Chapters authored
Metamorphic Zircons Applied for Dating East African Tectono-Metamorphic Event in Central Mozambique
The term East African is now used to describe the tectonic, magmatic, and metamorphic activity of Neoproterozoic to earliest Paleozoic age. Metamorphic zircon is the most suitable geochronometer for the determination of both protolithic and metamorphic ages due to its high closure temperature. The study area comprises the Mungari and Macossa-Chimoio nappes (Central Mozambique) tectonically juxtaposed to the Archaean Zimbabwe Craton. We use the metamorphic zircon morphology, Th/U ratios, and U-Pb ages to evaluate the Tectono-Metamorphic Event in central Mozambique. Morphologically, the zircon grains are sub-euhedral to euhedral, prismatic, with dark to gray cores, and narrow dark rims. The cores exhibit homogenous domains and oscillatory zoning. On the other hand, the U-Pb zircon data define Th/U ratios of 0.26–0.66 and 0.06–0.11. Finally, the U-Pb zircon analyses define upper intercept age of 1094 ± 36 Ma and lower intercept age of 498 ± 30 Ma. The zircon grains of the Macossa-Chimoio nappe was metamorphically re-homogenized or recrystallized by East African tectono-metamorphic event from relicts of Mesoproterozoic protolith domains. Thrusting and folding are the main East African reworking mechanisms that generated the metamorphic re-homogenization or recrystallization of the Mesoproterozoic magmatic rocks in the Macossa-Chimoio nappe of Central Mozambique.
Part of the book: Isotopes Applications in Earth Sciences