Geological Evolution of The Neoproterozo

Precambrian Research 172 (2009) 279–300
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Precambrian Research
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Geological evolution of the Neoproterozoic Bemarivo Belt, northern Madagascar

R.J. Thomas a , B. De Waele a,1 , D.I. Schofield a , K.M. Goodenough b,∗ , M. Horstwood c , R. Tucker d,2 ,
W. Bauer a , R. Annells a , K. Howard d,2 , G. Walsh d,2 , M. Rabarimanana e , J.M. Rafahatelo e ,
A.V. Ralison e , T. Randriamananjara e
a
British Geological Survey, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth NG12 5GG, UK
b
British Geological Survey, Murchison House, Edinburgh EH9 3LA, UK
c
NERC Isotope Geoscience Laboratories, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth NG12 5GG, UK
d
United States Geological Survey, Reston, VA 20192, USA
e
Projet de Gouvernance des Ressources Minérales, Ampandrianomby 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t
Article history: The broadly east-west trending, Late Neoproterozoic Bemarivo Belt in northern Madagascar has been
Received 15 December 2008 re-surveyed at 1:100 000 scale as part of a large multi-disciplinary World Bank-sponsored project. The
Received in revised form 31 March 2009 work included acquisition of 14 U–Pb zircon dates and whole-rock major and trace element geochemical
Accepted 27 April 2009
data of representative rocks. The belt has previously been modelled as a juvenile Neoproterozoic arc
and our findings broadly support that model. The integrated datasets indicate that the Bemarivo Belt
Keywords:
is separated by a major ductile shear zone into northern and southern “terranes”, each with different
Madagascar
lithostratigraphy and ages. However, both formed as Neoproterozoic arc/marginal basin assemblages that
Bemarivo
Neoproterozoic
were translated southwards over the north-south trending domains of “cratonic” Madagascar, during the
Gondwana main collisional phase of the East African Orogeny at ca. 540 Ma. The older, southern terrane consists of
Geochronology a sequence of high-grade paragneisses (Sahantaha Group), which were derived from a Palaeoproterozoic
source and formed a marginal sequence to the Archaean cratons to the south. These rocks are intruded by
an extensive suite of arc-generated metamorphosed plutonic rocks, known as the Antsirabe Nord Suite.
Four samples from this suite yielded U–Pb SHRIMP ages at ca. 750 Ma. The northern terrane consists of
three groups of metamorphosed supracrustal rocks, including a possible Archaean sequence (Betsiaka
Group: maximum depositional age approximately 2477 Ma) and two volcano-sedimentary sequences
(high-grade Milanoa Group: maximum depositional age approximately 750 Ma; low grade Daraina Group:
extrusive age = 720–740 Ma). These supracrustal rocks are intruded by another suite of arc-generated
metamorphosed plutonic rocks, known as the Manambato Suite, 4 samples of which gave U–Pb SHRIMP
ages between 705 and 718 Ma.
Whole-rock geochemical data confirm the calc-alkaline, arc-related nature of the plutonic rocks. The
volcanic rocks of the Daraina and Milanoa groups also show characteristics of arc-related magmatism, but
include both calc-alkaline and tholeiitic compositions. It is not certain when the two Bemarivo terranes
were juxtaposed, but ages from metamorphic rims on zircon suggest that both the northern and southern
terranes were accreted to the northern cratonic margin of Madagascar at about 540–530 Ma. Terrane
accretion included the assembly of the Archaean Antongil and Antananarivo cratons and the high-grade
Neoproterozoic Anaboriana Belt. Late- to post-tectonic granitoids of the Maevarano Suite, the youngest
plutons of which gave ca. 520 Ma ages, intrude all terranes in northern Madagascar showing that terrane
accretion was completed by this time.
© 2009 Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
Madagascar occupies a critical, central position within the East

