Conditions of Archean granulite metamorphism in the Godthab-Fiskenaesset region, southern West Greenland

The Nordlandet peninsula (Akia terrane) and the Tasiusarsuaq terrane in southern West Greenland were metamorphosed to granulite facies at 3.0 and 2.8 Ga respectively. Temperatures of metamorphism are estimated using magnetite + ilmenite, garnet + orthopyroxene, garnet + clinopyroxene and garnet + biotite thermometers. Barometry has been carried out in the two terranes using eight different garnet barometers. A uniform set of activity models for all minerals, including the garnet activity model of Newton et al. (1986), is applied to each barometer in order to permit comparison. Pressure estimates using the different barometers are generally quite consistent (±1.5 kbar). Use of the Newton et al. (1986) garnet activity data results in pressures similar to those obtained using other garnet activity models.
Peak metamorphic conditions on the Nordlandet peninsula are estimated to have been 800 ± 50°C, 7.9 ± 1.0 kbar. Values of log f _O2 are estimated to have been 1.1 to 2.0 above the quartz + magnetite + fayalite buffer from assemblages of magnetite + ilmenite and quartz + magnetite + ferrosilite. Peak metamorphic conditions in the Tasiusarsuaq terrane are estimated to have been 780 ± 50°C, 8.9 ± 1.0 kbar. Estimates of f _H2O and f _CO2 using biotite, amphibile, grossular + anorthite and grossular + scapolite equilibria are low in both terranes. These results suggest that granulite metamorphism was fluid absent in both terranes, and that the metamorphism in the Akia terrane and possibly also in the Tasiusarsuaq terrane was initiated by the injection of large volumes of magma into the lower crust.     

Magma generated structures and their subsequent development in the Late Archaean evolution of Northern Buksefjorden,Southern West Greenland

The Inugssugssuaq nappe is made up of a membrane of anorthositic rocks sheathed by grey gneisses of Nûk age (2.800 Ma) and with a core of highly xenolithic Nûk grey gneiss. The structure was generated by magmatic diapirism followed by tectonic activity, but both stages probably resulted from thermally induced gravitational instability. Relations with geometrically similar structures in the area are discussed.

---

Zusammenfassung Die Inugssugssuaq-Decke wird durch eine Membran von anorthositischen Gesteinen aufgebaut, die durch graue Gneise von Nûk Alter (2.800 Ma) eingehüllt wird und die einen Kern aus grauem, stark xenolithischen Gneis besitzt.Die Struktur wurde durch magmatischen Diapirismus gebildet, gefolgt von tektonischer Aktivität. Beide Stadien waren wahrscheinlich die Folge thermisch verursachter Schwereinstabilität. Die Beziehungen zu geometrisch ähnlichen Strukturen in dem Gebiet werden diskutiert.

---

Résumé La nappe d'Inugssugssuaq est formée par une membrane de roches anorthositiques, enrobée par des gneiss d âge Nuk (2.800 Ma), avec un noyau de gneiss xénolithiques gris.La structure résulte d'un diapirisme magmatique auquel a succédé une activité tectonique. Ces deux étappes furent vraisemblablement la conséquence d'une instabilité gravitative d'origine thermique. Les relations avec des structures géométriques semblables dans la région sont discutées.

---

Inugssugssuaq , (2.800 ), . , . , , . .

     

Rare earth evidence for the origin of the Nûk gneisses Buksefjorden region,southern West Greenland

Rare earth element (REE) concentrations have been determined (by the INAA method) for the c. 2,800 m.y. old Nûk gneisses from the Buksefjorden region, southern West Greenland. Samples include dioritic to granodioritic gneisses and synplutonic mafic dykes; a Malene metagabbro and Qôrqut granite were analysed for comparisons.The early Nûk gneisses, diorites and tonalites, have mildly fractionated REE patterns which are interpreted as resulting from partial melting of garnetbearing amphibolite or granulite. Early Nûk trondhjemitic gneisses possess downward convex patterns with prominent positive Eu anomalies; they may be related to the diorites and tonalites by the separation of hornblende in a residue of partial melting or fractional crystallization. Most of the later Nûk grey gneisses have extremely fractionated linear patterns which were derived from a source very rich in garnet, possibly eclogite. REE patterns measured in the late Nûk Ilivertalik granite complex are mildly fractionated but with a high overall abundance consistent with an origin by partial melting of mafic lower crustal material. Two sets of synplutonic mafic dykes have strongly fractionated patterns similar to those found in alkali basalts.The geochemical variations suggest that the igneous precursors of the Nûk gneisses were not cogenetic, but were derived from widely differing sources.     

Archaean crustal evolution in southern West Greenland: A review based on observations in the Buksefjorden region

Thermal, metamorphic and tectonic processes associated with the two major crust-forming events expressed as voluminous generation of Amîtsoq and Nûk tonalitic-granitic gneisses, ca. 3750 Ma and ca. 2800 Ma respectively, in southern West Greenland are reviewed briefly in the light of recent studies in the Buksefjorden region.     

