Geochronology of the mkushi gneiss complex, Central Zambia
1986; Elsevier BV; Volume: 32; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0301-9268(86)90033-1
ISSN1872-7433
AutoresO. Ng'Ambi, N.A.I.M. Boelrijk, H.N.A. Priem, M. C. Daly,
Tópico(s)Geological formations and processes
ResumoRb-Sr and K-Ar ages are reported from the Mkushi Gneiss Complex and its intrusives in central Zambia. Of the Rb-Sr whole-rock data of the Mkushi gneisses (three suites, 22 samples) only one suite (six samples) defines an isochron of 1777 ± 89 Ma with initial 87Sr/86Sr of 0.713 ± 0.0006 (errors 95% confidence level; λ87Rb = 1.42·10−11 a−1). The other samples scatter below this isochron, but above a 1480 Ma line. Four hornblendes from amphibolitic dykes yield K-Ar ages between 864 and 804 Ma. Whole-rocks of the 'red facies' of the intrusive Mtuga Granite (nine samples) define an isochron of 607 ± 39 Ma with initial 87Sr/86Sr of 0.730 ± 0.005. The 'white facies' of the Mtuga Granite (four samples) and probably also the copper-bearing aplitic veins (seven samples) are of the same age, but with even higher initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Seven biotites from the Mkushi gneisses yield Rb-Sr and K-Ar ages between 469 Ma and 444 Ma. These data are interpreted to signal (1) about 1780 Ma ago: emplacement of the granitoid precursors of the Mkushi gneisses, derived from older continental material, (2) between about 1480 Ma and 860 Ma ago: formation of the Mkushi gneisses and the amphibolites (probably during the Irumide orogeny, about 1350 Ma ago); (3) between about 860 Ma and 800 Ma ago: closure of the hornblendes to K-Ar (490–550°C) after resetting (probably in relation to the c. 860 Ma old tectono-thermal event widespread in eastern and eastern-central Africa), (4) about 600 Ma ago: intrusion of the Mtuga Granite and the copper-bearing splites (post-tectonic Pan-African), possibly derived from the Mkushi gneisses, and (5) about 460-450 Ma ago: closure of the biotites to Rb-Sr and K-Ar (approximately 400°C), reflecting the final regional cooling (termination of the Pan-African events). Some regional implications are discussed.
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