Isotope geochemistry and geochronology of the Nico Pérez Terrane,Rio de la Plata Craton,Uruguay

U–Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronology, bulk-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotopic data are herein presented in order to better constrain the tectonic evolution of the Nico Pérez Terrane (NPT), Uruguay. The studies are focused on two key geological units located in the southern part of the NPT, namely Carapé Complex (CC) and Lavalleja Metamorphic Complex (LMC). The Carapé Complex, previously interpreted as part of a remnant magmatic arc, formed at 1.75 Ga mainly by partial melting of Archean crust (T_DM model ages between 2.8 and 3.0 Ga with strong negative ɛ_Nd (t) values). The Lavalleja Metamorphic Complex, previously interpreted as a back-arc basin, has volcanic units formed at 0.59 Ga during the Brasiliano Cycle, but may also contain older (Paleoproterozoic) units. The geochemistry of the LMC meta-igneous rocks indicates a complex scenario. Two distinct signatures have been recognized, one similar to MORBs and the other similar OIBs. Sm–Nd T_DM model ages of basic rocks present a bimodal (Paleoproterozoic and Archean) distribution, which is also recognized in several other units of the NPT. In the light of new results, we conclude that the NPT represents a cratonic margin setting, characterized by the stacking of lithotectonic assemblages with Archean, Paleoproterozoic, and Neoproterozoic age at the margin of the Rio de la Plata Craton.     

SHRIMP Age and Geochemistry of the Bikou Volcanic Terrane: Implications for Neoproterozoic Tectonics on the Northern Margin of the Yangtze Craton

The Bikou volcanic terrane is predominated by subalkaline tholeiitic lavas. Rock samples display lower initial ratios of Sr and Nd, 0.701248-0.704413 and 0.511080-0.512341 respectively. 207Pb and 208Pb are significantly enriched in the lavas. Most samples have positive εNd, which indicates that the magma was derived from EM-type mantle source, while a few samples with negative εNd indicate that there was contamination in the magma evolution. Magma differentiation is demonstrated by variations of LREE and LILE from depletion to enrichment. Additionally, normalized REE patterns and trace elements showed that lavas from the Bikou volcanic terrane have similar characteristics to those of basalts in arc settings caused by subduction and collision. Analyses showed that the Bikou volcanic terrane is a volcanic arc. New evidence proved that the Hengdan Group, north of the Bikou arc, is a turbidite terrane filling a forearc basin. Consequently, the Bikou volcanic terrane and the Hengdan turbidite terrane const     

Zircon U-Pb SHRIMP dating of Palaeoproterozoic Isla Mala granitic magmatism in the Rio de la Plata Craton,Uruguay

An important event of K-rich granitic magmatism occurred at ca. 2.07 Ga in the Rio de la Plata Craton, Uruguay, as determined by U-Pb zircon SHRIMP geochronology of two Isla Mala Suite granitic rocks. Previous indications of Archaean ages are not confirmed. The absence of recrystallization or new zircon growth suggests that the investigated region of the craton remained unaffected by major Meso- or Neoproterozoic orogenies, although less intense deformation may have occurred and remained unregistered in the zircons.     

Global nature of the Paleoproterozoic Lomagundi carbon isotope excursion: A review of occurrences in Brazil,India, and Uruguay

