Passive-margin prolonged volcanism,East Australian Plate: outbursts,progressions, plate controls and suggested causes

Prolonged intraplate volcanism along the 4000 km-long East Australian margin for ca 100 Ma raises many genetic questions. Studies of the age-progressive pulses embedded in general basaltic activity have spawned a host of models. Zircon U–Pb dating of inland Queensland central volcanoes gives a stronger database to consider the structure and origin of Australian age-progressive volcanic chains. This assists appraisal of this volcanism in relation to plate motion and plate margin tectonic models. Inland Queensland central volcanoes progressed south-southeast from 34 to 31 Ma (～5.4 cm/yr) until a surge in activity led to irregular southerly progression 31 to 28 Ma. A new inland southeastern Queensland central volcano line (25 to 22 Ma), from Bunya Mountains to North Main Range, followed 3 Ma behind the adjacent coastal progression. The Australian and Tasman Sea age-progressive chains are compared against recent plate motion modelling (Indian Ocean hotspots). The chain lines differ from general vector traces owing to west-facing swells and cessations in activity. Tectonic processes on the eastern plate margin may regulate these irregularities. These include subduction, rapid roll-back and progressive detachment of the Loyalty slab (43 to 15 Ma). West-flowing Pacific-type asthenosphere, related to perturbed mantle convection, may explain the west-facing volcanic surges. Such westward Pacific flow for over 28 Ma is known at the Australian–Antarctic Discordance, southeast of the present Australian plume sites under Bass Strait–West Tasman Sea. Most basaltic activity along eastern Australia marks asthenospheric melt injections into Tasman rift zone mantle and not lithospheric plate speed. The young (post-10 Ma) fields (Queensland, Victoria–South Australia) reflect new plate couplings, which altered mantle convection and stress regimes. These areas receive asthenospheric inputs from deep thermal zones off northeast Queensland and under Bass Strait.     

U–Pb zircon age of the Walloon Coal Measures in the Surat Basin,southeast Queensland: implications for paleogeography and basin subsidence

The Jurassic Walloon Coal Measures of the Surat Basin were previously estimated to be of Middle Jurassic age, ranging from Aalenian to Callovian, based on an uncalibrated eastern Australian biostratigraphic framework. New U–Pb dates of 162.55 ± 0.05 Ma and 158.86 ± 0.04 Ma obtained from zircons in ash-fall volcanic tuffs now place the Walloon Coal Measures of the Surat Basin in the Upper Jurassic Oxfordian. The new dates have several implications for the interpretation of the Jurassic strata in the Surat Basin. First-order subsidence rates of 61 m/Myr for the Walloon Coal Measures are more akin to those of foreland basins than the previously assumed intracratonic setting. The dates also imply deposition of the Walloon coals in substantially higher latitudes than previously assumed and that they accumulated as peats in mires that experienced more than three months’ continual darkness each winter. Zircon dating of tuffs and associated geochemistry should assist with the correlation of the laterally impersistent coals, fluvial sandstone and mudstone of the Walloon Coal Measures, which are currently difficult to correlate over distances of more than a few kilometres. Dating of the palynostratigraphic zones APJ4.2 to APJ5 (Aequitriradites norrisii Association Zone to Murospora florida Association Zone) will also need to be recalibrated.     

Synorogenic alluvial-fan – fan-delta deposition in the Papuan foreland basin: Plio-Pleistocene Era Formation,Papua New Guinea

