Paleozoic–Mesozoic dispersal of Gondwana: Insights from detrital zircon geochronology of Lesser Himalaya strata, eastern Nepal

Abstract Detrital zircon geochronology has rapidly evolved into a powerful tool for reconstructing the assembly and dispersal processes of supercontinents. Currently, history Gondwanaland remains highly controversial. Here we focus on detrital Gondwana (Carboniferous–Permian Kokaha Diamictite Jurassic–Cretaceous Sapt Koshi Formation) post-Gondwana (Miocene Tamrang sequences Lesser Himalaya in eastern Nepal. U-Pb dating results show that Carboniferous–Permian sequence peaks at 544 Ma, 890 1178 1752 Ma. Likewise, 531 947 1176 Ma 1806 along with much younger peak 123 Similarly, Miocene 526 987 1740 Comparing these newly obtained ages those surrounding regions, confirm during Carboniferous–Permian, Indian continent was still connected to Gondwana. The age distribution coincides Tethys Himalaya, which further suggests possibility this unit either shared same provenance or recycled from Himalaya. During early Mesozoic, plate rifted drifted northward, as evidenced by Triassic–Jurassic, rift-related magmatism continental margin. Remarkably, there were significant inputs Rajmahal Basalt deposition sequence. Besides, records large number zircons closely resemble Greater implies may have already been uplifted eroded then.