U-Pb geochronology of Paraná volcanics combined with trace element geochemistry of the zircon crystals and zircon Hf isotope data.

Abstract

The Paraná volcanic province is a window into mantle and crustal processes in the Cretaceous. The variability and complexity of this province can be determined through the study of minerals. An integrated study of zircon from Paraná lavas (one high-Ti basalt, one low-Ti andesite, one high-Ti rhyodacite and one high-Ti andesite sill) was achieved using backscattered electron imaging, sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP-IIe) for U-Pb geochronology, and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometer (LA-ICPMS) to determine the Lu- Hf isotopes and the trace-element compositions. U-Pb-Hf and trace-element data indicate that zircon crystallized from the magma at approximately 134 Ma. This South American large igneous province originated from the mantle and was contaminated by crust either in the mantle or during ascent and crystallization of magma. Contaminant continental crust had Precambrian age. Trace elements point to a new compositional field for zircon, different from other types of provinces. Examination of volcanic zircon improves our understanding of age and contamination of the Paraná volcanics.