A new cache of Eoarchaean detrital zircons from the Singhbhum craton,eastern India and constraints on early Earth geodynamics

The dominant geodynamic processes that underpin the formation and evolution of Earth’s early crust remain enigmatic calling for new information from less studied ancient cratonic nuclei.Here,we present U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of detrital zircon grains from^2.9 Ga old quartzites and magmatic zircon from a 3.505 Ga old dacite from the Iron Ore Group of the Singhbhum craton,eastern India.The detrital zircon grains range in age between 3.95 Ga and 2.91 Ga.Together with the recently reported Hadean,Eoarchean xenocrystic(up to 4.24 Ga)and modem detritus zircon grains from the Singhbhum craton,our results suggest that the Eoarchean detrital zircons represent crust generated by recycling of Hadean felsic crust formed at^4.3-4.2 Ga and^3.95 Ga.We observe a prominent shift in Hf isotope compositions at^3.6-3.5 Ga towards super-chondritic values,which signify an increased role for depleted mantle and the relevance of plate tectonics.The Paleo-,Mesoarchean zircon Hf isotopic record in the craton indicates crust generation involving the role of both depleted and enriched mantle sources.We infer a short-lived suprasubduction setting around^3.6-3.5 Ga followed by mantle plume activity during the Paleo-,Mesoarchean crust formation in the Singhbhum craton.The Singhbhum craton provides an additional repository for Earth’s oldest materials.

Crustal stabilization:Evidence from the geochemistry and U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology of quartzites from Simlipal Complex,Singhbhum Craton,India

Cratonic stabilization was a critical crustal process during the Hadean to Archean for the formation of cratons.The understanding of how and where this process took place is significant to evaluate the architecture of continents.The Singhbhum Craton of eastern India has well preserved Precambrian volcanosedimentary sequences.The Simlipal volcano-sedimentary complex of Singhbhum Craton consists of circular bands of mafic volcanic rocks interlayered with quartzites/shales/phyllites.In the present study,we report petrographic and geochemical characteristics of quartzites from Simlipal Complex coupled with U–Pb ages of detrital zircons and zircon geochemistry to understand the provenance and depositional conditions and its connection with the crustal stabilization in the Singhbhum Craton.The quartzites are texturally mature with sub-angular to sub-rounded quartz grains followed by feldspars embedded in a silty matrix.Based on modal compositions and major element ratios,these quartzites are categorized as quartz arenite and sub-lithic arenites.Trace element abundances normalized to Archean Upper Continental Crust(AUCC)display positive anomalies at U,Zr,Hf and negative anomalies at Nb.REE patterns are characterized by negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu^(*)=0.47–0.97)and flat HREE suggesting felsic provenance.These quartzites show depletion of LILE,enrichment of HFSE and transition metals relative to AUCC.High weathering indices such as CIA,PIA,and ICV are suggestive of moderate to intense chemical weathering.Low trace element ratios such as Th/Cr,Th/Sc,La/Sc,La/Co and Th/Co indicate a predominantly felsic source for these rocks.The overall geochemical signatures indicate passive margin deposition for these quartzites.Detrital zircons from the Simlipal quartzites yield U–Pb ages 3156±31 Ma suggesting Mesoarchean crustal heritage.The trace element geochemistry of detrital zircons suggests that the zircons are magmatic in origin and possibly derived from the 3.1 Ga anorogenic granite/granitoid provenance of Singhbhum Craton.These observations collectively indicate the Mayurbhanj Granite and Singhbhum Granite(SBG-III)provenance for these quartzites,thereby tracking the stabilization of the eastern Indian Shield/Singhbhum Craton back to Mesoarchean.