African Orogen (EAO; Fig. 1). The Bemarivo Belt is the northernmost
Precambrian terrane of Madagascar, and one of the fundamental
building blocks of the island (Fig. 2). The other major Precambrian
∗ Corresponding author.
terranes that make up Madagascar include the Archaean Antongil
E-mail address: [email protected] (K.M. Goodenough).
1
Present address: SRK Consulting, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. Craton, in the east of the island, and the Antananarivo Craton which
2
Also Regional Offices. also largely dates from the Archaean, and which underlies much
0301-9268/$ – see front matter © 2009 Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.precamres.2009.04.008
280 R.J. Thomas et al. / Precambrian Research 172 (2009) 279–300
Fig. 1. Location of the Bemarivo Belt in northern Madagascar (M), in its position within the East African Orogen (EAO) and Gondwana at between 530 and 500 Ma (Modified
from Jacobs and Thomas, 2004). ANS = Arab-Nubian Shield; Da = Damara Orogen; Z = Zambezi Belt; EF = European fragments; LH = Lützow-Holm Bay.
of central Madagascar (Collins, 2006). The Bemarivo Belt (Collins mapping by Dormois (1949) and Brenon (1951), two main assem-
and Windley, 2002) represents juvenile Neoproterozoic arc-related blages were postulated for the Bemarivo Belt: a lower series of
crust that was tectonically juxtaposed with cratonic (Archaean) leucocratic gneisses, granitic gneisses and migmatites was ascribed
Madagascar in the late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian (Tucker et al., to the “Système de Graphite”, while an upper series of meta-
1999; Kröner et al., 2000; Collins, 2006). The Bemarivo Belt is also morphosed mafic volcanic rocks was ascribed to the “Système de
in tectonic contact with a newly recognised Neoproterozoic ter- Vohibory”. de Saint-Ours (1956, 1958) distinguished four “series”,
rane termed the Anaboriana Belt (BGS-USGS-GLW, 2008, Fig. 2). ranging from granulite to amphibolite–greenschist grade, namely:
The Anaboriana Belt is a Neoproterozoic terrane which is regarded Mangily (sericite schist, and muscovite ± biotite schist); Mamoro-
as representing the suture zone between the Archaean Antongil Mananjeba (two-mica gneiss, biotite gneiss and amphibolite); Ifasy
and Antananarivo domains, and broadly corresponds with the “Bet- (leucocratic granitoid and sillimanite-bearing gneiss); Sambirano
simisiraka suture” of Kröner et al. (2000). Based on palaeomagnetic (granulite facies migmatite and paragneiss). Later, Bésairie (1959)
constraints and similar age and isotopic data, several authors have reverted to the old ideas and suggested a lower “Système de
suggested a genetic link for the Bemarivo Belt with the Seychelles Graphite” to include the granitoids, and a “Système de Vohibory”
and with the Rajasthan Belt of north-west India (e.g. Tucker et al., to comprise a redefined “Série du Sambirano” including amphi-
1999; Torsvik et al., 2001; Ashwal et al., 2002; Jöns et al., 2006). bolite, calc-silicate and quartzite, and a “Série Daraina–Milanoa”
Between 2005 and 2008 a consortium composed of the British containing predominantly mafic volcanic rocks.
Geological Survey (BGS) and the United States Geological Survey Further reconnaissance mapping at 1:200 000 scale was carried
(USGS) undertook a regional geological survey of northern Mada- out by Bésairie et al. (1965) and Bésairie (1965). This, and more
gascar, including the entire Bemarivo Belt at 1:100 000 scale, along detailed mapping in the 1960s and 1970s, resulted in the near
with a regional stream sediment sampling programme and repre- complete coverage of the Bemarivo Belt at 1:100 000 scale. The
sentative rock sampling for whole-rock geochemistry, U–Pb zircon various geological maps show that the Bemarivo Belt, comprising
geochronology and metamorphic studies (BGS-USGS-GLW, 2008). granitoids, norite–gabbros, charnockites and minor sillimanite-
The purpose of this paper is to present the major findings of the gneisses and impure quartzites, was considered to rest in the south
study, including the presentation of 14 new U–Pb zircon dates and on the “Antongilien” (the “Groupe Ampanefena–Tsaratanana” of
77 whole-rock major and trace element analyses in order to con- Jourde, 1968). The Antongilien rocks were considered to be overlain
strain the geological evolution of the Bemarivo Belt and its place by the “Série de Graphite” or “Série de Sahantaha”, which com-
within the Gondwana jigsaw puzzle. prises quartzites, migmatites and schists, “granitised” at the base
(Bousteyak et al., 1970–1972; Bousteyak, 1972). To the north, Jourde
2. Previous research (1968) and Jourde et al. (1978), introduced the term “Groupe de Bet-
siaka” for paragneisses with minor volcanic components that were
The earliest reported geological work in northern Madagas- thought to directly overly granitoids ascribed to the “Antongilien”.
car was conducted by Baron (1895) and Lemoine (1906). The A younger complex of granitoids was ascribed to the Groupe de
first major regional geological mapping projects were carried out Manambato–Basse Mahavavy, and included mainly granites and
by French geologists including H. Bésairie and A. Lenoble before granodiorites. Overlying this, an extensive succession called the
WWII, and immediately after by R. Dormois, P. Brenon, J. Diet- “Groupe de Daraina”, was recognised in the central and northern
rich, L. Laplaine, J. de Saint-Ours and co-workers. Based on the parts of the Bemarivo Belt, comprising a lower series, called “Niveau
R.J. Thomas et al. / Precambrian Research 172 (2009) 279–300 281
Fig. 2. Simplified geological map of North Madagascar, showing the main constituent lithologies of the Bemarivo Belt. Inset map shows the major Precambrian crustal
terranes of Madagascar, modified after Collins (2006) and BGS-USGS-GLW (2008). BE = Bemarivo Belt; AB = Anaboriana Belt; AN = Antongil Craton; NT = Antananarivo Belt;
IT = Southern mobile belts including the Itremo Group; VO = Vohibory Unit.
Ambaliha”, consisting of mica schists, and upper units, “Niveau three meta-(volcano) sedimentary successions (“Betsiaka, Daraina
Milanoa” and “Niveau Daraina”, representing mafic and semi-mafic and Milanoa Series”) together called the Daraina Group (Windley
volcanic and volcaniclastic units (Jourde et al., 1967, 1978; Jourde, et al., 1994).
1968). These authors equated the Daraina–Milanoa units with the Early inconclusive geochronology using whole-rock Rb–Sr anal-
“Système Supérieure de Andriamena–Sahantaha”, implying that yses in the Bemarivo Belt was carried out on the “Groupe de
the Sahantaha and Daraina–Milanoa series were possibly lateral Manambato–Basse Mahavavy” (Vachette and Bousteyak, 1974).
equivalents. Later, Tucker et al. (1999) reported U–Pb zircon ages between 754
More recent work recognised a southern region dominated by and 715 Ma for magmatic rocks in the central part of the Bemarivo
high-grade metasedimentary gneisses, mica schists and quartzites Belt. These magmatic units were further reported to have positive
(Sahantaha Series), and a northern region comprising granitoid ␧Nd(T) values between +2.4 and +2.8 indicating juvenile extrac-
domes intruding migmatites and orthogneisses, and including tion from the mantle with little or no participation of older crust.
Table 1
Mineralogy and composition of the main lithodemic units of the Sahantaha Group.
Unit Compositional range (major bold) Mineralogy Notes
Faraiana schist Mica schist/gneiss, migmatite, amphibolite Quartz-K-feldspar-albite- Heterogeneous, typically pelitic,
biotite ± hornblende ± garnet ± sillimanite± grading to/interlayerd with
graphite ± cpx ± kyanite quartzofeldspathic schist/gneiss
Bebasy gneiss Quartzofeldspathic gneiss, metaconglomerate Quartz-feldspar-biotite ± hornblende ± cpx Strongly banded, locally migmatitic
Antanandava gneiss Biotite paragneiss, migmatite Quartz-K-feldspar-plagioclase- Evidence of two phases of
biotite ± hornblende migmatisation
± garnet ± sillimanite ± cpx
Anambovody quartzite Quartzite, quartz-sericite schist Quartz-feldspar ± mica ± sillimanite Massive quartzites interlayered with
micaceous layers
Androranga calc-silicates Calc-silicate rocks, marble, amphibolite Quartz-plagioclase- Finely-laminated to massive layers
cpx ± amphibole ± calcite ± titanite ± garnet ± within the metasedimentary sequences
olivine ± scapolite ± epidote
Sambirano migmatite Banded migmatite, paragneiss Quartz-feldspar-mica ± sillimanite ± garnet Migmatite grading to
quartzofeldspathic gneiss
Amphibolite Amphibolite, hornblende gneiss Hornblende-plagioclase ± garnet ± cpx Subordinate layers, pods and boudins
Based on similarities in age and chemistry, the Bemarivo Belt, the Group, an amphibolite grade volcano-sedimentary sequence that
rocks of the Seychelles and the Malani Igneous Suite in Rajasthan occurs predominantly in the western part of the Bemarivo Belt;
(India) were interpreted as remnants of a dismembered relict Neo- and the Daraina Group, which is a low-grade (greenschist to lower
proterozoic Andean-style arc (Tucker et al., 1999; Ashwal et al., amphibolite grade) volcano-sedimentary sequence that occurs pre-
2002). However, some authors have suggested that this magma- dominantly in the eastern part of the terrane. The supracrustal
tism in the Seychelles and India could be the product of melting sequences have been intruded by a plutonic suite named the Man-
above a plume-head, associated with Rodinia break-up (Li et al., ambato Suite (Fig. 2).
2008). The two terranes are separated by the Antsaba shear zone
Buchwaldt and co-workers (Buchwaldt and Tucker, 2001; (Fig. 2). This is a prominent curvilinear zone running from the west,
Buchwaldt et al., 2002, 2003; Buchwaldt, 2006) studied the south- south of Ambilobe, eastwards, to become a far less distinct, narrow
ern margin of the Bemarivo Belt. There, high-grade assemblages tectonic lineament that can be traced towards the east coast. The
in metapelites of the Sahantaha ‘Group’ indicate P–T conditions of zone is some 15 km wide in the west and thins eastwards into the
6.5–8.5 kbar and 800–900 ◦ C, while U–Pb TIMS (Thermal Ionisation high rainfall zone of the eastern coastal region where its presence
Mass Spectrometer) ages on titanite, monazite and zircon indicate is inferred. Both terranes are intruded by early Cambrian plutons
that emplacement of charnockite intrusions and metamorphism of the Maevarano Suite that were emplaced during, and just after,
took place between 520 and 510 Ma (Buchwaldt et al., 2003). A sim- the final amalgamation of Gondwana. These plutons, which were
ilar study of metapelitic rocks by Jöns et al. (2005a,b, 2006) gave intruded throughout the northern Madagascar basement between
P–T estimates at 9 kbar and up to 970 ◦ C. In situ monazite dating 540 and 520 Ma (Buchwaldt et al., 2003; BGS-USGS-GLW, 2008),
by electron microprobe, however, indicated magmatic monazite are the subject of an ongoing study and are not described in detail
cores at 737 ± 19 Ma, interpreted to represent the maximum age in this paper.
of sedimentation. Successive monazite rims were recognised and The boundaries of the Bemarivo Belt (Fig. 2) are defined as fol-
dated. The first overgrowths were dated at between 563 ± 28 and lows: (a) the belt is unconformably overlain in the NW by Palaeozoic
532 ± 23 Ma and interpreted to date collision. A second series of to Mesozoic sedimentary successions of the Antsiranana (formerly:
overgrowths were dated at between 521 ± 25 and 513 ± 14 Ma and Diego) Basin; (b) in the NE coastal region, it is unconformably over-
interpreted to date peak metamorphic conditions. lain by the Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence. Cretaceous
magmatism, associated with the break-up of Gondwana, gave rise
3. Lithostratigraphy and broad crustal architecture to flood basalt extrusion and emplacement of plutons and coast-
parallel mafic dyke swarms (e.g. Coffin and Rabinowitz, 1988); (c)
The results of our mapping and revised lithodemic nomen- in the NW and central areas the belt is overlain and intruded by
clature (BGS-USGS-GLW, 2008), show that the Bemarivo Belt can Neogene volcanic and intrusive magmatic rocks; (d) the southern
be subdivided into two different terranes, based on lithology and margin of the Bemarivo Belt with other basement units of Mada-
isotopic age (Fig. 2) as follows: (a) a southern terrane, which gascar is tectonic (Fig. 2). In the SW, it abuts the Anaboriana Belt and
is structurally juxtaposed in the south with “cratonic” Mada- a short segment of the Antananarivo Craton along the Sandrakota
gascar (i.e. the Archaean Antongil and Antananarivo cratons and shear zone. In the SE, the southern Bemarivo rocks are thrust in
the Neoproterozoic Anaboriana Belt), includes the high-grade, a low-angle imbricate zone along a décollement, southwards over
metasedimentary paragneiss succession (previously called the the Antongil Craton.
Sahantaha Series (Bousteyak, 1972), now raised to group status by In the Bemarivo Belt, meta-igneous units are intimately associ-
BGS-USGS-GLW (2008)) and called the Sahantaha Group (Fig. 2). ated with each other, and are often structurally complex, so that it
These rocks may be of Palaeoproterozoic age (De Waele et al., has not always proved possible to completely unravel their rela-
2008a). The Sahantaha Group is intruded by a plutonic magmatic tionships. We therefore use lithodemic terminology in place of
suite named here the Antsirabe Nord Suite (Fig. 2). The status lithostratigraphic nomenclature for all of the plutonic rock units
of an enigmatic sequence of low-grade metasedimentary rocks described here. Similarly, the high-grade supracrustal units are
which tectonically overlie the eastern part of the Antongil craton strongly deformed and metamorphosed and of relatively uniform
(Andrarona Group) remains controversial and is not considered in character, which has not allowed an unbiased construction of (syn-
this paper (BGS-USGS-GLW, 2008). (b) A northern terrane con- thetic) lithostratigraphy either within, or between groups—hence
tains three supracrustal successions as follows: the amphibolite the mapped rock types are also lithodemic units. The one exception
grade metasedimentary Betsiaka Group which crops out along a to this is the Daraina Group of the northern terrane. This group is
narrow strip in the NW part of the Bemarivo Belt; the Milanoa of lower metamorphic grade and, in places, less deformed, allow-
Fig. 3. Photographs of typical rocks of the Sahantaha Group. (a) Rhythmically interlayered pelitic (dark grey) and psammitic (light grey) biotite schist of the Faraiana Schist. (b)
Heterogeneous banded paragneiss with sub-vertical foliation-compositional banding (Antanandava Gneiss). (c) Metapelitic gneiss with abundant large garnet porphyroblasts
(Antanandava Gneiss). (d) Well-layered quartzite (massive layer by hammer) and interlayered quartz-schist (Anambovody Quartzite). (e) Finely laminated marble-calc-silicate.
White bands consist of pure calcite marble; dark bands are rich in diopside, grossular, tremolite and titanite (Androranga marble).
ing a tentative lithostratigraphy, with informal formations, to be the Itremo Group of central Madagascar and suggest Palaeopro-
proposed. In the following account, the rocks of the older south- terozoic to Archaean sources and a Palaeoproterozoic or younger
ern terrane are discussed first, followed by those of the northern age of deposition (Cox et al., 1995, 1998, 2004; Fitzsimons and
terrane. The distribution of the major units in the Bemarivo Belt is Hulscher, 2005; BGS-USGS-GLW, 2008; De Waele et al., 2008a). It
shown in Fig. 2. is worth noting that no zircons have been detected with ages older
than 2.7 Ga, and only a few with ages of ∼2.5 Ga. This provides an
4. Southern Bemarivo terrane argument against deposition along the margin of the now-adjacent
Antongil or Antananarivo cratons, the former of which is dominated
As noted above, the southern terrane contains two major by magmatism of ca. 2.5 and 3.2 Ga, with the latter largely made up
lithostratigraphic groupings; the older supracrustal rocks of the of ca. 2.5 Ga rocks (De Waele et al., 2008b).
Sahantaha Group, and the younger intrusions of the Neoproterozoic
Antsirabe Nord Suite. 4.2. Antsirabe Nord Suite
4.1. Sahantaha Group The Antsirabe Nord Suite comprises a voluminous suite of
foliated calc-alkaline plutonic igneous rocks that range in compo-
The Sahantaha Group, comprising the supracrustal rocks of the sition from gabbro and diorite through tonalite and granodiorite
southern terrane of the Bemarivo Belt (Fig. 2), consists of high-grade to granite. The suite intrudes the Sahantaha Group in the southern
(upper amphibolite to granulite facies), predominantly metasedi- Bemarivo terrane (Fig. 2). Based on lithology, texture and regional
mentary gneiss, migmatite, schist, calc-silicate and quartzite. It has distribution, the suite has been subdivided into eight lithodemic
been subdivided into seven named major lithodemic units and a units, which are described in Table 2. Examples of the typical field
number of un-named litho-types which are outlined in Table 1. appearance of the suite are given in Fig. 4.
Full descriptive details of the group, including lithological varia-
tion, petrography and mineralogy can be found in BGS-USGS-GLW 5. Northern Bemarivo terrane
(2008) and field examples of typical rock types are shown in
Fig. 3. The northern terrane contains three supracrustal successions
The age of deposition of the Sahantaha Group is not well con- (Betsiaka, Milanoa, and Daraina groups), intruded by the Neopro-
strained. Age distributions of detrital zircons resemble those of terozoic plutonic Manambato Suite.
Table 2
Mineralogy and composition of the main lithodemic units of the Antsirabe Nord Suite.
Unit Compositional Mineralogy Notes

