Unravelling the evolution of a continental rift by a multi-proxy provenance study (Albertine Rift, Uganda)

IF 1.8 3区 地球科学 Q3 GEOSCIENCES, MULTIDISCIPLINARY
M. Hinderer, S. Schneider, L. Stutenbecker
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Sedimentary provenance analysis has rarely been applied to continental rifts, because source-rock terrains are assumed to be uniform and supply systems stable and closely connected to the formation of graben shoulders. Here, we test the suitability of multi-proxy sedimentary provenance analysis to unravel the evolution of a segment of the East African Rift System from its sedimentary record, where an extreme relief has been created and a continent-wide drainage system has been affected. Multi-proxy techniques include petrographic-mineralogical analysis (framework, heavy mineral spectra, zircon morphology, and colour), as well as single-grain garnet geochemistry, Zr-in-rutile thermometry, and geochronological methods (detrital zircon U–Pb ages). Published data are compiled and complemented by new U–Pb detrital zircon data of rift sediments. Because a comprehensive database of basement source-rock compositions from East Africa is missing, published modern river sand compositions have been added to provide endmember source fingerprints. The selected Albertine Rift is surrounded by four main source terrains within the East African Basement, which cannot be separated clearly by individual provenance indicators. Most useful were heavy mineral spectra, garnet composition, and with limitation Zr-in-rutile thermometry showing different metamorphic overprint. U–Pb detrital zircon spectra assisted well in detecting juvenile magmatism of different orogenic events, but repeated inheritance in younger units prevented a strict allocation. Petrographic maturity turned out to be more dependent on multi-cycle detritus as on climate shift. Applying endmember composition to rift sediments, three evolutionary stages of the Albertine Rift could be identified which coincide with basin-scale unconformities. Moreover, we could prove a large, southwest trending drainage network in East Africa during the Miocene, which was destructed step-wise by ongoing rifting. Extreme uplift of the Rwenzori Mountains up to 5109 m could be documented by a specific set of provenance indicators justified by modern river sand. Three main lessons can be drawn from this study: (1) basement units can be only reliably characterized by a combination of provenance-sensitive parameters, and here, the frequently used U–Pb detrital zircon ages are not sufficient; (2) it is possible to define subunits, e.g., individual fault-blocks within the rift; and (3) chemical weathering is unproblematic when applying a multi-parameter approach even in a tropical setting.

Graphical abstract

Abstract Image

通过多代理出处研究揭示大陆裂谷的演变(乌干达阿尔贝蒂大裂谷)
沉积产状分析很少应用于大陆裂谷,因为人们假定源岩地形是均匀的,补给系统是稳定的,并且与堑肩的形成密切相关。在这里,我们测试了多代理沉积出处分析是否适合从沉积记录中揭示东非大裂谷系统的一个区段的演化过程,在这个区段,极端地形已经形成,整个大陆的排水系统都受到了影响。多代理技术包括岩相矿物学分析(框架、重矿物光谱、锆石形态和颜色),以及单颗粒石榴石地球化学、锆-金红石热量测定法和地质年代学方法(碎屑锆石 U-Pb 年龄)。对已发表的数据进行了汇编,并补充了裂谷沉积物的新的 U-Pb 粒状锆石数据。由于缺少一个全面的东非基底源岩成分数据库,因此增加了已发表的现代河沙成分,以提供末段源指纹。选定的阿尔贝蒂大裂谷被东非基底的四个主要源地所包围,无法通过单个来源指标将其明确区分开来。最有用的是重矿物光谱、石榴石成分,以及显示不同变质叠印的金红石热量测定法。U-Pb锆石碎屑岩光谱在检测不同造山活动的幼年岩浆活动方面有很好的帮助,但在较年轻的单元中的重复继承妨碍了严格的划分。岩相成熟度更多取决于多周期的碎屑岩,而不是气候变化。通过对裂谷沉积物进行末段成分分析,可以确定阿尔贝蒂大裂谷的三个演化阶段与盆地尺度的不整合相吻合。此外,我们还可以证明在中新世时期,东非有一个西南走向的大型排水网络,该网络因持续的断裂而被逐步破坏。鲁文佐里山脉最高达 5109 米的极度隆起可以通过一套特定的出处指标来证明,而现代河沙则证明了这一点。从这项研究中可以得出三大教训:(1) 只有结合对出露敏感的参数,才能可靠地确定基底单元的特征,在这方面,经常使用的 U-Pb 铁锆石年龄是不够的;(2) 有可能确定子单元,如断裂中的单个断层块;(3) 即使在热带环境中采用多参数方法,化学风化也不是问题。
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来源期刊
International Journal of Earth Sciences
International Journal of Earth Sciences 地学-地球科学综合
CiteScore
4.60
自引率
4.30%
发文量
120
审稿时长
4-8 weeks
期刊介绍: The International Journal of Earth Sciences publishes process-oriented original and review papers on the history of the earth, including - Dynamics of the lithosphere - Tectonics and volcanology - Sedimentology - Evolution of life - Marine and continental ecosystems - Global dynamics of physicochemical cycles - Mineral deposits and hydrocarbons - Surface processes.
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