Mesozoic deposits of SW Gondwana (Namibia): unravelling Gondwanan sedimentary dispersion drivers by detrital zircon

A sediment homogenization system spanning from the Permo-Carboniferous to at least the Lower Cretaceous is identified in the Namibian Mesozoic successions, revealing dynamic sedimentary processes during the transition from an ice house environment to an arid desert. The study used a combination of isotopic and morphometric data on detrital zircon grains, along with whole-rock geochemical analysis of sandstones, to unravel sediment dispersion drivers in SW Gondwana. Detrital zircon age patterns indicate distinct provenance changes, with the Lower Triassic Neu Loore Formation sourced locally, while Middle Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous formations (Omingonde, Etjo, Twyfelfontein) reflect extensive recycling and homogenization facilitated by fluvial and eolian transport systems. This suggests a shift in sediment dynamics during the Mesozoic era.

Zieger, J., Harazim, S., Hofmann, M., Gärtner, A., Gerdes, A., Marko, L., & Linnemann, U. (2020). Mesozoic deposits of SW Gondwana (Namibia): unravelling Gondwanan sedimentary dispersion drivers by detrital zircon. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 109(5), 1683–1704. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-020-01864-2