The Pliocene to possibly Pleistocene uppermost Orubadi and Era Formations, southwest margin of the Papuan Peninsula, are interpreted as having been deposited in alluvial-fan, fan-delta and shallow-marine environments. The alluvial-fan facies consists primarily of lenticular, coarse-grained conglomerate (up to 2 m boulders) and cross-bedded and horizontally laminated sandstone. Conglomerate and sandstone were deposited in shallow fluvial channels and by overbank sheetfloods. The facies also contains thick mudflow diamictite and minor tuff and terrestrial mudstone. The shallow-marine and fan-delta facies, in contrast, consists of heterogeneously interbedded marine and terrestrial mudstone, sandstone, diamictite, conglomerate and limestone. Marine mudstone is calcareous, sandy, bioturbated, and contains marine shells. Limestone is mostly packstone that has a varied, open-marine fauna. Rare coral boundstone is also present. Marine sandstone is burrowed to bioturbated and is hummocky cross-stratified in places. Some marine mudstone contains sandstone pillows formed by loading of unconsolidated sand by storm waves. Other sandstone in the fan-delta facies is cross-bedded, lacks shells and was probably deposited by fluvial processes. Several conglomerate beds in the fan-delta facies are well sorted and imbricated and were also deposited by stream floods. The synorogenic Orubadi and Era Formations were deposited in a foreland basin formed from loading of the Papuan–Aure Fold and Thrust Belt on the edge of the Australian craton. Deformation in the fold and thrust belt was probably related to docking and compression of the Finisterre Terrane–Bismarck Arc against the New Guinea Orogen. The Era Formation interfingers with the reefal Wedge Hill Limestone in which reef facies likely grew on a deforming anticline. Era Formation siliciclastics were sourced from volcanic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks that were uplifted in the orogen to the northeast. Volcanic sediment was derived mostly from a then-active volcanic arc likely related to southward subduction at the Trobriand Trough.     

Age and tectonic significance of the Louth Volcanics: implications for the evolution of the Tasmanides of eastern Australia

Abstract

Re-evaluation of geochemical and geophysical datasets, and analysis of magmatic and detrital zircons from drill-core samples extracted from the Louth region of the southern Thomson Orogen (STO), augmented by limited field samples, has shown that two temporally and compositionally distinct igneous groups exist. The older Lower Devonian, calc-alkaline group corresponds to complexly folded, high-intensity curvilinear magnetic anomalies in the Louth region (Louth Volcanics) and are probable equivalents to Lower Devonian volcanics in the northern Lachlan Orogen. A younger Permo-Triassic alkaline assemblage forms part of an E–W corridor of diatremes that appears to relate to focussed lithospheric extension associated with the later stages of the Hunter–Bowen Orogeny in the New England Orogen. The alkaline group includes gabbros previously considered as Neoproterozoic, but all magmatic rocks, including alkaline basalts, contain an unusual number of xenocrystic zircons. The age spectra of the xenocrystic zircons mimic detrital zircons from Cobar Basin sedimentary rocks and/or underlying Ordovician turbidites, suggesting incorporation of upper crustal zircons into the alkaline basaltic magmas. A distinct difference of detrital zircon age spectra from central Thomson Orogen metasediments indicates the STO metasediments have greater affinities to the Lachlan Orogen, but both orogens probably began in the Early Ordovician during widespread backarc extension and deposition of turbidites in the Tasmanides. A surprising result is that Ordovician, Devonian and Permo-Triassic basaltic rocks from the STO and elsewhere in the Tasmanides, all yield the same Nd-model ages of ca 960–830 Ma, suggesting that Neoproterozoic subcontinental lithospheric mantle persisted throughout the evolution of the Tasmanide orogenic system.     

Continuation of the Ross–Delamerian Orogen: insights from eastern Australian detrital-zircon data

Abstract

Information on the Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Tasmanides in eastern Australia is limited due to the presence of an extensive younger sedimentary cover. Based on the spatio-temporal distribution of deformation and magmatism, the Tasmanides have traditionally been subdivided into five domains (Delamerian, Thomson, Lachlan, Mossman and New England). To test the relationships between these domains, we compiled over 10000 published detrital-zircon ages from basement rocks of the Tasmanides. We split the dataset spatially to test postulated connectivity between domains, and temporally to isolate corresponding age populations that can highlight subtle variations between domains. Results show that the Delamerian and Thomson domains originated as a single orogenic belt that likely received detritus from an early Paleozoic continental-scale drainage system. We also recognise a remarkably similar pattern of Paleoproterozoic and Archean ages in the Delamerian, Thomson and New England domains. This similarity indicates that the late Paleozoic development of the New England domain involved recycling of rocks from the Delamerian–Thomson domain(s). These findings shed new light on the crustal architecture of eastern Australia, and the nature of Paleozoic drainage and sediment recycling in eastern Gondwana.     

