Similar crustal evolution in the western units of the Adrar Souttouf Massif (Moroccan Sahara) and the Avalonian terranes: Insights from Hf isotope data

• Hf zircon data from the westernmost Adrar Souttouf Massif suggest Avalonian relation.
• The Sebkha Gezmayet unit is of similar crustal composition as the West African Craton.
• Mesoproterozoic zircon were likely derived from Baltica or Amazonia.
• Scarce Eoarchaean model ages corroborate suggestions about very old crustal fragments.

The Adrar Souttouf Massif is located at the western margin of the West African Craton and consists of several NNE–SSW trending units. Of them, the two westernmost have been interpreted to be linked with the Avalonian terrane assemblage and Meguma, respectively. New Hf isotopic data corroborates the Avalon correlation but has no impact one way or another on the possible Meguma connection, as there is no Hf data available from the latter. The obtained pattern of εHf(t) values vs. zircon age of the likely Avalonia related Oued Togba unit is similar to published data from Avalonia. Zircons of this unit show characteristic patterns of crustal mixing at 0.7 to 1.3 Ga and 1.75 to 2.25 Ga, while juvenile crust was likely formed around 0.6 to 0.75 Ga, from 1.2 to 2.2 Ga, and between 2.5 and 3.2 Ga. The zircons of the Sebkha Gezmayet unit reveal crustal mixing for the entire Palaeozoic and Neoproterozoic, from 2.05 to 2.11 Ga, and 2.8 to 2.9 Ga. Juvenile crust formation is interpreted to have occurred from 0.5 to 0.7 Ga, at around 2.1 Ga, and at ca. 2.9 Ga. As Mesoproterozoic zircons are abundant in the likely Avalonia-like Oued Togba unit, but uncommon at the West African Craton, their origin has to be found elsewhere. A comparison of available Hf data from Amazonia and Baltica, the two potential source cratons of Avalonia, shows similarities but is hampered by the lack of available data from Amazonia. Finally, a few grains from both units have Eoarchaean model ages. Among similar grains from other peri-Gondwanan terranes, they give indication of partial recycling of Eoarchaean crust in the vicinity of the northwestern West African Craton.