Mafic dykes swarms from the Chhotanagpur Gneiess Complex, Singhbhum craton, eastern India

The Singhbhum craton of the eastern Indian shield consists of two major crustal provinces viz.,Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex(CGC)and Singhbhum Granite Complex;separated by a Singhbhum Mobile Belt.There

Geospatial Mapping of Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) with Respect to Mineral Prospecting

Singhbhum Shear Zone is a highly mineralized zone having variety of minerals, predominantly those of uranium, copper and some sulphide minerals. From Remote Sensing data it is possible to decipher the regional lithology, tectonic fabric and also the geomorphic details of a terrain which aid precisely in targeting of metals and minerals. Mapping of mineralized zones can be done using Geospatial Technology in a GIS platform. The present study includes creation of various maps like lithological map, geomorphological map, contours and slope map using satellite data like IRS LISSIV and ASTER DEM which can be used to interprete and correlate the various mineral prospective zones in the study area. Even the alterations of the prevalent mineral zones can be mapped for further utilization strategies. The present work is based on the investigations being carried under ISROSAC Respond Project (Dept. of Space, Govt. of India SAC Code: OGP62, ISRO Code: 10/4/556).

ASTER DEM Based Studies for Geological Investigation around Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) in Jharkhand, India

Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) is a geologically rich belt with structures like faults and folds being the distinctive features. Due to these characteristics this area has been an important centre of studies since past few decades. With the advent of Remote Sensing and GIS, it has been possible to study and interprete geological setting of any area in the laboratory itself without even visiting the field again and again. The present study aims to investigate the geology of the SSZ from ASTER DEM by observing the elevation, as-pect, texture, pattern etc of shaded relief images. This can prove to be an excellent supplementary information database for interpretations along with other data.

Palaeomagnetic Study on a 1765 Ma Dyke Swarm from Singhbhum Craton: Implications to the Paleogeographic Position of India

The paleogeographic position of India within the Columbia supercontinent during Paleoproterozoic era is still uncertain because of very few reliable,high-quality palaeomagnetic data with precise geochronology.Here we

Neoarchaean-Palaeoproterozoic Mafic Dyke Swarms from the Singhbhum Granite Complex,Singhbhum Craton,Eastern India:Implications for Identification of Large Igneous Provinces and Their Possible Continuation on Other Formerly Adjacent Crustal Blocks

The Singhbhum craton of the eastern India consists of the Singhbhum Granite Complex(SGC)and the Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex(CGC)separated by the Singhbhum Mobile Belt(SMB).The CGC is intruded by Mesoproterozoic as well as Cretaceous mafic dykes;in

Spectral characteristics of banded iron formations in Singhbhum craton,eastern India:Implications for hematite deposits on Mars

Banded iron formations （BIFs） are major rock units having hematite layers intermittent with silica rich layers and formed by sedimentary processes during late Archean to mid Proterozoic time. In terrestrial environment, hematite deposits are mainly found associated with banded iron formations. The BIFs in Lake Superior （Canada） and Carajas （Brazil） have been studied by planetary scientists to trace the evolution of hematite deposits on Mars. Hematite deposits are extensively identified in Meridiani region on Mars. Many hypotheses have been proposed to decipher the mechanism for the formation of these deposits. On the basis of geomorphological and mineralogical studies, aqueous environment of deposition is found to be the most supportive mechanism for its secondary iron rich deposits. In the present study, we examined the spectral characteristics of banded iron formations of Joda and Daitari located in Singhbhum craton in eastern India to check its potentiality as an analog to the aqueous/marine environment on Mars. The prominent banding feature of banded iron formations is in the range of few millimeters to few centimeters in thickness. Fe rich bands are darker （gray） in color compared to the light reddish jaspilitic chert bands. Thin quartz veins （〈4 mm） are occasionally observed in the handspecimens of banded iron formations. Spectral investigations have been conducted in VIS/NIR region of electromagnetic spectrum in the laboratory conditions. Optimum absorption bands identified include 0.65, 0.86, 1.4 and 1.9 μm, in which 0.56 and 0.86 μm absorption bands are due to ferric iron and 1.4 and 1,9 μm bands are due to OH/H2O. To validate the mineralogical results obtained from VlS/NIR spectral radiometry, laser Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques were utilized and the results were found to be similar. Goethite-hematite association in banded iron formation in Singhbhum craton suggests dehydration activity, which has altered the primary iron oxide phases into the secondary iron oxide phases. The optimum bands identified for the minerals using various spectroscopic techniques can be used as reference for similar mineral deposits on any remote area on Earth or on other hydrated planetary surfaces like Mars.

