Lead,uranium, strontium,potassium and rubidium in inclusion-bearing diamonds and mantle-derived xenoliths from Southern Africa

Measurements are reported of K, Rb and Sr levels and Sr isotopic compositions in silicate inclusions in diamonds, and of U, Th and Pb levels and Pb isotopic compositions in sulphide inclusions in diamonds. Samples are from the Premier Mine (Transvaal), the Finsch Mine (northern Cape Province) and the Kimberley mines (northern Cape Province). The isotopic composition of Pb in sulphide inclusions indicates that the diamonds containing these inclusions are xenocrysts in the host kimberlite. Model Pb ages for the sulphide inclusions in the diamonds from Finsch and Kimberley are in excess of 2 b.y., although the host kimberlites are Cretaceous. The sulphide inclusions from Premier, however, have a model age similar to the emplacement age of the Premier kimberlites (approximately 1.2 b.y.).In addition, K, Rb, Sr, U and Pb concentrations and Sr and Pb isotopic compositions in clinopyroxenes from 14 mantle-derived xenoliths were measured. Samples were eclogites from the Roberts Victor Mine (Orange Free State), peridotites from the Matsoku Pipe (Lesotho) and diopside megacrysts from the four mines in Kimberley. The samples from the Roberts Victor Mine define a large spread in Sr and Pb isotopic composition. The slope of a regression line through the Pb data in the 207/204 vs. 206/204 plot defines an age of roughly 2.5 b.y. The Matsoku samples have⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios around 0.704. One group of samples (“fertile peridotites”) shows uniform, anomalously radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions, and bears evidence of a young event involving isotopic homogenisation. Lead isotopic heterogeneity, indicating an old age, has persisted in another group (“common peridotites”). The megacrysts from the four Kimberley mines have⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios around 0.704 and uniform, anomalously radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions, indicating a young age. Their Pb isotopic uniformity contrasts with the spread shown by kimberlites in Kimberley, and shows that the megacrysts did not crystallise in equilibrium with their host kimberlites.The similarity between the Pb isotopic data obtained on clinopyroxenes from xenoliths and the data obtained on sulphide inclusions in diamonds from Finsch and Kimberley suggests that these diamonds might be cogenetic with old rock provinces in the subcontinental mantle.     

Geochronological problems related to polymetamorphism in the Limpopo Complex, South Africa

The integration of new and published geochronologic data with structural, magmatic/anatectic and pressure–temperature (P–T) process information allow the recognition of high-grade polymetamorphic granulites and associated high-grade shear zones in the Central Zone (CZ) of the Limpopo high-grade terrain in South Africa. Together, these two important features reflect a major high-grade D₃/M₃ event at ~ 2.02 Ga that overprinted the > 2.63 Ga high-grade Neoarchaean D₂/M₂ event, characterized by SW-plunging sheath folds. These major D₂/M₂ folds developed before ~ 2.63 Ga based on U–Pb zircon age data for precursors to leucocratic anatectic gneisses that cut the high-grade gneissic fabric. The D₃/M₃ shear event is accurately dated by U–Pb monazite (2017.1 ± 2.8 Ma) and PbSL garnet (2023 ± 11 Ma) age data obtained from syntectonic anatectic material, and from sheared metapelitic gneisses that were completely reworked during the high-grade shear event. The shear event was preceded by isobaric heating (P = ~ 6 kbar and T = ~ 670–780 °C), which resulted in the widespread formation of polymetamorphic granulites. Many efforts to date high-grade gneisses from the CZ using PbSL garnet dating resulted in a large spread of ages (~ 2.0–2.6 Ga) that reflect the polymetamorphic nature of these complexly deformed high-grade rocks.     

Evidence for a gradual rise of oxygen between 2.6 and 2.5 Ga from Mo isotopes and Re-PGE signatures in shales

