THE BrasiLtiANO OROGENIC CYCLE “Since the beginning of the Neoproterozoic break-up and drift controlled by taphrogeny has driven plate kinematics toward orogenic interactions. These processes continued for at least 500 Ma until the Early Ordovician, following all the steps of the classical Wilson Cycle. An interesting characteristic of these orogenies is the diachronism of events, many of which were coeval with taphrogenic Processes elsewhere, Many orogenics were controlled by different kinds of plate interaction occurring diachronically in different places. ‘This plurality of processes that converged to the closure of a wide oceanic space populated by small continental fragments (terranes or microplates) may be described in terms of orogenic systems or branching systems of orogens, rather than the general and geometry-related mobile belt model.” (Campos Neto, this volume)Ute age 1 Oa Tectonic History oF THE BorBorREMA Province, SN TH sTERN Brazit B.B. de Brito Neves, E. J. das Santos, and W. R. Van Schmus “Tec egat nts rit hd by Aled erat (1977) ard appli othe easser prt ofthe ortheastern region a the South American Matar (Fg. 1 ‘Theydeine tas a"ewrnplex mossic-like fede repo where there were efective and important tectonic, thermal, and ruaginatc events af Neoproterozeic age assigned to the Brasiano (yee Since the ast century this structural province has etn the subject of much gelogical research, ad mary papers. expecially those concerning mineral resources (sheeiteund pegmatite minerals) have been writen, The area cower by this province exceeds 450 (0 ke’. Weoasist of successive Cenoaoic pediplancs, developed at progressively bigher elevations fromthe causal regions inland reaching, clevatons of 110m, Takrnas a whol, these pediptanes are ‘fern bas the Serra da Herbowern “The structures af this tectonic region extend beyond ‘the formal limits originally defined by Almeidact al. 41977, 1881), Foradditonal reasons, they enceedthe peographical limits f the Serra da Bortvorera isle, Tothe W and SW the province includes part of the basement of the Parnaiba Basin of Phanerozoic age. To the N and NE, structures associated with this province have been detected i the basement of the Coastal Province and the Atlantic continental margin. Furthermore, in the Aftican oumerpart of the flozborema Province lin the ates between Tago tothe N, asd Gabon tothe 8) there ate litho. stroctural and tectonie continuations of the Borborema Province, including domains of the Trans-Saharan (Pharosian, Dahomeyan), Nigerian, and Oubanguides Central Africa mobile bel, This Borboresa Province adits Atican extensions are situated tothe N ofthe So Francisco-Congo Craton, which behaved as a foreland domain duting their developmen, ‘There are several diferent degrees of structural and teconic ‘Mansion betweenthe main Newproteraeoic orogenic system ofthe Horborema Province and the cratonic foreland demain tothe S, These features, in which transitional tectonic dontains predominate, have not always been explicitly described as fara tectonic companents af the pruvince in published syenheses. Its abso possible to observe trem both fieldwork and regional maps that some litho: structural ‘components of the basement in the Sto Francisco Craton continue northwards as rewarked basement af the Borborema Province. The same may be expected for ‘relationships with the Bounding foreland t0 the N, which areucually presumed tobe the Sia Luis West Africa Craton ‘ven chough the transitional region is mostly buried beneath, sediments of the Parnaiba and other coastl basis. ‘The lithostructural and tectonic framework of the province is well defined. ‘The structures and rock-types FIGURE 1 Sketch map ofthe Rorborema Province, marth ofthe Sto Francisco Craton. POD 151TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA NS ( RB, DE BRITO NEVES, € 1. DOS SANTOS, AND W. R. VAN SCHMUS 152 developed mainly during the evolution of two different tectonic cycles: the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic Cariris Velhos Orogeny, and the late Neoproterozoic Brasiliano Orogeny, bearing in mind that ‘the Brasilano Orogeny inherited structural trends and reworked crust formed during the earlier Cariris Velhos, Orogeny. Additionally, in the basement of the province there are other tectonic features in outcrops of basement blocks that can be attributed to important stages of continental amalgamation during the middle Paleoproterozoic Transamazonian orogeneses (collage), and also during the Archean, ‘The concept ofa Brasiano structural province, based on ‘heimportanc ofthis Neopoterenic Cambrian Cplethat as partof the procssof amalgamation of Western Gondwanaiss valid one. ‘This is due to the supremacy of the Brasiiano stractures {and thei tectonic overprint as wellason account of the remarkable granitic pltonism associated with these structures. Ths is partieulerly relevant in the general ¢isributon ofthe main structural endsofthe province which plea fan-like pattern forthe whole northeastern partof the South American Continent, unde the influence ofthe major tectonic lineaments and their displacements inthe Cambrian (fisi-Beasiano) extensional phase. Thus all troctural trends extend diagonally to the coast Last but not least, the bulk of geochronological data supports the importance of the Brasiano/Neoproteramic evolution, For several years during which geological research was, carried out inthis province the importance and general {eatures of Brositano events asawhile obscured the features formed doring the preceding Carris Velbos Orogeny and Paleoproterozoic (Transamazonian) collage, Only during this decade, withthe introduction of U/2b and SmNd ‘methads of isotope analysis, has it been possible to define the Carri Velhos Cyl and to increase the knowledge on. the nature and ertent of Paleopoterasic(Transamazonian) rock assemblages inthe basement rocks ofthe Borborema Province is now possible to se that, collectively these two older tectonic cycles were much more important in terms of crustal formation throughout the province than the Brasliano Orogeny. For an understanding of the province (general shape and geographical features) it is necessary to draw attention firstly for the Phanerozoic cover secondarily to the phase of transition (Cambrian escape tectonics important strike- slip displacements); thirdly tothe phase of tabiliation fll ‘ratoric conditions, from the Ordovician fo the Middle Jurassic, including the development of syneclises); and finaly to the so-called phase of activation (post-Jurassc to Late Cretaceous) winen interior riftsand the Alantic coastal province were formed under extensional condition. These ‘events were coevl with the phases of breakup of Pange the formation ofthe South Atlantic Ocean, and the final individvaliation ofthe South American Plate, Parallel to nd subsequenttothe breakup of Pangea andthe formation ‘of the South Atlantic Ocean, the continental interior onderwent erosion and uplift (phase of re-stabilzation, post-Late Cretaceous). Many of the sedimentary deposits formed were related tothe structural trendsof the Brasiiano ‘ye. From that time onwards tectonism and magmatism, hhad been strongly attenuated. The Phanerozoic sedimentary cover ofthe Borborema Province includes several basins (synectises, pants of symecises ifs) which ave testimony of and representatives of six diferent and successive cratonic sedimentary sequences formed during the Phanerozoic evolution ofthe South American Platform ‘The locations, shapes and other genera structural features, ofl these basins were strongly influenced bythe structures oftheir undedying basement and partclerly by those trends developed during the firi-Brasiian tetonism. Previous Studies ‘complete inventory of the papers that have covered the evolution of knowledge of the Borborema Province cover thelast 170 yeasisahard taskand beyond the seope of this review. To some extemt this has been done by Santos and Brito Neves (1984) and Santos fa. (1984), and more recenty by Jardim de Sé (1994), Inthe interests of synthesis and for pragmatic reasons, papers published im this decade will preferentially be ceferred to inthis review. considering that theybringthe essence of current 1 they cite many ofthe works published Special mention is made ofthe papers by Santos and Brito Neves (1983); Carapos Net etl. (1994): Van Schmus etal. (19958, 1995b); Brito Neves ef a. (1995, where the designation of Carris Velho Orogeny was formalized); Kozuch et al {1997); Dantas etal. (1998): and Santos and ‘Medeiros (1998). These papers are products and by- products ofa series of M.Sc. and Ph.D. dissertations, and research projects by students and professors attached to the Universidade de Sto Paclo (USP), the Universidade Estadual Palista (UNESP), the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), the Universidade Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), the Universidade Feral do Ceard (UFCE), and the Univesity of Kansas {KU) at Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.A. These programs had the partial or substantial financial supportof CNPg, FAPESRand iheUS. National Science Foundation, and they resulted from agreements and collaboration that started in 1989. These research programmes were carried out in consultation with many other geologists working in the region, and their assistance and comments are grateilly acknowledged. In addition, the important help of the Geological Survey of Brazil - CPRM, and the 1:100 000 and 1:250 000 scale sheets end maps of thePLG.B.