecido en fluidos y elementos incompatibles como Rb y K. Paragneises con edades en circones detríticos más jóvenes entre 1000-1800 Ma, cierran el ciclo geológico precámbrico reconocible en esta área de Colombia con un potencial mineralizante y desarrollo tectónico y paleogeográfico todavía por determinar en detalle. ABSTRACT In order to archive a better understanding of the Rio Negro-Juruena Geochronological Province (1.55-1.8 Ga) of the Amazonian Craton in SE-Colombia, we performed analyses of metamorphic, igneous and metasedimentary rocks outcropping in vicinity of the Cuiarí-River in the south of Guainía Department, near the Brazilian border. Based on field observations, mineralogical, geochemical and U/Pb LA-ICP-MS analysis in zircons, we could identify in the study area a Statherian basement which forms the Miti Complex. It is composed by S-type granitoides, mainly monzogranitic to a lesser amount of quartz-monzodioritic to granodioritic, with calc-alkalic meta to peraluminosos, syncollisional to post orogenic characteristics and with U/Pb crystallization ages between 1760 to 1800 Ma. Additionally, in the study area more alkalic granitic intrusions with ovoidal K-feldspar phenocrysts forming a porphyritic texture outcrop where U/Pb zircon data suggest a crystallization age of ~1750 Ma (probably associated to the Tiquié Intrusion Suite defined in Brazil). Over this Statherian basement, a sedimentary sequence (which may represent the Upper Member of the Tunuí Group in Brazil) was deposited some 1750-1600 Ma ago, where metarenites and quartzites were impregnated by tourmalines as a result of metasomatic processes related to the intrusion of a porphyritic two-mica granite crystalized 1550 to 1600 Ma ago (associated with the Rio Içana Intrusive Suite in Brazil). Some ~1780 Ma old inherited zircons from the Mitú Complex in this intrusion suggest a magma origin by partial melting of cratonic cortical material triggered by sufficient water and low pressures for melting point decrease generating a magma enriched in fluids and incompatible elements like Rb and K. Younger paragneisses with detrital zircon ages between 1000 to 1800 Ma close the Precambrian geological cycle identified in this area of Colombia. Its mineralizing potential as well as a tectonic and paleogeographic history still to be deciphered in detail.

In this paper we present the results of an investigation on the electric crustal structures depicted by a magnetotelluric (MT) transect cutting through the easternmost sector of the Alta Floresta Gold Province, in the SW Amazon Craton, Brazil. The MT dataset was acquired along a 200 km NNE-SSW transect encompassing 35 broadband and 12 long-period stations, covering a period range of approximately 10−4 to 104 s. We adopted a data processing scheme based on robust estimators over the electromagnetic cross-spectra for combined single and remote reference stations in order to estimate horizontal and vertical transfer functions. The dataset was inverted using a 3-D MT based minimum structure algorithm, considering the data dimensionality, directionality analysis and the irregular station distribution. A set of inversions considering different model parameters have been performed to achieve a model with robust main features and to test the stability of the obtained solutions. A resolution study was also proposed in order to evaluate the average depth of model sensitivity. The electrical structures depicted can improve the understanding of the ancient tectonic features encrypted at the cratonic stable crust, contributing to elucidate the mechanisms that might have controlled its ore genesis. Conductors in the mid-crust correlate with shallow mafic enclave-rich granitic and foliated volcanic facies outcrops, linking the geoelectric anomalies to a possible mid-crustal source correlated to the Statherian magmatism, which is believed to be the main pulse related to gold metallogenesis at this province.

The Statherian Baraboo Quartzite (1710–1650 Ma) is present in the Baraboo Ranges, Wisconsin, USA. It is one of several isolated quartzites outcropping across the southern Lake Superior region. Collectively, these quartzites are known as Baraboo interval quartzites, and they record a history of basin development followed by regional deformation along the south-central Laurentian margin. Baraboo interval stratigraphy above the Baraboo Quartzite in the Baraboo Ranges is unresolved, limiting understanding of the style and history of basin formation, sedimentation, and deformation, as well as correlation between regional quartzites. New Precambrian geologic mapping within the core of the Baraboo syncline, Baraboo Ranges, WI, confirms early interpretations of local stratigraphy. The Baraboo interval section includes two upward-fining sequences separated by an angular unconformity. The lower sequence comprises the Baraboo Quartzite, Seeley Slate, and Freedom Formation. The upper sequence comprises the Dake Quartzite and Rowley Creek Slate. The depositional age of the upper sequence is poorly constrained, but could be nearly 200 million years younger than the underlying units. U-Pb detrital zircon ages for the lower conglomeratic Baraboo Quartzite and the Dake Quartzite are dominated by nearby basement ages between 1800 and 1750 Ma and 1900–1835 Ma, suggesting a restricted drainage system tapping proximal basement sources. Subsidence modeling of the lower sequence demonstrates at least 1.28 km of subsidence is required to generate the accommodation necessary to deposit the Baraboo Quartzite, Seeley Slate and Freedom Formation. These results support a model where deposition of the lower sequence between ca. 1710–1650 Ma occurred along a tectonically active plate margin. The lack of coeval magmatism in the Baraboo interval suggests deposition did not occur in a convergent, arc setting. However, coeval orthoquartzite deposition in Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico along the southwestern margin of Laurentia (1700–1650 Ma) occurred synchronous with arc volcanism, requiring a component of plate margin convergence to the southwest. To reconcile these differences, a model where the entire southern margin of Laurentia between 1710 and 1650 Ma was dominated by strike-slip motion is favored, varying from highly oblique convergence in the southwest to dominantly strike-slip motion in the southern Lake Superior region.

Gravimetric and stratigraphic data were used to investigate the Paleoproterozoic Arai Paleorift, a failed Statherian continental rift located in the western margin of the Sao Francisco Craton, where basement and cover were affected by the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano Orogeny. Euler deconvolution, tilt, total horizontal gradient amplitude and upward continuation technics were applied to terrestrial gravimetric data in order to investigate the rift's main faults location, direction and depth, allowing to identify its main horsts, grabens, volcanic and plutonic centers. We found that rift faults occur to a maximum depth of ca. 38 km, but major fault throw occurs from 4 to 8 km deep and attenuates from 8 to 12 km, probably the brittle-ductile transition zone at the time of rifting, practically disappearing at 20 km. Stratigraphic data and basement mapping were used in order to constraint gravimetric results. We classify the Arai Rift as a passive, three-armed failed rift, narrow to divergent type, that produced preferably anorogenic rapakivi-related magmas, most of it still lodged in the crust from surface down to ca. 19 km deep and subsidiary mafic magmatism. The results indicate the deep occurrence of low-density magmas beneath the rift's main axis, detected up to 20 km deep. Correlation to other global Statherian rifts show that the Sao Francisco Craton was strongly affected by taphrogenesis during the Statherian, together with Siberia, North America and North China cratons. Finally, by comparing our results to recent rifts we found that the Ethiopian rift's morphology is quite similar to the Arai. Surrounding the Tanzanian craton, the Cenozoic East Africa rift system morphology is compared to the Arai-Espinhaco rift system, which surrounds the Sao Francisco craton. The major contribution of this paper is the recognition of Arai Paleorift surface and subsurface morphology, up to now unknown, over an area of ca. 45.000 km2.

