Tillites at the base of the Vendian Taseeva Group in the stratotype section (Siberian craton)

Isolated lenses of diamictites laying discordantly over the Late Riphean (Cryogenian) Kirgitei Formation were found in the immediate vicinity of the Vendian Taseeva Group stratotype in the Taseeva River valley and assigned to the Shishina Member a few meters in visible thickness. The Shishina diamictites are, likely, of glacial origin as they (i) lie at the base of the Vendian section, (ii) consist of unsorted dolomitic clasts from fine gravel to more than 0.5 m boulders suspended in a mud matrix, and (iii) show glacial striation on clasts. The glacial origin is further supported by the morphology of stones, which resemble a smoothing iron or a bullet, with a swelly top, a flat bottom, and a steeply cut rear and form clusters produced by disintegration of larger boulders. The stones bear signatures of cleavage, cracks, grooves, and striation on the faces, while the matrix looks undeformed. The Shishina Member has no genetic relation with the underlying Kirgitei Formation but rather correlates sedimentologically with the Ulyakha Member tillites at the base of the Vendian Marnya Formation (Oselok Group) in the Sayan foothills. The Shishina Member stones may derive from the Late Riphean (Cryogenian) Dzhura Formation exposed 4 km downstream of the site along the Taseeva. They occur near the base of the Aleshinsky Formation (lowermost unit of the Taseeva Group) of cross-bedded glaciofluvial sandstone, gravelstone, conglomerate, and sandy gravel mixtite transported from east to west (from the Siberian Craton interior to its margins) and deposited in channel bars or as gravel lags. The lower member of the Aleshinsky Formation comprises two associations of clasts: (i) coarse quartzose sand and gravel and (ii) fine and medium quartz and lithoclastic sand. Rocks in the former are well rounded, with traces of wind erosion, while the latter association is composed of mechanically eroded angular material transported to short distances from a metamorphic and metasedimentary source on the Craton margin. The Aleshinsky clastics have their composition and grain size patterns similar to those of the glaciofluvial Plity, Nersya, and Kedrovy members of the Marnya Formation in the Sayan area. According to sedimentological evidence, the Shishina diamictites are tillites identical to the Ulyakha moraine at the base of the Sayan Oselok Group and may be a missing link in the Taseeva Group stratigraphy.     

Beobachtungen zum Problem der jung-Präkambrischen glazialen Ablagerungen in Südwestafrika

The Late Precambrian Numees Formation contains besides very thick deposits of tillite-like habit also laminated siltstones resembling glacial varved rocks. These enclose coarser sand grains, pebbles and boulders of all sizes which have dropped from above into the soft sediment. As only floating ice can have transported these large components, the conclusion is inescapable that the laminated siltstones are true glacial varves and that the tillite-like rocks are true tillites.This evidence for Late Precambrien glacial conditions makes it highly probable that other formations of a similar age, which have been described as tillites, are also of glacial origin. The Buschmannsklippe Formation begins locally with a tillite which seems to be more or less contemporaneous with the Numees Formation. A high percentage of facetted and deeply striated pebbles and boulders makes it probable that this tillite originated as a basal moraine.The Nama tillite in the Klein Karas Mountains is stratigraphically not very far removed and in time probably not very much younger than the Numees tillite. Striated and grooved floors are associated with this tillite.The Chuos tillite and the Otavi tillite of the Damara System are contemporaneous deposits of Late Precambrian age. Their age relative to the Numees tillite is not known. The Chuos- and the Otavi tillite are probably glaciomarine drifts. For these a glacial origin cannot be proved with the same degree of conclusiveness as for the above described deposits. However, the existence of glacial conditions in the Late Praecambrian having been proved for an adjoining area, a glacial origin may reasonably be assumed for the tillite-like rocks of the Damara System too.Both the Numees tillite and the Otavi tillite are intimately associated with sedimentary iron ore deposits. Oxygen deficiency in stagnating bottom waters, caused by an ice cover, is thought to be responsible for this peculiar combination of sediments.The excellent evidence for the existence of glacial conditions during parts of the Late Precambrian, found in South West Africa, strongly supports the assumption that the many tillite-like deposits of a similar age, which have been described from Central and West Africa are also of glacial origin.

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Published under Government Printer's Copyright Authority No. 3320 of 30/4/64.     