range (major bold)
Mahanara granite Granitic Quartz-feldspar- Ranges from granodioritic to granitic

orthogneiss (sensu biotite ± amphibole orthogneiss, non-megacrystic, often
lato) migmatitic
Ampapamena granite Augen gneiss Quartz-feldspar- Coarse-grained granitic to granodioritic,
biotite ± amphibole porphyroblastic, K-feldspar augen up to 2 cm
Mankana granite Two-mica granite Quartz-feldspar-biotite- Minor aluminous granite body
muscovite ± tourmaline
Andratambo diorite Diorite, Quartz-plagioclase-amphibole- Polyphase, with at least 4 generations of
quartz-diorite, biotite ± cpx variable grain size and composition
gabbroic
orthogneiss
Antsahamanara tonalite Tonalitic Quartz-plagioclase-amphibole- Volumetrically minor migmatised tonalitic
orthogneiss, biotite ± cpx ± epidote orthogneiss in discrete bodies
meta-diorite,
amphibolite
Granodioritic orthogneiss Granodioritic Quartz-feldspar- Granodioritic, calcic, with epidote, migmatitic
orthogneiss/migmatite biotite ± amphibole
Ampanefena gabbro Metagabbro, Plagioclase-amphibole- Massive to foliated, locally associated with
norite, dioritic cpx ± biotite ± opx ± quartz pyroxene syenite
orthogneiss,
amphiboliote
Orthopyroxenite Pyroxenite, Opx ± amphibole ± opaque Coarse-grained, massive, podiform
hornblendite minerals
5.1. Milanoa Group current study, we have recognised a number of informal units
(Table 3). Field relations suggest that the Milanoa Group units
The Milanoa Group crops out over a wide area north of the major were deposited broadly simultaneously and that some of them
Antsaba Shear Zone (see Fig. 2). It comprises metasedimentary interfinger, though deformation and metamorphism obscure the
and metavolcanic units metamorphosed under amphibolite facies original field relationships, facing and stratigraphic succession.
conditions with some migmatisation (Fig. 5). On his 1:500 000
geological map, Bésairie (1971) defined the Milanoa Group as 5.2. Daraina Group
comprising a “facies Daraina” which included metamorphosed,
epidote-bearing mafic–felsic lavas and paragneisses, and a “facies The Daraina Group comprises a series of volcanic and volcani-
Milanoa”, dominated by epidotic mafic metavolcanics. In the clastic units, metamorphosed under greenschist facies conditions,
Fig. 4. Photographs of typical rocks of the Antsirabe Nord Suite. (a) Four phases of the Andratambo Diorite–oldest phase dark microgabbro–enclaves in grey second-oldest
co-magmatic diorite phase (top right), cut by (and included as xenoliths within) pale grey coarse leuco-diorite phase (top left), in turn cut by youngest phase of weakly layered
grey, sparse-porphyritic quartz diorite (bottom). (b) Stromatic migmatitic leucosomes in tonalitic to granodioritic orthogneiss (Antsahamanara Tonalite). (c) Strongly foliated
coarse-grained biotite granitic orthogneiss (Mahanara Granite). (d) Coarse-grained granodioritic orthogneiss with biotite-hornblende schlieren.
Fig. 5. Photographs of typical rocks of the Milanoa and Daraina Groups. (a) Migmatite of the Malaimotro formation, showing stromatic migmatite (bottom right and top)
with dismembered amphibolite bands with second-generation granitic leucosome in tensional boudin necks. (b) Layered amphibolite. (c) Mafic metavolcaniclastic schist
with sub-angular, pale-weathering amphibolitic blocks (bombs?) and stretched quartz-epidote clasts (cut by quartz veins). (d) Primary cross-current-bedding in schistose
arenites indicating that the sequence is the right way up.
which crop out in the eastern part of the terrane (Figs. 2 and 5). 6. Structure of the Bemarivo Belt
The distinction with the Milanoa Group lies in the lower metamor-
phic grade of the Daraina Group, although the two successions are Pervasive fabrics of the Bemarivo Belt affect all the Neopro-
speculatively regarded as approximately coeval. The Daraina Group terozoic rocks and can be attributed to the Late Neoproterozoic to
is subdivided into three informal formations based on distinctive Cambrian terminal phase of the East African Orogeny (EAO). The
lithofacies assemblages (Table 3). Field relationships suggest that structure is dominated by gently to steeply inclined, schistose to
these were deposited broadly simultaneously as, in places, the gneissose planar fabrics produced under upper greenschist to gran-
quartzofeldspathic and pelitic schist units of one formation interfin- ulite facies conditions. The main structural features are illustrated
ger with the other Daraina Group formations. in Fig. 7. Mesozoic and younger movements produced a variety of
brittle faults and dykes related to the break-up of Gondwana and
5.3. Betsiaka Group rifting in the Mozambique Channel.
6.1. First deformation (D1 )

The volumetrically minor Betsiaka Group occurs along a narrow
strip in the NW part of the Bemarivo Belt (Fig. 2). It is comprised The oldest deformation (D1 ) is recognised as a gently-dipping
mainly of mica schist and quartzite, but also contains minor units penetrative schistosity with shear zone surfaces (S1 ), and associated
of amphibolite and calc-silicate gneiss (Table 3). In the west, the folds (F1 ). The effects of D1 are variable over the belt. Bedding (S0 )
Betsiaka Group is unconformably overlain by Phanerozoic rocks, has been locally recognised, especially in the low-grade Daraina
while the eastern contact with the other Bemarivo belt units is Group, and parallel re-alignment of granule- through to cobble-
tectonic. scale tuffaceous clasts can be equated with a composite S0 /S1 fabric.
In higher grade rocks (e.g. Sahantaha Group), anatexis within pelitic
5.4. Manambato Suite units has locally given rise to migmatitic textures including planar
structures parallel to the main foliation (S1 ) such as lensoid coarse-
The Manambato Suite comprises an assemblage of plutonic grained leucosomes and stromatic gneissose banding.
rocks which occur north of the Antsaba Shear Zone, and have a First order F1 folds comprise regional scale, ca. 5 km wavelength,
wide distribution over the northern Bemarivo terrane (Fig. 2). The downward and upward facing, recumbent, tight to isoclinal struc-
suite largely equates with “Granitoïdes indifférenciés stratoïdes, tures refolded by F2 domes to give an overall type 2 fold interference
migmatitiques ± noyaux antongiliens possibles” on the 1:2 000 000 pattern (Ramsay, 1967). At outcrop-scale, first-generation folds
compilation map of Hottin (1972). Like the Antsirabe Nord Suite, occur as intrafolial, tight to isoclinal, inclined to recumbent, locally
it is a calc-alkaline, plutonic suite with a range of compositions rootless structures with cm- to m-scale wavelengths. Although they
from minor ultramafic and metagabbroic to granitic orthogneisses. cannot be directly related to the regional-scale F1 in metasedimen-
A summary of the different units within the suite is given in Table 4, tary rocks, these early intrafolial folds can be seen folding an earlier
and typical outcrops shown in Fig. 6. tectonic fabric as well as being enveloped by the main, more or
Table 3
Mineralogy and composition of the main lithodemic units of the Milanoa, Daraina and Betsiaka Groups.
Unit Compositional range Mineralogy Notes
Milanoa Group
Ankijabe Formation Quartzofeldspathic paragneiss Quartz-K-feldspar-albite- Most widespread formation.
biotite ± hornblende ± garnet Very wide range of
± sillimanite ± muscovite metasedimentary lithotypes
Anjabanakely Formation Paragneiss Quartz-plagioclase-biotite- Mainly felsic-calcic
epidote ± hornblende metasediment with minor
calc-silicate pods and pelitic
schist
Tsiandrorana Formation Garnet mica schist Quartz-feldspar- Predominantly meta-pelitic
2 micas ± sillimanite ± garnet ± epidote metasedimentary rocks
Amborondolo Formation Amphibole-rich paragneiss Quartz-plagioclase- Schistose amphibolite
hornblende-biotite ± K- interlayered with minor pelitic
feldspar ± epidote ± titanite ± garnet and psammitic schist
Malaimotro Formation Migmatite Quartz-feldspar- Strongly migmatitic banded
biotite ± sillimanite ± hornblende paragneiss
Minor lithologies Quartzite, calc-silicate rocks, amphibolite Various Thin layers within the other
gneiss formations
Daraina Group
Ambanja Formation Amphibolite, mafic volcanic rocks Plagioclase-hornblende- Basalt and basaltic tuffs, locally
(including tuffs) biotite-chlorite- with clasts (volcanic bombs?),
epidote ± quartz ± K-feldspar psammitic metasediments
Ambodimadiro Formation Quartzofeldspathic metasedimentary rocks Quartz-feldspar- Meta-psammites, locally with
chlorite ± opaque preserved primary structures
minerals ± garnet and conglomeratic layers
Ambatojoby Formation Acid to intermediate metavolcanic rocks Quartz-feldspar- Meta-rhyolite + dacite (locally
biotite ± hornblende ± glass vesicular, tuffaceous) with
minor metasedimentary
interlayers
Betsiaka Group
Mantalimanera Formation Mica schist, quartzite Quartz-feldspar-biotite Strongly layered,
(chlorite) ± muscovite ± garnet heterogeneous paragneiss
sequence
Amphibolite unit Amphibolite Plagioclase-actinolite- Meta-mafic volcanic rocks,
chlorite ± quartz ± garnet locally migmatised, strongly
retrogressed
Calc-silicate unit Calc-silicate rocks Quartz-plagioclase- Occurs as thin layers and pods
diopside ± hornblende ± micas in paragneiss
Table 4
Mineralogy and composition of the main lithodemic units of the Manambato Suite.
Unit Compositional range Mineralogy Notes