Field gravimetric and stratigraphic surveys were conducted with the aim to constraint the mechanisms responsible for the initiation of the Stenian-Tonian Paranoa basin, central Brazil, a subject not yet studied in detail. The Paranoa Group crops out in the external zone of the Brasilia Belt, a Neoproterozoic orogen in the western margin of the Sao Francisco Craton. Detailed geological mapping confirmed the existence of a regional scale fault that controlled sedimentation of the Paranoa Group during the deposition of its basal formations, revealing important details about basin initiation and early evolution. Gravimetric modeling indicates the existence of paleorift structures beneath the Paranoa sequence in the study area. Results from both stratigraphic and gravimetric surveys show strong evidence of mechanical subsidence by faulting during basin initiation. Unsorted, angular, clasts cut by quartz veins and brecciated boulders present in the basal conglomerate, support this hypothesis. Basin initiation faults coincide with deeper paleorift faults and are thus interpreted as reactivations of the older Statherian Arai Rift. The reactivations favored an initial regime of mechanical subsidence, dominated by the development of epirogenic arches subsiding at different rates. Apart from faulting activity, the post-basal sequence presents no evidence of rift environment in the strict sense. Besides, the great lateral continuity and relatively constant thickness of facies, indicate that an initial mechanic subsidence rapidly gave way to flexural subsidence during subsequent stages of basin evolution. The Paranoa Group do not present reliable characteristics that would allow its strict classification as a passive margin. Its main stratigraphic characteristics, tectonic location and basement architecture, indicate that the Paranoa Group was deposited in a cratonic margin basin, and may have been either connected to a passive margin basin at times of sea level rise, or evolved to a passive margin later in time.

The late Neoproterozoic processes of western Gondwana assembly are well-preserved in most Brazilian orogens. In the southern edge of the Sao Francisco Craton, a syn-metamorphic pile of nappes is the result of the closure of the Goias-Pharusian Ocean through the collision between the Sao Francisco (passive margin) and Paranapanema (active margin) paleoplates. The inner segments of the orogen suggest active margin- to syn-collisional-type sedimentation and magmatism recorded by the Andrelândia and Liberdade Nappes, among others. The Liberdade Nappe metasedimentary rocks, which have a maximum depositional age of 760 Ma, suggest a source area in an evolved Tonian-Cryogenian continental magmatic arc located in the east-northeastern Paranapanema margin. The Santo Antonio Unit (maximum depositional age of 680 Ma) of the lower Andrelândia Nappe for the same age interval instead presents a source primarily in an island arc. The Serra da Boa Vista, the upper unit of the Andrelândia Nappe, seems to record the beginning of continental collision because of its Rhyacian source, recognized as being in the Sao Francisco Craton, and no important evidence for Neoproterozoic arc magmatism. Grenville- and Rondonian-San Ignacio-type source areas, as well as Statherian ages, are observed in all units. Metabasic rocks interlayered in the Liberdade Nappe metasedimentary rocks have chondritic to suprachondritic eNd(t) (−1.86 to 1.75) and 1.09–1.48 Ga Nd TDM model ages, suggesting juvenile magmatism. Retroeclogitic and metavolcaniclastic rocks of Calymmian age (1.46–1.48 Ga) occur as exotic blocks within the same metasedimentary rocks. The complete ocean closure and the beginning of continental collision must have occurred at approximately 670 Ma, which corresponds to the maximum depositional age of the syn-collisional unit (Serra da Boa Vista) and to the age of the eclogitic rocks. The Andrelândia Nappe System migration was probably restricted to the 635–600 Ma interval, followed by the thinning of the orogenic crust.

Several rift-related sequences and volcanic-plutonic associations of Statherian age occur within the Sao Francisco block. One succession within the sedimentary record, the Terra Vermelha Group, defines one of the evolutionary stages of the Espinhaco basin in the Central Espinhaco Range. As a result of stratigraphic analyses and supported by U-Pb zircon geochronological data, the evolution of this unit has been characterized. To more effectively delimit its upper depositional interval, the sequence of this unit, which is represented by the Pau d’Arco Formation, was also studied. The sedimentary signature of the Terra Vermelha Group suggests the infilling of an intracontinental rift associated with alluvial fans as well as lacustrine and eolian environments with associated volcanism. The basal succession represented by the Cavoada do Buraco Formation mainly consists of conglomerates with interlayered sandstones and subordinate banded iron formations. Detrital zircon obtained from this unit reveals ages of 1710 ± 21 Ma. The upper succession, represented by the Espigao Formation, records aeolian sandstones with volcanic activity at the top. A volcanic rock dated at 1758 ± 4 Ma was interpreted as the timing of volcanism in this basin. The eolian deposits recorded within the Pau d'Arco Formation were caused by a renewal of the sequence, which represent a stage of post-rift thermal subsidence. The maximum age of sedimentation for this unit is 1675 ± 22 Ma. The basin-infill patterns and Statherian ages suggest a direct link with the first rifting event within the Sao Francisco block, which was responsible for the deposition of the Espinhaco Supergroup.

The tectonostratigraphic evolution of the intracontinental Natividade Basin is evaluated by zircon U/Pb analysis of one sample of acidic metavolcanic rock observed at the bottom of the depositional succession and three samples of metasedimentary rocks collected at different stratigraphic levels. The metavolcanic sample yielded a 1824 Ma zircon U–Pb age, and the youngest detrital zircon grains from the metasedimentary sequence resulted in a maximum depositional age of 1776 Ma for the paleobasin. The isotopic data associated with the analysis of stratigraphy, paleogeography, and sedimentary environments converge to the interpretation that the Natividade Group evolved from the late Paleoproterozoic (Statherian), possibly entering the early Mesoproterozoic. The sedimentation is interpreted to have occurred between the deposition of the Arai and the Trairas/Serra da Mesa groups. This understanding is due to the absence of continental sediments in the Natividade Basin (which could corroborate the correlation with the Arai Basin) and the absence of detrital zircon grains younger than 1.5 Ga (which would support the correlation with the Trairas/Serra da Mesa groups). The metavolcanic rocks are observed only locally and are interpreted as the result of melting by crustal rifting that was greatest in the south, related to the Arai Group, and decreased northwards of the study region. The mechanical subsidence responsible for the deposition of the Arai Group continental sediments was not observed in the Natividade Basin. The thermo-flexural subsidence responsible for the Natividade Basin evolution allowed the deposition of complex sedimentary environments related to mixed siliciclastic platforms and shallow water turbidite facies. Based on bibliographic studies and fieldwork data, our geological model suggests that the Almas Block was possibly a high paleorelief area, separating the Arai Basin to the south and the Natividade Basin to the north. This assertion is based on the following facts for the study area: i) there is no occurrence of the Veadeiros Supergroup sediments; ii) Nowadays in the region, there are many high relief areas related to quartzite layers and several granitic units that are resistant to denudation processes; iii) deposition of the shallow water turbidite present at the Natividade Group needed elevated source areas to control the sedimentation; iv) The predominance of carbonates and mass flow deposits in the southern portion of Natividade Group, near to Almas Block, suggests a lower depth of the sea to the south of the basin. Further north, the predominance of fine-grained terrigenous deposits suggest a deeper basin; v) it is common in rift-sag environments the preservation of elevated blocks as an isostatic compensation mechanism. The integrated analysis conducted allowed the following conclusions: the Natividade Basin evolution is not coeval with the Arai or the Trairas/Serra da Mesa basins and is classified as a sag-type basin in which the sedimentary environments resulted in massive carbonate accumulation in a complex platform controlled by the basement paleorelief.

