Ordovician zircons as detrital markers in the Ötztal Nappe (Austroalpine, Italy)

Author(s):  
Linus Klug ◽  
Nikolaus Froitzheim ◽  
Frank Tomaschek ◽  
Markus Lagos

<p>The Austroalpine Ötztal Nappe shows pervasive Eoalpine and local Variscan high-pressure metamorphism and deformation in its southeastern end, which obscure pr<span>i</span>or structures. We used magmatic and detrital zircon U-Pb dating by laser ablation ICP-MS to identify the precursor units of the Ötztal Nappe and the relationships among them.</p><p>Magmatic protolith dating of granitoid othogneisses in the Ötztal basement yielded Ordovician ages (450 – 470 Ma). The zircons of the Ordovician magmatism are important markers in the detrital zircon record. The paragneisses of the Ötztal basement, in which the Ordovician granitoids intruded, show no Ordovician zircons. The partly calcareous metasediments of the Schneeberg Complex and the Laas Series record some Ordovician detrital zircons. While the Schneeberg Complex is in tectonic contact to the Ötztal Nappe (Klug & Froitzheim, subm.), the Laas Series is the post-Ordovician sedimentary cover of the Ötztal basement. A Permo-Triassic basal metasandstone of the Brenner Mesozoic shows next to a strong Ordovician zircon age population some Variscan and Permo-Triassic zircons.</p><p>Zircon dating allowed to identify pre-Ordovician basement with Ordovician intrusions covered by post-Ordovician-pre-Variscan and Permo-Mesozoic sediments. This supports the concept of a non-tectonic unity in the southeastern Ötztal Nappe outside of the Schneeberg Complex.</p><p> </p>

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1313-1329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. L. Motova ◽  
T. V. Donskaya ◽  
D. P. Gladkochub ◽  
V. B. Khubanov

The petrographic, lithogeochemical and U-Pb (LA-ICP-MS) geochronological studies were carried out to investigate the terrigenous rocks sampled from the lower part of the Ipsit suite of the Karagass series (Sayan segment of the Sayan-Baikal-Patom belt). These rocks include sandstones, aleurite sandstones and aleurolites, and their mineral compositions are close to that of arkose. Most of the studied rock samples show petrographic features typical of the epigenetic changes at the stage of catagenesis: regeneration of quartz clastic grains, pelitization of potassium-feldspar clastic grains, occurrence of clay-hydromica aggregate, sericitization of plagioclase, chloritization of biotite, and silicification of dolomite pieces, and occurrence of authigenous tourmaline. The above was confirmed by the analysis of the concentrations of petrogenic elements in the studied rocks from the lower part of the Ipsit suite. The analysis results show that the concentrations of K2O are elevated, while the concentrations of Na2O are relatively very low, which may be due to the redistribution of these elements during epigenetic transformations. According to the classification by genetic types on the basis of the system of petrochemical modules, the rocks of the lower part of the Ipsa suite are of the petrogenic nature. The acidic igneous rocks are dominant in the source area, as evidenced by the presence of granitoid and quartzite fragments in the clastogenic component, as well as the set of accessory minerals typical of the igneous rocks of the acidic composition, and the distribution pattern of rare and trace elements. According to the U-Pb (LA-ICP-MS) dating of detrital zircons from the aleurite sandstone sampled from the lower part of the Ipsit suite, the zircons are exclusively of the Archean-Early Proterozoic ages. Such ages correlate with the age of the granitoids of the Sayan complex and the felsic volcanites from the Maltsev layer of the Elash series (Biryusa block). Furthermore, the detrital-zircon age spectra of the aleurite sandstone of the lower part of the Ipsit suite are identical to the detrital-zircon age spectra of the terrigenous rocks from the underlying strata of the Shangulezh and Tagul suites of the Karagass series. This study suggests that sedimentation of the Ipsit suite of the Karagass series took place due to the influx of detrital material from the southern part of the Siberian craton into the sedimentation basin, and the acidic igneous rocks of the Biryusa block were one of the main sources of detrital material.