Glacigenic Characteristics of the Luoquan Formation and Sediment Gravity Flow Reworking on It

The origin of the Luoquan Formation which occurs along the southern margin of the North China Blockhas long been argued. Based on recent work. the Formation is considered as a glacial sedimentary sequencepartially reworked by sediment gravity flow. The major evidence for the glacigene of Luoquan Formationdiamictites is as follows: 1, a striated and polished pavement with various features resulting from glacialabrasion and plucking, such as crescentic gouge, crescentic fracture, streamlined form and glaciated step; 2.unsorted diamictites with striated clast. faceted clast and iron-shaped stone formed by glaciation; 3. rhythmitewith dropstones; 4. a glacial sedimentary sequence bearing advance-retreat cycles; and 5. wide distribution ofthe diamictites. Glacial deposits can be distinguished from sediment gravity flow deposits by the features men-tioned above. Some characteristics of sediment gravity flow existing in the Luoquan Formation diamictites in-dicate that glacial deposits might have been partially reworked by sediment gravity flow. Therefore, this papersuggests that the Luoquan Formation diamictite is a result of a glacial event rather than a mud flow deposit.The primary tillites are the principal contribution of the Luoquan Formation, while sediment gravity flow de-posits are the redeposited diamictites and should be termed as glacigenic sediment gravity flow deposits.     

碧口群内冰川沉积及冰期的划分与对比

碧口群内前人曾怀疑为冰碛岩的一套岩石,已取得了大量冰川证据,肯定了冰川作用的存在。其时代属早震旦世。据沉积特征、层位及上下接触关系等,将其划为长安、南沱两个冰期,南沱冰期又进一步划分为两个亚冰期,并分别与国内外有关地区作了对比。     

The Yudomian of Siberia,Vendian and Ediacaran systems of the International stratigraphic scale

In Russia, the terminal Neoproterozoic formally includes the Vendian of western part of the East European platform and the concurrent Yudoma Group of Siberia. As is shown in this work, the designated subdivisions correspond in the stratotypes only to the upper, Yudomian Series of the Vendian. In the Siberian platform, the Ust-Yudoma and Aim horizons of the Yudomian are tightly interrelated. The lower of them, bearing remains of Ediacaran Fauna, represents the Ediacarian Stage, whereas the upper one containing small-shelled fossils (SSF) corresponds to the Nemakit-Daldynian Stage divided into the trisulcatus and antiqua superregional zones. In more complete sections of the platform periphery, sediments of these subdivisions conformably rest on siliciclastic succession that should be ranked as basal subdivision of the Yudomian. The succession is concurrent to the Laplandian Stage of the East European platform. According to geochronological dates obtained recently, the Yudomian Series spans interval of 600–540 Ma. In the East European platform, the Upper Vendian (Yudomian) begins with the Laplandian basal tillites of synonymous stage. In the west of the platform, tillites are dated at 600 Ma like the Upper Vendian base in Siberia. The next Ediacarian Stage of the East European platform is stratigraphic equivalent of the Redkino Horizon, while summary range of the Kotlin and Rovno horizons is concurrent to that of the Nemakit-Daldynian Stage. The Vendian of Russia is conformably overlain by the Tommotian Stage of the Lower Cambrian. Intense pre-Vendian events constrained distribution areas of the Lower Vendian sediments in Russia. The Lower Vendian deposits of the East European platform are most representative and well studied in the central Urals, where they are attributed to the Serebryanka Group. In Siberia, separate subdivisions representing the Lower Vendian are the Maastakh Formation of the Olenek Uplift, two lower members of the Ushakovka Formation in the Baikal region, and the Taseeva Group of the Yenisei Range. Chronological interval of the Lower Vendian corresponds to 650–600 Ma. The Marinoan Glaciation dated in Australia at 650–635 Ma is concurrent to basal part of the pre-Yudomian interval of the Vendian in Russia, whereas the Laplandian Tillite and Gaskiers Glaciation (600–580 Ma) correspond to onset of the Yudomian Epoch. The new Ediacaran System (Knoll et al., 2004) legalized in the International Neoproterozoic scale is close in range to the entire Vendian (635–544 Ma), although without basal beds (Marinoan Tillite) it deprives the terminal Neoproterozoic of its original sense. Inferiority of the system consists also in its indivisibility into stages. Hence, it is clear that the Vendian System subdivided in detail in Russia should be retained in the rank of terminal system of the Precambrian, one of the basic in general scale of the Neoproterozoic.     