(Basic Program of Geological Mapping of Brazil), should also be mentioned. ‘Naturally data fom al these theses and dssertationsas wells from other sources of information willbe included in thisreview. inl, this synthesis is based, in parton alarge ‘ammount of stl unpublished data (including on-going theses and research), Much ofthese data are presented or discussed here fr the first time. Nevetheles, they stl remain the property ofthe aforementioned research programmes Major structural domains By building upon previous studies and using the results of geological and isotope research in progress, itis possible to recognize five major contiguous tectonic domains intheBorborema Province. Theres naturallyasignfient degree of subjective reasoning for our designations, and these subdivisions should be seen as an exercise that must be reviewed using the results from additional geological, ‘geochemical, and geophysical research. Thete is good geological evidence that favours the view that these major ‘crustal Segments or domains were arranged in their present configuration before the end ofthe Cambrian, following a significant phase offini-Brasliano strike-slip displacement {cstensional tectonics, 545 to 500 Ma}. During the rest of the Phanerozoic the boundaries ofthese crust! segments may have been disturbed slighty. but not enough tomoaify the earlier featutes ofthe main domains (Fg. 2) Inspit ofthe fat that most ofthe domain boundaries arelinea ments or shearzonesthis was no! the fandamental basis for our subdivisions. Even though the lineaments chosen have most or all the characteristics necessary on which to define the limits of terranes or super terranes (sense of Howel, 1995), we prefer to use the informal Gesignation of domains. We chose thisapproach wit a view ‘maintaining maximum flexibility in defining terranes end super terranes fr the future since there are many shear zones and fats within our designated domains that may also be terrane boundaries, Only for the subdivision ofthe ‘Transversal Zone(TZ Domain), the informal designation of terranes will be used, following a previous and useful subdivision of Santos (1996), a usual practice fllowed by those working in tne Borborema Province. The Médio Coread Domain (MCO) This domain inthe northwestern part ofthe State of CCearé and the northeastern part of the State of Piau, is situated between the reworked margin of Séo Lis-West ‘Africa Craton and the Transbrasliano/Kandi Lineament (figs. nd 2). The Médio Corea Domain consists of basement wit jveile2.35Ga (pre-Transamazonian) high- sgcade metamorphic rocks and entrapped segments of Neaproterroic cratonicvolcano-sedimentary (Martindpole Group) and pelitc-carbonate fold belts (Ubsjara Group) that may be disrupted parts ofthe major trans Saharan Mobile Bel. Along the Transbrasiliano Linearent there ‘occur a series of transtensional basins and post-orogenic plutpns occupying pul-apart spaces; many of these are covered by the Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks of the Pamatba Basin of (Gusmio, 1998) The Central Ceara Domain (CC) ‘This domain is situated between the Transbrasiano- ‘andiLineament an the Senador Pompeu: feLineament (Figs. 1and2) Inadditionto the strikingprominence ofthese ‘boundaries (which canbe extrapolated wel beyoe the formal limits ofthe Borborema Province), the Centra CearéDamtain ‘consists of gneissic basement formed during the “Transamazonian collage, with the incision of an important Archean nucleus (ThSia-Taud Massif). ‘The2.2t02.1 Ga(UIPb inzitcon, some RbVSr isochrons) ‘Transemazonian basement is distinguished by nearly juvenile Sa/Nd crustal signatures (Tyy = 2.41023 Ga) for their high grade rocks, This domain also contains series TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA of middle Neoproterozoic supracrustal sequences or semnants of fold belts (quartzite, pelite, minor carbonate units) and expressive Braslisno (late Neoproterozoic) plutonism, One of these granitic-migmatitic platonic ‘complexes, the NE tending Santa Quitria Massif in the northwestern part of this domain, displays a series of isotope and geophysical characteristics that, although