The age and stratigraphic position of Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic covers that occur along the western border of the Sao Francisco Craton (SFC) are still uncertain. Based on detailed sedimentological and stratigraphic survey, combined with U-Pb and Lu-Hf zircon dating, we present a new proposal for the stratigraphy and correlation with similar sequences, situated in other regions of the SFC, the Chapada Diamantina and Northern Espinhaco. Our study demonstrates that the so-called Trairas Formation (Arai Group) has a maximum depositional age of 1543 ± 31 Ma. The zircon distribution pattern shows a dominant Rhyacian source and minor contribution of Statherian, Calymmian, Neoarchean and Paleoarchean sources. The Rhyacian zircon grains have dominant positive eHf (t) signature, suggesting a large contribution from the juvenile Paleoproterozoic terranes, most probably from the Goias Massif, located west of the study area. The Calymmian maximum depositional age, calculated for the upper Arai Group (Trairas Formation), leads to the conclusion that the Serra da Mesa Group (ca. 1.55 Ga maximum depositional age) and the Trairas Formation have coexisted in time, possibly forming a larger sag basin, although laterally heterogeneous. The data presented also allow a new geotectonic interpretation for the Goias Massif, since it necessarily had to be connected to the Sao Francisco Craton during the Mesoproterozoic. This excludes the possibility that this massif was accreted to the Sao Francisco Craton in the Brasiliano Collage, as previously believed. The study also sheds light to the always debated tectonic relationship between the Serra da Mesa Granite (intrusive or basement) and Serra da Mesa Group (ca. 1.57 crystallization age and 1.55 Ga maximum depositional age, respectively). Furthermore, based on the new data, we present a stratigraphic revision for the actual Arai and Paranoa groups, proposing to raise the Trairas Formation to group status and its former members to formation status, representing an individual sag-type basin, different from the Arai rift-type basin. We also propose to combine the three Proterozoic intracontinental extensional pulses (which generated the Arai, Trairas and Paranoa groups) as the Veadeiros Supergroup, respectively chronocorrelated to the lower, middle and upper Espinhaco Supergroup, located at the SFC eastern margin.

The Lagoa Real Complex, in the Lagoa Real Uranium Province, is a manifestation of extensive intraplate A-type magmatism that occurred in the Sao Francisco Craton during the Paleoproterozoic. U–Pb dating of zircon by LA-MC-ICP-MS shows that granites were emplaced during a Statherian, rift-related, 1.76–1.72 Ga magmatic episode, coeval with emplacement of the A-type Borrachudos suite and felsic metavolcanic rocks from the southeastern, central and northern Espinhaco Igneous Province of the Sao Francisco Craton. The Lagoa Real Complex involves at least three co-genetic pulses, starting with the initial emplacement of the alkali-feldspar-bearing Lagoa do Barro granite, which crystallized at 1762 ± 9 Ma. This was followed by emplacement of the Juazeirinho granite at 1755 ± 6 Ma, and finally the intrusion of the Sao Timoteo granite, which represents the main magmatic peak of the Lagoa Real Uranium Province, at 1741 ± 4 Ma. Although the Sao Timoteo granite has some characteristics that suggest it may be a rapakivi granite, there is no classical cogenetic association with basic rocks. This study confirms that the charnockites of the Lagoa Real Complex have an age of 2047 ± 5 Ma. They are therefore not part of the evolution of the 1.76–1.74 Ga magmatic episode. Also, rocks within the Lagoa Real Uranium Province that were previously mapped as leucodiorites are, in fact, albite-gneiss with ages of 1743–1740 Ma, which originated through the gneissification processes that affected the Sao Timoteo granite and can also be classified as albitites. The highly negative values of ϵNd(0) from −27 to −33 and high initial Sr ratio are compatible with the Lu–Hf isotopic data of previous studies. These results suggest the Lagoa Real Complex has a crustal derivation with minimum mantle involvement. The formation of the Lagoa Real Complex granites is inferred to be a result of fractional crystallization. All studied granites have a similar geochemical signature in terms of trace elements including REEs, which indicates that the granites come from the same magmatic source and are related to rifting and the initial stages of the Espinhaco Supergroup evolution. The source of the Lagoa Real Complex would be reworked Archean crustal material, probably in the mid to deep crust. Finally, the studied granites, although predominantly metaluminous, have U contents (maximum 12 ppm) below the world average for A-type granites (20 ppm). The fractionation values of Th in relation to U, and the absence of metamictization of the minerals (mostly allanite) that potentially host uranium confirms this observation. Therefore, the granites of the Lagoa Real Complex, despite being the protolith of bodies that host U mineralization, should not be considered as the principal source of U in the U mineralization found in the Lagoa Real albitites. However, the provenance of an important part of the uranium could be associated with Statherian meta-rhyolites and meta-rhyodacites, contemporaneous with the Sao Timoteo granite, and occurring to the west of the Lagoa Real Complex.

The Río de la Plata Craton is one of the three major cratons of South America. The craton is largely covered by sedimentary basins where its most exposed area is Buenos Aires-Piedra Alta Province (Chernicoff et al., 2014). This province includes the Martín García Island in the confluence of Uruguay River and the Río de la Plata estuary. Despite to be a reference area for the craton the Martín García Island lacks modern geological investigation. We present U-Pb SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometer) geochronological data on zircon and titanite, as well as Hf isotope determinations on zircon, from rocks of Martín García Island (Argentina), Sola and Dos Hermanas Islands (Uruguay) and from Paso Severino Formation (Uruguay). We investigated: 1) Rhyacian intermediate-to acidic plutonic, arc-type rocks of the Florida Belt dated between 2090 Ma and 2115 Ma, derived from juvenile Neoarchean crust (TDMHf: 2.52 Ga; average εHf: +3.62); 2) Rhyacian metadacite (San José metamorphic belt) of 2127 Ma; 3) Statherian metagabbros of 1724–1734 Ma, with Transplatense inheritance; 4) Early Ectasian metagabbro of 1392 Ma, with Rhyacian inheritance; and 5) Stenian metagabbros of 1193 Ma (TDMHf: 2.00 Ga, εHf: 0.1). Most of the dated orthogneisses show Brasilian-age (from 778 to 550 Ma) Pb loss in the zircons, interpreted to be caused by shearing or uplifting during Neoproterozoic. The results show that the area is not exclusively Rhyacian in age but encompasses Statherian, Ectasian, and Stenian gabbros. The last two are interpreted as distal intrusions associated to the Sunsás Orogen. All post-Transplatense metagabbros have geochemical signature of island arc basalt derived from primitive mantle with enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE. These characteristics point to the recurrence of magma chambers intermittently active during the Rhyacian, Statherian, Ectasian, and Stenian, all with a similar source. The term “Transplatense” is used to replace “Trans-Amazonian” events that occurred within the craton. Fil: Santos, João O. S.. University of Western Australia; Australia Fil: Chernicoff, Carlos Jorge. Curtin University; Australia. Secretaría de Industria y Minería. Servicio Geológico Minero Argentino; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Zappettini, Eduardo Osvaldo. Curtin University; Australia Fil: McNaughton, Neal J.. Macquarie University; Australia Fil: Gréau, Yoann. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Hydrothermal fluids related to the development of the Aracuai Orogen during the Brasiliano Cycle have affected Paleoproterozoic banded iron formation-bearing sequences along the eastern border of the Sao Francisco Craton. Controversy surround the origin of specularite in high-grade schistose iron ore-bodies in the Serpentina Range (“Serpentina-type” ore) versus specularite-rich, S-free Au-PGE quartz veins (“Jacutinga-type”) that occur at the eastern border of the Quadrilatero Ferrifero mining district. Chemical and thermobarometric characteristics of fluid inclusions from Serpentina-type quartz-specularite veins show that metamorphic aqueous-saline fluids of low to moderate temperature (i.e. salinity between 6.3 and 13.7 wt% NaCl eqv and homogenization temperatures from 91° to 228 °C) were responsible for silica leaching and Fe enrichment along shear zones in the Statherian Serra da Serpentina Group. These Serpentina-type fluids present a distinct pattern with Na > Ca ≫ K. The fluids are depleted in Li, Na, Ba, Ca, K, Cu and Mg; and enriched in As and Sr in comparison to the Jacutinga-type fluids. In contrast, other two distinct fluids and chemical processes were involved to precipitate Fe oxides with Au-PGE in Jacutinga-type veins. The first type is an aqueous-carbonic fluid from the Catas Altas and Itabira deposits. These Jacutinga-type fluids present a pattern with Na > K > Ca ≫ Mg and K > Li > Ba > Sr. The fluids are interpreted to be of Brasiliano age and are typically associated with anatectic pegmatites from Santa Maria de Itabira. The high salinity of these brines (23.2–25.3 wt% NaCl eqv ) from the Itabira ore likely originated from their percolation through evaporitic layers, from salt concentration during deformation, or from fluid/rock interactions. Mixing between high-temperature aqueous-carbonic pegmatite-forming fluids and low-temperature aqueous metamorphic brines could have induced an abrupt change in the physical-chemical conditions of the system, which led to Au and PGE precipitation in the Itabira Jacutinga-type deposit. A second Jacutinga-type fluid is observed at the Gongo Soco and Barao de Cocais deposits. This fluid is interpreted as an aqueous-saline metamorphic fluid with the pattern Na > Ca > K ≫ Mg, low-to-moderate-salinity (4.3–16.4 wt% NaCl eqv ) and temperatures of 77° to 305 °C. It is relatively enriched in B; depleted in Li, Ba, Na, Cu, Zn and K; and follows the trend K > Li > Ba. In both types of fluids responsible for Jacutinga-type mineralization, gold was transported as chlorine complexes under acidic and oxidizing conditions. The metal precipitation may have occurred due to a rapid depressurization during failure of shear zones operating in the upper levels of the crust, or variations in the pH and redox conditions during the interaction with the host dolomitic itabirite.

