The Mineiro Belt is an example of the Tonalite-Trondhjemite-Granodiorite (TTG)-Sanukitoid transition, exemplified by the Lagoa Dourada (LDS, 2350 Ma) and the Alto Maranhão (AMS, 2130 Ma) suites. Their opaque mineralogy, along with the amphibole chemistry, was investigated to better understand the granitic magmatism at that time. The LDS contains magnetite, ilmenite, chalcopyrite and pyrite as opaque primary phases, while the AMS includes ilmenite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, magnetite, pentlandite and sphalerite. With magnetite predominating in the LDS and ilmenite in the AMS, they should be classified as magnetite and ilmenite series granitoids, respectively. In the TTGs, the amphiboles are ferrotschermakite, whereas in the sanukitoids, they are primarily Mg-hornblende to actinolite. Despite the opaque mineralogy, the positive correlation between Fe# and AlIV in the amphiboles, along with the lower Fe# values in the ilmenite-bearing sanukitoids, suggests higher fO2 conditions compared to the magnetite-bearing TTGs. Although both opaque assemblages indicate fO2 values above the FMQ buffer, exceeding 10−18 bars for the ilmenite-bearing sanukitoids and 10−17 bars for the magnetite-bearing TTGs, their crystallization occurs close to the equilibrium reaction titanite + magnetite + quartz – Fe-Mg-Ca silicates + ilmenite. The assemblages show that the magnetite-bearing TTGs crystallized at lower temperatures (700–800°C) than ilmenite-bearing sanukitoids (800°C), showing a temperature dependency of fO2 once the latter register higher fO2, despite being ilmenite-series granitoids. This intriguing scenario may be due to a combination of heterogeneously metasomatized magma sources, temperature condition, fH2O and sediment entrance in the subduction, explained by the changes in crustal growth processes towards modern plate tectonics.

Field research in the Petites Pyrénées (France) yielded new Late Cretaceous continental microvertebrates, including some of the few known mammals from Europe from this time. They come from the well-dated late Maastrichtian Auzas Marls Formation which has yielded some of the latest European Mesozoic vertebrates. Here, we report new discoveries, including for the first time a co-occurrence of multituberculate and eutherian mammals in the Cretaceous of Western Europe, breaking previously known strong provincialism of Late Cretaceous mammals in Europe. Two new mammals are described. The kogaionid species Hainina cassagnauensis n. sp. is the first multituberculate known from the Late Cretaceous of Western Europe and the earliest record of Hainina. It makes Hainina one of the only known vertebrate genera crossing the K/Pg boundary in Europe. H. cassagnauensis n. sp. is the first described evidence for a mammal dispersal between the Eastern and Western parts of the European Archipelago at the end of the Cretaceous. Mammals from Tricouté also include an upper molar of the new eutherian cf. Azilestes yvettae n. sp. It exhibits an advanced morphology showing affinities to other specialized endemic eutherians from the Cretaceous of Europe such as Valentinella vitrollense and Azilestes ragei. These three European species have a basic zhelestid dental morphology, but their specializations suggest a new, at least subfamilial, European clade. As with other vertebrates from the European Archipelago, the kogaionid multituberculates and the zhelestid eutherians are ancient relict lineages that belong to the «old European faunal core».

Reconstructing the geological history of the Amazon River and its palaeo-drainage is of prime importance for understanding the control of tectonics and geodynamics processes on Amazonian landscape dynamics and the origin of Amazonian biodiversity. In this study, we report new stratigraphic, sedimentological and provenance constraints on the Neogene sedimentary rocks of the Madre de Dios Basin (South Peru). Our multidisciplinary dataset shows that the Neogene sedimentary rocks of the northern part of the Madre de Dios Basin (12.5–13° lat S) have a different provenance than those of the southern part (13–14° lat S). The sedimentary rocks of the northern part of the basin are characterized by Solimoes-like ƐNd (0) values (between −9.8 and −5.2) for fined grained sedimentary rocks, REE signatures suggestive of authigenic Fe-oxides formed from sulfide oxidation processes and U–Pb age distributions dominated by zircon ages between 0.9–1.3 Ga (Grenville/Sunsas), 0.5–0.7 Ga (Brasilian/Pampean), 290–252 Ma (Permian magmatism) and, to a lesser extent, zircon ages younger than 130 Ma (Andean Arc). We interpret the source of these sedimentary rocks to be the Altiplano and the Eastern Cordillera (EC). In contrast, the Neogene sedimentary rocks of the southern part were sourced from the EC and Sub-Andean Zone (SAZ) with secondary Fe-oxides derived from silicate rock weathering. Combined with previous studies, these contrasted geochemical signatures imply the existence of a palaeogeographic barrier within the Madre de Dios Basin between the Cretaceous and the Pliocene suggesting that the southern limit of the Amazonian palaeo-drainage basin was located within the Madre de Dios Basin.

