New detrital zircon U–Pb insights on the palaeogeographic origin of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone, Iran

Abstract New detrital U–Pb zircon ages from the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone in Zagros orogenic belt allow discussion of models late Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic plate tectonic evolution and position Iranian microcontinent within a global framework. A total 194 valid age values 362 grains were obtained three garnet-micaschist samples. The most abundant population included Ediacaran ages, with main peak at 0.60 Ga. Other significant peaks are c . 0.64–0.78 Ga, 0.80–0.91 0.94–1.1 1.8–2.0 Ga 2.1–2.5 various could be explained by sediment supply sources microcontinent. However, Precambrian found, implying non-Iranian provenance or recycling upper Ediacaran–Palaeozoic clastic rocks. Trace-element geochemical fingerprints show that zircons sourced continental magmatic settings. In this study, Grenvillian is used unravel palaeogeographic origin zone. This relates ‘Gondwana superfan’ sediments, as found many Gondwana-derived terranes European Variscides Turkish terranes, but also units further east, e.g. South China block. Biogeographic evidence proves developed on same North Gondwana margin extending block via Iran west.