(major units in bold)
Bevoay granite Leucocratic two-mica Quartz-K-feldspar-muscovite- Forms number of plutons up to

granite biotite 20 km across
Antsahavalany granite Granitic to Quartz-feldspar- Strong compositional variation,
granodioritic, tonalitic biotite ± cpx ± amphibole variably migmatitic, variably
orthogneiss foliated, many mafic xenoliths
Monzogranitic orthogneiss Monzogranitic Quartz-feldspar- Massive, foliated rocks with
orthogneiss biotite ± muscovite sub-equal K-feldspar and
plagioclase, fairly
homogeneous
Fatihitanarana orthogneiss Migmatitic Quartz-feldspar-cpx- Very strongly foliated,
granodioritic biotite ± amphibole pyroxene-bearing
orthogneiss
Maintialaka granitoid Tonalitic orthogneiss Quartz-plagioclase- Almost no granitic
granodiorite, biotite ± cpx ± amphibole (K-feldspar-bearing) rocks,
metagabbro locally migmatitic
Dioritic orthogneiss Dioritic orthogneiss Quartz-plagioclase-biotite- Relatively small bodies, locally
amphibole migmatised
Andravory metabasite Metagabbro, norite Plagioclase-amphibole- Compositionally variable
and dioritic cpx ± quartz meta-mafic rocks, podiform to
orthogneiss sinuous, strongly foliated and
migmatised
Andrarobo ultramafic rocks Ultramafic rocks, Talc-tremolite- Small pods and pockets up to
hornblendite, actinolite ± pyroxene ± chlorite ± opaque 1 km across. Locally in
serpentinite, minerals dismembered, elongate
pyroxenite “trains”
Fig. 6. Photographs of typical rocks of the Manambato Suite. (a) Pinkish granitic orthogneiss showing small porphyroblasts of K-feldspar, tight folding and amphibolitic
xenoliths. (b) Strongly foliated grey coarse-grained granodioritic orthogneiss, with foliation-parallel leucocratic (leucosome) veins.
less axial planar (S1 ) schistosity, suggesting that, at least locally, ticularly well-developed in the southern, supracrustal-dominated
S1 is itself a composite fabric. The geometry of F1 with respect to part of the southern terrane, which is transected by an array of
a restored sub-horizontal S1 is of recumbent structures which we narrow, low-angle ductile shear zones, folded around the younger
interpret as probably having formed during emplacement of the F2 structures. The shear zones are associated with well-developed,
Bemarivo Belt against terranes to the south. This geometry is par- down-dip plunging, L1 mineral stretching lineations and rare S–C
Fig. 7. Schematic map of the main tectono-stratigraphic zones of northern Madagascar showing the major structural features. First order F2 fold axial traces and significant
foliation form lines show the trends of the principal fabrics in the Bemarivo Belt. White arrows illustrate sense of D1 translation. Grey arrows illustrate approximate orientation
of D2 shortening. Inset box shows example stereographic plot (lower hemisphere) illustrating planar and linear structures: planar fabrics contoured (n = 442), filled circles
are undifferentiated mineral lineations (n = 18), filled triangles are undifferentiated fold axes (n = 18).
Fig. 8. Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of selected typical zircon grains: (a) sample BT/06/36; (b) BT/06/41; (c) RT-06-467; (d) WB73; (e) RT-07-61; (f) BDW357; (g) BDW500
and (h) RT-06-78.
Table 5
Details of the U–Pb zircon geochronology samples from the Bemarivo Belt.
Stratigraphic unit Sample number Sample lithology Location (Laborde grid) Age (Ma) Interpretation of age Method
x y
Northern Bemarivo terrane

Manambato Suite RT-07-121 Foliated granodiorite 648242 1364720 711 ± 6 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
BDW315A Foliated granodiorite 717414 1365715 718 ± 6 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
RT-07 146 Charnockite 656572 1376650 705 ± 6 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
RT-07-76 2 mica granite 725175 1401963 708 ± 6 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
Milanoa Group BDW500 Quartzofeldspathic paragneiss 759187 1379759 <740 Maximum deposition U–Pb LA-ICP-MS
RT-07-61 Quartzite 725942 1407406 <770 Maximum deposition U–Pb LA-ICP-MS
BDW357 Paragneiss 689390 1362394 <ca. 720 Maximum deposition U–Pb LA-ICP-MS
Daraina Group RT-06-78 Rhyolite 758734 1456650 741 ± 5 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
BB/06A/12 Rhyolite 772797 1416592 719 ± 6 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
Betsiaka Group RT-06-46 Quartzite 716323 1437636 <2447 Maximum deposition U–Pb SHRIMP
Southern Bemarivo Terrane

Antsirabe Nord Suite RT-06-467 Granodioritic orthogneiss 756214 1309456 755 ± 6 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
BT/06/36 Metadiorite 775827 1339493 755 ± 5 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
WB73 Granite orthogneiss 776418 1240968 758 ± 5 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
BT/06/41 Tonalitic orthogneiss 778511 1332488 746 ± 4 Crystallisation U–Pb SHRIMP
fabrics and are interpreted as low-angle thrust planes that show 6.2. Second deformation (D2 )
an approximate top-to-the-south sense of translation. Overall, the
D1 architecture forms a thick thrust imbricate fan in which individ- Post-D1 structures are dominated by an assemblage of open,
ual thrust planes are marked by a step-like topographic expression dome-like, regional folds (F2 ) and steep curvilinear shear zones.
where units of contrasting competency and strain have been juxta- Relationships between these features are complex and their
posed. The basal décollement of the Bemarivo Belt, herein termed detailed resolution is outside the scope of this study. However,
the Andaparaty Thrust, against the Antongil Craton is located north they are favourably oriented to have formed in a coherent stress
of Maroantsetra (Fig. 2), where stacked thick quartzitic units of the regime and are therefore considered together to describe a single
Sahantaha Group are preserved in the upper plate. deformation episode.
Table 6
Physical properties of zircons separated from the dated samples.
Sample Colour Size (␮m) Aspect ratio Morphology Internal zoning Interpretation
BT/06/36 Light yellow 150–400 2:1–3:1 Euhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

Clear
BT/06/41 Colourless, clear 100–200 1:1–3:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

Some light-brown opaque
RT/06/467 Colourless to grey-brown 100–400 2:1–5:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

Minor inclusions
WB73 Yellow-grey 50–100 1:1–4:1 Euhedral Concentric zoning, somewhat Magmatic

Slightly turbid “washed out”
RT-07-61 Colourless 100–250 1:1–2:1 Subhedral Concentric zoning, narrow bright Magmatic sources
Clear Some euhedral grains CL rim
BDW357 Colourless 50–200 1:1–3:1 Subhedral Concentric zoning, narrow bright Magmatic sources
Clear Some euhedral grains CL rim
BDW500 Grey to colourless 50–200 1:1–3:1 Euhedral–sub-rounded Concentric zoning Magmatic sources
Clear
RT/06/78 Grey to colourless 50–100 1:1–2:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

Clear
BB/06A/12 Colourless to pale grey 50–200 2:1–3:1 Euhedral (but broken) Concentric zoning Magmatic
Some inclusions
RT-06-46 Light grey–pale brown 50–150 1:1–3:1 Subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic sources
Some inclusions Some euhedral grains
BDW315 Colourless 50–250 1:1–3:1 Subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic sources

Clear Some euhedral grains
RT/07/76 Pale grey–pink grey 50–250 2:1–4:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic
Clear
RT/07/121 Light yellow 100–350 2:1–4:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