preliminaly, suggest tht itis a Brasiano continental magmatic arc (Fetter, 1999). Along the northern margin of the Archean Tréie-Taud Massif, in contact with the Guaramirange-Canindé Fold Belt, there is a unique ‘occurrence of blue schist (Rio Canindé area) that could represen a olisional suture ‘The separation ofthis domain fom the adjacent Rio (Grande do Norte Domains done with caution atthe present stage of knowledge. It is possible that the Sm/NG isotope ‘contrast across the Senador Pompew-lle Me Lineament (Fetes, 1999)is actualy gradual andthesetwodomains have always been part of a single, large Paleoproterozoic ‘ransamezonian crustal block (@ tectono-stratigeaphic terrane, aeconing to Howel, 1995) The Rio Grande do Norte Domain (RGND) ‘This domain is situated between the NE-SW trending Senador Pompew-lle Ife Lineament on the W.and the E-W trending Patos Lineament io the S, To the N and E its extension islisited by the Alanti Ocean. The Rio Grande do Norte Domain (Fg. 2) indus severl smaller tectonic zones or sub-domains, from W to E these are the Jogoacibeano-Encanto Fold Bet (J-WP) and its basement (between the Senador Pompeu and Portalgrelineaments), the Rio Piranas Massif (RP), the Serid6 Fold Belt (SED, the classical rea ofthe province) and its basement,and the ‘Sto José do Campestre Massif (IC). ‘The basement ofall these massifs (RE, JC) and fold bets (-WP) of the RGND comprise a major framework ofthe ‘Transamazonian tectonic collage, which includes some local ‘Archean uci, Throughout the RGND the Trnsamazenian basement geis yield late Archean Tages (2.61025Ga, Van Schmus al, 1995, bs Dantas, 197; Dantas etal, 1998), in contrast to the younger Tages (Peleoproeroaic) found in ‘the Central Gears Dorainto the W. ‘Upon the predominant Transamazonian basement, to theW ofthe RGND, there occur the remnants of schist belts (Gguaribe, Orb, Peixe Gordo, Encanto, equivalent tothe + WP) with late Paleoprotercavic (1.8 to 1.7 Ga) voleano- sedimentary sequences. Neoproterozoic metasedimentary belts occur to the $ (Caipu, Lavras, Mangabeira, lara- ‘Quimam).and the main Serid6 Betis inthe central part of the domain (with possible extensions othe E). ‘The geophysical and geological data indicate that the GND acted mostly as 2 monolithic block since the end ofthe Transamazonian Orogeny. No internal sutures have been found ye, and ina pre-drif (Pangea or Gondwana) reconstruction we suspect that this domain continues into the southern part of Nigeria, The Central Cearé and RGN domains together could have been a fragment ofthe ‘lanticaSupercontinent of Rogers (1996) that docked ito itspresentpostionbetweenthe PatosandSobral lineaments TECTONIC HISTORY OF THE BORAOREMA PROVINCE, NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL 153TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA WP = Jaguaribe- i Bae es @ al | Pa REE ES FIGURE 2~ The main pelo cat domains ofthe Berborems Province (HCO, CC, RGND, 17, $0 and FEAL Those domains may tformaly be ube ite terranes aed ‘on hci ma hiatal a sechronleal 154 ‘haraceriduring the Brasiliano Orogeny, thus constituting a true ‘ectono-stratigraphic terrane that has until now been overlooked in sll the mai reconstructions of paleo- supercontinens (Weil et al, 1998; Uncag, 1996). ‘The central domain or Transversal Zone Domain - TZ This domain is situated between the Patos and emambucolineamsens (shear zones) and displays general [ENE-WSW to EAW structral rend (Figs and), The name “Transversal Zone Domain will bused since it gives more graphic descrition relevant tothe prevailing stuctures ‘within the domain, In particu the domain contains many itera! faut blocks that have been deformed and rotated clockwise asa result of the dexral shear couple between the right-lateral shearing ofthe Patos and Pernambuco lineaments. This domain is also the type azea for the defini of the 1.0 Ga wo 950 Ma Carrs Vlhos Orogen ‘Brito Neves eta, 1995, bs Van Schmus eta, 19952, b; Koueh eat, 199), ‘The TZ contains several regions or lithotectonic clements previously refered by various names including ‘the Paje-Paratbaand Pianc6-Alto Brigid foldbets of Brito Neves (1983), the latter also called the Cachoeirinhs- Salguelro Fold Bet by Sil 1987). Santos (1956) and Santos etal. (1997) have proposed three main parallel terranes for the area of the eastern and central are of the TZ domaix. (dismissing the designation ofthe Pajev-Peruiba Fo Bet ‘These ate the Alto Peje:Terane - APT (with most of the supracrustal rocks and orthogneis) Alte Moxos terrane AMT (with a predominance of exposures of the