New homologous series of biomarker molecules from Vendian deposits of the Sayan-adjacent Biryusa area

We studied the organochemical distribution of saturated hydrocarbons in organic matter of mudstones of the Vendian Marna Formation in the Sayan-adjacent Biryusa area. The formation is composed of glacial, glacio-alluvial, and lacustrine deposits.In the fraction of saturated hydrocarbons in chloroform extracts (bitumoids), a homologous series of earlier unknown 2,7-dimethyl alkanes has been identified, with molecules having the even number of carbon atoms prevailing. The possible sources of such abundant biomarkers are considered.     

Sedimentation settings of the Vendian Vanavara formation,the Siberian platform

A model of sedimentation settings is elaborated for siliciclastic deposits of the Vendian Vanavara Formation, the Katanga saddle, inner areas of the Siberian platform. Four lithologic complexes are distinguished in the formation. The lower complex is composed of proluvial continental deposits exemplifying a dejection cone of ephemeral streams. Its eroded surface is overlain by second complex largely represented by sandstones of coastal zone, which grade upward into siltstones and shales of deeper sedimentation settings (third complex). Sea transgression advanced in northeastern direction. The fourth complex resting with scouring on the third one was deposited in settings of a spacious shallow-water sea zone: in a tidal flat, sand shoals and islands. Sedimentological data are used to correlate more precisely the Vendian siliciclastic deposits of the Katanga saddle and northeastern Nepa-Botuoba anteclise, and to verify subdivision of the Vanavara Formation into subformations and character of its boundary with the overlying Oskoba Formation.     

The Eocambrian glaciation in Norway

Summary Traces of the Eocambrian glaciation are found in three district in Norwegian territory, 1) in the south-east, at and north of the lake MjØsa, 2) in north-east, in Finnmark, and 3) in Spitzbergen. The two first districts are connected by a number of localities in Sweden, along the margin of the Caledonian Mountain chain. The glacial beds form the base of the Eocambrian, which is taken as the lowest part of the Cambrian. They generally rests with a more or less pronounced disconformity on dolomitic rocks of the Esmarkian (the upper part of the Riphean system). In some cases they rest directly on the crystalline Precambrian basement. This is due either to Esmarkian tectonic movements, to deep glacial erosion or both. The glacial beds are varied lithologically, but the characteristic rock types are tillites, boulder-shales and varved mudtones. All tillites are not regarded as fossil moraines, formed by ice movement. Some of them are supposed to have been formed by dropping of material from floating ice, either glacier ice or sea ice in a marine or brackish environment. The wide and uniform distribution of the tillite seems to preclude an interpretation as mudflows. Comparison with the Quaternary glacial sediments have given interesting results, and add to the evidence for a glacial origin of the tillites. It is also indicated that the direction of transport will depend on whether the material was rafted with glacial ice, or with drifting sea ice. Much more work has to be done both on the sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleomagnetism of the Norwegian Eocambrian glacial deposits and comparable sediments in order to get a clear and coherent picture of the glaciation, but the present evidence seem to indicate that it was part of a world-wide glaciation of even greater extent than the Permo-Carboniferous and Quarternary ones.     

Neoproterozoic ice sheets of the Siberian Platform: U-Pb-LA-ICP-MS ages of detrital zircons from the Bol’shoi Patom formation and the geotectonic position of its provenance

The centers of many Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic glaciations were located on cratons and crystalline shields not necessarily, as some researchers believe, associated with rifts. An example is the Vendian Bol’shoi Patom glacial formation (Lena River, Yakutia). The U-Pb ages of detrital zircons from this formation imply that it was deposited by glaciers located on the pre-Riphean crystalline shields of the Siberian Platform. Glaciation in this region occurred after cessation of rifting and could not be related to the latter. The Bol’shoi Patom Formation is an element of the Middle Siberian glacial horizon that was deposited during the Marino Glaciation and is traceable along the southern periphery of the Siberian Platform from the Aldan Shield to the Baikal and Sayany regions. This indicates that the Marinoan Glaciation in Siberia involved at least the entire southern part of the Siberian Platform. Rifting was not the single, or even a principal, factor responsible for glaciations, although it could accompany and enhance them simultaneously providing space for sedimentation and conditions for preserving glacial deposits from erosion.     