This study examines the potential influence of deformation on the systematics of Rb-Sr geochronology in mica phases under different conditions. Biotite and muscovite porphyroclasts in deformed specimens were characterized using electron backscattered diffraction, electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify spatial variations in crystal lattice orientations, element concentrations and in situ Rb-Sr geochronology. S29, a specimen subjected to deformation at greenschist facies conditions, is characterized by a spread in in situ Rb-Sr two-point isochron spot dates, which exhibit a strong inverse correlation with lattice deformation. As such, these Rb-Sr dates are interpreted to record partial re-equilibration controlled by deformation. Rb-Sr data from white mica in a specimen (NP17-58), which was deformed at lower amphibolite facies conditions, define a single population isochron. No correlation between lattice distortion and Rb-Sr spot dates is noted. Finally, two biotite porphyroclasts and matrix grains in a specimen (AC4), deformed at upper amphibolite facies conditions, define unique, single population Rb-Sr isochrons. The Rb-Sr systematics of the older porphyroclast are interpreted to be mainly temperature-controlled. In contrast, the Rb-Sr systematics for the younger porphyroclast and matrix grains are interpreted to reflect fluid-mediated resetting. The results of this study demonstrate that the multi-faceted influences on Rb-Sr systematics make isolating the effect of deformation difficult. Due to the complexity of the Rb-Sr systematics in deformed specimens, careful consideration of the mica phase analysed, as well as the temperatures, fluids and deformation experienced throughout the rock’s history, needs to be accounted for.

The Blaini Formation, an important marker horizon in Indian stratigraphy, preserves the imprints of the Neoproterozoic glacial event. Although the sedimentology and genesis of the Blaini Formation have been extensively investigated, its syn-sedimentary and tectonic deformation styles remain insufficiently understood. This study presents the first report of syn-sedimentary deformation structures, such as load-and-flame structure, clastic vein, syn-sedimentary fault, and sand dyke, in the Neoproterozoic Blaini Formation. The development of these syn-sedimentary structures is attributed to the basinal instability. New mapping reveals the previously unreported juxtaposition of two couplets, each comprising diamictite and dolostone, within the Blaini Formation. Several lines of evidence from the mesoscopic-scale structures and the outcrop pattern reveal that the juxtaposition of the two diamictite-cap dolostone couplets is due to the tectonic imbrication of the Blaini Formation during the Himalayan Orogeny. The diamictite and dolostone beds, occurring in the two couplets, belong to the same stratigraphic levels, respectively. Our observations reveal that the Blaini Formation was deformed by two coaxial fold groups, brittle faults, and brittle-ductile and ductile shear zones during the Cenozoic Himalayan deformation. Any estimate on the thickness of the Blaini Formation is susceptible to significant overestimation without accounting for isoclinal folding and thrust-induced duplication. The Main Boundary Thrust is interpreted as an imbricate structure comprising repeatedly folded and thrust-bounded horses.