Positive carbon isotope excursion is reported from Paleoproterozoic carbonates of the Aravalli Supergroup (northwestern India), the Minas Supergroup (Brazil), and new sections of the Paso Severino Formation (Uruguay). The 2.42 Ga Gandarela Formation, Minas Gerais, Brazil, contains red carbonate-facies BIF grading into dolostones and limestones and yielding δ¹³C values ranging from −1.6 to +0.4‰ V-PDB. The positive C-isotope excursion (up to + 11‰ V-PDB) in marine shallow-water carbonates in India and Brazil (Jhamarkotra Formation in northwestern India, and Cercadinho and Fecho do Funil formations in Minas Gerais State, Brazil) is comparable to that observed in 2.22–2.1 Ga carbonate successions worldwide that were deposited during the Lomagundi excursion. In Uruguay, δ¹³C values up to +11.6‰ V-PDB in the deep-water Paso Severino Formation of the Piedra Alta Terrane are compatible with deposition at ca. 2.15 Ga, as indicated by the 2146 ± 7 Ma U–Pb age of dacites occurring at the top of the unit. Negative δ¹³C values are also present in carbonates of the Paso Severino Formation, but an origin related to organic-matter remineralization cannot be ruled out. Thin carbonate beds in the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt, Bahia State, Brazil, are associated, as in the Paso Severino Formation, with deep-water black shales and have carbon isotope values up to +9‰ V-PDB. High metamorphic grade carbonates of the Jacurici terrane in the Medrado-Ipueira area, Bahia, Brazil, have carbon isotope values up to +6.9‰ V-PDB, consistent with their minimum age of 2085 ± 5 Ma inferred from the intrusive contact with and the age of the Medrado norite. No evidence was found in India, Brazil, or Uruguay for Paleoproterozoic glacial events recognized in the 2.45–2.22 Ga sedimentary successions worldwide. Unconformities between the Gandarela and Cercadinho formations in Brazil and the banded gneissic Complex and the Lower Aravalli Supergroup in India might explain the absence of glacial record. Compositional and isotopic data presented here for studied Paleoproterozoic carbonate successions allow their integration into the global record of the Paleoproterozoic evolution as well as correlation with other successions of similar age. The study highlights the global nature of the Lomagundi excursion. Furthermore, it indicates that the Lomagundi excursion is recorded in both shallow-water (Aravalli and Minas supergroups) and deep-water carbonates (Paso Severino Formation and Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt) negating a significant impact of stromatolite productivity and hypersaline conditions on carbon isotope values of carbonates deposited in shallow-water, open-marine and isolated basins.     

Provenance and tectonic significance of late Mesoproterozoic detrital zircons from the Tonian system,northern margin of the North China Craton

The involvement of the North China Craton (NCC) in the assembly or breakup of Rodinia has long been debated. Studies of palaeomagnetism, mafic sills (dikes), igneous events, and sedimentary records have led to contrasting opinions on this topic. No igneous events related to the late Mesoproterozoic assembly of Rodinia have been reported in the NCC. However, the authors found numerous late Mesoproterozoic zircons in the Tonian system on the northern margin of the NCC. The Tonian Zhulazhagamaodao formation is composed of meta-sandstone, siltstone, slate, carbonate, and dolomine of the littoral to neritic facies and occurs mainly in the western part of the Bayan Obo–Zhaertai–Langshan rift. U–Pb dating of detrital zircons from the Tonian system reveals age peaks at 1079 ± 23 Ma, 1092 ± 22 Ma, 1175 ± 50 Ma, 1175 ± 18 Ma, 1260 ± 45 Ma, 1266 ± 16 Ma, and 1270 ± 26 Ma, which correspond to the timing of Rodinia assembly. Considering that coeval igneous rocks and orogenic belts developed mostly in the Laurentia–Baltica cratons, we propose that these cratons supplied clastic material to the northern margin of the NCC and that they had a close spatial relationship between each other during the Tonian.     

Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of a rare ultramafic lamprophyre in the Tandilia belt basement,Río de la Plata Craton,Argentina

A metre-thick ultramafic lamprophyre dyke intrudes the basement of the Tandilia belt at the Sierra Alta de Vela, Argentina. A petrological and geochemical study of this rock and associated small dykes indicates a predominantly calc-alkaline trend. Phlogopite K–Ar dating of the ultramafic lamprophyre gave a minimum age of 1928 ± 54 Ma as a late event of the Transamazonian Orogeny, which is well represented in the basement of the Tandilia belt.An electron microprobe study indicates the presence of phlogopite, albite, chromite and Cr-rich phenocrysts and Cr-free microphenocrysts of diopside as primary minerals. Subsequent to deformation at the contacts with the wall rock, metasomatism generated strongly zoned amphibole (edenite, pargasite, Mg-hastingite and tremolite compositions) and andradite as well as chlorite, sericite, albite, apatite and calcite. The central zone of the lamprophyre is almost undeformed and exhibits some ocellar texture. Geochemical and isotopic signatures of the lamprophyre suggest that its magma source may have previously undergone incompatible element enrichment of the mantle source, representing the original precursor magma for the calc-alkaline dyke series of the Sierra Alta de Vela.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the late Neoproterozoic A-type granitic clasts in the southwestern Tarim Craton: petrogenesis and tectonic implications

