Magneto- and cyclostratigraphy of the Nama Group, Namibia: tectonic and geochronological implications for the Kalahari Craton in the Edicaran - Cambrian transition

• Grant number: 22/04186-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Ivan Ferreira da Trindade
• Grantee: Thales Pescarini
• Supervisor: David Aspinwall Dai Evans
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Yale University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/03347-5 - Magnetic and cyclostratigraphy of the Nama group, Namibia: tectonic and chronologic implications for the Kalahari craton in the Ediacaran - Cambrian transition, BP.DD

Abstract

The Neoproterozoic is one of the most critical periods in Earth's history, where great evolutionary leaps took place in the biosphere, marked oscillations in climate and ocean chemistry, and a generalized reorganization in the positioning of continental masses. These processes are generally associated with feedback mechanisms between Earth's Systems (biosphere, climate and tectonics), however, many issues remain controversial in this regard. This project intends to study the sedimentary rocks of the Nama Group, Namibia, deposited in a foreland basin during the Ediacaran to the Cambrian period, in the Kalahari Craton. These rocks are considered key pieces for understanding the changes that occurred on the planet during this period due to their rich paleontological, sedimentological and geochemical record. The techniques to be used are the traditional ones of paleomagnetism plus state-of-the-art methodologies (e.g. cyclostratigraphy, microanalysis, magnetic microscopy) which will allow obtaining unprecedented and high resolution data. With this, it is expected to build a robust time frame for the Nama Group, which will later be linked to geotectonic and bioevolutionary models of this important period on Earth. (AU)