The Paranapanema-Sao Francisco convergence is partially recorded in the arc-related high-K calc-alkaline intermediate magmatism of south-eastern Brazil (Southern Brasilia Orogen) during the West-Gondwana assembly. Similar geochemical affinities are widespread in the crustal fault-bounded slice, Sao Roque Domain, as in tectonic domains of the eastern Sao Francisco margin. The Sao Roque Domain comprises metavolcano-sedimentary sequences of Statherian maximum depositional age. Detrital zircon provenance points to a Rhyacian (2.17 Ga) proximal source belonging to the Socorro-Guaxupe Nappe basement. Unprecedented Tonian zircon U-Pb ages suggest a protracted evolution. The domain initiated magmatic activity at 680 Ma (Barro Branco orthogneiss) with weak Hf-Nd radiogenic signatures that agree with the arc evolution of the Socorro-Guaxupe Nappe. Granitoids grading from intermediate metaluminous to evolved peraluminous compositions intruded at 625 Ma (inequigranular orthogneiss) and 620 Ma (Moinho granodiorite). The most voluminous magmatism occurred within 610-590 Ma. Hf-Nd radiogenic compositions of the Ediacaran granitoids imply crustal participation. All granitoids have arc-related affinity with high Sr/Y and LREE, low Nb and Ti, and absence of Eu anomalies that indicate a lower crustal source with residual garnet (±amphibole ±rutile). The petrogenetic and geochronological characterizations favor a retro-arc setting for the Sao Roque Domain. Slab roll-back could have led to the northward migration of magmatism (Socorro-Guaxupe Nappe) producing a chronological gap in the retro-arc. The Ediacaran magmatism was probably triggered by the relaxation of the subducting angle. The last-longing subduction beneath the Paranapanema plate might have contributed to the high-K and radiogenic compositions through relamination. Monazite U-Pb ages from 630 to 600 Ma may be evidence of a thermal episode in the retro-arc, overlapping the syn-collisional metamorphism in the Southern Brasilia Orogen.

The Itapirapua Shear Zone is a major NE-trending dextral transcurrent zone from the southern Ribeira Belt (Brazil), which was active during the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano-Pan African Orogeny, related with West Gondwana assembly. Macroscopic sigmoid-shaped blocks in its northernmost splay termination present a NE-trending subvertical tectonic foliation and subvertical stretching lineation suggesting a transpressional tectonics. This paper investigates this splay termination using integration of data from geological mapping, thermodynamic modeling, microtectonics, quartz c-axis fabrics, kinematic vorticity and finite strain analysis. Distinct rock assemblages are placed in tectonic contacts along the splay termination, including Statherian sillimanite-biotite paragneiss and granitic orthogneiss (Apiai-Mirim Complex), Statherian phyllites (Bairro dos Prestes Formation), Calymmian chlorite-epidote-actinolite metabasites (Fazenda Velha Suite), Ediacaran phyllites, metalimestone and quartzite (Itaiacoca Group) and Ediacaran granite (Tres Corregos Suite). Isochemical phase diagrams constrain synkinematic metamorphic conditions of 490–510 °C and 11–12.5 kbar (chlorite-biotite-phengite phyllite), 520–560 °C and 9–10 kbar (biotite-phengite phyllite) and 680–690 °C and 5–6 kbar (sillimanite-biotite paragneiss), with isothermal decompression paths. Microstructural evidence suggests that increase in metamorphic temperatures were accompanied by changes in the dominant deformation mechanism in quartz aggregates from subgrain rotation to grain boundary migration recrystallization. Significant contribution of dissolution-precipitation creep indicates water-abundant deformational conditions. Strain ellipsoids are oblate-shaped and present NE-trending subvertical XY planes and subvertical X-axes in agreement with field tectonic fabric. Quartz c-axis fabrics in XZ sections of the strain ellipsoid are dominated by symmetrical crossed girdles, while the fabrics present dextral asymmetry in horizontal YZ sections, consistent with macroscopic structural deflection, indicating a subvertical vorticity axis. Vorticity results indicate 48–59% of pure shear contribution. The data indicate that strain in the Itapirapua Shear Zone northern termination was accommodated by a pure shear-dominated transpression with vertical extrusion at mid-crustal conditions, which contrasts with a transtensional deformation in the southeastern block.

The definition of geological domains is essential for mineral exploration and is traditionally done manually, section by section, in a laborious, time consuming and subjective process, to construct a 3D model. The technique referred to as implicit modeling is an option to model deposits in a fast and practical manner. This article presents the lithological model of the Horto-Baratinha iron deposit, located in the Antônio Dias municipality, central-eastern part of Minas Gerais state, constructed using the Leapfrog Geo® software. The deposit is situated at the Guanhães tectonic block that is a basement domain of the Neoproterozoic Araçuaí Orogenic Belt. The deposit is comprised of itabirite-hosted high-grade iron bodies (>60 wt.% Fe) associated with polydeformed mica schists, amphibole schist with a Statherian maximum deposition age, enclosed by Statherian granitoids of the Borrachudos Suite and crosscut by undeformed pegmatite dikes crystallized during Late Ediacaran-Cambrian. The sequence was affected by progressive multiple deformation phases, associated with the collisional stage of the Brasiliano Orogeny (630-560 Ma), generating a dome and basin mesoscale refolding shape. The model points the proximity between high-grade bodies and pegmatite indicating the possibility that the intrusions contribute to the iron mineralization.

