Geodynamic setting, crustal architecture, and VMS metallogeny of ca. 2720 Ma greenstone belt assemblages of the northern Wawa subprovince, Superior Province

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W.D. Lodge ◽  
Harold L. Gibson ◽  
Greg M. Stott ◽  
James M. Franklin ◽  
George J. Hudak
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Greenstone Belt ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Geodynamic Setting ◽  
Trace Element Geochemistry ◽  
Superior Province ◽  
Suprasubduction Zone ◽  
Greenstone Belts ◽  
Arc Setting ◽  
Back Arc

The greenstone belts along the northern margin of the Wawa subprovince of the Superior Province (Vermilion, Shebandowan, Winston Lake, Manitouwadge) formed at ca. 2720 Ma and have been interpreted to be representative of a rifted-arc to back-arc tectonic setting. Despite a common inferred tectonic setting and broad similarities, these greenstone belts have a significantly different metallogeny as evidenced by different endowments in volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS), magmatic sulphide, and orogenic gold deposits. In this paper, we examine differences in geodynamic setting and crustal architecture as they pertain to the metallogeny of each greenstone belt by characterizing the regional-scale trace-element and isotopic (Nd and Pb) geochemistry of each belt. The trace-element geochemistry of the Vermilion greenstone belt (VGB) shows evidence for a transition from arc-like to back-arc mafic rocks in the Soudan belt to plume-driven rifted arcs in the ultramafic-bearing Newton belt. The Shebandowan greenstone belt (SGB) has a significant proportion of calc-alkalic, arc-like basalts, intermediate lithofacies, and high-Mg andesites, which are characteristic of low-angle, “hot” subduction. Extensional settings within the SGB are plume-driven and associated with komatiitic ultramafic and mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like basalts. The Winston Lake greenstone belt (WGB) is characterized by a transition from calc-alkalic, arc-like basalts to back-arc basalts upward in the strata and is capped by alkalic ocean-island basalt (OIB)-like basalts. This association is consistent with plume-driven rifting of a mature arc setting. Each of the VGB, SGB, and WGB show some isotopic evidence for the interaction with a juvenile or slightly older differentiated crust. The Manitouwadge greenstone belt (MGB) is characterized by isotopically juvenile, bimodal, tholeiitic to transitional volcanic lithofacies in a back-arc setting. The MGB is the most isotopically juvenile belt and is also the most productive in terms of VMS mineralization. The Zn-rich VMS mineralization within the WGB suggests a relatively lower-temperature hydrothermal system, possibly within a relatively shallow-water environment. The Zn-dominated and locally Au-enriched VMS mineralization, as well as mafic lithofacies and alteration assemblages, are characteristic of relatively shallower-water deposition in the VGB and SGB, and indicate that the ideal VMS-forming tectonic condition may have been compromised by a shallower-water depositional setting. However, the thickened arc crust and compressional tectonics of the SGB suprasubduction zone during hot subduction may have provided a crustal setting more favourable for the magmatic Ni–Cu sulphide and relative gold endowment of this belt.

Stratigraphy, structure and geochemistry of Archaean supracrustal rocks from Oqaatsut and Naajaat Qaqqaat, north-east Disko Bugt, West Greenland

1999 ◽  
pp. 65-78
Author(s):  
Henrik Rasmussen ◽  
Lars Frimodt Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Trace Element Geochemistry ◽  
Element Geochemistry ◽  
West Greenland ◽  
North West ◽  
North East ◽  
Metavolcanic Rocks ◽  
Arc Setting ◽  
Area North ◽  
Back Arc

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Rasmussen, H., & Frimodt Pedersen, L. (1999). Stratigraphy, structure and geochemistry of Archaean supracrustal rocks from Oqaatsut and Naajaat Qaqqaat, north-east Disko Bugt, West Greenland. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 181, 65-78. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v181.5114 _______________ Two Archaean supracrustal sequences in the area north-east of Disko Bugt, c. 1950 and c. 800 m in thickness, are dominated by pelitic and semipelitic mica schists, interlayered with basic metavolcanic rocks. A polymict conglomerate occurs locally at the base of one of the sequences. One of the supracrustal sequences has undergone four phases of deformation; the other three phases. In both sequences an early phase, now represented by isoclinal folds, was followed by north-west-directed thrusting. A penetrative deformation represented by upright to steeply inclined folds is only recognised in one of the sequences. Steep, brittle N–S and NW–SE striking faults transect all rock units including late stage dolerites and lamprophyres. Investigation of major- and trace-element geochemistry based on discrimination diagrams for tectonic setting suggests that both metasediments and metavolcanic rocks were deposited in an environment similar to a modern back-arc setting.