Clear, some embayments
RT/07/146 Grey brown–pink brown 100–300 2:1–4:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic
Clear
Fig. 9. CL images of selected typical zircon grains: (a) sample BB-06A-12; (b) RT-06-46; (c) BDW315; (d) RT-07-76; (e) RT-07-121 and (f) RT-07-146.
Regional-scale first order, dome shaped antiforms (F2 ), occur is best exposed in its western part where it forms a broad high-
throughout the Bemarivo Belt (Fig. 7). F2 folds are irregularly dis- strain zone which is conspicuous on aeromagnetic maps draped
tributed across the whole belt with the wavelength varying from over topography. The structure becomes progressively less distinct
around 2 to 40 km. They are open, upright and vary from conical toward the east, where it is traced tentatively by remote sensing
through to periclinal forms. Lower order F2 folds are rarely pre- techniques, coupled with lithological control from the sparse out-
served, with the exception of local open warping at outcrop-scale. crops. It is traced between exposures to the north that include
F2 folds have been locally modified by subsequent widespread metavolcanic rocks characteristic of the Daraina Group, and those to
granitic intrusion (Maevarano Suite), and deformed in two regional- the south that include quartzite and calc-silicate rock typical of the
scale ductile structures herein termed the Antsaba and Sandrakota Sahantaha Group. The shear zone is about 15 km wide at its widest
shear zones (Fig. 2). The former defines the boundary between the in the west, thinning to <1 km in the east (where it is not exposed).
northern and southern Bemarivo terranes, while the latter largely In the field, the zone is characterised by intense strike-slip defor-
constitutes the western part of the contact between the Bemarivo mation with zones of steeply inclined intense planar fabrics and
Belt and the Antananarivo Craton and Anaboriana Belt (Fig. 2). prominent shallowly plunging, strike parallel, mineral stretching
The Antsaba shear zone is a prominent arcuate linear zone that lineations. Intervening lower-strain zones of less steeply inclined
transects the Bemarivo Belt in a broadly west-east direction. It gneisses preserve an earlier generation of upright, tight, more cylin-
Fig. 10. Tera–Wasserburg plots of U–Pb SHRIMP data from zircon from the Antsirabe Nord Suite. All error crosses at 2 confidence. Concordant data (100 ± 5% concordant)
shown in black, discordant data in grey.
drical folds. Few unambiguous kinematic indicators were observed, this structure had a dominantly strike-slip sense of displacement.
but scattered porphyroclasts give a sinistral sense of movement. In the southern part, steeply plunging lineations are interpreted
The Antsaba shear zone represents the fundamental structure along to reflect a change to SE-directed horizontal translation along this
which the two Bemarivo terranes are juxtaposed. The shear zone segment of the shear zone. In the absence of asymmetric structures
itself is not folded by F2 , but is parallel with F2 axes in its western this sense of movement cannot be proven, but is an interpreta-
part, suggesting that it formed during or subsequent to D2 defor- tion based on the overall contractional setting of the EAO. The
mation. southern part of the shear zone is interpreted from remote sensed
The Sandrakota shear zone comprises a broad, arcuate, NW to NE- imagery to truncate the early D1 fabric and the basal décollement
trending high-strain zone along the contact between the southern west of Maroantsetra, in the Matsoandaka district (Fig. 2), although
Bemarivo terrane and the Anaboriana Belt to the west (Fig. 2). The the actual relationship is largely obscured by Cenozoic superficial
southerly extension of this structure also forms the eastern con- deposits. The Sandrakota shear zone is not folded by F2 , but given
tact of the Anaboriana Belt and the Antananarivo Craton where it that F2 structures appear to become tighter adjacent to, and within
becomes a component of the composite NNE-trending eastern EAO it, it seems likely that it has experienced displacement syn-D2 , in a
suture that transects northern Madagascar (e.g. Collins, 2006). In similar fashion to the Antsaba shear zone.
the segment marking the Bemarivo–Anaboriana Belt contact, the
zone of structural parallelism is up to 50 km wide at its broadest, 7. Geochronology
narrowing to about 4 km wide further south, where it makes up
the contact between the Anaboriana Belt and Antananarivo Cra- In order to build on the previous geochronological work in the
ton. Bemarivo Belt (Tucker et al., 1999; Buchwaldt and Tucker, 2001;
At its northwestern extremity, the shear zone is characterised Buchwaldt et al., 2002, 2003; Buchwaldt, 2006; Jöns et al., 2005a,b,
by NW-striking, steeply inclined gneisses, locally with rootless, 2006), 14 representative samples of the igneous and metased-
intrafolial, steeply plunging isoclinal folds, and gently plunging imentary rocks from throughout the belt were taken for U–Pb
mineral lineations and/or rodding. Along its southern extension, zircon analysis. Details of the samples are given in Table 5. The
where it intervenes between the Anaboriana Belt and the bulk of dataset includes 10 igneous rocks which were dated by the Sensi-
the Antananarivo Craton, mineral lineations plunge to the NW and tive High Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) technique at Curtin
planar fabrics dip at moderate angles westwards. University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia and 4 metasedi-
In the northern part, the assemblage of steep planar fabrics and mentary rocks (detrital zircons) which were dated by Laser Ablation
gently plunging mineral lineations indicates that the movement on Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrome-
Fig. 11. Tera–Wasserburg plots of U–Pb SHRIMP data from detrital zircon from the Milanoa Group. All error crosses at 2 confidence. Concordant data (100 ± 5% concordant)
shown in black, discordant data in grey.
try (LA-MC-ICP-MS) at the NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory data were plotted and interpreted using the Isoplot plug-in for Excel
(NIGL), Keyworth, UK. The analytical data for the 14 samples are (Ludwig, 2001a). Histograms and relative probability density dia-
given in Appendix 1. grams were produced using the “Agedisplay” macro-programme in
Excel (Sircombe, 2004).
7.1. Methodology
7.2. Southern Bemarivo terrane
Zircon was separated from large, fresh rock samples using stan-
dard crushing, washing, heavy liquid separation (LST and MI liquids) 7.2.1. Antsirabe Nord Suite
and magnetic separation (Frantz Isodynamic Separator), followed Two zircon TIMS ages were reported in the literature on units
by hand-picking under a binocular microscope. The grains were from the Antsirabe Nord Suite (Tucker et al., 1999), indicating
mounted in epoxy, and polished mid-section to expose their cen- emplacement ages of 754 ± 2 and 749 ± 2 Ma. We present four addi-
tre. Mounts were imaged using transmitted and reflected optical tional zircon U–Pb SHRIMP ages for various granitoids of the suite
microscopy as well as by cathodoluminescence (CL) on a Scanning further south.
Electron Microscope. Examples of CL images of analysed zircon are Sample BT/06/36 is a diorite taken from a complex series of
shown in Figs. 8 and 9 and details of the zircons are given in Table 6. hybridised rocks known as the Andratambo Diorite (see Fig. 4a).
Methodologies for SHRIMP analyses followed that described in Twenty-two analyses were conducted on 22 magmatic zircons
De Waele and Pisarevsky (2008), while LA-MC-ICP-MS method- (Fig. 8a) and indicate low f206 values (proportion of non-radiogenic
ologies followed those described by Horstwood et al. (2003) and 206 Pb in total 206 Pb), U and Th in the ranges 115–993 and
Simonetti et al. (2005). Common Pb correction was applied on 134–1900 ppm respectively, with Th/U between 0.91 and 1.98,
SHRIMP data, using measured 204 Pb, and applying a common typical for magmatic zircon. Three points, 3, 5 and 17, plot as
Pb composition following Stacey and Kramers (1975) appropri- slightly discordant but the remaining data define a concordia age
ate for the age of the zircon. For LA-MC-ICP-MS, no common Pb of 755 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.36; Fig. 10), which is taken as the best age
correction was directly applied, but 204 Pb was measured (after estimate of crystallisation of the sample.
background correction for 204 Hg) and data with 204 Pb significantly Sample BT/06/41 was taken from the Antsahamanara Tonalite (see
above detection limit excluded from interpretations. All pooled Fig. 4b). Analyses were conducted on 16 zoned zircons (Fig. 8b). One
ages are reported at 95% confidence levels, while single data are data point (#16) plots below the concordia curve, perhaps owing to
reported at 2 confidence level. SHRIMP data were reduced using Pb-loss (Fig. 10). The remaining points plot in a concordant cluster
the Squid plug-in for Excel (Ludwig, 2001b), whilst LA-MC-ICP-MS but show too wide a range of isotopic ratios to allow the calcu-
data were reduced using an in-house developed spreadsheet. All lation of a concordia age. The cluster does show a coherent set
Fig. 12. Tera–Wasserburg plots of U–Pb zircon data from magmatic zircon of the Daraina Group (RT-06-78 and BB-06A-12) and from sample RT-06-46 from the Betsiaka
Group. All error crosses at 2 confidence.
of 206 Pb/238 U ratios, yielding a weighted mean 206 Pb/238 U age of a juvenile (oceanic) arc setting, or zircon saturation temperatures
746 ± 4 Ma (MSWD = 1.35, Fig. 10), taken to be the most reliable too high to allow preservation of xenocrystic zircon.
crystallisation age of the sample.
Sample RT-06-467 was collected from the Mahanara Granite 7.3. Northern Bemarivo terrane
(see Fig. 4c). Twenty-seven analyses were conducted on concen-
trically zoned parts of 27 grains (Fig. 8c). Twenty-one analyses 7.3.1. Milanoa Group
plot on concordia and define a narrow range of 206 Pb/238 U and Detrital ages for three samples of the Milanoa Group have been
207 Pb/206 Pb ratios, which result in a concordia age of 755 ± 6 Ma
obtained. Zircon grains from quartzite sample RT-07-61 are sub-
(MSWD = 3.4, Fig. 10) interpreted as the crystallisation age. The low- hedral to euhedral, typically with well-developed crystal facets
est Th/U ratios are recorded for analyses 20 and 24, which were with limited marginal abrasion from sedimentary transport, indi-
taken from homogenous medium-CL zones. These two analyses plot cating a dominant proximal source (Fig. 8e). Analyses of 80 zircon
close to the concordia and define a concordia age of 526 ± 28 Ma grains largely plot on concordia, showing a slight spread in ratios
(MSWD = 1.9) which we interpret to date a metamorphic event that indicate some Pb-loss (Fig. 11). Uranium concentrations for
affecting the orthogneiss and which is within error of metamorphic the analyses were largely in the 100–400 ppm range with some
ages reported in the literature (e.g. Jöns et al., 2006 and references at 600–700 ppm or over 1000 ppm. The highest U concentration
therein). recorded was ca.1850 ppm. Minor amounts of common-Pb were
Another sample of the Mahanara Granite, sample WB73, was detected in some of these analyses, which was taken into account
analysed. Twenty-four analyses were conducted on 22-zoned zir- during interpretation of the data. The morphology and zoning char-
cons (Fig. 8d), including two pairs of analyses on magmatically acteristics of the zircon, together with their narrow age-spread,
zoned sectors of single zircon (9–10 and 14–14a). Many analyses suggest derivation from a nearby volcanic source. A large propor-
record high counts on 204 Pb and the use of measured 204 Pb leads tion of the analyses are concordant defining a population peak
to an overcorrection of the ratios. Uncorrected data all plot above with a Pb/U age of ca. 770 Ma. This is interpreted to reflect the
the concordia curve, but a set of 14 data points, which recorded time of crystallisation of a dominant igneous component within
low counts on 204 Pb, plot close to concordia (Fig. 10). Calculat- the sedimentary source material. The presence of near-concordant
ing a weighted mean 207-corrected 206 Pb/238 U age for these data younger analyses, the youngest of which yields a 206 Pb/238 U age
yields an age of 758 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.63, Fig. 10), which can be of 547 ± 13 Ma (95% concordant), are interpreted to indicate the
taken as the most reliable estimate of the age of crystallisation. No effects of Pb-loss on the ca. 770 Ma old material, probably during
xenocrystic zircon were detected in the granitoid, either suggesting a regional ca. 520 Ma tectonothermal event (c.f. metamorphic zir-
con and monazite ages reported in the region by Buchwaldt and ple BB/06A/12) to a granitoid of the Manambato Suite that
Tucker, 2001; Buchwaldt et al., 2002, 2003; Buchwaldt, 2006; Jöns was previously dated at 716 ± 2 and 713 ± 2 Ma (R. Tucker, pers.
et al., 2005a,b, 2006). comm.).
Sillimanite-bearing paragneiss sample BDW357 contains euhe- Sample RT-06-78, a flow-banded rhyolite, yielded a small num-
dral to subhedral zircon with poorly developed mechanical ber of euhedral to subhedral, often broken zircon with concentric
abrasion (Fig. 8f). Although the evidence of abrasion supports a CL zoning patterns (Fig. 8h). Twelve analyses were conducted on
sedimentary protolith, the presence of euhedral grains suggests 12 zircon grains. Because of the very low U content of some zir-
short sedimentary transport and a proximal derivation. CL imag- con, very low amounts of radiogenic Pb were measured, leading
ing shows zoning patterns on the majority of grains, but most also to relatively imprecise isotopic determinations, and an overestima-
have narrow low-CL overgrowths. The absence of zoning in these tion of proportions of non-radiogenic Pb. Some data therefore plot
dark overgrowths suggests a metamorphic origin. Seventy analy- as slightly inversely discordant. Eleven data points define a narrow
ses were conducted on 53 zircon grains, but only 26 of those plot range of 206 Pb/238 U ratios corresponding to a weighted mean age of
within 100 ± 10% concordant (Fig. 11) and included 13 analyses on 741 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 1.42, Fig. 12). One data point displays a signifi-
dark-CL rim domains. A large range in U concentration was evident cantly lower 206 Pb/238 U ratio, corresponding to an age of 844 ± 8 Ma
(150–3850 ppm) with the data exhibiting Pb-loss effects and some (analysis 7, 91% concordant), and may reflect the age of a xenocryst.