ABSTRACT

Due to sparse data for deciphering the late Neoproterozoic tectonic history, there is still considerable debate on whether long-lasting superplume-related or long-duration subduction-related dynamics dominated the Tarim Craton. In this contribution, our field investigations detail the late Neoproterozoic siliciclastic successions, and we report the first granitic conglomerates with zircon U–Pb ages of 753.9 ± 3.7 Ma in the SW Tarim Craton. Importantly, detrital zircons from the thick Cryogenian sedimentary basin also contain a major zircon population at ca. 750 Ma. Together with seismic data, this suggests a large ca. 750 Ma magmatic event in the SW Tarim Craton. Geochemically, the granitic clasts exhibit A-type granite features with high SiO₂, high alkali but extremely low K, high FeO^T/MgO and Ga/Al, and high high-field strength elements (HFSEs) (i.e. Nb, Hf, and Ta) with significant depletion in Rb, K, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti, and significant negative Eu anomalies (Eu* = 0.13–0.36), showing ferroan granite affinities. Including the detrital zircons, the ca. 750 Ma zircons have a large range of negative εHf(t) values (?19.46 to ?1.16). Elemental and zircon Hf isotope data suggest that the granites were derived from Palaeoproterozoic reworked continental crust and are probably related to crustal thinning and extension. By comparison with previous studies, we conclude that Rodinia breakup was diachronous in the outer parts of the supercontinent.     

Chemostratigraphy and lithological characters of Neoproterozoic cap carbonates from the Kuruktag Mountain, Xinjiang, western China

The Neoproterozoic Era includes some of the most largest ice ages in the geological history. The exact number of glaciations is unknown, though there were at least two events of global glaciation. Neoproterozoic glacial deposits in the Kuruktag Mountain, Xinjiang, western China have proven that there had occurred three discrete Neoproterozoic glaciations. Diamictite units occurred in the Bayisi, Tereeken, and Hankalchough formations, carbonate units were recognized among the diamictites and immediately overlied the Bayisi, Tereeken and Hankalchough diamictites. Carbonates at the top of the Bayisi Formation are characterized by the dolo-sility stones with negative δ13C values ranging from -4.10‰ to -8.17‰ (PDB), comparable to the Sturtian cap carbonates that overlie the Sturtian glacial deposits from other Neoproterozoic sequences. Carbonates overlying the Tereeken Formation are characterized by the pinkish cap dolostones (ca. 10 m thick) with negative δ13C values ranging from -2.58‰ to -4.77‰ (PDB), comparable to the Marinoan cap carbonates. The cap is also characterized by tepee-like structures, barite precipitates and pseudomorphous aragonite crystal fan limestones. Carbonates at the top of the Hankalchough Formation are characterized by subaerial exposure crust (vadose pisolite structure, calcareous crust structure) dolostones with negative δ13C values ranging from -4.56‰ to -11.45‰ (PDB) and the calcareous crust dolostones, implying that the Hankalchough cap carbonates differ from either the Sturtian or Marinoan cap carbonates in sedimentary environment and carbon isotopic composition. In addition, it is suggested the Hankalchough glaciation belongs to a terrestrial glaciation and it is the third largest glaciation during the Neoproterozoic period on the Tarim platform.     

Geochemistry, Geochronology and Isotopic Evolution of the Chewore-Rufunsa Terrane, Southern Irumide Belt: a Mesoproterozoic Continental Margin Arc

The southern Irumide Belt (SIB) is an ENE–WSW-trending,late Mesoproterozoic orogenic belt located between the Congo–Tanzania–Bangweulu(CTB) and Kalahari cratons in central southern Africa. It isseparated from the late Mesoproterozoic Irumide Belt (IB) tothe north by Permo-Triassic graben, raising the possibilitythat the younger rifts reactivated a suture between the twobelts that has been rendered cryptic as a result of youngerKaroo cover. Both belts are dominated by calc-alkaline gneisses,but in addition the SIB contains abundant metavolcanic and metasedimentaryrocks. In this study we present detailed geochemical, isotopicand geochronological data for volcanic and plutonic lithologiesfrom the southernmost part of the SIB, the Chewore–RufunsaTerrane. This terrane comprises a wide variety of supracrustalto mid-crustal rocks that have major- and trace-element compositionssimilar to magmas formed in present-day subduction zones. Chondrite-normalizedrare earth element (REE) profiles and whole-rock Sm–Ndisotope compositions indicate that the parental supra-subductionmelts interacted with, and were contaminated by sialic continentalcrust, implying a continental-margin-arc setting. Secondaryionization mass spectrometry dating of magmatic zircon has yieldedcrystallization ages between c. 1095 and 1040 Ma, similar toelsewhere in the SIB. U–Pb dating and in situ Lu–Hfisotopic analyses of abundant xenocrystic zircon extracted fromthe late Mesoproterozoic granitoids indicate that the contaminantcontinental basement was principally Palaeoproterozoic in ageand had a juvenile isotopic signature at the time of its formation.These data are in contrast to those for the IB, which is characterizedby younger, c. 1020 Ma, calc-alkaline gneisses that formed bythe direct recycling of Archaean crust without significant additionof any juvenile material. We suggest that the SIB developedby the subduction of oceanic crust under the margin of an unnamedcontinental mass until ocean closure at c. 1040 Ma. Subsequentcollision between the SIB and the CTB margin led to the cessationof magmatism in the SIB and the initiation of compression andcrustal melting in the IB. KEY WORDS: geochemistry; Mesoproterozoic; SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating; Sm–Nd isotopes; Southern Irumide Belt     