Trace element geochemistry of the Meen-Dempster greenstone belt, Uchi subprovince, Superior Province, Canada: back-arc development on the margins of an Archean protocontinent

2000 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 1021-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pete Hollings ◽  
Greg Stott ◽  
Derek Wyman
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Greenstone Belt ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Tholeiitic Basalt ◽  
Pyroclastic Flows ◽  
Trace Element Geochemistry ◽  
Element Geochemistry ◽  
Lree Enrichment ◽  
Compositional Diversity ◽  
Back Arc

Comprehensive trace element analyses of mafic and felsic volcanic rocks from the 2.85-2.74 Ga Meen-Dempster greenstone belt reveal a wide compositional diversity. The ~2.85 Ga Kaminiskag assemblage is dominated by mafic tholeiite characterized by predominantly unfractionated REE (La/Smn = 0.8-1.1). Rare intermediate and felsic pyroclastic flows (SiO2 = 62-74) with moderate to pronounced LREE enrichment are intercalated with the tholeiite. The Kaminiskag assemblage is overlain by the ~2825 Ma Meen assemblage, comprising dominantly dacitic tuffs and pyroclastic breccia, displaying enriched LREE (La/Smn = 3.7-7.2) and moderately fractionated HREE, in conjunction with pronounced negative Nb anomalies. Five distinct suites have been recognized in the ~2740 Ma Confederation assemblage: (1) tholeiitic basalt with flat to smoothly depleted REE, (2) tholeiite with flat to weakly depleted LREE in conjunction with pronounced negative Nb anomalies, (3) Fe-rich basalt with elevated Ti and P contents, LREE enrichment, and fractionated HREE, (4) LREE enriched basalt and andesite with negative Nb anomalies, and (5) dacite and rhyolite with enriched LREE, moderately fractionated HREE, and variable high field strength element anomalies. The geochemistry and geochronology of the Kaminiskag and Meen assemblages are consistent with the formation of an oceanic back arc (Kaminiskag assemblage), which formed the basement for a subduction-related arc complex (Meen assemblage) after a 15 Ma hiatus. The Confederation assemblage is interpreted to represent an Archean back arc, where the complex interplay of mantle sources allows for the eruption of tholeiite, subduction-modified tholeiite, ocean island basalt-like basalt, and subduction-related arc-type volcanic rocks. The recognition of back-arc basins within the Meen-Dempster greenstone belt emphasizes a continuity of crustal growth processes from the Archean to the present day.

Geochemistry, geochronology, and geodynamic setting of Ni–Cu ± PGE mineral prospects hosted by mafic and ultramafic intrusions in the Portneuf–Mauricie Domain, Grenville Province, QuebecGéologie Québec Contribution 8439-2008-2009-5. Geological Survey of Canada Contribution 20080511.

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 331-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.-A. Sappin ◽  
M. Constantin ◽  
T. Clark ◽  
O. van Breemen
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Crustal Contamination ◽  
Island Arc ◽  
Geodynamic Setting ◽  
Grenville Province ◽  
Magmatic Arc ◽  
Andean Type ◽  
Trace Element Signature ◽  
Arc Setting ◽  
Back Arc