川西列古六组的层位和沉积环境

<正> 列古六组广布于四川西部地区,岩性各地不一。由于其层位高于开建桥组,低于观音崖组,普遍将之与滇东的南沱组对比,认为是冰水堆积,王曰伦等(1980)提出“在川西苏雄一带……上部冰碛层特征不明显”。吴根耀(1987)在研究早震旦世苏雄地堑(展布于大相     

鄂西走马地区大塘坡组顶部泥岩碎屑锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb 年龄及其地质意义

地球在新元古代经历了Rodinia超大陆的聚合和解体,并发生了Sturtian和Marinoan两期全球规模的冰川事件。华南地区南华系古城组和南沱组冰碛岩分别对应Sturtian冰期和Marinoan冰期沉积记录,大塘坡组属于其间冰期沉积。对鄂西走马地区大塘坡组顶部泥岩中的碎屑锆石进行了LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年,锆石具有高Th/U比值(0.47～1.69),并显示明显的振荡环带,为岩浆成因;62颗锆石的62个数据点分析,获得的60个谐和年龄分布在651～2435Ma,主要峰值为～794Ma。最年轻单颗锆石U-Pb年龄651±7.7Ma,结合前人研究认为华南地区Marinoan冰期启动时间应晚于651Ma;碎屑锆石为亲扬子型,可能来自鄂中古陆和扬子北缘;分布最集中的751～851Ma年龄段内～850Ma峰值记录了扬子地台与华夏褶皱带碰撞拼合事件,而～820Ma、～800Ma、～760Ma等峰值则揭示了与Rodinia超大陆解体有关的幕式岩浆活动。     

Carbon, oxygen, strontium, and sulfur isotopic compositions in late Precambrian rocks of the Patom Complex, central Siberia: Communication 1. results, isotope stratigraphy, and dating problems

Results of the study of isotopic compositions of C, O, S, and Sr in late Precambrian sections of the Patom Complex and its analogues are presented. Total scatter in δ¹³C values is more than 21‰ (from ?13.5 to 8.1‰). The sections strongly differ in thickness, but they have similar carbon isotope curves with two dramatic drops in δ¹³C from extremely high (>4‰) to extremely low (13C values (from 7 to 8‰) are typical of the glacial horizon underlying the Mariinsk Formation, as well as the Barakun and Valyukhta formations and their analogues, which separate negative excursions. The minimum ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in limestones of the Kumukulakh (0.70725), Barakun (0.70727), Valyukhta (0.70769), Nikol’skoe (0.707904), Chencha (0.70786) and Torgo (0.70799) formations suggest the accumulation of sediments 660–580 Ma ago. Correspondingly, glacial diamictites of the Nichatka and Dzhemkukan (Bol’shoi Patom) formations can be correlated with the early stage of the Marinoan glaciation (635–665 Ma); the Zhuya Formation, with transgression that terminates the late stage of the same glaciation or the Gaskiers glaciation (580 Ma). Problems related to the genesis of carbonate rocks with extremely high and low δ¹³C values will be considered in the second communication.     

The late Palaeozoic Idusi Formation of southwest Tanzania: a record of change from glacial to postglacial conditions

The Idusi Formation forms the basal depositional unit of Karoo basins of southwestern Tanzania. It is defined as the rock unit limited by the unconformable contact with underlying Precambrian metamorphics and the base of the overlying, fluviatile Mpera Sandstone Member of the Mchuchuma Formation. The Idusi Formation is subdivided into the Lisimba Member, comprising diamictities, lutites with dropstones, slump masses and laminites, and the overlying Lilangu Member, consisting of black, pyritic and kerogenous lutites. The type section is at Idusi Gorge, situated 6 km east of Lake Nyasa on 10°17′50″S. The thickness of the formation at the type section is 240 m, with the maximum observed thickness being 715 m. Plant fossils and palynological assemblages indicate an Asselian age, probably extending down into the Late Carboniferous.The basal diamictites contain striated and facetted clasts, which identify them as glacial deposits. They are mainly wash-out and slurried tillites and also, less frequently, lodgment tillites. These are overlain by proximal and distal deposits of proglacial lakes, which were laid down during the retreat of the glaciers. Laminates of the upper Lisimba Member demonstrate progressively stronger seasonal control. Further amelioration of the climate, with substantially increased biological production both on land and in the water, is demonstrated by the black lutites of the Lilangu Member. They represent euxinic lake sediments formed during the final deglaciation phase. Deposition of the over-lying, coal-bearing Mchuchuma Formation occurred under a temperate climate. The duration of the Late Palaeozoic glaciation is estimated at about 20 to 25 Ma. The last quarter of this time span was characterized by climatic amelioration. Global warming was accompanied by an eustatic rise in sea level and a marked decrease in atmospheric CO₂.     