The metamorphic architecture of the Variscan basement in the Tatra Mountains provides evidence for nappe tectonics during Variscan continental collision in the Late Palaeozoic. We reconstruct the metamorphic history of the lower unit using phase equilibrium modelling, zirconium-in-rutile geothermometry and in situ LA-ICP-MS Th–U–Pb monazite geochronology of metapelites. We also present new U–Pb zircon ages from upper unit granitoids. In the lower unit, the peak assemblage in staurolite-kyanite schists is garnet + muscovite + biotite + staurolite + kyanite + plagioclase + rutile + quartz. Structurally higher, a kyanite-fibrolite zone is marked by loss of staurolite and abundant kyanite, commonly replaced by fibrolitic sillimanite. P–T conditions increase from 600–640°C and 6–8 kbar in the staurolite–kyanite zone to 640–655°C and 6.5–8.5 kbar in the kyanite–fibrolite zone. Monazite ages show downward younging from 342–332 Ma in the kyanite–fibrolite zone to 338–315 Ma in the underlying staurolite–kyanite zone, revealing a temporally and structurally inverted metamorphic sequence. These ages are younger than zircon ages in upper unit granitoids (353–346 Ma), indicating prograde metamorphism in the lower unit overlapped with late granitoid intrusion above. The inverted metamorphic sequence and spatially decoupled thermal histories of the upper and lower units suggest that nappe stacking played a dual role: accommodating crustal shortening and driving crustal re-equilibration through partial melting and melt migration. These processes are critical for the long-term rheological evolution of orogenic belts and for understanding the coupling between deformation, metamorphism and plutonism in thickened continental crust.

High-temperature/low-pressure (high T/P) metamorphism in the overlying plate of the Alpine orogenesis of the Cyclades (Greece) is restricted to eroded nappes within the Upper Tectonic Unit. A combination of cation exchange thermobarometers, phase diagram pseudosection calculations and an oxygen isotope geothermometer allows us to derive the P–T conditions of the sillimanite/amphibolite-grade metamorphic event on the island of Donoussa and their relation to accretionary orogenic development. The key focus of the study is the critical role of bulk-rock MnO mol% in promoting garnet formation in metapelites, thereby allowing sillimanite + garnet + biotite and sillimanite + biotite assemblages to develop at the same P–T. Thermobarometry of zoned garnets in metapelites reveals a decompression path from peak metamorphic values at ∼650°C, 4 kbar, to ∼520°C, 2.5 kbar. Correspondingly, both the measured and calculated Mn isochores in garnet record the cooling and decompression from peak metamorphic P–T. Amphibolite thermometry (690°C ± 40°C) and a P–T pseudosection substantiate the peak temperature-decompression path and predict retrograde sphene formation at ∼550°C. Refractory accessory mineral oxygen isotope thermometry of prograde quartz + andalusite ± sillimanite lenses gives high temperatures (625–665°C). The P–T path proposed in this study shows that outcrop-scale MnO variation produces metamorphic assemblage variations in high T/P metapelites that would normally be assigned to the garnet to sillimanite zone transition. Parallels with the Buchan metamorphism possibly suggest tectonic switching during the transition from early active subduction to slab roll-back.

Intra-terrane shear zones (ITSZs), though widespread across Proterozoic mobile belts, remain underexplored in their structural evolution and tectonic significance. This study explores the anatomy of the North Purulia Shear Zone (NPSZ), a ∼E–W trending, steeply dipping ITSZ within the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC), eastern India. Integrated structural, kinematic, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and microstructural analyses reveal that the NPSZ nucleated within megacrystic granite gneiss during late-Grenvillian tectonism (∼0.9–1.1 Ga), contemporaneous with Rodinia assembly. Field and AMS data demonstrate a sub-simple shear regime with a sinistral strike-slip component and magnetic fabrics transition from mixed oblate–prolate in host gneiss to only oblate in mylonitic zones. Recrystallized quartz grain aspect ratios increase significantly toward the core, coupled with elevated strain rates and decreasing flow stress. Deformation temperatures inferred from microstructural observation coupled with quartz dynamic recrystallization mechanisms suggest dominance of dislocation creep, which implies that the shearing took place at deep crustal level. The absence of precursor fractures or dykes and alignment of feldspar megacrysts suggest that the nucleation of the NPSZ was facilitated by anisotropy produced by the magmatic/sub-magmatic gneissic fabric, where interstitial smaller-sized quartz-rich domains in between K-feldspar megacrysts acted as viscous pathways. These findings not only provide first-order insights into ITSZ nucleation mechanisms but also reaffirm the CGGC as a site of late-Grenvillian crustal thickening related to the suturing of North and South Indian cratons during Rodinia amalgamation. The NPSZ thus emerges as a key intra-terrane tectonic structure recording Rodinia-linked crustal reworking within the Indian shield.