2015 ◽  
Vol 153 (3) ◽  
pp. 460-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
CLARISA VORSTER ◽  
JAN KRAMERS ◽  
NIC BEUKES ◽  
HERMAN VAN NIEKERK

AbstractThe Natal Group and Msikaba Formation remain relatively poorly understood with regards to their provenance and relative age of deposition; a much-needed geochronological study of the detrital zircons from these two units was therefore undertaken. Five samples of the Durban and Mariannhill Formations (Natal Group) and the Msikaba Formation (Cape Supergroup) were obtained. A total of 882 concordant U–Pb ages of detrital zircon populations from these units were determined by means of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Major Neoproterozoic and secondary Mesoproterozoic detrital zircon age populations are present in the detrital zircon content of all the samples. Smaller contributions from Archean-, Palaeoproterozoic-, Cambrian- and Ordovician-aged grains are also present. Due to the presence of a prominent major population of 800–1000 Ma zircons in all the samples, late Stenian – Tonian ancient volcanic arc complexes overprinted by Pan-African metamorphism of Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, along with areas of similar age within Antarctica, India and Sri Lanka, are suggested as major sources of detritus. The Namaqua–Natal Metamorphic Complex is suggested as a possible source of minor late Mesoproterozoic-aged detritus. Minor populations of Archean and Palaeoproterozoic zircons were likely sourced from the Kaapvaal and Grunehogna Cratons. Post-orogenic Cambrian – Lower Ordovician granitoids of the Mozambique Belt (Mozambique) and the Maud Belt (Antarctica) made lesser contributions. In view of the apparent broad similarity of source areas for the Natal Group and Msikaba Formation, their sedimentation occurred in parts of the same large and evolving basin rather than localized in small continental basins, and the current exposures merely represent small erosional relicts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-266
Author(s):  
Ian Anderson ◽  
David H. Malone ◽  
John Craddock

The lower Eocene Wasatch Formation is more than 1500 m thick in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. The Wasatch is a Laramide synorgenic deposit that consists of paludal and lacustrine mudstone, fluvial sandstone, and coal. U-Pb geochronologic data on detrital zircons were gathered for a sandstone unit in the middle part of the succession. The Wasatch was collected along Interstate 90 just west of the Powder River, which is about 50 km east of the Bighorn Mountain front. The sandstone is lenticular in geometry and consists of arkosic arenite and wacke. The detrital zircon age spectrum ranged (n=99) from 1433-2957 Ma in age, and consisted of more than 95% Archean age grains, with an age peak of about 2900 Ma. Three populations of Archean ages are evident: 2886.6±10 Ma (24%), 2906.6±8.4 Ma (56%) and 2934.1±6.6 Ma (20%; all results 2 sigma). These ages are consistent with the age of Archean rocks exposed in the northern part of the range. The sparse Proterozoic grains were likely derived from the recycling of Cambrian and Carboniferous strata. These sands were transported to the Powder River Basin through the alluvial fans adjacent to the Piney Creek thrust. Drainage continued to the north through the basin and eventually into the Ancestral Missouri River and Gulf of Mexico. The provenance of the Wasatch is distinct from coeval Tatman and Willwood strata in the Bighorn and Absaroka basins, which were derived from distal source (>500 km) areas in the Sevier Highlands of Idaho and the Laramide Beartooth and Tobacco Root uplifts. Why the Bighorn Mountains shed abundant Eocene strata only to the east and not to the west remains enigmatic, and merits further study.