Rare earth element geochemistry of Post-to Neo-archean shales from Singhbhum mobile belt, Eastern India: implications for tectonic setting and paleo-oxidation conditions

In the present study, trace element(including rare earth element) chemical data has been interpreted with the aim to decipher the tectonic setting and paleo-redox conditions of the Post- to Neo-archean shales from the Singhbhum Mobile Belt, eastern India. The data show moderate enrichment of compatible elements [such as Cu(avg. 59.28 ppm), Ni(avg. 59.49 ppm), V(avg.234.24 ppm) and Cr(avg. 181.23 ppm)] relative to the Post-Archean Australian Shale. Their chondrite normalized light rare earth elements are moderately fractionated [(La/Sm)Nranges from 2.21 to 5.78], whereas heavy rare earth elements show a nearly flat pattern [(Gd/Lu)Nranges from0.74 to 1.68]; this indicates that the rare earth element(REE) concentrations, rather than being severely affected by the diagenesis and weathering processes, decreased gradually from Gd to Lu. The Post-Archean Australian Shale normalized multi-element diagram shows the slight enrichment of Cr, V, Zr, Y, U and Sc, whereas Sr, Pb, Hf and Th are depleted. The notable negative anomaly of Sr indicates the least accumulation of plagioclase, which is also supported by the negative Eu-anomaly in these rocks.The La–Th–Sc and Th–Zr–Sc tectonic setting diagrams indicate their continental arc setting. The geochemical parameters, such as U/Th, V/Cr, Ni/Co, and Cu/Zn, indicate that these shales were deposited under oxic to anoxic environmental conditions.

Boninitic geochemical characteristics of high-Mg mafic dykes from the Singhbhum Granitoid Complex,Eastern India

The high-Mg mafic dykes from the Singhbhum Granitoid Complex in East India have geochemical characteristics[e.g.,enrichment of the large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements(LREEs) relative to high field strength elements(HFSEs):high-MgO(>8%),high-SiO_2(>52%),low-TiO_2(<0.5%),and high CaO/Al_2O_3(>0.58)]similar to those found in boninitic/noritic rocks.Their high percentage of orthopyroxene as a mafic mineral and of plagioclase as a felsic mineral,and normative hypersthene content greater than diopside content are also indications of their boninitic/noritic affinity.On a triangular diagram of MgO-CaO-Al_2O_3 and on binary diagrams of Ti/V vs Ti/Sc and TiO_2 vs Zr,these samples show geochemical similarities with Phanerozoic boninites and Paleoproterozoic high-Mg norites.On major and trace element variation diagrams,these dykes show a normal crystallization trend and their Nb/La(<0.5) and Nb/Ce(<0.21) values lower than average bulk crust(0.69 and0.33,respectively) suggest no crustal contamination.Their low values of Rb/Sr(0.11-0.41) and Rb/Ba(0.10-0.27)also suggest little or no effect of post magmatic processes.Their TiO_2(0.27-0.50),Al_2O_3/TiO_2(19.30-42.48),CaO/TiO_2(12.96-32.52),and Ti/V(12-18) values indicate derivation from a depleted mantle source under oxidizing conditions such as a mantle wedge.Ni vs Zr modeling shows that the studied high-Mg dykes were generated by25-30%melting of a refractory mantle source.Enrichment of Rb,Th,U,Pb,Sr,and LREEs,and depletion of HFSEs—especially Nb,P,Ti,Zr—on primitive mantle—and chondrite-normalized spider diagrams,respectively,are clear signals that the slab-derived component played an important role in the formation of melts for these rocks in a supra-subduction zone setting.