The Portneuf–Mauricie Domain in the Grenville Province consists of the Montauban group rocks (1.45 Ga), intruded by the La Bostonnais complex plutons (1.40–1.37 Ga). This assemblage was formed in a magmatic arc setting. The sequence was intruded by mafic–ultramafic tholeiitic plutons, some of which host Ni–Cu ± PGE (platinum group element) prospects. U–Pb zircon ages determined from these plutons indicate that the mineralized intrusions were emplaced between 1.40 and 1.39 Ga and that they are coeval with the La Bostonnais complex plutons. The Ni–Cu ± PGE-bearing intrusions have mature island-arc trace element signatures, with strong chemical evidence for differentiation (Mg# and Cr content; MgO and TiO2 contents) and crustal contamination (enrichments in K2O, Rb, Ba, Th, and light rare-earth elements; Th/Yb and Ta/Yb ratios). However, one intrusion displays a back-arc trace element signature associated with evidence for weak crust assimilation. The evolution of the Portneuf–Mauricie Domain is interpreted as follows: (1) 1.45 Ga — Northwesterly directed Andean-type subduction beneath the Laurentian craton margin. Furthermore, northwest-dipping intraoceanic subduction offshore from the continent formed the Montauban island arc. (2) 1.45 to 1.40 Ga — Andean-type subduction led to the formation of a back-arc basin behind the Montauban arc. (3) 1.40 Ga — Emplacement of the La Bostonnais complex plutons, some hosting Ni–Cu ± PGE prospects, into the Montauban arc. (4) 1.39 Ga — Subduction beneath Laurentia led to arc–continent collision and to closure of the back-arc basin. Intrusion of the Ni–Cu ± PGE-bearing plutons ceased. (5) 1.37 Ga — Intrusion of all La Bostonnais complex plutons ceased.

scholarly journals Cumulate gabbros in the South Andaman Island Ophiolite Suite (India): their bearing on the tectonic setting.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salim Akhtar ◽  
Priyanka Negi ◽  
Ashima Saikia
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
The South ◽  
Andaman Island ◽  
Ophiolite Suite ◽  
South Andaman ◽  
Major Oxide ◽  
Mineral Compositions ◽  
Arc Setting ◽  
Back Arc

The Andaman Ophiolite of south-eastern India is located on the outer arc of the Andaman-Java subduction zone. It is represented by thrust slices formed in the Mesozoic Neo-Tethyan Ocean. Lithologically, it consists of dismembered mafic and ultramafic rocks and associated oceanic pelagic sediments. The present study focuses on the mafic cumulate rocks of the Andaman Ophiolite preserved in the Kodiaghat and the Mundapahar area of the South Andaman Island. The mafic cumulates are represented by olivine-bearing and olivine-free gabbros. The sequence of crystallisation in the gabbros is olivines (Fo~80) ± chromian spinels (Cr# 59 - 57), plagioclases (An95−61), clinopyroxenes (Mg# = 89 - 82) and amphiboles (Mg-hornblende, edenite and pargasite). Major oxide and trace element whole rock geochemistry and mineral compositions are consistent with a hybrid signature of Island Arc Tholeiite (IAT) - Mid Oceanic Ridge Basalt (MORB). Geochemical modelling shows that trapped melt fractions of 0 – 20 % can produce the observed trace element signatures of these gabbros. Our findings suggest that the gabbroic cumulates of the Andaman ophiolite were formed in an oceanic back-arc and oceanic arc setting developed in the Neo-Tethyan oceanic domain between the Indian and the Burmese plates during Late Cretaceous age.

Rubidium–strontium ages from the Oxford Lake – Knee Lake greenstone belt, northern Manitoba

1980 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 560-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. S. Clark ◽  
S.-P. Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Greenstone Belt ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Superior Province ◽  
Granitic Intrusion ◽  
Greenstone Belts ◽  
Archean Greenstone Belts