New geochronological, isotopic and geochemical data were obtained from the late Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic magmatic units of the Nico Perez Terrane (Uruguay). A U-Pb LA-ICP-MS zircon age of 1768 ± 11 Ma confirms the Statherian age for the Illescas rapakivi intrusion, being thus comparable with the age of the Campanero Unit felsic orthogneisses. Though both the Illescas and Campanero intrusions exhibit dominantly granitic, meta- to peraluminous compositions, the first shows a dominant shoshonitic and ferroan composition, whereas high-K calc-alkaline and magnesian to ferroan compositions characterize orthogneisses of the Campanero Unit. Additionally, Sm/Yb and LaN/YbN ratios indicate that both suites were emplaced in a thickened crust, whereas Lu-Hf zircon data of the Illescas granite together with available Sm-Nd data of the Campanero Unit point to significant recycling of an older, Archean and/or Paleoproterozoic crust of the Nico Perez Terrane. Results suggest a common origin for both the Illescas and Campanero magmatism, probably related to a post-collisional/post-orogenic setting. On the other hand, metagabbros of the Zanja del Tigre Complex present U-Pb LA-ICP-MS zircon ages of 1479 ± 4 and 1482 ± 6 Ma and tholeiitic gabbroic compositions. Geochemical and Sm-Nd isotopic data show similarities with LIP-related intracontinental mafic magmatism, suggesting a mixed magma source derived from depleted asthenosphere and fertile subcontinental lithospheric mantle contributions. Emplacement of the metagabbros was related to lithospheric extension in a continental rifting setting and, therefore, fertilization of the lithospheric mantle probably took place during older Paleoproterozoic subduction-related events. Coeval late Paleoproterozoic and early Mesoproterozoic magmatism is also recorded in the northern Nico Perez Terrane of southernmost Brazil, and in basement inliers of the Kaoko Belt and the Angolan Shield (southwestern Congo Craton), thus suggesting a common evolution of these blocks prior to the Neoproterozoic. Fil: Oriolo, Sebastián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Oyhantçabal, Pedro. Universidad de la República. Facultad de Ciencias; Uruguay Fil: Konopásek, Jirí. Czech Academy of Sciences. Institute of Geology; República Checa Fil: Stipp Basei, Miguel Angelo. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Frei, Robert. Universidad de Copenhagen; Dinamarca Fil: Sláma, Jirí. Czech Academy of Sciences. Institute of Geology; República Checa Fil: Wemmer, Klaus. Universität Göttingen; Alemania Fil: Siegesmund, Siegfried. Universität Göttingen; Alemania

In order to improve our understanding of the NW-Amazonian Craton evolution, we present new petrographic, geochemical and geochronological analyses of 27 samples from the geotectonic Rio Negro-Juruena Province in eastern Colombia (Guainia and Vaupes departments). New LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages suggest that the oldest known rocks in Colombia are metamorphic rocks (migmatitic gneisses) with ages between ~ 1850 and ~ 1800 Ma, and gneisses and granitoids with ages between ~ 1800–1720 Ma which form part of the Mitu Complex, interpreted as the result of Statherian collisional and orogenic events (Querari Orogeny). Detrital zircons in low-grade meta-sedimentary sequences of the Tunui Group (sandstones, conglomeratic sandstones and mudstones), that crop out over almost the entire basement, indicate older than ~ 1770 Ma source rocks. Intrusions of different suites of granitic rocks with syn- to post-collisional affinities suggest a termination of the collisional events between ~ 1600–1500 Ma which had affected the whole region, occasionally metasomatically overprinting parts of the Tunui meta-sedimentary sequence. The recognizable metamorphic and magmatic-processes finish with ~ 1400–1340 Ma anorogenic granites without signs of tectonic deformation, resembling anorogenic granites in the Western Amazonian Craton in Brazil and the Parguaza Batholith in Venezuela. This study allows us to conclude that the basement records the collision of a continental arc (Rio Negro-Juruena Province) against the NW-Amazonian Craton (Ventuari-Tapajos Province) and its subsequent transition to anorogenic conditions in a continental rift setting long before the actual stable craton conditions.

The Ukrainian Shield and Voronezh Crystalline Massif constitute the Sarmatian segment of Baltica. Here, only a few mafic-ultramafic dykes and layered intrusions have been dated, recording early Statherian (ca. 1800–1750 Ma) ages. We have determined new U-Pb baddeleyite ages for the Novogol sill (1789 ± 2 Ma) and the Gremyachye intrusion (1781 ± 7 Ma), which fall within the previously established age range of mafic magmatism in Sarmatia. Overall, mafic magmatism started at ca. 1800 Ma and reached a peak at ca. 1790 Ma. Several intrusions were emplaced between ca. 1785 and 1775 Ma. The next significant peak in magmatic activity took place at ca. 1760 Ma, although a few dykes are dated as late as ca. 1750. Together, these rocks constitute the Prutivka-Novogol large igneous province (LIP), with the main components consisting of tholeiitic dolerite, sub-alkaline olivine gabbro, high-Ti (picrite, camptonite) dykes, and kimberlite. Abundant anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) magmatism also occurred throughout the Ukrainian Shield, coeval with tholeiitic magmatism. Early Statherian mafic magmatism was widespread in many parts of the Nuna/Columbia supercontinent, and magmatic barcoding demonstrates that the Sarmatia, Amazonia, Sao Francisco, West Africa, and North China cratons record similar events and were therefore probably in close proximity. This suggests that the Prutivka-Novogol LIP was part of a much larger superplume that affected an extensive area within the newly-formed supercontinent.

The precursor basin of the Aracuai – West Congo Orogenic System (AWCO) formed a large gulf within the Sao Francisco – Congo Paleocontinent (SFCP), where sedimentary successions ascribed to the Jequitinhonha Complex and Macaubas Group were deposited in the Neoproterozoic. This precursor basin system comprises an aborted continental rift of Early Tonian age and a Cryogenian rift that evolved to ocean-floor spreading up to the Early Ediacaran. The Jequitinhonha Complex is an extensive metasedimentary unit located in the northeastern Aracuai Orogen, consisting of Al-rich paragneiss (kinzigite), sillimanite-graphite gneiss and associated economic deposits of flake graphite, quartzite and lenses of calc-silicate rock, metamorphosed variably to upper amphibolite or granulite facies around 570–550 Ma. U-Pb (LA-MC-ICP-MS) data of 110 detrital zircon grains from the paleosome of a migmatitic paragneiss yield five main age peaks at 2564 ± 35 Ma (5% of the grains), 2012 ± 21 Ma (7%), 1807 ± 19 Ma (12%), 960 ± 8 Ma (29%) and 662 ± 6 Ma (48%), with the youngest grains around 630–609 Ma, and a major age gap from the Statherian to Stenian. The U-Pb age spectrum coupled with Lu-Hf in zircon (LA-MC-ICP-MS) data for 106 zircon grains suggest the following sources: Neoarchean to Orosirian grains were sourced from the SFCP basement, Early Tonian grains from the anorogenic magmatic province, and Cryogenian to Early Ediacaran grains were provided by the Southern Bahia Alkaline Province and Rio Doce magmatic arc. The eHf(t) values show a predominant contribution from evolved crust, with minor involvement of moderately juvenile crust. The sedimentation of Jequitinhonha Complex protoliths developed on the SFCP margin from the Cryogenian to Early Ediacaran, within anoxic marine environments favorable to the preservation of organic matter. This deposit formed the huge graphite deposits and lots of smaller occurrences found in the region, accumulating probably more than one billion tons of raw graphite. The youngest detrital zircon population suggests that the deposition record of the Jequitinhonha Complex covers the Cryogenian continental rifting event followed by the development of oceanic crust to the onset of subduction and building of the Rio Doce magmatic arc in the Early Ediacaran. The regional accumulation and preservation of carbon-rich sediments (now graphite-rich gneiss) most probably represent one of the largest storages of Ediacaran carbon around the world.