The Baikalian and Vendian sequences in the Lower Angara area (southwestern Siberian Platform)

In the section of Agaleevskaya BH-4 drilled in the lower reaches of the Angara River, Vendian and Baikalian sediment sequences have been recognized within Neoproterozoic strata. The Vendian sequence is formed by terrigenous-carbonate deposits of the Tetere, Soba, and Katanga Formations of the Danilovo Horizon, referred to as the Upper Vendian Nemakit-Daldyn Stage, as well as by terrigenous deposits of the Taseeva Group. The Baikalian Horizon is composed of the Brus Formation, earlier recognized only on the Chadobets uplift, and is separated from the Vendian deposits by a stratigraphic gap. In the Brus Formation, a microfossil complex similar to earlier described biotas of the Siberian Baikalian strata was found. The underlying deposits of the Terina Formation contain microfossils lacking below the basement of the Lakhanda Horizon (Neoproterozoic).     

The Vendian succession of northeastern Spitsbergen: Petrogenesis of a dolomite-tillite association

The sedimentary record of late Precambrian time is magnificently displayed in the highland snowfields of northeastern Spitsbergen (Svalbard). Vendian strata are represented essentially by the Polarisbreen Group which consists mostly of dolostone and includes two dolomitic glacial units. The oldest sediments in the Polarisbreen Group compose the Elbobreen Formation (c. 400 m), which is divided into four laterally-persistent members. The Lower Carbonate Member (E1, 125 m) contains a distinctive basal dark-grey limestone (with microspar-filled synaeresis cracks) suggested to be of lagoonal origin and associated with minor dolostone, shale and chert. Higher parts of the member are dominantly dolostone, partly stromatolitic, with some shale and sandstone; shallow subtidal to intertidal deposition is indicated by the dominance of intraclastic lithologies and relics of anhydrite. Penecontemporaneous dolomite is partially overprinted by microsparry dolomite, thought to be of groundwater origin.The redefined Petrovbreen Member (E2) consists of diamictite and other detrital dolostone. Pronounced thickness variations (2–40 m) are thought to be original depositional features. The member represents the deposits of a short glacial period in which the following depositional processes are inferred: lodgement (massive diamictite), subaqueous meltout (massive and bedded diamictite), ice-rafting (lithologies bearing dropstones, and possibly also diamictite), redeposition by sediment gravity flows (some diamictite and conglomerate; rhythmite and shale), current winnowing (thin tabular conglomerate), subaerial or subaqueous meltwater action (channelled conglomerate and sandstone), periglacial shrinkage (diamictite wedge-fillings).The MacDonaldryggen Member (E3, 230 m) is a monotonous succession of shaly dolostone of lagoonal origin. It grades up into the Slangen Member (E4, 25 m) which consists of subtidal to intertidal dolarenite with anhydrite relics succeeded by fenestral dolostone that was fractured and cemented by saline groundwaters in an emergent environment.The Wilsonbreen Formation (160 m) represents a return to glacial deposition, but this time longer-lasting and with substantial extra-basinal material represented. The Gropbreen Member (W1, 28–107 m) and the Ormen Member (W3, 44–139 m) consist dominantly of dolomitic diamictite with subordinate conglomerate and sandstone and are separated by a Middle Carbonate Member (W2, 3–30 m) which contains distinctive rhythmitic and stromatolitic limestone as well as sandstone. The same depositional processes can be recognised as in the Petrovbreen Member, but the Wilsonbreen Formation is overall of somewhat more continental aspect (lower proportion of rhythmite and dropstone structures). In addition there are: basal breccia and crack-fillings formed by frost-shattering of the underlying cemented dolostone, tabular sandstone thought to be formed by wave reworking of outwash, a striated (terrestrial) cobble pavement, supraglacially-derived breccia horizons, periglacial wedges filled by sand and the W2 assemblage of possible lacustrine origin.The Dracoisen Formation (525 m) represents an abrupt return to non-glacial conditions. An upward-deepening wave-dominated succession of pure dolostone (D1, 20 m) and impure dolostone (D2, 105 m) is succeeded by offshore black shale (D3, 150 m) and then by a very-shallow water succession of evaporite lacustrine aspect with a dolostone containing evaporite relics (D5, 10 m) separating dolomitic sandstone and shale (D4, 80 m and D6, 150 m). The contact with the transgressive Cambrian sandstones above is poorly exposed.Deposition of the succession dominantly under marine conditions is inferred, but it is difficult to rule out a lacustrine environment at any particular horizon. This dolomite—tillite association can be explained by penecontemporaneous (and minor secondary) dolomite formation in marginal environments (with warm climatic indicators at some levels) being sharply interrupted, because of rapid climatic changes, by glacial sediments containing abundant detrital dolomite. Since the latter sediments make up only 17% of the 1080m-thick succession, glacial conditions only occupied a small proportion of Vendian time.     

