Whole-Rock Geochemistry, Zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopic constraints on metasedimentary rocks (Paragneisses) in Stornes Peninsula, Larsemann Hills，East Antarctica

Understanding the geological history of the Larsemann Hills and other exposures along the southeastern coast of Prydz Bay is essential for reconstructing the formation and evolution of the East Gondwana continent. This research involves analyses of the major elements, trace elements, REE, U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopes of zircons from the metasedimentary rocks found in the Larsemann Hills. The results suggest that the provenance of the metasedimentary rocks within the Larsemann Hills is mainly Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks. The age of the protolith of the metasedimentary rocks is between ~1019 and ~970 Ma. Our data show that at least two tectono-metamorphic events at ~913 Ma and ~552–555 Ma affected the metasedimentary rocks. Furthermore, Prydz Bay has been an integral whole since before the Palaeozoic era and was subsequently reactivated by Pan-African tectonic events. The thickened crust stretched and thinned, accompanied by partial melting of lithospheric mantle into the lower crust. The real Prydz Bay Pan-African collision orogenic belt should be located under the ice sheet east of the Grove Mountains and strikes close to north-northeast.