Proterozoic sedimentary covers in the Helan-Qianli Mountain area, western margin of the North China Craton (NCC), include the Huangqikou, Wangquankou and Zhengmuguan formations from bottom to top. The Huangqikou Formation, mainly distributed in the Middle Helan Mountain (MHM), North Helan Mountain (NHM) and Qianli Mountain (QM), is composed of conglomerate, quartz sandstone and silty-argillaceous shale that are locally metamorphosed into quartzite and slate. Detrital zircon U-Pb dating and stratigraphic correlation bracket that the Huangqikou Formation deposited during 1.75-1.60 Ga. Petrologic and geochemical features suggest that the provenance was sourced from felsic rocks and pre-existed sedimentary rocks. U-Pb ages of detrital zircons from the Huangqikou Formation in the MHM area yield age ranges at 2.5-2.35 Ga, 2.2-2.0 Ga and 1.95-1.8 Ga, while those in the NHM-QM areas yield age ranges at 2.5-2.4 Ga, 2.0-1.95 Ga and 1.85-1.78 Ga. The remarkable geochronological and isotopic similarity suggests that the early Paleoproterozoic granitic gneiss in the Ordos Block and Zhaochigou complex in the Khondalite Belt are the dominant source rocks for the Huangqikou Formation in the MHM. However, the provenances of the Huangqikou Formation in the NHM-QM are dominated by the granitoids in Guyang area of the Yinshan Block, the S-type granites and paragneisses in the Khondalite Belt and the TTG gneisses, Bayanwulashan complex and Boluositanmiao complex in the Alxa Block, as well as a small amount basement rocks in Alxa Block. The characteristics of geochemistry, provenance and regional geological data indicate that the Huangqikou Formation deposited in a rift basin. Besides, detritus sourced from the Alxa Block in the clastic sedimentary rocks of the Huangqikou Formation imply that the Alxa Block was already a part of the NCC before ca.1.75 Ga. The U-Pb age and Lu-Hf isotopic characteristics of detrital zircons from the Statherian show that rapid generation of juvenile crust in the western Block was at 2.9-2.7 Ga, yet the ca.2.5 Ga magmatic activity strongly reworked pre-existed crust with negligible juvenile crust generation. The magmatic activities quite possibly developed in the Western Block during the global magmatic shutdown (2.45-2.2 Ga).

The age and tectonic setting of Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic covers that occur along the southwestern margins of the Sao Francisco Craton (SFC) are still uncertain. This study reports new 207 Pb/ 206 Pb LA-ICPMS ages of detrital zircon grains from metasedimentary rocks of the Passos Nappe units and Canastra Group, and combined U–Pb and Lu–Hf analyses on igneous zircon from orthogneisses within the metasedimentary units. The U-Pb age spectra of detrital zircon grains of the Canastra Group comprises a wide range from ∼ 1.30-2.71 Ga with a significant Rhyacian component source ( ∼ 2.1 Ga). The second major source is represented by Statherian grains ( ∼ 1.6-1.7 Ga), and are similar to the Statherian interval at Espinhaco Basin. The youngest ages fall around ∼ 1.30 Ga. This peak age is compatible with the initial extension and sedimentation of the Carandai and Middle Espinhaco basins, which mark the second intracratonic rifting of the Sao Francisco Craton. Zircon grains from the metasedimentary rocks the Passos Nappe yielded a very prominent Rhyacian peak at ca. 2.10 Ga with some Statherian and Neoarchean contributions. All samples from the metasedimentary units show a prominent peaks at ca. 2.10 Ga, suggesting that most sedimentary sources derived from a Rhyacian substratum similar to the Mineiro belt, Natividade-Cavalcanti block, Campinorte Complex and Juiz de Fora Complex. Rhyacian age is compatible with U-Pb crystallization ages of felsic orthogneisses (2122 ± 67 and 2117 ± 23), enclosed as tectonic lenses in the Passos Nappe and the Canastra Group. These rocks show initial e Hf(t) values between +2.1 to -13.0 and +10.0 and -1.8, indicating that these orthogneisses are derived from Rhyacian granitic rocks, which were formed either by fractionation or re-melting of juvenile magmas, and by the reworking of more ancient, mainly Archean crust. The new data and regional geologic correlations suggest evidence of Paleoproterozoic terrain in the southwestern margin of the SFC.

The Amazon Craton exhibits preserved volcano-sedimentary paleo-basins with age intervals of 2.0–1.96 Ga, 1.90–1.87 Ga and 1.80–1.60 Ga. Recent works in this craton have shown the efficacy of the description and organization of volcanic and sedimentary lithofacies as a tool to postulate stratigraphic frameworks. In the present work we propose the first formal stratigraphy for the Beneficente Group (BG), a Statherian (~1.74 Ga) volcano-sedimentary unit outcropping in the southwestern portion of the Amazon Craton. The BG is divided into three formations: (1) Pedro Sara Formation (PSF), composed of felsic volcanic rocks represented by thick lava-like and densely welded tuffs, normal-graded tuffs, both from pyroclastic density currents, and laminated ash-fall tuffs; (2) Camaiu Formation (CF), comprising sheetfloods, low-energy alluvial channels, non-cohesive sediment-gravity flows, rubbly pahoehoe basaltic flows, stream-channel deposits, and deposits reworked in foreshore/superior shoreface settings, and; (3) Vila do Carmo Formation (VCF), formed by delta front and pro-delta lithofacies associations. The sequence of sedimentary rocks contains clasts exclusively from the related volcanic rocks (PSF), with no clasts from other volcanic sequences nearby. Geochronological analyses evidence a Statherian age for the sequence. A pheno-latite from PSF yielded a crystallization age of 1743.6 ± 7.5 Ma, the youngest zircons of a sandstone from CF have ages between 1746 and 1732 Ma and the youngest zircons of a sandstone from VCF have 1760 Ma to 1601 Ma. The Beneficente paleo-basin is preserved as a NW-SE rift in the margin of the Tapajos-Parima Province. This structure remained as an active depositional locus during the Paleozoic and is the location of the main courses of modern rivers. The development of BG is akin to Statherian taphrogenic systems which were widespread in the Amazon, Sao Francisco-Congo and North China cratons, and are a key tectonic feature before the Columbia (Nuna) supercontinent break-up.

Isotopic Lu–Hf and geochronological studies on the zircon grains of the Paleoproterozoic Borrachudos Suite provide constrains of the evolution of the tectonomagmatic events that affected the southern border of the Sao Francisco Craton and leaded to the formation of the associated iron and emerald deposits. The granite records magmatic crystallization in the 1740-1688 Ma time range, and A2-type geochemical signature. Zircon grains present hydrothermal and anatectic areas with Cambrian age that are related to the gravitational collapse of the final stages of the Brasiliano orogen. During this event the granite was deformed and metamorphosed in the amphibolite facies, leading to anatexis and the formation of large amount of pegmatite bodies. The Hf isotope data on the hydrothermal/anatectic areas indicate partial melting were accompanied by hydrothermal fluids enriched in radiogenic Hf. These fluids contributed to the formation of large volume of hydrous melts (pegmatites), the formation of the emerald deposits and the high-grade iron orebodies.