New-type metasedimentary rock-hosted stratiform Cu deposits occur in the Jianglang Dome. They are hosted by the Late Neoproterozoic Liwu Group and were unusually induced by an epigenetic magmatic-hydrothermal system. However, the source characteristics of fluids and metals remain poorly understood. Here, we employed Re-Os dating and He-Ar-S-Pb isotopes to determine their mineralization age and origin. Chalcopyrite Re-Os isotopic dating defines an isochron age of 162.7 ± 3.2 Ma and a crust-like initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 1.421 ± 0.021 (n = 4). Sulphide He-Ar isotope (n = 20) yields low R/Ra ratios of 0.052–0.144, high 40Ar/36Ar ratios of 479–2463 and low 40Ar*/4He ratios of 0.013–0.804, with calculated Hemantle values of 0.69–2.20 wt.%. In situ chalcopyrite sulphur isotope exhibits positive δ34SV-CDT values of 3.87–9.50‰ (n = 72). Together with similar lead isotope data of chalcopyrite separates (n = 40) and ca. 164 Ma granites (n = 4), as well as low residual gravity anomalies in this region, our integrated data indicate an epigenetic magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization at ca. 163 Ma. The ore-forming fluids were dominantly crust-derived, with minor air-saturated water and negligible mantle input (0.69–2.20 wt.%). This is most likely attributed to the low proportion (total <5 vol%) of sandwiched metabasic rocks in the metalliferous Liwu Group. All the investigated orebodies show source homogeneity, in contrast to classic sediment-hosted stratiform Cu deposits with isotopic heterogeneity. Further, our findings imply significant mineral exploration potential in the Jianglang Dome and analogous domes in the eastern Songpan-Ganze Orogen.

Constraining the timing, provenance and paleogeographic relationships of Cretaceous karst bauxites in the Austroalpine realm remains challenging due to their highly weathered, polygenetic nature and the general lack of datable fossils. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data show consistent boehmite–hematite assemblages in the Alpine deposits, whereas the Transdanubian bauxites (Alsópere, Iharkút) additionally contain gibbsite. Heavy mineral spectra are dominated by the ultrastable zircon–rutile–tourmaline assemblage, with subordinate kyanite, sillimanite and Cr-spinel pointing to contributions from medium- to high-grade metamorphic and ultramafic sources. Detrital zircon U–Pb spectra record mostly Proterozoic, Cadomian, Caledonian, Variscan, and Permian age components with regional contrasts. The Northern Calcareous Alps are dominated by Variscan ages, while Permian signatures are more prominent in the Transdanubian Range. Santonian (∼85 Ma) zircons at Kufstein reflect distal aeolian input from the Banatite magmatism. Zircon (U–Th)/He data reveal distinct low-temperature histories of the sources: Russbach contains a 90–75 Ma cooling signal reflecting Eoalpine metamorphic core complexes, whereas Jurassic–Early Cretaceous ages from Iharkút indicate sourcing from Upper Austroalpine units. Statistical comparisons confirm clustering among Santonian deposits but reveal heterogeneity in Albian and Turonian sites. The data indicate that Northern Calcareous Alps and Transdanubian Range bauxites formed from geographically distinct yet lithologically similar sources, with the rising central Austroalpine nappes acting as a topographic divide. The results refine the timing of bauxitization in the Alps, showing that some deposits, such as Russbach, are younger than previously thought, and that bauxitization was diachronous and largely controlled by tectonics during the Cretaceous.