reworked ‘Transamazosianbasementand very few Brasiano plutons), and the Rio Capibaribe Terrane - RCT (with different supracrustal sequences, Neoproteraicand older onesand. large Brasiiano pluton). “This subdivision willbe followed inthis text because it seems practical and useful, but without advancing or the sul arguments about the uses and concepts of the erm terrane. Recent studies and new data have shown that the geographical aree previously represented by the Piancé- ‘Alto Brigida Fold Belt in differen works and maps) is siructurally ithologicaly,an temporally not single entity. ‘There is southern and narrow bet known asthe Riaco Gravatstuatedto the Sof the erradoCaboclo Shear Zone, that was forme with the Cavris Vahos Orogeny, and soit should beaéded to AP. ‘Adjacent to and NW of the AP there is alate Neoproezozi: od bel that contansion-gradepsaramitic and pliticrhythmitebeds witha fewimercaations of mafic to felsic volcanic rocks; for whieh original name of the Planc-Alto Brigid Fold Bel -PAB willbe maintained, with restrictions on the areal extent-The PAB originally may have hhad stratigraphic continuity with some of the Neoproterozoic supracrustal sequences (Rio Preto, Sergipana) ofthe Southern Domain. The PABiisalso noted for te abundant Braslano plutonism thet i contains, in the fom of numerous socks and plats. The continvation ofthe TZ the African side of West ‘Gondwvaze,batween te Adamcoua ané Garouashecr nes {in Cameroun, has been sugested by a number of workers TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA {ncding Tompete (1994). However, this mater requires further investigation. ‘The Southern Domain (SD) This domain is situated between the Pernambuco Lineament andthe northeca periphery ofthe Séo Francisco- Congo Craton (SFC). Its composed of continental margin and distal pars ofthe Rio Preto (Rp) and Riacho de Ponta (Po) fold bets (Fig. 2) the NW and Nof the Sto Francisco Craton, and the Sergpano Fold Beli (Sp) tothe N and NE of the S30 Francisco Craton. This damain extends eastwards to Altiea asthe Centeal Afeican-ubanguides Fold Belt the af the Congo Craton. The Southern Domain includes parts ofthe crstonc foreland and hinterland of these fold ‘belts (Rp,2o,Sp), which now consistof reworked high grade ‘metamorphic rocks that deine the original exten ofthe craton basement. ‘The Neoproteronak supracrustal rocks of continental margin affinity inthe southern parts ofthe Sergipano and Rio Preto fold belts, have silar stratigraphic sequences (Giamictte quertte pelt carbonate inate characteristic of undeformed or slighty deformed craton cover (the $80 Francisco-Bambuf Supergroup). The more distal sequences ofthe Sergipano and Rio Peto fold belts include a variety af volcano- sedimentary and plutonic rock assemblages, including deeper marine sediments nd some suggestions for the presence of Neoproterozoic magmatic arcs All these spect represen the subjects of ongoing esearch, The Pernambuco-Alagoas Massif (PEAL) This subdomain (of the southern domain) is & Aeiangular shaped region of over 76000 ka? consisting of sranite-migmatte basement with numerous Bresiliano plutons some of which each he sie oflagebatholths. In some pars, particslarly inthe eastern hal, the gness- rwigmattebasementincudes remnantsof Transamzonian crust as well as some Archean rlicts. In contrast the aigmattegneissand Braslano plotonsin the western part of the PEAL have mainly late Mesoproterczoic Sm/Na stl formation age (Toy Siva Flo eal, 1999), The southern marginof te PEAL forms part ofthe hinterland forthe Sergipan Fold Bat and inches a series of granitic rock that could avebeen generated by northwand-dinected Jase Neoproterczve(Brasilano) subduction, The detailed structure and composition ofthe PEAL and its roe in the tectonie evolution ofthe Borborema Province sil requires evtensive geological mapping, petrologcal geochemical, and isotope studies Brasiliano Plutons ‘They constitute @ ubiquitous part ofthe Borborema Province, comprising about 30% of the exposed bedrock {Sia 1986, 1987). The distribution ane chemistry ofthese plutons were revently reviewed by Ferreirset (1998) and Sal (1999). These plutons play several major roles in the tectonichistory of the Borboreme Province, and he results willbe given throughout subsequent sections. 