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Sublithospheric diamond ages and the supercontinent cycle
Suzette Timmerman1,2, Thomas Stachel3, Janne M Koornneef4
1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. suzette.timmerman@geo.unibe.ch.
Nature
|October 18, 2023
Summary
Sublithospheric diamonds reveal ancient subduction processes beneath the supercontinent Gondwana. These diamonds formed 450-650 million years ago, providing insights into supercontinent stability and deep Earth dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Petrology
- Tectonics
Background:
- Subduction's role in supercontinent cycles is difficult to study due to limited mantle samples.
- Sublithospheric diamonds provide unique insights into deep Earth processes and supercontinent evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To use sublithospheric diamonds to constrain the timing and nature of subduction related to the ancient supercontinent cycle.
- To investigate the long-term preservation and accretion of diamonds within the lithosphere.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of four isotope systems (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb, Re-Os) in inclusions within sublithospheric diamonds.
- Geobarometry using majorite inclusions.
- Trace element and isotopic ratio analysis of Fe-sulfide and CaSiO3 inclusions.
Main Results:
- Overlapping crystallization ages of 450-650 million years ago for diamonds from Juína and Kankan.
- Isotopic and trace element data indicate formation from a peri-Gondwanan subduction system.
- Diamonds were retained in the lithospheric keel for over 300 million years, suggesting a mechanism for lithosphere growth and supercontinent stability.
Conclusions:
- Sublithospheric diamonds provide a direct record of deep mantle processes linked to supercontinent assembly.
- The long-term accretion of diamonds to the lithosphere may have enhanced supercontinent stability.
- This study refines our understanding of the supercontinent cycle and deep Earth-mantle interactions.
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