Facies and Architecture of a Carboniferous Grounding-line System From the Guandacol Formation, Paganzo Basin, Northwestern Argentina

New outcrops of Middle Carboniferous glacigenic deposits found in the Guandacol Formation (western Paganzo Basin) are described in this paper. The study locality of Los Pozuelos Creek (northwestern Argentina) includes coarse-grained diamictites, rhythmites, laminated pebbly mudstones and shales that represent an expanded column of the Gondwanic glaciation in this region. Thirteen lithofacies recorded at the measured section have been grouped into three facies associations. Facies Association I is composed of coarse-grained massive and stratified diamictites (lithofacies Dmm, Dms, Dmg, Dcs), laminated siltstones with dropstones (Fld) and interstratified sandstones and mudstones (Fl, Sr). These rocks represent both tillites and resedimented diamictites closely associated to small water bodies where laminated siltstones with dropstones and stratified sandstones and mudstones were deposited. Facies Association II comprises couplets of matrix-supported thinly bedded diamictites (Dmld) and laminated mudstones with dropstones (Fld). This facies association results from the combination of three different processes, subaqueous cohesionless debris flows, coeval rainout of ice-rafted debris and settling of fine-grained particles from supension. Finally, Facies Association III is made up of laminated mudstones without dropstones, thin marl levels and scarce fine- to very fine-grained sandstones. This assemblage clearly suggests sedimentation in a deep marine environment below the wave base.The architecture of the glacigenic deposits has been investigated using photomosaic panels. The geometry of the depositional bodies and facies suggest that Los Pozuelos Creek outcrops exhibit a well preserved three-dimensional example of a grounding-line system. In particular, three different subenvironments of a morainal bank were interpreted: a bank-front, a bank-core and a bank-back. The bank-front assemblage is characterized by coarse-grained, mainly resedimented, diamictites grading laterally to prograding clinoforms composed of interbedded matrix-supported thinly bedded diamictite and mudstones. The bank-core assemblage is formed by a stacking of coarse-grained diamictites where at least five major erosional surfaces, bounding four multistory diamictite bodies, can be recognized. Finally, the bank-back assemblage corresponds to discontinuous intervals of striated lodgement till, and coarse-grained resedimented diamictites showing important post-depositional deformation. The retrogradational stacking of the morainal banks indicate an overall glacial retreat and a glacioeustatic sea-level rise. Erosional surfaces at the base of each morainal bank suggest intervening short term episodes of ice advance.The new data presented here confirm the existence of "true" tillites in western Paganzo Basin and suggest several (at least four) pulses of glacial advance and retreat during the Namurian glaciation in the region and permit a more refined interpretation of the glacial deposits in the Huaco area.     

La Formation glaciaire de la Mambéré (République Centrafricaine): Reconstitution paléogéographique et implications à l'échelle du Paléozoique africain

The Mambéré Formation constitutes a horizontal unit located in the western and southwestern part of the Central African Republic. Stratigraphical and sedimentological study provides strong argument to attribute these deposits a glacial origin. A palaeogeographical reconstruction has been outlined in order to precise the age of the formation. Two main categories of glacial deposits have been recognized:

glaciogenic deposits made of basal tills (with facetted pebbles) and flow tills (with flattened blunt pebbles);

reworked glacial deposits formed of sandstones and conglomeratic sandstones, in continuous beds, lenses or isolated blocks, together with siltstones and bedded sandstones.