minor common-Pb. The discordance in the majority of grains cannot Ignoring the extremely low-U analyses, and those with grossly inac-
be explained by a single Pb-loss trend, but reflects the complicated curate measurements on Pb, a concordia age of 739 ± 8 Ma can be
interplay of multiple Pb-loss trajectories resulting from high U con- calculated on nine points (MSWD = 10 due to some inverse discor-
centrations, minor erratic occurrence of common-Pb and possible dance in the set), within error of the weighted mean age. We take
mixing of core and rim domains. Taking only the concordant data, the weighted mean 207 Pb/206 Pb age as the best estimate of crys-
two population peaks can be defined at ca. 720 and 520 Ma. The old- tallisation of zircon in the sample, and thus the extrusion age of the
est of 3 concordant analyses well within uncertainty of each other rhyolite.
has a Pb/U age of 723 ± 12 Ma (2) whilst the youngest of two con- Sample BB-06A-12 is a grey, fine grained to aphanitic flow-
cordant data points, well within uncertainty of each other, has a banded rhyolite. Zircon grains are angular and irregular and
Pb/U age of 515 ± 8 Ma (2). The older age is interpreted to reflect probably represent broken fragments of once larger zircon. Rem-
the maximum depositional age of the sample, whilst the younger nant crystal faces on the fragments attest to an original euhedral
age is interpreted to be the age of metamorphism. This age is identi- shape. CL images show broad sector zoning, and the zircons are
cal to the age of peak metamorphism in the Marojejy Massif further interpreted to be primary magmatic in nature (Fig. 9a). One zircon
south (Buchwaldt and Tucker, 2001; Buchwaldt et al., 2002, 2003; grain shows a higher CL-response and more pronounced internal
Buchwaldt, 2006; Jöns et al., 2005a,b, 2006). zoning, and is interpreted as a xenocryst (analysis 17). Eighteen
A quartzofeldspathic paragneiss sample BDW500 yielded sub- analyses were conducted on 17 zircon grains, including one core-
hedral to euhedral zircon with prominent concentric CL zoning rim pair. A Wetherill U–Pb plot shows a wide spread of mostly
patterns indicative of a magmatic origin (Fig. 8g). Their euhedral (inversely) discordant data, typical of SHRIMP data for high Th and
shape suggests fairly limited sedimentary transport, while the uni- U samples (Fig. 12). Using only the 14 analyses close to concordia, a
form character and oscillatory zoning patterns indicate a proximal concordia age of 719 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 6.4) can be calculated which
magmatic source. Fifty-one analyses were conducted on 40 zircon we take to represent the crystallisation age of the rhyolite. One older
crystals. The data plot largely on concordia, with only six data points zircon (#17) yielded a discordant 207 Pb/206 Pb age of 2507 ± 10 Ma
plotting outside 100 ± 10% concordance (Fig. 11), with no appar- (15% discordant), taken to represent the minimum crystallisation
ent common Pb. Uranium concentrations were predominantly age of this xenocryst.
100–300 ppm with some grains in the range of 500–700 ppm. Three
zircon grains recorded very similar 207 Pb/206 Pb ratios, ratios with 7.3.3. Betsiaka Group
the most concordant giving a Pb/U age of 1668 ± 26 Ma (2). This One quartzite sample (RT-06-46) contained rounded to sub-
is interpreted to indicate a minor late Palaeoproterozoic age com- rounded zircon with pocked and abraded surfaces typical of
ponent in the quartzite, accounting for 6% of the total population. sedimentary grains. A minority of crystals are small, prismatic in
Three more zircon crystals recorded a narrow range of isotopic shape, and retain well-developed crystal faces reflecting proximal
ratios corresponding to a Pb/U age bracket of 1050–1000 Ma, indi- provenance from magmatic sources. The majority of grains preserve
cating a minor late Mesoproterozoic age component making up 6% prominent CL zoning characteristic of magmatic crystals (Fig. 9b).
of the total. The majority of zircon record concordant isotopic ratios Fifty-four analyses were made, including all morphological types
indicating Neoproterozoic crystallisation covering a spectrum of in the sample. Only about half of the analyses plot close to concor-
ages from 900 to 740 Ma. The largest cluster, comprising 26 data dia (100 ± 10% concordant), indicating significant Pb-loss in most
points, defines a Pb/U population age peak at ca. 740 Ma. Five other zircon (Fig. 12). Twenty-seven concordant data points indicate a
data points are concordant at ca. 795 Ma. We interpret this to reflect predominant age population of 2500 Ma. Three concordant zircon
a dominant detrital component at ca. 740 Ma with other smaller less indicate an older mode at 2700 Ma, while single zircon indicated
dominant components up to ca. 900 Ma. Three imprecise analyses minor contributions of sources at 2950, 3100, 3140 and 3380 Ma
define a cluster on concordia, with the most concordant data point (Fig. 12). The youngest concordant zircon has an age of 2447 ± 17 Ma
giving a 206 Pb/238 U age of 475 ± 8 Ma (102% concordant). We take (2 confidence), which places a maximum age of deposition on the
this cluster of younger ages to reflect a Pb-loss event around 500 Ma, quartzite.
but more data are needed to refine the timing of this event.
7.3.4. Manambato Suite
7.3.2. Daraina Group Four published and unpublished results were known for Man-
Four unpublished TIMS dates by R. Tucker were available ambato Suite granitoids (TIMS data by Tucker et al., 1999 and pers.
before this study, including a crystallisation age on an aplite comm.). These indicated a narrow age range of 717 ± 2 to 713 ± 2 Ma
dyke intruding the pyroclastic rocks of the Daraina Group at for these plutons. We dated four additional samples during the
715 ± 2 Ma, and a possible volcanic bomb with an age of 752 ± 2 Ma. present study.
During the present work, two volcanic units have been dated, Sample BDW315A, a granodioritic orthogneiss, provided euhe-
an extrusive rhyolite (RT-06-78) and a rhyolite carapace (sam- dral to subhedral and sub-rounded zircon with parallel and
Fig. 13. Tera–Wasserburg plots of U–Pb zircon data from magmatic zircons of the Manambato Suite. All error crosses at 2 confidence.
oscillatory CL zoning patterns interpreted to be of magmatic origin crystallisation age of the granodiorite. Analysis 14 defines a con-
(Fig. 9c). Twenty-nine analyses were conducted on 20 zircon grains cordant 206 Pb/238 U age of 752 ± 15 Ma (2) and may represent a
and plot close to concordia, with a slight spread towards present- small xenocrystic component in the sample. This analysis was, how-
day Pb-loss (Fig. 13). Seven of the analyses allow the calculation ever, conducted on a large euhedral zircon crystal, apparently no
of a concordia age of 718 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 2.2) interpreted as the different from the main population.
crystallisation age of the sample. Sample RT-07-146, a dark-green, medium- to coarse-grained
Two-mica granite sample RT-07-76 contained euhedral to sub- pyroxene-bearing granite orthogneiss, contained euhedral to sub-
hedral zircon with most grains showing well-developed crystal hedral zircon grains, with well-developed crystal facets and conical
faces and sharp terminations. CL imagery indicates well-developed terminations. Concentric CL zoning patterns are apparent, indi-
growth zoning in oscillatory and concentric patterns (Fig. 9d). Ten cating the magmatic character of the zircon (Fig. 9f). Seventeen
analyses were conducted on ten different zircon crystals. Apart from analyses were conducted, of which ten analyses define a concor-
analysis 3, which has an anomalously high 238 U/206 Pb ratio, nine dia age of 705 ± 6 Ma (Fig. 13). Six data points plot with slightly
analyses define a concordia age of 708 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 4.0; Fig. 13), higher 238 U/206 Pb ratios interpreted to reflect variable Pb-loss.
which is the best age estimate for crystallisation of zircon in the These points do, however, not lie on a predicted Pb-loss line associ-
granite. The anomalous data point reflects some Pb-loss after crys- ated with present-day Pb-loss, indicating the influence of an ancient
tallisation, but no time can be suggested for this event on the basis Pb-loss event. The point with the highest 238 U/206 Pb ratio defines a
of these data. concordant age of 552 ± 9 Ma, records a low Th/U ratio of 0.08, and
Biotite-hornblende metagranodiorite sample RT-07-121 yielded may record this ancient Pb-loss event, but more data are needed to
CL zoned zircon interpreted to reflect magmatic crystallisation fully verify this.
locally with embayments and prominent fluid filled inclusions There is a noteworthy absence of xenocrystic zircon in any of the
(Fig. 9e). Fifteen analyses were conducted on 15 zircon crystals dated samples of the Manambato Suite, supporting a juvenile arc
and define a crude cluster with apparent 206 Pb/238 U ages between setting, as indicated also by Nd-isotopic data reported by Tucker et
661 and 752 Ma (Fig. 13). The data show some inverse discor- al. (1999).
dance, reflecting overcorrection for common Pb. The main cluster
of 11 data points defines a concordia age of 708 ± 5 Ma with a high 8. Whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry
MSWD value of 9 due to the overcorrection. A weighted mean
207-corrected 206 Pb/238 U age of 711 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 1.7) of the 77 samples from the Bemarivo Belt (excluding the possibly pre-
eleven concordant analyses is taken as the best estimate for the Neoproterozoic Sahantaha and Betsiaka Groups) were analysed for
Fig. 14. Total alkalis vs. silica diagram for all igneous/meta-igneous samples within Fig. 15. Y vs. Nb granitoid discrimination plot after Pearce et al. (1984). VAG, volcanic
the Bemarivo Belt. Fields for volcanic rocks from Gillespie and Styles (1999), after Le arc granites; syn-COLG, syn-collisional granites; WPG, within-plate granites; ORG,
Bas et al. (1986). ocean-ridge granites. Samples with SiO2 > 65% plotted.
When granitoid rocks (taken here as those with SiO2 > 65 wt%)
are plotted on a Y–Nb discrimination diagram of Pearce et al.
major, trace, and rare earth elements. As discussed above, detri-
(1984) (Fig. 15), most samples from the Antsirabe Nord and Man-
tal zircon data have illustrated that the metasedimentary rocks
ambato Suites plot in the volcanic arc/syn-collisional granite field,
of the Sahantaha and Betsiaka Groups are derived from a range
indicating the influence of subduction in their genesis. Similarly,
of Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic continental sources distal to the
when plotted on the AFM diagram of Irvine and Baragar (1971),
main Bemarivo Belt, and so their geochemistry (13 samples, data
almost all the samples from these suites fall in the calc-alkaline
not given) is not discussed further here. The majority of the analysed
field (Fig. 16). Samples from the Daraina and Milanoa Groups are
samples are of igneous rocks, including 40 and 24 samples from the
scattered across the tholeiitic and calc-alkaline fields. Virtually all
Antsirabe Nord and Manambato Suites respectively. Twelve sam-
the samples of igneous rocks from the Bemarivo Belt have molar
ples have been analysed from the Milanoa Group, and one from
A/CNK (Al2 O3 /(CaO + Na2 O + K2 O)) < 1.1 (Fig. 17), typical of I-type
the Daraina Group. The variable exposure and poor accessibility
granitoids (Chappell and White, 1992), derived from an igneous
in northern Madagascar made strategic sampling difficult, so that
rather than a sedimentary protolith. This agrees with the observed
samples are not evenly distributed across the groups. For those
lack of older xenocrystic zircons, and also with the initial ␧Nd
reasons, the geochemical data are assessed at a group or suite
values of around + 3 presented by Tucker et al. (1999). The data
level, rather than on the basis of the lithodemic units described
indicate that the magmatism of the Bemarivo Belt was largely juve-
in Tables 1–4.
nile, although some crustal contamination of the magmas cannot
Fresh rock samples selected for geochemistry were crushed and
be ruled out, especially because of the apparent lack of inter-
milled in agate at the DMG Laboratory of the Ministry of Energy and
Mines in Antananarivo. The samples were analysed at ACTLABS (by
their Code 4 Lithoresearch package). Major oxides and some trace
elements were analysed by Li-metaborate/tetraborate fusion with
an ICP analysis, and these sample solutions were further diluted
and spiked for ICP-MS analysis. The samples were run for major
oxides and selected trace elements on a combination simultane-
ous/sequential Thermo Jarrell-Ash ENVIRO II ICP or a Spectro Cirros
ICP, and for other trace elements on a PerkinElmer SCIEX ELAN
6000 or 6100 ICP-MS. The data, and details of repeat analyses on
standards, are given in Appendix 2.
Samples from the Antsirabe Nord and Manambato Suites have
largely similar, but very varied, major element chemistries. In both
suites, SiO2 contents vary from 46 to 77 wt% (Fig. 14), and MgO
is generally between 0 and 12 wt%. It is notable that samples of
intermediate composition are less abundant than mafic and felsic
types. Samples of meta-igneous rocks from the Milanoa and Daraina
groups show a striking bimodality, with one group of samples hav-
ing SiO2 < 52 wt%, and a second group with SiO2 62–66 wt% (Fig. 14).
Although this may be attributed in part to the sampling procedures,
it seems clear that intermediate rocks are under-represented in
igneous rocks of the Bemarivo Belt, in contrast to what might be
expected in a juvenile oceanic arc setting, where intermediate rocks
are generally dominant. Felsic rocks are more likely to dominate in a
continental arc setting (Baker, 1982); but this appears to be at odds Fig. 16. AFM (Al2 O3 –FeO–MgO) diagram after Irvine and Baragar (1971). Symbols
with the evidence from zircon data discussed above. as in Fig. 14.
Fig. 17. SiO2 vs. Molar Al2 O3 /(CaO + Na2 O + K2 O) (A/CNK) for all igneous/meta-
Fig. 19. Chondrite-normalised REE patterns for representative samples from the
igneous samples from the Bemarivo Belt. A/CNK > 1.1 is one of the criteria in defining
Manambato Suite (white) the Antsirabe Nord Suite (black) and the Daraina and
S-type granites (Chappell and White, 1992); A/CNK < 1.1 is typical of I-type granites.
Milanoa groups (grey). Normalising factors from McDonough and Sun (1995).
mediate magmas. Three ultramafic (pyroxenite and serpentinite)