贵州宰便-高武地区中新元古代火山岩的发现及其意义

宰便、高武地区位于九万大山北缘，有保存完好的中新元古代地质记录。笔者在该区的1：5万区调工作中发现中新元古代基性火山岩，不仅为该区中新元古代地层增添了新的内容，同时为研究Rodinia超大陆的裂解提供了新的素材。     

Sequence Stratigraphy and Evolution of the Neoproterozoic Marginal Basins Along Southeastern Yangtze Craton, South China

Four sequence sets have been recognized in the Neoproterozoic basins along the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton, South China. The first sequence set consists of the Baizhu and Hetong Formations (or their equivalents), which is absent or partially absent in the denudational areas of the Jiangnan Ridge division. It represents the beginning of the continental rifting. The second sequence set is made up of the Sanmenjie and Gongdong Formations (or their equivalents), and is characterised by widespread rift volcanism. The third sequence set is represented by the Chang'an Formation glacial deposits in the Hunan-Guangxi sub-basin, which is absent in land areas covered by continental ice sheets. The Nantuo tillites and subsequent carbonaceous and siliceous sediments (the Doushantuo and Dengying Formations) constitute the fourth sequence set in the study area, marking the end of the continental rifting. The first three sets have been interpreted as forming the rift-fill, and the last one the rift cover. This study is the first step towards a better understanding of the Neoproterozoic basin history in South China, and a more robust correlation with Neoproterozoic successions in other continents formed during the breakup of Rodinia.     

Origin of Dissolved Groundwater Sulphate in Coastal Plain Sediments of the Rio de la Plata, Eastern Argentina

Groundwater of the coastal plain of the Rio de La Plata, Argentina,contains up to 17 g L^-1 SO₄ and 37 gL^-1 TDS. Some of this SO₄ is from paleo-seawater intrusion; however, SO₄ : Cl ratios can be>2 : 1, and most of the SO₄ must, therefore, have another source. Three possible sources were investigated: gypsum, organic matter,and iron sulphides. Dissolved SO₄ showed δ³⁴S valuesfrom -7 to 0‰, typical values for S from iron sulphides or organicmatter, but distinct from that of seawater (+22‰). To test whetherthe SO₄ was derived from oxidation of reduced S, four 4-mcores were taken from marine sediments of the coastal plain. Two were takenfrom higher, drier areas where the highest dissolved SO₄values were encountered, and two were taken from lower, wetter areas thathad much lower SO₄ concentrations. Pore waterSO₄, Cl and alkalinity were determined; solids were analyzedfor SO₄, sulphide-S and organic-S. Sulphide-S was the dominant form of reduced S, averaging about0.5% S in the lower interval (2.5–4 m) of the cores. Sulphidewas absent in the upper 2.5 m in both topographically higher and lowerareas. Sulphate was present in the entire unit in the higher, drier areas,but almost absent in lower areas. Organic-S was insignificant. Our model for the origin of dissolved SO₄ is: fine-grainedpyrite was oxidized during hotter or drier periods. Some resulting dissolvedSO₄ was precipitated as gypsum. Iron from the pyriteprecipitated as FeOOH. Lower, wetter areas formed over time where recharginggroundwater dissolved most of the gypsum. In higher areas with low hydraulicgradients and high net evapotranspiration, SO₄ remained asgypsum and in the dissolved phase. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

First record of 1.2 Ga quartz dioritic magmatism in the Archaean Yilgarn Craton,Western Australia,and its significance