23. we TECTONIC HISTORY OF THE BORBOREMA PROVINCE, NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL 155TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA a 3, DE BAITO NEVES. E, J. DOS SANTOS, AND WR. VAN SCHMUS| Chronostratigraphic Framework of the Borborema Province (One ofthe major problems in sorting out stetigrapie correlations within or among Precambrian terranes isthe lack ofthe precise biostratigraphic markers that permit slobal or regional correlation. In the absence of other chronological markers,many carl studies ofPrecembrian terranes ied onthe usage of traditional id elatonships to establish mative chronologies in local azeas as well as the usage of lithostratgraphy for broader correlation. In ‘many instances such correlation was very inacurate, since there are elativeyFewltbosratigraphic markersthat have unique time significance. Furthermore estimatesof elapsed time have often been toolongor oo short. Fos this reason, geologists working in Precambrian terranes must rly on ‘some independent type of chrosological tool andthe most «2.8 10 <1.8 Ga), whereas that of the Brasiliano Cycle spanned several hundked million years. 500 10 400 Ma). Asa result ‘of geochronolgical research nthe 19905, we now know that this scenario was far too simple and orogenic eyes were too broadly defined. Table 1 summarizes the -chmnostratigrahic framework ofthe Borborenta Province, _sinfered fom modem geochronclogial data and ongoing field mapping sing te fllowing guidelines. U/Pb geochronology In the Borborema Province, 3s well es in mast of the ‘world the UP methods of geochronology using zircon or other minerals suchas monazte and ttaite(sphene) are the prefered methods fordeiningthe original eeysalization ages of igneous rocks, for defining ages of high-grade netamorphicevents.or for dead examination ofsediment provenance. Although these minerals fen ye elsconant resuls for either the *P5/*U or he POPU system, the combined use of boisystems ows precision andzcuracy snot obtainable by ather methods. Consequently, the aronostatigaphic framework shown in abe 1's based Primardyon an extensive body o UP data thathes appeared ave the past 10 years. many instances the data were obtained from single zircon oc monarite crystal, either through conventional isotope dilution analyses, Pb- evaporation techniques, orion microprobe (SHRIMP) axles, and include vlcanic, platonic, metamorphic, or ler minerals ina variety of rock ystems, ‘SmiNd isotope geochemistry ‘The Sm/N& methods can often be weedto define precise ages, particularly in the case of unaltered mafic rocks or {garnet-bearing metamorphic rocks. However her greatest utility i the Borborema Province is for defining the mits and broad crustal history ofthe many tectoicblocks which coceur throughout the province. Because this method is based ontworareearths elements, normal rast processes do not create much (if any) elemental fractionation, The Sm/Nd radiometric clock established wien crustal material is first extracted from the mantle continues to evolve through subsequent igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary ‘events, which afectthe crustal material formed eaier Some caution mustbe used inthe interpretation ofSmf (N¢ resssas commonly tabulated. The frst involves use of so-called crustal residence ages, oF Ty, following the depleted-mantl model of De Paolo (1981). These age ae indicative only ofthe general entiuity ofthe material in the rocks involved and cannot be used as precise ages.since rmodel-dependent uncertainties can often exceed 10010200 inion years for Precambrian rocks. Furthermore ifthe SiN ratio ofthe rocks is close to mane of bulk-earth "ales then the age defined by extrapolation of modem Sm 1d relationships back in time to a mantte evolation curve canbe very inaccurate, with ange uncerainties. Secondly, as pointed out by Amdt and Goldstein (1987), ‘Sm/N¢ whole-rock relationships often are derived from theTECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA TECTOANC HESTOMY OF THE BORBOREMA PROVINCE. NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL outlined, haven. background th Figur I. ara can, thse Paleoproerozo: collage FIGURE 4 The TancweealZome (12) their mein teranes (PA, RG, API, with special emphais onthe Brasiliane granites (in ‘Mock 1 aym-arogenic, 2 late ergrnic 3 post-srogemic. See Figure 9 fr names and detail. 157TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA 1.8, DE BRITO NEVES, E 1, 005 SANTOS, AND W. . VAN SCHMUS] 158 rixingoftwoor mare components ofdieringages especialy if the protoiths are sedimentary rocks or if erastal 2sinilationis involved. these cases the, ages reported may have no significance in terms of regional oF local hroaustratigrephyathough they can bevery uct inseting limits onthe aes ofthe ocks involved, Fr example a rock havinga T, of L2 Ga cannot have formed priorto that date, since that 1s the age that would be obtained ifthe rock representa purely juvenile sample (extracted fom the marie a 2Ga). That ok could. course hae formed mach more recently since reycing of originally jovenile material would not destoy that age. I could represent 2 roc formed as a result of magma genesis or sedimentation subsequent 2 a. Thus, Sm/Kd ages should normatiy nly be used to ‘stablish maximum ages of crustal rocks and used in ‘conjunction with other data (such as UIPb ages) to evalaate ‘whether they represet juvenile, reworked o mice systems ‘mW whole-rock analyses are ableto establish quickly ‘whethera crustal unit contains material thathashad long, 4 shortsora mined crastl residence ag. In the Borborema Province, use of @UNd analyses allowed the definition of major crustal blocks thst inclade substantial amoonts of ‘ost-Transamazonian material (Van Schmus et al 19952, »),shoteing thatthe Brasiliano Cyde involved much more than just reworking ransamazonianto Archean basement Continued application ofthese methodsis providing further refinement ofthe broad crustal structure inthe provce RbiSr geochronology ‘Therehas been a tendency in recent years to avoid using RbySr data, particularly in regions that have complex thermal ‘and structural histories. There are numerous cases in the [terature where seemingly good iochronageshavebeenshown subsequently tobe wrong, Mostcommony they ar too young 3.5 Ga. An episode of juvenile crust formation is known nthe Mesoazchean (3.2 a tonalite and granodiorite of the Brejinho Complex), hich was sueceded by ananorogenicevent hat rnplaced in the crust massifs of euconorite, anorthosite and oligoctasite of granulitic prothliths around 3.03 Ga (Senador Hi de Souza Complex; Dantas, 1997). Several rninor Archean graticunisanealsokownie the Ako Moxos ‘errane,nddng the Itatuba and Barro Vermeho gabbro- snortositic completes within Paloproteonsic rthognis. Paleoproterozoic ‘The tectonic snd lithostratignaphic history of the Borborema Province is very rich and has many chapters, some of them unsuspected in previous decades. [tis now clear that all the basement ofthe diffrent domains ofthis province represent the same kiné of Paleoproterozoic orogenic system (collage) that characterines the long- recognized basement of cratons that surround the provine. This includes processes of sucessive accretionary and mafic), andesite, psammo-pelitic smetasediments, and some cerbonatealaline graite may ‘ccar locally in and around these occurrences. These occurrences have informally been refered asbasins orbits, with names like Pio IX, Orés,Jgueribe Viraponge, Peixe Gordo, Quixopd So Jot, Encanto, and W Potiger (Jardim e'Si, 1994; Parente et al, 1998; Cavalcanti, 1999),in the > ‘WP subdomain (ofthe RGND). Also, they have collectively been named as faguaribeano elt (Brito Neves, 1883) or (cbs Jaguaribe Blt (Jardim de Si 1994; Cavalcanti 1995), ‘Tn many instances some local names may only designateisolated remnants ofpreviusly more widespread and more continuous eratonie cover represented by these rock assemblages. These rock assemblages (petrological and geociemical characteristics), their tectonic and paleogeographical environments, their isotope ages (18 = 1.75 Ga), show many similarities with those of the Espinhago Belt (western Chapada Diamantina) overtying the Si Fanciso Craton, and they probably were al together partofamajorPan-Atentica ratonic cover. Transpressional movements associated with the intra-domain lineaments ring the Brasiiang Cyce deformed these rocks. This means tat for the best part they behaved as undeformed sequences for more thas 1 Ga after the original crvstat formation in ate Paleoproterozoic times Paleoproterozoic granitic suites Paleoproteroznic granites suites area major component (of the basement blocks in the Borborema Province, now consisting of orthopneiss, The oldest episade corresponds tothe generation af2,5Gajuveniegraniticcrut inte Granja Massif. Another episode of. Ga juvenile crust formation ‘occured locally in the Rio Piranhas Massif (Dantas, 192) Subseguent magmatic units appear dispersed in diverse Paleoproterozoic blocks, in general representing small _bro-snorthositc intrusions and disrepted mafic dyke swarms. Other episodes ofanorogenic granite emplacement and related racks, such as the 1.77 Ga Serra do Deserio Granite Suite consisting of alkaline granite in the aborted tiftsystem ofthe Orés-Jagoaribe Belt ecur in the transition between the Paleoproteroroie and Mesoproterozoic, ‘representing taphrogenic (intracratoni events. These had hardly terminated before the onset of the mote extensive rising of the younger Cais Veo and Braslano cycles. Although tere are many Sm/Nd crustal formation ages (Ty in parsof theBorborema Province that aebetween L6 Ga'and 1.0 Ga; Van Schmus etal, 1985 b),virtuly all represent Neoproteroaic igneous and sedimentary rocks that incorporated significant amounts of older crustal {Paleoproteromic, Archean} material daring ther formation. Ihispossblethat several catonic sedimentary sequences were deposited on oder crust ofthe Borborema Province during the Mesoproterozoic, This being the case, subsequent oplif, tectonism, and erosion have virtually destroyed tht record, Latest Paleoproterozoic to Middle Mesoproterozoic Stasis Following the formation of the late Paleoproterozoic extensional basins there wss a long hiatus in the tectonic evolution ofthe Borborema Province, There are very few ‘gcous, sedimentary ormetamorphicsuitesthatcanbeshown to have formed between 7 and 1.1 Ga. The evidence for formation of supracrustal rocks between 1.1 and 1.0 Ga (as ‘was previously asigned forthe CaririsVehos Orogenyin some papers) itil poty developed, and sll equtes refinement. Ie fact.theonly unequivocal Mesoproteromi pluton knovenat present was reported by Sé eta. (1957), who showed from UF Porrconagrsthatthe augen gneiss metaputon at Taquaritnga- PE orginally formed about 1 5Ga ‘The A-type pluton of Secra de Taquartings inthe Rio TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA Capibaribe Terrane is characterized by a K-feldspar smeqacrystic augen-gneiss raging in composition from sgranodioie, through monzngrnitesyenogranitetoquartz syenite,Ithas Ba, The Nb and Yenvichrment anda high ‘eactionated, ight REE enriched REE pattern exhibiting a pronounced negate Bu azormaly. Thispton may wepresnt 6 15Ga extensional ntra-plate phenomena preceding the subsequent 1. to 1.0 Ga extensional phases ofthe Cais ‘Velho Orogeny in the eatera par ofthe TZ “Thus. thers amar gap oF about 60 million years in ‘he documented history of terranes hat now comprise the basement ofthe Borbarema Province. In accordance with the Rogers (1986) concep of Alaa, we suggest ha the interior of his continental mas mained stable until near the end af the Mesoproteroic. Late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic (Cariris Velhos Orogeny) ‘Theassigamentof the Carts VlhosOrogeny tothistime interval marks an important chapter in the history of geological esearch onthe Borborema Province However this is done wih some degre of uncertainty, since this proposal is based on rather limited data, and data indicating alate Mesoproteroznc aes requires refinement However the more robust data suggest that mast if not all ofthe Cari elhos orogenic activity ook placin the cals Neopretesie(.0 Ga to 940 Ma). The principal uncertainty concerns the beginning of presumed contneatl extension that ereatedthe ‘aos depositional basins. Geochronologcalconcoonthis partoftheorogeniceyleis still weak, adit may have begat inthe atest Mesoproterooic ‘The development this godyramiccyle involved the interaction of the domains N of the Patos Shear Zone {(CC+RGND} witha continental mass (nocthern patsof the ‘resent So Francsco-Congocratons) tothe S. The main products ofthis orageness are now situated mainly in the ‘TZ,S of the Potos Lineament, Although they were also reworked to different degrees by the Brasiliano Orogeny boat 600 Ma, the rocks formed during the Carirs elhos rogeny are recognize inthe fed or (more east) from [U/Pb data and, in many cases, RbISt geochronology (Brito [Neves etal, 1995s, ). Upto now, there is no evidence for ‘Cris Vehos orogencsisN ofthe Patos ShearZone However, to the Sof the T2 there are indications for its presence in the basement ofthe Southern Domain (SD) inlading the ‘westem pat of the PEAL Massif and northernmost parts ‘ofthe Sergipano Bet. ‘The procats ofthis orogeniceyclehate been tributed to the Brasiliano Paje-Paratba orogenic system by Brito ‘Neves (1975), and this regional designation was followed by several authors. However, Campos Neto et al (1994), Santos (1995) Van Schmus etal (199Sa,b) and Brito Neves ta, (19952, b), among others, brooght new insight and ‘began using the designation of Cris Vlhos Gye, Santos (1996) and Santos era. (1997) proposed the identification of individual trrancsin the former Pajed-Paraba Fold Belt, 4s well as for the entire Borborema Province. The designations of ltoPajet (AP) Alto Mosoté(AM) and Rio TECTONIC HISTORY OF THE BORBOREMA PROVINCE, NORTHEASTERN GRAZE. : 163