Geochronological dating in polycyclic rocks: alternative interpretation to data from Serido (RN-PB) Brazil

Recent studies revealed a polycyclic history of deformation and metamorphism in the Serido, region, with a minimum of three regionally important events (F1-3) the earliest of which is restricted to gneisses interpreted as basement (Caico Group). A relation between these phases and a complex series of granitic rocks is possible, the oldest generations (G1-2) being gneissified. K/Ar ages normally reflect the regional uplift and other events toward the close of the Brasilian orogeny. Some of the older dates in the 700 - 1.400 m.y. range encountered in intrusives and metamophites may be due to parcial overprinting of earlier events. Reference Rb/Sr isochrons for widely dispersed G3 granites need checking, but give creditable Brasilian ages. Rb/Sr studies of Serido Group metasediments show disequilibrium with a dispersion of points between a reference Brasilian isochron and one at 2.0 b.y. Parcial rejuvenation during the Brasilian orogeny of older rock series seems the best current explanation, although locally metasomatism may have had some influence, while some effect of initial disequilibrium may also be present. Gneisses yield Rb/Sr isochron ages of ca.2.7 and 1.9 b.y. Unpublished diagrams (B.B.B. Neves, written comm.) show a similar dispersion to that encountered for the Serido Group, and this might be explained in a similar fashion. It should be noted, however, that the distinction between high-grade cover, instrusive orthogneisses and basement is difficult, and that in these analyses some of the former gneisses could have been included. The possible existence of some event at ca.1.1 b.y needs verification. (author)