The Isotopic Age and Correlation of Carbonate Rocks of the Ara-Oshei Formation (Tunka Ridge, East Sayan)

Abstract

—We present results of Pb–Pb geochronology and Sr- and C- chemostratigraphic study of limestones and dolomites of the Ara-Oshei Formation of the Tunka ridge in East Sayan. The δ13C value of the limestones varies from –0.6 to 2.3‰ PDB, the 87Sr/86Sr ratio is within 0.70851–0.70864, and the Pb–Pb age is 521 ± 21 Ma (MSWD = 0.9). The δ13C value of the dolomites varies from –3.9 to 0.5‰ PDB, the 87Sr/86Sr ratio is 0.70844–0.70882, and the Pb–Pb age is 417 ± 8 Ma (MSWD = 2.5). The U–Pb isotope system of the dolomites was disturbed during the geologic evolution of the region, which led to the rejuvenation of their Pb–Pb age in the Early Devonian. The obtained Sr-chemostratigraphic and Pb–Pb data show that the limestones of the Ara-Oshei Formation accumulated in the early Cambrian. This provides a reliable proof that the limestones are part of the Vendian–Cambrian sedimentary cover of the Tuva–Mongolian massif.