U-Pb detrital zircon provenance of the Saramuj Conglomerate, Jordan, and implications for the Neoproterozoic evolution of the Red Sea region

The latest stage in the evolution of the northernmost Arabian-Nubian Shield is characterized by the development of volcano-sedimentary successions. In Jordan the Saramuj Conglomerate Formation is considered to be one of these post-tectonic basins. It is polymict and poorly sorted with wide range of clast compositions, roundness and size. We present the first SIMS U-Pb dating of detrital zircons from two sandstone samples representative for the conglomerate matrix and of four clasts from the Saramuj Conglomerate for provenance and age determinations. The relative probability curve for the matrix samples indicates a major contribution (85%) from c. 600 to 650 Ma, subclusters at 624 and 640 Ma, a minor source from 700 to 750 Ma, and a clear gap between 650 and 700 Ma. These ages are consistent with those obtained from andesitic, rhyodacitic, granitic and gneiss clasts (624, 642, 650 and 734 Ma respectively). In contrast to the adjacent volcano-sedimentary successions in the Elat area, Sinai and the Eastern Desert, no ages older than 750 Ma were found. The good match between the known ages of the nearby exposed basement with the matrix ages and the immature nature of the sediments implies that the principal input was locally derived erosional detritus. The age of the youngest 10 detrital zircons at c. 615 Ma represents the maximum age of deposition, which is consistent with the stratigraphic position of the Saramuj Conglomerate. Clast ages of 642 Ma and 650 Ma are interpreted as evidence for a magmatic source that has not been recognized in SW Jordan. This study implies that the volcano-sedimentary successions in the northernmost Arabian-Nubian shield may be broadly coeval but have distinct provenance and therefore evolved as isolated basins. Furthermore, U-Pb zircon provenance analysis allows us to recognize igneous products that are no longer preserved and/or exposed in the region.