Provenance of zircon xenocrysts in the Neoproterozoic Brauna Kimberlite Field,São Francisco Craton,Brazil: Evidence for a thick Palaeoproterozoic lithosphere beneath the Serrinha block

The 642 Ma-old Brauna Kimberlite Field is located on the northeastern sector of the São Francisco Craton (Serrinha block) and is one of the rare Neoproterozoic kimberlitic events in South America. Zircon xenocrysts from the volumetric most important kimberlite pipes Brauna 03, Brauna 07 and Brauna 04 were used as a tool to identify different components of the lithosphere beneath the northeast region of the São Francisco craton. A composite kimberlite sample of eight representative and different drill holes and three samples of the host rocks (Nordestina granodiorite) were sampled for SHRIMP geochronology. The results were compared with precise U–Pb age data for the regional rocks, i.e. the Archaean basement and the Palaeoproterozoic Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt. Samples from the Nordestina granodiorite gave three different ages: 2155 Ma in the western part of the batholith, 2139 Ma in its central part, and 2132 Ma in its eastern part. Zircon ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of the Brauna kimberlite zircon grains spread over the timespan 2107–2223 Ma and indicate four age groups at 2105 ± 3 Ma, 2138 ± 7 Ma, 2166 ± 5 Ma, and 2198 ± 4 Ma. Source rocks for the three former age groups can be found in the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt, including zircon xenocrysts from the Nordestina granodiorite, whereas the latter age group has not yet been reported in the Serrinha block. The new zircon ages show that only rocks of the Palaeoproterozoic Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt and of a hidden 2.17–2.20 Ga crust were sampled by the kimberlite magma during its ascent through the lithosphere. It is proposed that there is none or a few Archaean crust beneath the kimberlite emplacement area, hence implying a thick Palaeoproterozoic lithosphere for this portion of the São Francisco craton.     

Introduction

Manisa Fault is a geomorphologically distinct normal dip-slip fault, which oversees the southern edge of the Manisa Graben that is a continuum of the Gediz Graben towards the west. This study aims to determine the neotectonic activity of the Manisa Fault and the most recent time of the change in its stress condition through age-dating data obtained by using ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U dating methodology applied on the calcite coating that develops over hanging-wall of the Manisa Fault and the calcite veins that occur as fracture fillings. The age of the calcite precipitations associated with the Manisa Fault was determined to be between 307?±?203 and 444?±?101?ka by using the ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U dating method. Evaluation of the carbonate precipitations on the Manisa Fault along with the age data and the kinematic indicators ascertained that the Manisa Fault switched to a dip-slip normal faulting character from Middle Pleistocene onwards and that the region was under the effect of a NE–SW directional extensional regime. In addition, the opening rate was attempted to be determined using the roll-over anticline structure that advanced depending upon the movement of the fault on the upper horizontal strata of colluviums, which developed in association with the Manisa Fault. Along with the evaluation of the rise in the horizontal stratification in colluvium and the obtained age data, opening rate of the Manisa Fault was determined as 0.01?mm?y^?1.     