The Afro-Arabian dome is a broad (4000 × 1500 km) topographic swell extending from Ethiopia to the Eastern Mediterranean, initiated by Late Eocene epeirogeny associated with the Afar plume and further shaped by Oligo-Miocene rifting of the Red Sea. Here, we evaluate stages in the uplift history of Afro-Arabia by analysing the mineralogical and geochemical properties of Oligocene-Miocene sediments from the Levant Basin of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our findings show that the 3-km-thick siliciclastic section in the basin preserves a unique record of the regional-scale uplift in Afro-Arabia, revealing a three-stage evolution: (1) Oligocene sediments (∼33–25 Ma) exhibit extreme weathering signatures reflecting deep chemical alteration of Neoproterozoic basement rocks of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. These sediments record the erosion of widespread Late Cretaceous-Late Eocene etchplains that blanketed the region and were dismantled during early stages of mantle-driven domal uplift; (2) A major transition occurred in the Late Oligocene-Early Miocene (∼25–20 Ma) when sedimentation rates peaked, sediment weathering intensity declined and recycling intensified, reflecting more vigorous erosion as uplift accelerated along the emerging Red Sea Rift shoulders; (3) Since ∼20 Ma, sediments show reduced weathering intensity, reflecting incision through the residual weathering mantle into fresh basement and marking the development of a rugged, high-relief landscape. Together, this record documents a stepwise transition from a deeply weathered, low-relief surface to a high-relief topography, shaped by the combined effects of regional doming and flexural uplift along the Red Sea Rift margins. It provides independent sedimentary constraints on the timing and style of Oligocene-Miocene uplift of Afro-Arabia.

Baltic amber is the best known of all the inclusion-bearing ambers and is often washed up on the shores around the Baltic Sea. The Upper Blue Earth Member of the Prussian Formation is the main source of this amber, although it also occurs in beds above and below. The age of Baltic amber has been a subject of controversy for many years, but it is important to know what its most likely age is when studying the evolution of different animal and plant groups trapped in the amber, particularly taxa used in phylogenetic trees. A review of the different dating techniques confirms that dinoflagellate cyst biostratigraphy is the best method for dating the amber-bearing beds. Here we correlate the published dinocyst species records with the zonation schemes in the Geologic Time Scale 2020 to provide more accurate and up-to-date dating of these beds. The Prussian Formation is late Eocene (Priabonian) in age, 37.7–34 million years old, and the Upper Blue Earth Member is mid-Priabonian, 36–35 million years old. Amber from the Upper Blue Earth is considered to be the same age and, given that it is concentrated towards the base of the member, an age of 36 Ma can be used in phylogenetic trees. Baltic amber of unknown provenance is probably Priabonian in age.

Colombellinidae is an extinct family of marine gastropods occurring in carbonate facies from the Middle Jurassic to the lowermost Upper Cretaceous, primarily in Europe and rarely in Asia. Members of the family are characterized by thick, oval shells with a narrow aperture bearing anterior and posterior canals, a thickened peristome and a denticulate outer lip. Colombellinids share several shell characters with representatives of Cypraeoidea, including a narrow, elongated aperture, but unlike cypraeids, their shells are not convolute. Based on a comprehensive revision of all described species, the taxonomy of Colombellinidae is clarified, and the family is restricted to only two genera: Colombellina d’Orbigny, 1842, and Zittelia Gemmellaro, 1869. One new species, Colombellina crassigranulata sp. nov., from the Upper Jurassic of Bulgaria, and one new genus, Wadeina gen. nov., from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) of Tennessee, USA – with a type species previously included in Colombellinidae but here assigned to the family Personidae (Tonnoidea) – are described. The distribution of the family and associated facies indicates a preference for shallow marine carbonate environments, while their low abundance may indicate a carnivorous mode of life. A comparison of Colombellinidae with Tonnoidea, Cypraeoidea and Purpurinidae sheds a new light on the phylogenetic relationships of these groups and supports the interpretation of Colombellinidae as a stem or sister group of Cypraeoidea. This study contributes to a refined systematics of Jurassic–Cretaceous gastropods and provides new evidence for the early diversification of higher caenogastropods.

The eastern Ordos Basin is situated in a transitional zone between the stable Ordos craton and an adjacent active orogenic belt. Episodic tectonic uplift and subsequent cooling of the eastern Ordos Basin since the Mesozoic have been spatially and temporally heterogeneous, with uplift and cooling commencing earlier in the central and northern segments than in the south. To constrain the differential tectono-thermal history of the eastern region, apatite fission-track analyses were carried out on Upper Palaeozoic samples from distinct tectonic units, and new data are presented. The results identify four discrete episodes of rapid exhumation at 110 Ma, 70 Ma, 50 Ma, and 30 Ma, confirming a heterogeneous uplift and exhumation history of the region since the Early Cretaceous. The Eastern Ordos has experienced three phases of uplift. North-south thermal histories differ significantly: the south shows later, rapid cooling (50 m/Ma, 110–90 Ma), while the north shows earlier, slower exhumation (25 m/Ma, 130–90 Ma). Since 30 Ma, the southern area experienced accelerated uplift, contrasting with the moderate exhumation observed in the north and centre. We infer that differential tectonic uplift, exhumation, and the cooling process are coupled to underlying mantle dynamics, which have resulted in the complex structure of the eastern basin. This research provides significant implications for reconstructing the divergent thermal evolution pathways of its various tectonic units.