Group, WB1489, has a rather flatter pattern with only very weak
samples attributed to the Manambato Suite also have very low
LREE enrichment, as does the Manambato Suite pyroxenite sample
A/CNK (Figs. 16 and 17) and it is possible that these rocks may not
(BDW-355A). Flatter REE patterns are associated with less frac-
form part of the Manambato Suite.
tionated magmas in any magmatic series, but also characterise
Primitive mantle-normalised trace element patterns for rep-
tholeiitic arc magmas (Pearce et al., 1995). Sample WB1489 has
resentative samples from the main igneous suites are plotted in
relatively high contents of incompatible elements such as Zr and
Fig. 18. Most of the analysed samples have overlapping patterns,
Y (Fig. 18), suggesting that the magma has experienced signifi-
though with a degree of scatter that may, in part, derive from later
cant fractional crystallisation and this raises the possibility that
alteration. These patterns show many of the geochemical features
some magmatism associated with the Milanoa Group may have
associated with arc volcanics (Pearce, 1982), including relatively
been derived from a different, potentially tholeiitic, source. How-
high contents of the alkali elements (Rb, Ba, Th, K), distinct nega-
ever, the limited number of samples available makes this difficult
tive Nb–Ta anomalies, and negative Ti anomalies. One sample of the
to confirm.
pyroxenite (BDW-355A, Fig. 18) mapped as belonging to the Man-
ambato Suite is plotted for comparison, and this clearly lacks the
alkali-element enrichment. 9. Evolution of the Bemarivo Belt
Similarly, on a chondrite-normalised REE element plot (Fig. 19),
most of the plotted samples show strong enrichment in the LREE As a result of the current study, a model for crustal evolution
over the HREE, with a prominent negative Eu anomaly indicative of of the Bemarivo Belt can be outlined, and summarised in Fig. 20.
plagioclase fractionation. These patterns are typical of calc-alkaline The oldest components of the belt are two sequences of high-grade
arc volcanics (Pearce et al., 1995). One sample from the Milanoa paragneisses of the Betsiaka and Sahantaha Groups. These metased-
imentary rocks were deposited on or near shelf margins, possibly in
Palaeoproterozoic times and, based on preliminary detrital zircon
studies, were derived from a range of continental sources distal to
the main Bemarivo Belt (Cox et al., 2003; BGS-USGS-GLW, 2008;
De Waele et al., 2008a). The Betsiaka Group forms a narrow strip
running along the NW margin of the Bemarivo Belt and possibly
represents an old, allochthonous sliver of crust that was juxtaposed
against the Bemarivo Belt during Pan-African terrane assembly of
the East African Orogeny. As proximal quartzites in the Sahan-
taha Group contain abundant ∼1750 Ma detrital zircons, but little
Archaean detritus, they must have been deposited adjacent to a
Palaeoproterozoic crustal fragment not seen in present-day Mada-
gascar (Cox et al., 2003; De Waele et al., 2008a). Some authors have
suggested that north Madagascar and the Seychelles were formed
adjacent to the Neoarchean Indian craton (e.g. Li et al., 2008) but
the absence of Archaean ages in the detrital zircon data presented
here indicates that this reconstruction is unlikely. Cox et al. (2003)
suggested that the required Palaeoproterozoic crust may have been
in a passive margin adjacent to the Tanzania Craton of East Africa
along the western side of the Mozambique Ocean. This may also
help constrain the position of the early Bemarivo arc as the Sahan-
Fig. 18. Primitive mantle-normalised trace element patterns for representative sam-
taha Group is intruded by the Antsirabe Nord Suite, indicating that
ples from the Manambato Suite (white) the Antsirabe Nord Suite (black) and the
Daraina and Milanoa groups (grey). Normalising factors from McDonough and Sun subduction was taking place beneath the Sahantaha Group at ca.
(1995). 750 Ma.
Fig. 20. Three-stage plate-tectonic model for the development of the Bemarivo Belt.
The main Neoproterozoic components of the Bemarivo Belt may point to the presence of relatively long-lived magma cham-
are made up of a voluminous assemblage of plutonic, volcanic- bers in which parental magmas underwent significant fractional
volcaniclastic, and metasedimentary rocks. The plutonic rocks com- crystallisation, possibly accompanied by minor amounts of crustal
prise calc-alkaline, gabbro–diorite–tonalite–granodiorite–granite contamination.
plutons of the Antsirabe Nord and Manambato suites, which have U–Pb zircon studies have revealed a bimodal age-distribution of
the chemical characteristics of arc-related magmatism. The domi- the plutonic rocks; the oldest occur south of the major Antsaba
nance of felsic rocks over intermediate rocks in these suites might shear zone (Antsirabe Nord Suite - tightly constrained to ca.
suggest that they formed in a continental margin, ‘Andean-type’ 750 Ma), with the younger Manambato Suite (ca. 718–705 Ma)
arc, rather than in an intra-oceanic arc. However, the positive ␧Nd restricted to the north.
(Tucker et al., 1999) and lack of older xenocrystic zircon show that Neoproterozoic supracrustal rocks north of the Antsaba shear
the magmas were largely uncontaminated by continental crust. zone comprise the high-grade Milanoa Group, with a maximum
This also allows us to rule out the possibility that the magmas depositional age of ca. 770–720 Ma (detrital zircon analyses) and
could be produced by contamination of plume-related magmas the structurally higher, low-grade Daraina Group, two rhyolites
with significant amounts of crustal material (c.f. Li et al., 2008). from which gave extrusive ages of ca. 740 and 720 Ma. Metavolcanic
We thus conclude that the magmas were sourced above a sub- rocks from these groups also show the geochemical characteristics
duction zone, and that they were largely juvenile. It would appear of subduction-related magmatism, and are mostly calc-alkaline,
that the bimodal chemistry is not due to crustal contamination, but although some tholeiitic units have been recognised. The bimodal-
ity of the age data in the plutonic rocks indicates that the Bemarivo plutonic rocks of the belt at ca. 705 Ma. More precise clues are given
Belt can be broadly divided into two crustal age-domains, termed by the age of the Maevarano Suite, which was intruded into all
here the “northern” and “southern” Bemarivo terranes, separated the terranes of northern Madagascar, except the Antongil Craton,
by the Antsaba shear zone. It is suggested that the older plutons in between ca. 535 and 522 Ma (Thomas et al., 2008). The youngest
the Antsirabe Nord Suite were generated above a subduction zone phases are almost undeformed post-tectonic porphyritic granites
which developed in the “Mozambique Ocean” outboard of cratonic and charnockites which were emplaced after the cessation of the
Madagascar (Fig. 20). Intrusion of the Sahantaha Group by juve- major orogenic activity. The older phases are represented by syn-
nile ca. 750 Ma plutons (Antsirabe Nord Suite) indicates that the tectonic, strongly deformed granodioritic orthogneisses. Thus the
active Bemarivo arc was in proximity with the Sahantaha Group at Maevarano Suite can probably be viewed as spanning the period
this time (Fig. 20). However, this was not proximal to the Archaean of accretion of the Bemarivo Belt onto cratonic Madagascar and
crust of present-day Madagascar, but rather an unknown segment subsequent post-orogenic relaxation. This timing is supported by
of Palaeoproterozoic crust which may have been related to East geochronological and metamorphic studies (Buchwaldt and Tucker,
Africa (Cox et al., 2003). 2001; Buchwaldt et al., 2002, 2003; Buchwaldt, 2006; Jöns et al.,
The absence of plutonic rocks dated between 750 and 718 Ma 2005a,b, 2006) and by the sparse metamorphic zircon rim data
suggests that granitoid generation may have lapsed during this presented in this study.
interval. However, evidence from zircon in the Daraina and Milanoa
groups indicates that volcanism continued sporadically from 770 to Acknowledgements
720 Ma in this area. Some of these older volcanic units are tholeiitic
in character and possibly formed in a back-arc setting. The volumi- The authors wish to thank the many BGS, USGS and Malagasy
nous calc-alkaline plutonic rocks of the Manambato Suite, which colleagues who were members of the field mapping and sampling
were generated between ca. 718 and 708 Ma, indicate a change in teams during the field seasons in 2005, 6 and 7. BGS authors thank
magma chemistry as the arc matured. the Executive Director of BGS (NERC) for permission to publish.
The dearth of igneous rocks dated between ca. 705 and 550 Ma The Perth Consortium SHRIMP facilities at the John de Laeter Cen-
suggests that subduction arc-like magmatism had ceased in the ter for Mass Spectrometry (Curtin University of Technology) are
Bemarivo Belt by 700 Ma. Subsequent to its growth within the funded by the Australian Research Council. The authors are grate-
Mozambique Ocean, the juvenile Bemarivo arc edifice was accreted ful to Paul Macey and an anonymous referee for thorough reviews
to the northern margin of cratonic Madagascar. We interpret the which materially improved this paper.
oldest preserved ductile structures (D1 ) in the Bemarivo Belt to
record that southward collision (Fig. 7). The structural evidence Appendix A. Supplementary data
for this accretion event consists of the south-vergent thrust imbri-
cate fan and recumbent folds, a basal décollement, variable-grade Supplementary data associated with this article can be found, in
metamorphic assemblages, and D1 fabrics consisting of penetrative the online version, at doi:10.1016/j.precamres.2009.04.008.
planar fabrics (S1 ), folds (F1 ) and mineral lineations (L1 ). D1 is thus
interpreted to record docking of the Bemarivo arc onto a compos- References
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Geological Evolution of The Neoproterozo