Karst et évolution des rivières : le cas de l’Ardenne

Résumé

Dans les régions karstiques comprenant des vallées épigénétiques, les phénomènes tectoniques ont deux influences majeures : a) la surrection donne de l’énergie potentielle en créant des différences d’altitude, générant à la fois le creusement des vallées et celui du karst ; b) une tectonique est nécessaire pour que le processus de karstification débute. L’opposition entre le développement privilégié soit des vallées, soit des réseaux karstiques dépend ainsi du type dissipée. Les réseaux karstiques de l’Ardenne se situent surtout entre 5 et 15 m au-dessus de la surface piézométrique pour les réseaux secs, et dans la zone saturée pour les parties actives. La structuration de ces réseaux karstiques est favorisée par un ralentissement de la surrection et une activité tectonique. Cette période se situe dans le Pléistocène moyen et récent, d apres les datations U/Th de spéléothèmes. © Elsevier, Paris     

柴达木盆地北缘全吉群红藻山组凝灰岩锆石U-Pb年龄及其地质意义

全吉群是不整合于柴达木北缘全吉(欧龙布鲁克)地块变质基底之上的第一套盖层型沉积,目前多数研究者认为其时代大体为新元古代晚期。本文在柴北缘全吉山的全吉群红藻山组建组剖面上,对位于该组下部的两层凝灰岩开展了LA-MC-ICPMS锆石U-Pb同位素定年研究,获得其岩浆锆石的U-Pb同位素年龄分别为(1 640±15) Ma和(1 646±20) Ma,标定了红藻山组的形成年龄,为柴北缘中新元古界年代地层的重新厘定与划分,提供了新的、直接的年代学约束,具有重要的科学意义。首先,这一新进展表明,在柴北缘地区,传统的全吉群红藻山组以下各组的时代,并非一直以来的“新元古代晚期南华纪-震旦纪(埃迪卡拉纪)”,而应属于国内的中元古代长城纪、国际上的古元古代固结纪(Statherian,1 800~1 600 Ma)晚期;其次,根据当前定年并结合新近在红藻山组与上覆地层之间发现有古风化壳及区域性不整合、全吉群上部发育有埃迪卡拉纪化石及冰碛砾岩等证据,本文进一步确认,柴北缘全吉群在红藻山组与其上覆黑土山组等地层单位之间其实存在着相当长时间的地层缺失,传统的“全吉群”应予解体。由此并参考已有资料,本文认为,早先代表柴达木地块形成的“全吉运动”并不能与华南的“晋宁运动”对比,而应与华北的“吕梁运动”相当,全吉地块乃至整个柴达木及周边地区的中、新元古代地质演化历史及其大地构造亲缘属性等,都应重新予以考虑。     

江西省花山洞钨矿花岗岩锆石U Pb定年及其地质意义

花山洞钨矿是在江西省西北部新近发现的与花岗岩有关的钨矿床,为了确定矿区花岗岩的物质来源,形成过程以及构造背景环境,探讨成岩与成矿作用之间的关系。利用地球化学方法分析了与花山洞钨矿密切相关的花岗岩的地球化学特征,采用LA ICP MS锆石U Pb定年的方法测定了花岗岩的形成时代。岩石地球化学表明,花岗岩具有较高的w(SiO2)(6823%~7378%)含量;全碱含量w(Na2O+ K2O)为593%~7%;富Na,K2O/Na2O为038~086,小于1;w(Al2O3)为1441%~1581%,A/CNK均大于11,为过铝质岩石。富集Rb、Tu、U、La、Nd等大离子亲石元素,亏损Ba、Nb、Ti、Sr、P等元素,具大陆地壳的特征;稀土总含量较低,基本无δCe异常。稀土配分型式总体向右倾斜,为典型的‘I’型花岗岩特征;轻稀土斜率较大,分异较为明显,重稀土较为平缓,分异不明显。花岗岩锆石U Pb测年结果为(807±8)Ma,与前人测得的辉钼矿Re Os年龄极为接近,故花岗岩应该为成矿岩体。结合区域资料,综合分析可知,矿区花岗岩应主要来源于地壳物质,有部分地幔物质的加入;其可能形成于大陆边缘弧环境。花山洞钨矿床成矿年龄略晚于矿区花岗岩,表明成矿作用是花岗岩分异演化的结果,是晋宁期岩浆活动的产物。