Concerning the question of how and when free oxygen started to accumulate in the Earth’s atmosphere and hydrosphere, we report Mo concentrations and isotopic compositions as well as Platin group element and Rhenium (PGE-Re) data from black shales of the Transvaal Supergroup (Ghaap Group, 2.64-2.5 Ga, and Pretoria Group, 2.45-2.15 Ga). For comparison we also include new data from the 3.23 Ga Fig Tree Group, Barberton Greenstone Belt. This time range covers the period between the first robust evidence for cyanobacteria at 2.7 Ga and the disappearance of mass independent sulfur isotope fractionation (MIF) at 2.32 Ga. Due to the redox dependent solubility of Mo, Re and Os, such data are important proxies for changes in oxygen levels of the early atmosphere and oceans. In particular, Mo isotope fractionation can only occur when Mo is in solution as oxyanions, requiring free oxygen. In the Fig Tree Group samples, Mo is not fractionated relative to the continental crust, and PGE-Re abundance patterns reflect those of komatiites, indicating a purely detrital input of these element, a sign of no free oxygen. A general increase in Mo concentration and isotope fractionation, as well as an enrichment in Re, compared to the continental crust and Fig Tree Group, can be seen within the Ghaap Group indicating a gradual rise of oxygen between 2.64 and 2.5 Ga. However, Mo concentrations and δ^98/95Mo values vary strongly in this period. Local conditions of sedimentation (changes in redox and input conditions) and/or global oxic/anoxic fluctuations could have caused these Mo variations.Samples of the overlying Pretoria Group (2.45-2.15 Ga) show Mo concentrations and isotopic compositions somewhat below the continental input, while PGE-Re abundance patterns are quite similar to those for the Ghaap. The apparent contradiction between the decoupled Mo and PGE-Re values can be resolved assuming a stratified ocean with almost total scavenging of Mo. Such an increased scavenging can result from enhanced biological sedimentation between and especially after glacial events. This period coincides with the Lomagundi-Jatulian carbon isotope excursion, which indeed indicates very enhanced organic carbon burial.     

Can a decline in Earth Science Education and research be averted by networking, specialist centres and hybrid departments?

University earth science departments are under threat in southern Africa, as in the rest of the world. It is argued here that a good quality and broad based Earth Science Education can be maintained in southern African universities either by networking, or by maintaining departments staffed by a local core of academics, whose teaching is supplemented by block courses conducted by staff from specialised centres also serving industry. These centres should play a vital part in graduate research and maintain research links with the core staff. Positioned between industry and universities, they could promote links between both.     

Importance of water for Archaean granitoid petrology: a comparative study of TTG and potassic granitoids from Barberton Mountain Land,South Africa

A new model for Archaean granitoid magmatism is presented which reconciles the most important geochemical similarities and differences between tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) and potassic granitoids. Trace element abundances reveal a strong arc magmatism signature in all studied granitoids from Barberton Mountain Land. Characteristic features include HFSE depletion as well as distinct enrichment peaks of fluid-sensitive trace elements such as Pb in N-MORB normalisation, clearly indicating that all studied granitoids are derived from refertilised mantle above subduction zones. We envisage hydrous basaltic (s.l.) melts as parental liquids, which underwent extensive fractional crystallisation. Distinctive residual cumulates evolved depending on initial water content. High-H₂O melts crystallised garnet/amphibole together with pyroxenes and minor plagioclase, but no olivine. This fractionation path ultimately led to TTG-like melts. Less hydrous basaltic melts also crystallised garnet/amphibole, but the lower compatible element content indicates that olivine was also a liquidus phase. Pronounced negative Eu-anomalies of the granitic melts, correlating with Na, Ca and Al, indicate plagioclase to be of major importance. In the context of our model, the post-Archaean disappearance of TTG and concomitant preponderance of granites (s.l.), therefore, is explained with secular decrease of aqueous fluid transport into subduction zones and/or efficiency of deep fluid release from slabs.     

Climate on the southern Black Sea coast during the Holocene: implications from the Sofular Cave record

We present the updated Holocene section of the Sofular Cave record from the southern Black Sea coast (northern Turkey); an area with considerably different present-day climate compared to that of the neighboring Eastern Mediterranean region. Stalagmite δ¹³C, growth rates and initial (²³⁴U/²³⁸U) ratios provide information about hydrological changes above the cave; and prove to be more useful than δ¹⁸O for deciphering Holocene climatic variations. Between ～9.6 and 5.4 ka BP (despite a pause from ～8.4 to 7.8 ka BP), the Sofular record indicates a remarkable increase in rainfall amount and intensity, in line with other paleoclimate studies in the Eastern Mediterranean. During that period, enhanced summertime insolation either produced much stronger storms in the following fall and winter through high sea surface temperatures, or it invoked a regional summer monsoon circulation and rainfall. We suggest that one or both of these climatic mechanisms led to a coupling of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean rainfall regimes at that time, which can explain the observed proxy signals. However, there are discrepancies among the Eastern Mediterranean records in terms of the timing of this wet period; implying that changes were probably not always occurring through the same mechanism. Nevertheless, the Sofular Cave record does provide hints and bring about new questions about the connection between regional and large scale climates, highlighting the need for a more extensive network of high quality paleoclimate records to better understand Holocene climate.     