2013 ◽  
Vol 150 (6) ◽  
pp. 1103-1126 ◽  
Author(s):  
DETA GASSER ◽  
ARILD ANDRESEN

AbstractThe tectonic origin of pre-Devonian rocks of Svalbard has long been a matter of debate. In particular, the origin and assemblage of pre-Devonian rocks of western Spitsbergen, including a blueschist-eclogite complex in Oscar II Land, are enigmatic. We present detrital zircon U–Pb LA-ICP-MS data from six Mesoproterozoic to Carboniferous samples and one U–Pb TIMS zircon age from an orthogneiss from Oscar II Land in order to discuss tectonic models for this region. Variable proportions of Palaeo- to Neoproterozoic detritus dominate the metasedimentary samples. The orthogneiss has an intrusion age of 927 ± 3 Ma. Comparison with detrital zircon age spectra from other units of similar depositional age within the North Atlantic region indicates that Oscar II Land experienced the following tectonic history: (1) the latest Mesoproterozoic sequence was part of a successor basin which originated close to the Grenvillian–Sveconorwegian orogen, and which was intruded byc. 980–920 Ma plutons; (2) the Neoproterozoic sediments were deposited in a large-scale basin which stretched along the Baltoscandian margin; (3) the eclogite-blueschist complex and the overlying Ordovician–Silurian sediments probably formed to the north of the Grampian/Taconian arc; (4) strike-slip movements assembled the western coast of Spitsbergen outside of, and prior to, the main Scandian collision; and (5) the remaining parts of Svalbard were assembled by strike-slip movements during the Devonian. Our study confirms previous models of complex Caledonian terrane amalgamation with contrasting tectonic histories for the different pre-Devonian terranes of Svalbard and particularly highlights the non-Laurentian origin of Oscar II Land.


2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-342
Author(s):  
T. Andersen ◽  
M.A. Elburg ◽  
J. Lehmann

Abstract Detrital zircon grains from three samples of sandstone from the Tswaane Formation of the Okwa Group of Botswana have been dated by U-Pb and analysed for Hf isotopes by multicollector LA-ICPMS. The detrital zircon age distribution pattern of the detrital zircons is dominated by a mid-Palaeoproterozoic age fraction (2 000 to 2 150 Ma) with minor late Archaean – early Palaeoproterozoic fractions. The 2 000 to 2 150 Ma zircon grains show a range of epsilon Hf from -12 to 0. The observed age and Hf isotope distributions overlap closely with those of sandstones of the Palaeoproterozoic Waterberg Group and Keis Supergroup of South Africa, but are very different from Neoproterozoic deposits in the region, and from the Takatswaane siltstone of the Okwa Group, all of which are dominated by detrital zircon grains younger than 1 950 Ma. The detrital zircon data indicate that the sources of Tswaane Formation sandstones were either Palaeoproterozoic rocks in the basement of the Kaapvaal Craton, or recycled Palaeoproterozoic sedimentary rocks similar to the Waterberg, Elim or Olifantshoek groups of South Africa. This implies a significant shift in provenance regime between the deposition of the Takatswaane and Tswaane formations. However, the detrital zircon data are also compatible with a completely different scenario in which the Tswaane Formation consists of Palaeoproterozoic sedimentary rock in tectonic rather than depositional contact with the other units of the Okwa Group.


2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Malone ◽  
John Craddock ◽  
Stuart Kenderes

We report the results of analyses of detrital zircon from the middle Cambrian Flathead Sandstone from four locations in Park County, WY. The Flathead U-Pb zircon age spectra (n=355) includes one peak at 2702–3345 Ma (95%) and two small age peaks at 1784 Ma (4%) and ∼1830 Ma (1%). Regional paleocurrent data for the Flat-head indicate sediment transport from east to west but the dominant Archean detrital zircons in our sample suite indicates a proximal source in structurally and topographically high Wyoming Province crust. The Archean ages are consistent with the >3.0 Ga fraction being derived from basement rocks present in the northern Beartooth Range and areas further to the west. The 2.8–3.0 Ga grains were derived from the Beartooth-Bighorn magmatic zone, which directly underlies and extends to the south and east of these Flathead sampling localities. The 1.7–1.8 Ga grains were derived from 100s of km to the south and east, in the Cheyenne Belt or more distal Yavapai Province rocks. This 1.7–1.8 Ga crust was uplifted along the Transcontinental Arch during late Precambrian time. The Transcontinental Arch, and perhaps the Midcontinent Rift further to the east as well, prevented easterly-sourced (i.e. Grenville) zircons from reaching the Wyoming Sauk shoreline.