Geo-Hydrodynamics of Bagjata Area and its Significance with Respect to Seasonal Fluctuation of Groundwater

Bagjata area is a part of Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) falling within Survey of India Toposheets No. 73J/6, J/7, J/10 and J/11. The Subarnarekha River, Sankh Nala and Gohala faults are major disconti-nuities in the area. An attempt has been made to simulate the regional groundwater hydrodynamics. Few dug-wells were monitored for more than a year to find out the seasonal fluctuation changes in the drainage pattern and groundwater level. Groundwater samples were analyzed for physical and chemical analysis. Results show that one of the major discontinuities in the area-the Gohala Fault controls largely the geohydrodynamics of the area. Discharge of groundwater is of effluence type during all the three seasons. The water is safe for drinking as most of the contaminations are much below the permissible limits. No such previous work has been attempted in this area to investigate the groundwater dynamics and hence the selection of few parameters were assumed and taken from similar surrounding aquifer systems for modeling. The groundwater flow was also assumed to be in steady state. The present paper deals with some important aspects related to the hydrological significance of the Bagjata Uranium mining area and its relationship with the local climate, physiography and meteorology. An attempt is also made to simulate the status of groundwater conditions of hard rock aquifers in the region. Further it envisages the necessity of such study being undertaken in the entire SSZ belt to secure precise information about the surface manifestations which govern the groundwater recharge potentiality as well as its quality.

The response of stromatolites to seismic shocks： Tomboliths from the Palaeoproterozoic Chaibasa Formation, E India

It is demonstrated here for the first time how Palaeoproterozoic stromatolites survived seismic disturbance of their substrate. The stromatolites under study could have been cyanobacteria or any other photo-autotrophic microbes, which formed mats that covered a substrate of very fine-grained sandstones and mudstones of the Chaibasa Fm. in eastern India. The sediments represent a shelf environment. The local abundance of the stromatotites suggests that the tow-energy environment formed a suitable habitat. The common phases of tectonic quiescence were, however, occasionally interrupted by seismic shocks. These were sufficiently strong to deform the mat layers, the tower parts of which might already have been （semi-） consolidated. The mats became partly folded, partly faulted, and already consolidated parts of the stromatotite layers broke off. This can be deduced from the angular shapes of part of the broken-off fragments. It appears, however, that part of these fragments were stilt sufficiently soft to become rounded and deformed by rotting over the seafloor, probably under the influence of tidal currents. When come to rest, these fragments served as a new substrate for new generations of the microorganisms. These micro-organisms thus survived by continued growth on the reworked fragments and built up new stromatolites that may show an ‘angular disconformity＇ with the stromatotites of their substrate. It thus is shown that stromatotites have an adequate response to a sudden disturbance of their habitat, and that they survive earthquakes by colonization of broken-off fragments. We call the ‘healed＇ fragments ‘tombotiths＇ （tumbled stones）.

The response of stromatolites to seismic shocks: Tomboliths from the Palaeoproterozoic Chaibasa Formation,E India: Discussion and liquefaction basics

This discussion of a paper by Van Loon et al.（2016）, published in the Journal of Palaeogeography（2016, 5（4）, 381e390）, is aimed at illustrating that there are fundamental deficiencies, which include（1）incomplete etymological reasoning for proposing a new genetic term ＂tomboliths＂ for stromatolitic bioclasts in the Palaeoproterozoic Chaibasa Formation, eastern India,（2） omission of empirical data in documenting depositional facies using sedimentological logs,（3） misapplication of the stratigraphic concept of ＂angular unconformity＂,（4） failure to consider the multifarious origins of earthquakes, and（5） a dated view on the basic tenets of process sedimentology and triggering mechanisms of liquefaction that are the basis for forming soft-sediment deformation structures（SSDS）. As a consequence, their conclusions are unconvincing.

“The response of stromatolites to seismic shocks: Tomboliths from the Palaeoproterozoic Chaibasa Formation,E India”: Reply

Our contribution about a newly recognized sedimentological feature, which we called tombolith,has raised some comments on the etymology of the term, the assumed lack of field data, the usage of a term that has a special meaning in stratigraphy, the origin of the seismic shocks that played a role, so-called basic tenets, the origin of soft-sediment deformation structures, and the role of liquefaction. We argue that most comments result from an insufficiently thorough reading of our text, whereas some other remarks concern aspects that we did not deal with. Finally, several remarks are based on outdated literature and from insufficient knowledge of the regional geology.