Rb–Sr whole-rock ages have been determined for rocks from the Oxford Lake – Knee Lake – Gods Lake greenstone belt, in the Superior Province of northeastern Manitoba.The age of the Magill Lake Pluton is 2455 ± 35 Ma (λ87Rb = 1.42 × 10−11 yr−1), with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7078 ± 0.0043. This granitic stock intrudes the Oxford Lake Group, so it is post-tectonic and probably related to the second, weaker stage of metamorphism.The age of the Bayly Lake Pluton is 2424 ± 74 Ma, with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7029 ± 0.0001. This granodioritic batholith complex does not intrude the Oxford Lake Group. It is syn-tectonic and metamorphosed.The age of volcanic rocks of the Hayes River Group, from Goose Lake (30 km south of Gods Lake Narrows), is 2680 ± 125 Ma, with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7014 ± 0.0009.The age for the Magill Lake and Bayly Lake Plutons can be interpreted as the minimum ages of granitic intrusion in the area.The age for the Hayes River Group volcanic rocks is consistent with Rb–Sr ages of volcanic rocks from other Archean greenstone belts within the northwestern Superior Province.

Tholeiitic volcanic rocks of the late Archean Blake River Group, southern Abitibi greenstone belt: origin and geodynamic implications

1992 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1448-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Laflèche ◽  
C. Dupuy ◽  
J. Dostal
Keyword(s):  
Greenstone Belt ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Incompatible Trace Element ◽  
Progressive Change ◽  
Abitibi Greenstone Belt ◽  
Mid Ocean Ridge ◽  
Compositional Variations ◽  
Arc Setting ◽  
Back Arc ◽  
Ocean Ridge

The late Archean Blake River Group volcanic sequence forms the uppermost part of the southern Abitibi greenstone belt in Quebec. The group is mainly composed of mid-ocean-ridge basalt (MORB)-like tholeiites that show a progressive change of several incompatible trace element ratios (e.g., Nb/Th, Nb/Ta, La/Yb, and Zr/Y) during differentiation. The compositional variations are inferred to be the result of fractional crystallization coupled with mixing–contamination of tholeiites by calc-alkaline magma which produced the mafic–intermediate lavas intercalated with the tholeiites in the uppermost part of the sequence. The MORB-like tholeiites were probably emplaced in a back-arc setting.

The Ferguson Lake deposit: an example of Ni–Cu–Co–PGE mineralization emplaced in a back-arc basin setting?

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 958-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Acosta-Góngora ◽  
S.J. Pehrsson ◽  
H. Sandeman ◽  
E. Martel ◽  
T. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Ultramafic Rocks ◽  
Geodynamic Setting ◽  
Ocean Ridges ◽  
Tectonic Environment ◽  
Pge Mineralization ◽  
Extensional Tectonic ◽  
Basaltic Composition ◽  
Greenstone Belts ◽  
Back Arc

The world’s largest Ni–Cu–Platinum group element (PGE) deposits are dominantly hosted by ultramafic rocks within continental extensional settings (e.g., Raglan, Voisey’s Bay), resulting in a focus on exploration in similar geodynamic settings. Consequently, the economic potential of other extensional tectonic environments, such as ocean ridges and back-arc basins, may be underestimated. In the northeastern portion of the ca. 2.7 Ga Yathkyed greenstone belt of the Chesterfield block (western Churchill Province, Canada), the Ni–Cu–Co–PGE Ferguson Lake deposit is hosted by >2.6 Ga hornblenditic to gabbroic rocks of the Ferguson Lake Igneous Complex (FLIC), which is metamorphosed up to amphibolitic facies. The FLIC has a basaltic composition (Mg# = 31–72), flat to slightly negatively sloped normalized trace element patterns (La/YbPM = 0.7–3.5), and negative Zr, Ti, and Nb anomalies. The FLIC rocks are geochemically similar to the 2.7 Ga back-arc basin tholeiitic basalts from the adjacent Yathkyed and MacQuoid greenstone belts (Mg# = 30–67; La/YbPM = 0.3–3.0), but the Ferguson Lake intrusions appear to be more crustally contaminated. We interpret the FLIC to have formed in an equivalent back-arc basin setting. This geodynamic setting is rare for the formation of Ni–Cu–PGE occurrences, and only few examples of this tectonic environment (or variations of it, e.g., rifted back-arc) are found in other Proterozoic and Archean sequences (e.g., Lorraine deposit, Quebec). We suggest that back-arc basin-derived mafic rocks within the Yathkyed and other Neoarchean greenstone belts of the Chesterfield block (MacQuoid and Angikuni) could represent important targets for future mineral exploration.