Farming of southern bluefin tuna in South Australia currently contributes to more than 30% of the value of the aquaculture production in Australia. This study investigated the natural sedimentary setting of the area designated for this important industry in coastal waters off Port Lincoln, and explored the links between the natural distribution of sediments and potential environmental effects and risks to the industry. Sediments were mostly composed of poorly sorted silts and fine sands, predominantly skeletal remains of carbonate-secreting organisms. The contribution of plankton to the organic matter remaining in the sediments was calculated to be in excess of 80% using concentration-dependent stable-isotope mixing models. An erosional area was identified south of Rabbit Island where sediments contained up to 50% siliciclastic material, grainsize distributions were better sorted and coarser, and organic carbon and total nitrogen contents were very low. In contrast, deeper waters north of Cape Donington were identified as a depocentre for fine sediments, which contained organic matter levels twice those elsewhere in the region despite the extremely high carbonate contents (>80%). The heavier stable isotopic signature of nitrogen suggested that this organic matter comprised a greater fraction of weathered components, probably advected to the area by suspended and bedload transport. This local variability of sediment characteristics in the farming zone suggests that the benthic assimilative capacity of farmed sites will depend on their location. Wastes from pens located south of Rabbit Island in particular are likely to be quickly winnowed out by wave and tidal action. These pens are also less likely to be affected by resuspension of fine sediments that might be associated with unusually severe storms.     

河北宽城地区中元古代高于庄组碳酸盐岩碳氧同位素特征

对河北宽城地区中元古代高于庄组碳酸盐岩的碳氧同位素进行了测定和原始性验证,表明其原始组分保存良好。δ13C、δ18O值分布范围和平均值分别为-5.03‰～0.07‰、-9.92‰～-4.12‰和-0.90‰、-6.58‰,整体上稍低于前人测定的天津蓟县剖面和北京十三陵剖面数据。分析认为:研究区δ13C值主要受有机碳氧化与有机碳的埋藏速率因素影响,有机碳的埋藏速率与蓝绿藻等生物数量关系密切,藻类繁盛的时期一般都具有较高的δ13C值,藻类稀少的时期则具有较低的δ13C值。在浅水潮坪环境中,δ13C值与海平面的变化呈正相关关系;研究区δ18O值则主要受海平面变化影响,与之呈负相关关系;研究区古盐度Z值主要介于120～125之间,相关性分析表明Z值不仅反映氧同位素组成,也反映了碳同位素组成,δ18O和δ13C均与沉积介质的盐度有关,其变化趋势是盐度越大,其δ值越高。     

滇中峨山地区中元古界昆阳群黑山头组火山岩锆石U-Pb年龄及其地质意义

滇中玉溪—昆阳一带广泛出露的中元古界昆阳群是一套与晋宁运动密切相关的浅变质火山-沉积岩系,其形成时代、沉积充填序列及大地构造属性一直存在争议。出露于峨山县美党地区的昆阳群黑山头组富良棚段发育有厚近百米的安山质熔结凝灰岩、晶屑凝灰岩、玄武岩及岩屑凝灰岩。对样品D0121-1及D0121-2进行同位素年代学研究,分别获得LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄加权平均值为1007±13Ma和1005±18Ma;同时,样品D0121-2中还获较多的2200±15Ma继承性锆石,推测滇中地区应存在古元古代的地质体。2件样品锆石的Th/U值均大于0.3,均具清晰的振荡环带结构,均为岩浆成因的锆石,表明黑山头组富良棚段形成于中元古代晚期,属于与造山作用相关的火山岩系,可能是罗迪尼亚超大陆事件在扬子陆块的响应,是全球格林维尔期造山过程的组成部分。     

浙江章村地区中元古代岛弧火山岩的地球化学及构造意义

浙江章村地区中元古代双溪坞群火山岩是江南造山带的重要组成部分,下部北坞组以中基性至中酸性凝灰岩类为主,中部岩山组以沉凝灰岩类占优势,上部章村组以中酸性至酸性熔结凝灰岩类为特色,形成较完整的中基性-酸性火山岩演化序列。岩石化学和稀土元素、微量元素地球化学均指示其形成于岛弧环境,反映为大陆边缘岛弧挤压背景下同源岩浆连续分异过程中火山作用的产物,自下而上显示了岛弧逐步增大并不断成熟的过程。从所见物质成分分析,它经历了北坞期火山岛弧陆相喷发-岩山期火山间歇弧内盆地沉积-章村期火山岛弧陆相爆溢3个阶段,在经历了持续的火山活动之后,区内之龙门山岛弧处于挤压体制之中并褶皱造山,其起因与Rodinia超大陆发生聚合造山作用有关。     