The southerly provenance of the detrital material is demonstrated by quartz grain surface analysis and heavy-mineral study. This material results essentially from the dismantling of the Precambrian Schistoquartzitic Complex and secondarily from the Granitogneissic Complex. According to the palaeomagnetic polar paths and the migration of the glacial centers over the African continent during the Palaeozoic, the Mambéré Formation may be attributed a Lower Silurian age by reference to similar formations observed in Cameroon or a Lower Carboniferous age by comparison with the glacial formations reported from Niger and Egypt.     

A non-glacial origin for the ordovician (middle caradocian) cosquer formation,veryarc'h,crozon peninsula,brittany, France

The presence of a dispersed clast fraction in strata near the base of the Cosquer Formation in west Brittany, does not support a glacial origin for this unit. The upper 25 to 30 m of the underlying Kermeur Formation consists of a prograding sequence of very fine to fine sandstones deposited in a mid to distal current swept shelf setting. This sequence shows signs of slope instability, as do the supposed ‘glacial strata’ which overlie it. The upper two thirds of the Cosquer Formation contain spectacular slump-breccias. Smaller clasts within the laminated mudrocks at the base of the formation are associated with thin graded and non-graded sandstone laminae. They show no evidence of active penetration into underlying laminae other than can be explained by compaction. Larger clasts are confined to thicker massive beds, or disrupted units with marked internal contorted lamination. This, along with the abundance of slump features within the sequence suggests lateral emplacement by sediment gravity flows in a distal shelf-slope setting. Surface textures of sand grains within the formation are related to rock disaggregation along fractures developed during post-depositional deformation and are not related to glacial processes. Distinctive mineralogically immature, poorly-sorted aggregate sediment pellets, which have been considered as positive proof of glaciation, are not present.     

Integrated correlation of the Vendian to Cambrian Arroyo del Soldado and Corumbá Groups (Uruguay and Brazil): palaeogeographic, palaeoclimatic and palaeobiologic implications

The Corumbá Group of SW Brazil and the Arroyo del Soldado Group (ASG) of Uruguay are correlated on the basis of litho-, bio- and chemostratigraphy. Both units represent marine sedimentation with alternating siliciclastics and carbonates developed on a stable continental shelf. In the Corumbá basin, sedimentation began in the Varangerian, represented by the glaciomarine Puga Formation. A series of sea-level fluctuations coupled with climatic changes are recorded up section. While uppermost deposits of the ASG are of lowermost Cambrian age, sedimentation ceased in the latest Vendian in the Corumbá basin. An assemblage of six species of organic-walled microfossils dominated by Bavlinella faveolata and Soldadophycus bossii, three species of vendotaenids and two species of skeletal fossils (Cloudina and Titanotheca) is described from the Corumbá Group. The vendotaenid Eoholynia corumbensis sp. nov is described from siltstones of the Guaicurus Formation. An important diversity of skeletal fossils in the Corumbá, Arroyo del Soldado and Nama groups points to favourable Vendian palaeoclimatic conditions in SW-Gondwana. Preliminary carbon isotopic data show a series of alternating positive and negative excursions, corroborating the upper Vendian age indicated by fossils for both units. Previously reported strontium isotopic data are also consistent with this age. It is postulated that the Corumbá and ASGs were deposited onto the same shelf, which opened to the east. The Rio de la Plata Superterrane (Craton) extends farther to the north than previously expected, or it was already amalgamated with the Amazonian Craton by Vendian times. Collision of the platform with the Paraná Block caused closure of the basin during the Cambrian-Early Ordovician. Finally, models of Neoproterozoic glaciations based on enhanced bioproductivity driven by high nutrient availability are discussed.     

库鲁克塔格地区震旦系冰碛岩沉积环境及意义

库鲁克塔格地区震旦系发育三层冰碛岩,分别是贝义西组、特瑞爱肯组、汉格尔乔克组.通过对冰碛岩沉积特点的研究,分析沉积环境.贝义西组冰碛砾岩夹于细粒碎屑岩及火山岩间,冰碛砾岩呈块状、无层理,为海洋冰川沉积;特瑞爱肯组主要为冰碛泥砾岩和冰碛砾岩夹粉砂岩、灰岩,块状、无层理、可见大漂砾,为冰下沉积;汉格尔乔克组主要为冰碛泥砾岩和冰碛砾岩,偶夹杂砂砾岩、砂岩透镜体,块状、无层理,为冰下沉积,顶部可见冰碛纹泥层,为冰湖沉积.