New geochemical, U-Pb, Lu-Hf and Sr-Nd data from the Barreiro Suite metabasites in comparison with enclaves within the distal Andrelândia Group and the orthogranulites of the Juiz de Fora Complex are presented. Geochemical data suggest intraplate setting, with high and low- TiO 2 , TDM Nd ages between 1.80 and 1.41 Ga, negative ENd t and ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i between 0.714 and 0.747. Results contrast with part of the Juiz de Fora Complex enclaves, with island arc tholeiites- calcalkaline basalts (IAT-CAB) geochemical signatures, TDM Nd ages between 2.58 and 2.16 Ga, positive ENd t values and ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i between 0.700 and 0.712. U-Pb data for the Barreiro Suite yielded a crystallization age of 766 ± 13 Ma and a metamorphic overprint of 619 ± 6 Ma. The results indicate three episodes of mafic magmatism in the Occidental terrane of the Ribeira Belt. The two older episodes are related to Rhyacian arc evolution (ca. 2.2 to 2.1 Ga) and to the Statherian (ca. 1.7 Ga) tectonics, and occur only within the Juiz de Fora Complex, while the younger ca. 766 Ma episode constrains the timing of distal passive margin evolution. An important implication is that these late Tonian metabasic rocks could have been a source of detrital zircons for the sedimentation along the distal Andrelândia basin.

Iron formation-bearing sequences from the Guanhaes Tectonic Block and Southern Espinhaco Belt of the Southeastern Sao Francisco Craton, were affected by the Ediacaran-Cambrian Brasilian Orogeny, when the Guanhaes Block was upthrusted onto Statherian metasedimentary units of the Lower Espinhaco Supergroup. The iron formation contain a number of hydrothermal high-grade iron ore bodies (e.g. Horto-Baratinha, Cuite, Morro Escuro and Morro do Pilar deposits). Three different types of zircons were studied in order to characterize the temporal and geochemical evolution of the late-orogenic, hydrothermal event: detrital zircons (Lower Espinhaco Supergroup – Orosirian-Statherian maximum depositional age), zircons from the gneissic basement (Archean Guanhaes Complex), and zircons from metagranitoid (Statherian Borrachudos Suite). All populations include zircons with

The Espinhaço rift system encompasses taphrogenetic events from the Statherian to Tonian in the São Francisco-Congo (SFC) paleocontinent. The magmatism is represented mainly by metamorphosed anorogenic granites and rhyolites with subordinate amphibolites. Zircon U-Pb ­(LA-ICPMS and SHRIMP) ages from felsic (1748 ± 3 Ma and 1740 ± 8 Ma) and mafic (1725 ± 4 Ma) rock samples, coupled with previous studies suggest that the Espinhaço igneous province erupted from ca. 1.79 Ga to ca. 1.70 Ga. The felsic rocks show characteristics of A-type magmas. The negative εHf(t) data for meta-rhyolite zircons (-12.32 to -17.58), the moderate δ 18 O values (7.02 to 7.98) and the REE patterns suggest crustal melting related to an extensional environment. The mafic rock shows negative values of εHf(t) in zircons (-4.05 to -8.25) and moderate δ 18 O values (5.56 to 7.87). The results disclose a basaltic magmatism in continental intraplate setting whose parental magma could have been derived from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle with contamination of crustal material. These data coupled with coeval Espinhaço magmatism and mafic dyke swarms found to the south of the Espinhaço rift system reinforce the evidence of a long-lived Statherian silicic large igneous province (SLIP) on the SFC paleocontinental block.

Resumo: O Dominio Porteirinha, constituido por gnaisses de composicao tonalitica-trondhjemitica-granodioritica (TTG) migmatizados e por vezes milonitizados, esta localizado no extremo norte de Minas Gerais e apresenta uma evolucao geotectonica que teve inicio no Arqueano (3,37 Ma), tendo sido retrabalhado ao longo do tempo geologico. Intrusivas neste dominio, as suites magmaticas Paciencia e Catole, respectivamente de composicao monzosienitica e granitica, exibem texturas magmaticas bem preservadas. A Suite Paciencia (2,05 Ga) constitui uma serie alcali-calcica a alcalina, saturada em silica, metaluminosa, pos-colisional a orogenica tardia em relacao a orogenese Riaciana-Orosiriana regional. E formada essencialmente por monzonitos e sienitos de granulacao media a grossa, com mineralogia composta basicamente por feldspato potassico, plagioclasio, anfibolio, biotita e quartzo. Estas rochas derivam da cristalizacao fracionada de um magma lamprofirico. Ja a Suite Catole (1,79 Ga), classificada como pos-orogenica a anorogenica, e formada por granitos peraluminosos, de granulacao media a fina e com mineralogia composta basicamente por quartzo, microclina, plagioclasio, biotita e muscovita. Classificados como do tipo A1, os granitos da suite Catole sao interpretados como produtos da cristalizacao fracionada de magmas basalticos intraplaca com afinidade OIB, relacionados a atividade de uma pluma mantelica envolvida nos processos tafrogeneticos regionais no inicio do periodo Estateriano. Palavras Chave: Dominio Porteirinha, Suite Paciencia, Suite Catole, Petrologia, Paleoproterozoico Abstract: PETROLOGY OF THE PACIENCIA AND CATOLE PALEOPROTEROZOIC SUITES OF THE NORTHERN PORTEIRINHA DOMAIN (MINAS GERAIS). The Porteirinha Domain, constituted by tonalitic-trondhjemitic-granodioritic (TTG) gneisses, which are migmatized and sometimes milonitized, is located in the extreme north of Minas Gerais and presents a geotectonic evolution that began in Arquean (3.37 Ma), having been reworked over geological time. Intrusive in this domain, the Paciencia and Catole magmatic suites, respectively of monzosyenitic and granitic composition, exhibit well preserved magmatic textures. The Paciencia Suite (2.05 Ga) consists of a metaluminous silica saturated alkali-calcic to alkaline series. It is post-collisional to late orogenic related to the regional Rhyacian-Orosirian orogenesis. It consists essentially of monzonites and syenites of medium to coarse grain, with mineralogy composed basically of potassic feldspar, plagioclase, amphibole, biotite and some quartz. These rocks are derived from the fractional crystallization of a lamprophyric magma. The Catole Suite (1.79 Ga), post-orogenic / anorogenic, is formed by peraluminous medium to fine grain granites, and mineralogy composed basically of quartz, microcline, plagioclase, biotite and muscovite. Classified as A1, the granites from the Catole Suite apparently are related to fractional crystallization processes of intraplate OIB-like (ocean island basalts) basaltic magmas, related to the activity of a mantle plume responsible for triggering regional taphrogenetic processes at the beginning of the Statherian period. Keywords: Porteirinha Domain, Paciencia Suite, Catole Suite, Paleoproterozoic, Petrology

The Serra da Serpentina and the Serra de Sao Jose groups are two distinct banded iron formation-bearing metasedimentary sequences along the eastern border of the southern Espinhaco Range that were deposited on the boundary between the Orosirian and Statherian periods. The Serra da Serpentina Group (SSG) has an Orosirian maximum depositional age (youngest detrital zircon grain age = 1990 ± 16 Ma) and consists of fine clastic metasediments at the base and chemical sediments, including banded iron formations (BIFs), on the top, corresponding to the Meloso and Serra do Sapo formations, respectively, and correlating with the pre-Espinhaco Costa Sena Group. The SSG represents sedimentary deposition on an epicontinental-epeiric, slow downwarping sag basin with little tectonic activity. The younger Serra de Sao Jose Group (SJG) is separated from the older SSG by an erosional unconformity and was deposited in a tectonically active continental rift-basin in the early stages of the opening of the Espinhaco Trough. The Serra do Sao Jose sediments stretch along the north-south axis of the rift and comprise a complete cycle of transgressive sedimentary deposits, which were subdivided, from base to top, into the Lapao, Itapanhoacanga, Jacem and Canjica formations. The Itapanhoacanga Formation has a maximum depositional age of 1666 ± 32 Ma (Statherian), which coincides with the maximum depositional age (i.e., 1683 ± 11 Ma) of the Sao Joao da Chapada Formation, one of the Espinhaco Supergroup's basal units. The Serra de Sao Jose Rift and the Espinhaco Rift likely represent the same system, with basal units that are facies variations of the same sequence. The supracrustal rocks have undergone two stages of deformation during the west-verging Brasiliano orogeny that affected the eastern margin of the Sao Francisco Craton and generated a regional-scale, foreland N–S trending fold-thrust belt, which partially involved the crystalline basement. Thrust faults have segmented the terrain into a large number of tectonic blocks, where the stratigraphic sequence was nevertheless well preserved.