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Precambrian Research 172 (2009) 279–300

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Geological evolution of the Neoproterozoic Bemarivo Belt, northern Madagascar

Madagascar occupies a critical, central position within the East

Unit Compositional range (major bold) Mineralogy Notes

Unit Compositional Mineralogy Notes

Mahanara granite Granitic Quartz-feldspar- Ranges from granodioritic to granitic

6.1. First deformation (D1 )

Unit Compositional range Mineralogy Notes

Unit Compositional range Mineralogy Notes

Bevoay granite Leucocratic two-mica Quartz-K-feldspar-muscovite- Forms number of plutons up to

Northern Bemarivo terrane

Southern Bemarivo Terrane

BT/06/36 Light yellow 150–400 2:1–3:1 Euhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

BT/06/41 Colourless, clear 100–200 1:1–3:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

RT/06/467 Colourless to grey-brown 100–400 2:1–5:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

WB73 Yellow-grey 50–100 1:1–4:1 Euhedral Concentric zoning, somewhat Magmatic

RT/06/78 Grey to colourless 50–100 1:1–2:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

BDW315 Colourless 50–250 1:1–3:1 Subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic sources

RT/07/121 Light yellow 100–350 2:1–4:1 Euhedral–subhedral Concentric zoning Magmatic

mediate magmas. Three ultramafic (pyroxenite and serpentinite)

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