New insights into the geologic evolution of the Grenvillian Trenton Prong inlier, Central Appalachian Piedmont, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 840-854
Author(s):  
Richard A. Volkert
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Hanging Wall ◽  
Sediment Source ◽  
Slow Cooling ◽  
Grenville Province ◽  
Magmatic Arc ◽  
Metamorphic History ◽  
Arc Setting ◽  
Appalachian Piedmont ◽  
Back Arc

New geochemical and 40Ar/39Ar hornblende and biotite data from the Grenvillian Trenton Prong inlier provide the first constraints for the identification of lithotectonic units, their tectonic setting, and their metamorphic to post-metamorphic history. Gneissic tonalite, diorite, and gabbro compose the Colonial Lake Suite magmatic arc that developed along eastern Laurentia prior to 1.2 Ga. Spatially associated low- and high-TiO2 amphibolites were formed from island-arc basalt proximal to the arc front and mid-ocean ridge basalt-like basalt in a back-arc setting, respectively. Supracrustal paragneisses include meta-arkose derived from a continental sediment source of Laurentian affinity and metagraywacke and metapelite from an arc-like sediment source deposited in a back-arc basin, inboard of the Colonial Lake arc. The Assunpink Creek Granite was emplaced post-tectonically as small bodies of peraluminous syenogranite produced through partial melting of a subduction-modified felsic crustal source. Prograde mineral assemblages reached granulite- to amphibolite-facies metamorphic conditions during the Ottawan phase of the Grenvillian Orogeny. Hornblende 40Ar/39Ar ages of 935–923 Ma and a biotite age of 868 Ma record slow cooling in the northern part of the inlier following the metamorphic peak. Elsewhere in the inlier, biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages of 440 Ma and 377–341 Ma record partial to complete thermal resetting or new growth during the Taconian and Acadian orogens. The results of this study are consistent with the Trenton Prong being the down-dropped continuation of the Grenvillian New Jersey Highlands on the hanging wall of a major detachment fault. The Trenton Prong therefore correlates to other central and northern Appalachian Grenvillian inliers and to parts of the Grenville Province proper.

New high-precision U–Pb ages for the Island Lake greenstone belt, northwestern Superior Province: implications for regional stratigraphy and the extent of the North Caribou terrane

2006 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 789-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jen Parks ◽  
Shoufa Lin ◽  
Don Davis ◽  
Tim Corkery
Keyword(s):  
Shear Zone ◽  
High Precision ◽  
Greenstone Belt ◽  
Superior Province ◽  
Geological History ◽  
Isotopic Data ◽  
Mapping Study ◽  
The North ◽  
Crustal Block ◽  
Greenstone Belts

A combined U–Pb and field mapping study of the Island Lake greenstone belt has led to the recognition of three distinct supracrustal assemblages. These assemblages record magmatic episodes at 2897, 2852, and 2744 Ma. Voluminous plutonic rocks within the belt range in age from 2894 to 2730 Ma, with a concentration at 2744 Ma. U–Pb data also show that a regional fault that transects the belt, the Savage Island shear zone, is not a terrane-bounding structure. The youngest sedimentary group in the belt, the Island Lake Group, has an unconformable relationship with older plutons. Sedimentation in this group is bracketed between 2712 and 2699 Ma. This group, and others similar to it in the northwestern Superior Province, is akin to Timiskaming-type sedimentary groups found throughout the Superior Province and in other Archean cratons. These data confirm that this belt experienced a complex geological history that spanned at least 200 million years, which is typical of greenstone belts in this area. Age correlations between the Island Lake belt and other belts in the northwest Superior Province suggest the existence of a volcanic "megasequence". This evidence, in combination with Nd isotopic data, indicates that the Oxford–Stull domain, and the Munro Lake, Island Lake, and North Caribou terranes may have been part of a much larger reworked Mesoarchean crustal block, the North Caribou superterrane. It appears that the Superior Province was assembled by accretion of such large independent crustal blocks, whose individual histories involved extended periods of autochthonous development.

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