Lead and strontium isotopes in Cretaceous kimberlites and mantle-derived xenoliths from Southern Africa

Concentrations of lead, uranium and thorium and isotopic compositions of lead are reported for twelve Cretaceous kimberlites and five Cretaceous nucleated autoliths. The samples are from Lesotho and from the area around Kimberley (Cape Province, South Africa). In the case of the autoliths potassium, rubidium and strontium concentrations and⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios were also measured.Work reported on clinopyroxenes from mantle-derived xenoliths in kimberlites includes lead isotopes for twelve samples and strontium isotopes for nine of these.The autoliths have initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios between 0.7035 and 0.7095. A large spread in initial lead isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 17.6–20;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 37.7–39.5) was found in the matrix kimberlites and autoliths. In the²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs.²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb plot, the initial lead isotope ratios of the kimberlite and autolith samples roughly define a slope of 0.10, corresponding to an age of 1575 m.y. With respect to the spread of initial ratios as well as with respect to this slope, the kimberlite and autolith lead isotopic pattern is comparable to patterns obtained from carbonatites and ocean island volcanics.The xenoliths studied include coarse-granular and porphyroclastic material from the Kimberley area and coarse-granular samples from Lesotho. Their⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are generally between 0.704 and 0.706 but a value of 0.713 was found in one sample. They show a surprisingly large spread in lead isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 17.5–20;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 37.3–39.4).The isotopic patterns of the xenolithic material and of the kimberlites and autoliths are considered to provide a strong indication that the upper mantle beneath Southern Africa is isotopically heterogeneous on a regional scale.     

The Triangle Shearzone, Zimbabwe, revisited: new data document an important event at 2.0 Ga in the Limpopo Belt

The Limpopo Belt in Southern Africa has been used to demonstrate that modern-style continent-continent collision operated during the Late Archaean (2.6–2.7 Ga). We have studied the age and PT conditions of strike-slip tectonism along the important right-lateral Triangle Shearzone. Our results substantiate existing Proterozoic metamorphic mineral age data of prior uncertain significance. Using the PbPb and SmNd garnet chronometers and the ArAr step heating technique for amphibole, we have dated pre- and syn-tectonic metamorphic minerals at 2.2 and 2.0 Ga. Thus the Triangle Shearzone can now be regarded as an important Proterozoic suture. Examination of corresponding high-grade PT conditions, reaching 800°C at 9 kbar, indicates a clockwise metamorphic evolution with pronounced isothermal uplift. Although the evidence that thrusting of the Marginal Zones of the Limpopo Belt over the adjoining cratons occurred during the Late Archaean clearly remains, it is now very uncertain to which event the various PT paths obtained in the Limpopo Belt may be assigned. Therefore the question of whether the 2.6–2.7 Ga tectonism fits on its own a modern-style continental collision model remains open and has to be reassessed.     

High-resolution isotope records of early Holocene rapid climate change from two coeval stalagmites of Katerloch Cave,Austria

Two coeval stalagmites from Katerloch Cave show pronounced intervals of low δ¹⁸O values around 8.2, 9.1, and 10.0 kyr (all ages are reported before the year 2000 AD) and represent an inorganic U–Th dated climate archive from the southeast of the European Alps, a region where only very few well-dated climate records exist. The O isotope curves, providing near-annual resolution, allow a direct comparison to the Greenland ice core records, as temperature was the primary factor controlling the O isotopic composition of Katerloch speleothems.The 8.2 kyr climate anomaly lasted about one century, from 8196 to 8100 yr, with a maximum amplitude of 1.1‰ at 8175 yr. The event is characterized by a rapid onset and a more gradual demise and U–Th data as well as annual lamina counting support a rapid climate change towards cooler conditions within 10–20 yr. There is no strong evidence that the 8.2 kyr anomaly was superimposed on a pronounced longer-term cooling episode, nor do the new data support two separate cooling events within the 8.2 kyr event as reported by other studies. Our record also shows a distinct climate anomaly around 9.1 kyr, which lasted 70–110 yr and showed a maximum amplitude of 1.0‰, i.e. it had a similar duration and amplitude as the (central) 8.2 kyr event. Compared to the 8.2 kyr event, the 9.1 kyr anomaly shows a more symmetrical structure, but onset and demise still occurred within a few decades only. The different progression of the 8.2 (asymmetrical) and 9.1 kyr anomaly (symmetrical) suggests a fundamental difference in the trigger and/or the response of the climate system. Moreover, both stalagmites show evidence of a climate anomaly around 10.0 kyr, which was of comparable magnitude to the two subsequent events.Using a well constrained modern calibration between air temperature and δ¹⁸O of precipitation for the study area and cave monitoring data (confirming speleothem deposition in Katerloch reflecting cave air temperature), a maximum cooling by ca 3 °C can be inferred at 8.2 and 9.1 kyr, which is similar to other estimates, e.g., from Lake Ammersee north of the Alps. The O isotopic composition of meteoric precipitation, however, is a complex tracer of the hydrological cycle and these temperature estimates do not take into account additional effects such as changes in the source area or synoptic shifts. Apart from that, the relative thickness of the seasonally controlled lamina types in the Katerloch stalagmites remains rather constant across the intervals comprising the isotopic anomalies, i.e. the stalagmite petrography argues against major shifts in seasonality during the early Holocene climate excursions.