The Espinhaco Basin is one of the largest Precambrian intracratonic basins in the Brazilian Shield, and it comprises three tectonostratigraphic megasequences, i.e., the Lower, Middle, and Upper Espinhaco sequences, deposited from 1.8 to 1.68 Ga, 1.6 to 1.38 Ga, and 1.2 to 0.9 Ga, respectively. Each megasequence contain detrital materials derived from the denudation of basement and/or cover units and can be used to decipher the paleogeographic evolution of the Sao Francisco Craton, together with the vertical and lateral stratigraphic architecture. Sandstone compositions and detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotopes from the Middle and Upper Espinhaco sequences were investigated, in conjunction with stratigraphic data, to reveal distinct provenance patterns. Sandstones in the lower units of the Middle Espinhaco sequence were recycled from sedimentary sources and were found to contain Paleoproterozoic zircon grains, either juvenile or evolved from Mesoarchean or Neoarchean crustal sources. This pattern is succeeded by sandstones derived from recycled sedimentary sources that contain juvenile and remelted zircon grains formed in the Paleoarchean, Neoarchean, and Paleoproterozoic eras. The overlying units of the Middle and Upper Espinhaco sequences include significant inputs from Statherian and Calymmian zircon grains, in addition to the Archean and Paleoproterozoic grains. This points to both a stratigraphic inversion of the source area due to the denudation of Archean basement terrain in the lower sections and a change of provenance with the input of Statherian and Calymmian zircons in the upper sections. In addition, the ages and Hf isotopic compositions of zircon grains older than 1.8 Ga match the evolution of the continental crust within the Sao Francisco Craton. A possible chronocorrelation between the late Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic cratonic sequences in the Congo–Sao Francisco Craton and those sequences preserved within the Fennoscandian and Indian shields as well as in the North American, West Australian, and North China Cratons implies similar evolutions for these regions after ca. 1.8 Ga. Such a similarity is probably related to the evolution of the Columbia supercontinent and its transition to the Rodinia supercontinent.

Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic cratonic basins in the Sao Francisco Craton are classified into three megasequences: Statherian, Calymmian–early Ectasian, and Stenian–early Tonian sequences. The location, depositional age, and provenance of these sequences are reflected in their detrital zircon U–Pb age distributions. A minimum of five detrital zircon age distributions are distinguishable: i) the Archean and Rhyacian distribution, which is restricted to the Calymmian interval at Chapada Diamantina; ii) the Rhyacian distribution, which occurs in the Statherian, Calymmian, and Stenian intervals and generally precedes the Proterozoic distribution; iii) the Proterozoic distribution, which always succeeds the Rhyacian distribution and appears in the Brasilia Belt and Southern Espinhaco; iv) the mixed Archean and Proterozoic distribution, restricted to the Stenian interval at the Southern Brasilia Belt; and v) the Statherian distribution, which is present in the Statherian interval at Espinhaco Basin and is recycled into the Calymmian and Stenian intervals at Chapada Diamantina. Based on the Hf isotope compositions of the detrital zircons, most of the sequences are predominantly sourced from Archean juvenile terrains and from Archean and Paleoproterozoic evolved terrains. The exception is the Paranoa Group, western Sao Francisco Craton, whose positive ɛHf(t) values suggest juvenile Paleoproterozoic sources such as the Goias Massif. The Archean zircons from Chapada Diamantina have Hf depleted mantle model ages ranging from Paleoarchean to Neoarchean and are mainly derived from the Gaviao Block within northeastern Sao Francisco Craton. The model unify a dataset spanning hundreds of millions of years of the depositional record over a large area of central and eastern Brazil. The records will assist researchers in unraveling the sedimentary and tectonic history of the Archean and Paleoproterozoic continents from new data collected regionally and in other continents.

The U–Pb data from the volcanic and detrital zircon grains of the Tombador Formation in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, provide the depositional age of the top of this unit and define the main sedimentary sources of the Archean, Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic Eras. The lithofacies, petrographic and geochemical data from crystal-tuff samples indicated that a volcanic source was located to the east of the Chapada Diamantina region. The available zircon data defined three first-order intracratonic basinal cycles, including the Lower (Statherian), Middle (Calymmian) and Upper (Stenian–early Tonian) Espinhaco basins. These sequences are well exposed at the Espinhaco Supergroup type-section in the Chapada Diamantina region. The zircon Hf isotope data from the 1.4 Ga crystal-tuff in the Middle Espinhaco and the 1.2 Ga tuffaceous rock in the Upper Espinhaco suggested different sources, with model ages of 2.1 to 1.9 Ga and

Detrital zircons from quartzites of the Sao Roque Domain were subject of studies of crystal growth and stratigraphy, using in situ LA-ICPMS trace element geochemistry and U–Pb dating to deduce their provenance and contribute to understand the tectonic evolution of the Proterozoic metasedimentary successions of southeast Brazil. Trace element chemistry of most detrital cores indicates derivation from plagioclase-rich felsic rocks (e.g., tonalites to granodiorites); however, a small proportion may derive from gabbroic sources, as indicated by a combination of features (strong positive Ce anomaly, high LuN/SmN, low U/Yb; concave-down shape of the intermediate REE patterns). Thin metamorphic overgrowths are chemically distinct (e.g., enriched in several trace elements, especially the LREE), and were dated at 584 ± 47 Ma, reflecting the Ediacaran metamorphism and granite magmatism that affected the Sao Roque Domain. The detrital zircon U–Pb ages for five quartzite samples from different stratigraphic positions within the Sao Roque Domain are restricted to the Paleoproterozoic and Archean (∼1730–3440 Ma). A striking feature of the dataset is a main peak at ∼2.2 Ga which is characteristic of all samples; the age and abundance of Archean peaks allow distinguish two groups of samples: Jaragua and Japi, with 41–43% Archean zircons and a peak at 2.6–2.7 Ga; and Voturuna, Pirucaia and Serra da Viuva, with 16–21% Archean zircons and a peak close to the Archean-Paleoproterozoic boundary (2.4–2.5 Ga). A limited contribution of late Paleoproterozoic (Statherian) sources places an upper limit for the deposition of the sedimentary successions that is consistent with the estimated age of the metaconglomerate-metarkose rift sequence of the Sao Roque Group (Boturuna Formation), based on U–Pb dating of interlayered meta-trachydacites (1.75 Ga). Our data demonstrate that the different sedimentary successions of the Sao Roque Domain have an essentially continental (cratonic) provenance which is very similar to those of other sequences in the Ribeira Belt (Acungui and possibly also Embu Domain). The ∼2.2 Ga age of the volumetrically most important sources, also indicated by the age of granite pebbles in metaconglomerates, is a diagnostic signature, consistent with the age of regional basement (e.g., orthogneisses from few basement nuclei in the Acungui Domain). Similarities in provenance and tectonic evolution of the metasedimentary sequences are consistent with the interpretation that the Ribeira Belt is part of the reworked border of the Sao Francisco Paleoplate, displaced southwestward as a result of significant dextral orogen-parallel tectonics during the Neoproterozoic collision, and may imply that a suture zone between this paleoplate and another stable continental area to the SW lies below the Phanerozoic sediments of the Parana Basin.