Arborea elegans sp. nov., a new species of the clade Arboreomorpha, is described and figured based on three specimens preserved in mudstone from the Ediacaran Mistaken Point Formation at Halfway Cove, near the town of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Newfoundland, Canada. Arborea elegans is readily attributed to the clade Arboreomorpha because of its parallel primary branches diverging orthogonally from the central stalk, and merging at their apices to form a distinct marginal rim. It is assigned to the genus Arborea because of its distally tapered petalodium, rectangular first-order branches arising orthogonally from a prominent stalk, and first-order axes exposed over the entire length of the branches. It is distinguishable from other species of the genus by its slender petalodium, reduced stem, relatively broad first-order branches, and proportionally wide basal disc.

The Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Ontario, presents significant geohazards, such as block failure, threatening human safety and infrastructure. Despite thorough documentation of the stratigraphy exposed along the escarpment, there remains a lack of quantitative assessment of the rock mass characteristics. This study addresses this gap and offers practical approaches to documenting rock mass characteristics by investigating rock strength properties. The Schmidt hammer (SH), a non-destructive tool widely used in geotechnical and geomorphological research, was used to compare the strength values of rock units exposed along the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton. Systematic field investigations across selected sites used scanline surveys to measure weathering, fracture continuity, groundwater presence and SH values. The SH rebound values were qualitatively compared with those reported in previous literature and align with lithological expectations. Findings indicate that SH values are significantly influenced by both geographic location and geological formation, with a significant interaction effect. Comparative analysis of rock units in the Ancaster Member of the Goat Island Formation, the Gasport Formation and the Irondequoit Formation showed significant differences (p < 0.005) in rock hardness, with mean SH values of 32.8, 42.2 and 49.1, respectively. These findings demonstrate the necessity of integrating stratigraphic and site-specific geological data into hazard mitigation strategies, as rock hardness influences the stability of the escarpment face. The data reported here demonstrate rock strength variation along the Niagara Escarpment and contribute to the modelling and prediction of geohazards, thereby enhancing geohazard management strategies in similar regions.

The Curaco Batholith, located in Northern Patagonia (Argentina), is a Late Triassic-Early Jurassic composite intrusive body comprising monzogranites, granodiorites, diorites, granite porphyry, muscovite-bearing leucogranites, mylonites, and andesitic-rhyolitic dikes. This study integrates field mapping, petrographic-microstructural observations, rock magnetic data, and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analyses across these different facies to investigate the emplacement history of the Curaco batholith within an E-W-trending deformation area. Microstructural analysis allowed classification into three categories: (1) magmatic, encompassing sub-magmatic to high-temperature solid-state, (2) medium-temperature solid-state, and (3) low-temperature solid-state. These were systematically correlated with AMS data. The magnetic fabrics in most lithologies exhibit general NW-SE-trending foliations with subhorizontal to moderately plunging lineations, consistent across the batholith. AMS fabrics within and around the La Seña and Pangaré shear zones share this orientation but display variable dips and lineation plunges. The observed parallelism between magnetic and mesoscopic fabrics, including microgranular enclaves, syn-plutonic dikes, and magmatic foliations in granitic rocks, suggests that strain was recorded progressively during crystallization. The coherent alignment of magmatic, solid-state, and AMS fabrics supports a syn-tectonic emplacement model. At the regional scale, the batholith developed under E-W dextral strike-slip tectonics, whereas at the local scale, emplacement occurred within a right-stepping releasing stepover, producing transtensional conditions. This deformation pattern reflects continuous strain during magma cooling, from magmatic flow to solid-state deformation at progressively lower temperatures, ultimately approaching the brittle-ductile transition. The Curaco Batholith thus records the emplacement of a syn-extensional magma body during the early stages of Gondwana break-up, providing insights into magmatism-transtension interactions in continental settings.