The influence of hydrology and climate on the isotope geochemistry of playa carbonates: a study from Pilot Valley, NV, USA

Carbonates often accompany lake and lake‐margin deposits in both modern and ancient geological settings. If these carbonates are formed in standing water, their stable isotope values reflect the aquatic chemistry at the time of precipitation and may provide a proxy for determining regional hydrologic conditions. Carbonate rhizoliths and water samples were collected from a playa lake in eastern Nevada. Pilot Valley (～43°N) is a closed‐basin, remnant playa from the Quaternary desiccation of palaeo‐Lake Bonneville. Water is added to the playa margin by free convection of dense brines to the east and forced convection of freshwater off the alluvial fan to the west. Both freshwater and saline springs dot the playa margin at the base of an alluvial fan. Water samples collected from seven springs show a range from ?16 to ?0·2‰ (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water), and are consistent with published values. The δ¹⁸O_calcite values from rhizolith samples range from ?18·3 to ?6·7‰ (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite), and the average is ?12‰ V‐PDB (1 ? σ SD 2‰). With the exception of samples from Little Salt Spring, the range in the δ¹⁸O_calcite values collected from the rhizoliths confirms that they form in equilibrium with ambient water conditions on the playa. The initial geochemical conditions for the spring waters are dictated by local hydrology: freshwater springs emerge in the northern part of the basin to the east of a broad alluvial fan, and more saline springs emerge to the south where the influence of the alluvial fan diminishes. Rhizoliths are only found near the southern saline springs and their δ¹³C_calcite values, along with their morphology, indicate that they only form around saltgrass (Distichlis sp.). As the residence time of water on the playa increases, evaporation, temperature change and biological processes alter the aquatic chemistry and initiate calcite precipitation around the plant stems. The range in δ¹⁸O_calcite values from each location reflects environmental controls (e.g. evaporation and temperature change). These rhizoliths faithfully record ambient aquatic conditions during formation (e.g. geochemistry and water depth), but only record a partial annual signal that is constrained by saltgrass growth and the presence of standing water on the playa margin.     

塔里木北缘库鲁克塔格地区新元古代花岗岩LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄、地球化学特征及其构造意义

采用LA-ICP-MS法分析了塔里木北缘库鲁克塔格一带二长花岗岩锆石U-Pb年龄,获得该二长花岗岩岩体的年龄为(832.3 ±3.3) Ma(MSWD =2.8,n=24).岩石地球化学特征显示,二长花岗岩属于准铝质高钾钙碱性系列,为Ⅰ型花岗岩.微量元素富集大离子亲石元素(LILE) Ba、K、Sr、U等,亏损高场强元...     

Oxygen isotope composition and geothermometry of granulite to greenschist facies metamorphic rocks: a study from the Neoproterozoic collision-related nappe system, south of São Francisco Craton, SE Brazil

Oxygen isotope studies were carried out across units of a Neoproterozoic nappe system, south of São Francisco Craton. A temperature decrease toward the base of the system is found, consistent with a previously recognized inverted metamorphic pattern. The tectonic contact of the basal unit and the reworked southern São Francisco craton show a steep temperature gradient, suggesting that low temperature thrusting acted as the dominant tectonic process. The contrasts between the δ¹⁸O values of the Três Pontas-Varginha and Carmo da Cachoeira nappes and the differences among the samples and minerals are consistent with the preservation of sedimentary isotopic composition during metamorphism. The small differences in the δ¹⁸O values between the undeformed and the deformed calc-silicate samples (1.6‰) suggest that the δ¹⁸O value of mylonitization fluids was close to that which equilibrated with the metamorphic assemblage. The distinct δ¹⁸O values of metapelitic and calc-silicate samples and the great temperature difference from one type to the other indicate that no large-scale fluid interaction processes occurred during metamorphism. Oxygen isotopic estimations of both Três Pontas-Varginha undeformed rocks and Carmo da Cachoeira unaltered equivalents indicate δ¹⁸O values of up to 18‰. Comparison between these values and those from the ‘basement’ orthogneisses (8.3–8.5‰) indicates the latter are not sources for the metapelites.