2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Malone ◽  
John Craddock ◽  
Kacey Garber ◽  
Jarek Trela

The Aycross Formation is the basal unit of the Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup in the southern Absaroka Range and consists of volcanic sandstone, mudstone, breccia, tuff and conglomerate. The Aycross was deposited during the waning stages of the Laramide Orogeny and the earliest phases of volcanism in the Absaroka Range. U-Pb geo-chronology using laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry LA-ICP-MS was performed on detrital zircons collected from an Aycross sandstone bed at Falls Campground east of Togwotee Pass. The detrital zircon age spectrum ranged fom ca 47 to 2856 Ma. Peak ages, as indicated by the zircon age probability density plot are ca. 51, 61, and 72 Ma. Tertiary zircons were the most numerous (n = 32), accounting for 42% of the zircon ages spectrum. Of these 19 are Eocene, and 13 are Paleocene, which are unusual ages in the Wyoming-Idaho-Montana area. Mesozoic zircons (n = 21) comprise 27% of the age spectrum and range in age from 68–126 Ma; all but one being late Cretaceous in age. No Paleozoic zircons are present. Proterozoic zircons range in age from 1196–2483 Ma, and also consist of 27% of the age spectrum. The maximum depositional age of the Aycross Formation is estimated to be 50.05 +/− 0.65 Ma based on weighted mean of the eight youngest grains. The Aycross Formation detrital zircon age spectrum is distinct from that of other 49–50 Ma rocks in northwest Wyoming, which include the Hominy Peak and Wapiti Formations and Crandall Conglomerate. The Aycross must have been derived largely from distal westerly source areas, which include the late Cretaceous and Paleocene Bitteroot Lobe of the Idaho Batholith. In contrast, the middle Eocene units further to the north must have been derived from erosion of the Archean basement-cored uplift of the Laramide Foreland in southwest Montana.


Author(s):  
Julia I. Corradino ◽  
Alex Pullen ◽  
Andrew L. Leier ◽  
David L. Barbeau Jr. ◽  
Howie D. Scher ◽  
...  

The Bell River hypothesis proposes that an ancestral, transcontinental river occupied much of northern North America during the Cenozoic Era, transporting water and sediment from the North American Cordillera to the Saglek Basin on the eastern margin of the Labrador Sea. To explore this hypothesis and reconstruct Cenozoic North American drainage patterns, we analyzed detrital zircon grains from the Oligocene−Miocene Mokami and Saglek formations of the Saglek Basin and Oligocene−Miocene fluvial conglomerates in the Great Plains of western Canada. U-Pb detrital zircon age populations in the Mokami and Saglek formations include clusters at <250 Ma, 950−1250 Ma, 1600−2000 Ma, and 2400−3200 Ma. Detrital zircons with ages of <250 Ma were derived from the North American Cordillera, supporting the transcontinental Bell River hypothesis. Oligocene−Miocene fluvial strata in western Canada contain detrital zircon age populations similar to those in the Saglek Basin and are interpreted to represent the western headwaters of the ancient Bell River drainage. Strontium-isotope ratios of marine shell fragments from the Mokami and Saglek formations yielded ages between 25.63 and 18.08 Ma. The same shells have εNd values of −10.2 to −12.0 (average = −11.2), which are consistent with values of Paleozoic strata in western North America but are more radiogenic than the modern Labrador Current, Labrador Sea Water, and North Atlantic Deep Water values (εNd ∼−12 to −25). As a freshwater source, the existence and termination of the Bell River may have been important for Labrador Sea circulation, stratification, and chemistry.


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