Geochemical Constraints on the Origin of the Late Archean Skjoldungen Alkaline Igneous Province, SE Greenland

The present work reports the first broad geochemical investigationof the recently discovered late Archean (2700 Ma) Skjoldungenalkaline igneous province (SAP) in southeast Greenland. Therocks studied range in composition from ultramafic to felsicand comprise pyroxenites, hornblendites, hornblende noritesand diorites, monzonites, syenites, and nephelinitic rocks andcarbonatites. Various lithologic units from the host Archeangneissic basement are also investigated. The magmatic rocksshow remarkably coherent major element, trace element, rareearth element (REE), and Sr and Nd isotope systematics, suggestinga petrogenetic relationship. The most important geochemicalfeatures are high normative proportions of nepheline, forsteriteand albite, low TiO₂ (<15 wt %) and moderate FeO (total)(<12 wt %) contents, enrichments in large ion lithophileelements (LILE) and light rare earth elements both absoluteand relative to high field strength elements (HFSE) that displaylarge negative anomalies, and generally low to moderate abundancesof compatible elements. Field relations and REE and compatibleelement systematics among Skjoldungen rocks suggest that maficand ultramafic hornblende-rich samples may represent cumulatelithologies of the regional parental magma. On the basis ofmineral data, this is deduced to have had mg-number of 064,shoshonitic affinities (K₂O15 wt %), been close to silica saturationand volatile rich. Major element, trace element and REE systematicsfurther suggest that felsic intrusions are related to the maficregional parental magma through extensive olivine, hyperstheneand hornblende fractionation. Lack of correlation between La/Yband other critical trace and REE ratios indicates that apatite,zircon and titaniferous minerals were not important cumulusphases at advanced stages of evolution. The measured Sm–Ndwhole-rock isochron age is 2716 23 Ma (2 error) [mean squareof weighted deviates (MSWD) = 14], whereas linear regressionof the Sr isotope data yields an age of 26047 Ma (2 error)(MSWD = 22•2). The age obtained by Nd isotopes is corroboratedby U–Pb zircon results (2698 7 Ma), suggesting thatthe Sm–Nd system remained closed since crystallization.By contrast, the 100 Ma younger age obtained by Sr isotopessuggests that the Rb–Sr system has been disturbed. Initial¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴ Nd ratios span a narrow range corresponding to _Nd(27Ga) =+074 to –109, whereas initial _Sr values at 27Ga cover a comparatively larger interval from –10 to +20.Neither initial _Nd nor initial _Sr values conform to previouslysuggested mantle depletion curves and no meaningful correlationexists between Nd and Sr isotopes for the Skjoldungen magmaticrocks as a whole. Although compositionally heterogeneous, theanalyzed suite of samples from the host agmatitic basement isextremely homogeneous with respect to age, with T^CHUR crustalresidence times around 2700–2800 Ma confirming limitedavailable isotopic evidence. Large-scale assimilation of Archeancrust or recycling of sediments derived from the local basementinto the mantle source fails to explain adequately negativeNb anomalies and low ^Nd signatures characteristic of the Skjoldungenintrusions. Rather, the nearchondritic isotopic compositionof Nd in the Skjoldungen samples together with the decoupledLILE and HFSE enrichment and slightly positive _Sr values areconsidered to reflect characteristics of the mantle source ina subduction zone environment. The geodynamic site hosting theSkjoldungen province thus may be an early manifestation of modern-styleplate tectonics. KEY WORDS: Skjoldungen province; Greenland; Archean; alkaline igneous rocks; geochronology; geochemistry ^*Corresponding author. Present address: Ecole Normale Suprieure de Lyon, 46 AlLe d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France     

Strata bound scheelite in the Archean Malene supracrustal belt,West Greenland

In the Archean of Western Greenland a tungsten province ca. 300 km long and up to 120 km wide has been discovered with extensive banded amphibolites containing up to 2% W and 0.16 ppm gold. The tungsten occurs as scheelite which is associated with tourmalinites and strata-bound tourmaline-rich layers in amphibolites of presumed tuffaceous origin and with an iron-formation containing high amounts of tungsten, zinc, copper, lead, molybdenum, and tin. The scheelite is shown to be strata-bound and of submarine exhalative origin.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of the Mkhondo suite, Swaziland: evidence for passive-margin deposition and granulite facies metamorphism in the Late Archean of Southern Africa

The Archean Mkhondo suite in southern Swaziland is a multiply deformed succession of metasediments intruded with amphibolite dykes and sills and granitoid gneisses. Mineral and textural relationships indicate an early period of granulite facies metamorphism, followed later by amphibolite facies metamorphism. Geothermobarometry indicates maximum temperatures of 700–900°C and burial depths of 25–3 km. Paragneisses and biotite quartzites have LREE enriched patterns with small negative Eu anomalies, whereas white quartzites show variable REE patterns and low REE concentrations. BIF has slight LREE enrichment and Eu anomalies. Amphibolites have moderate LREE enrichment and depletions in Ta---Nb and P. Unlike many Archean granitoids, the Mkhondo granitoid gneisses are high in K and other LILE, have large negative Eu anomalies and are not depleted in HREE.SHRIMP isotopic analyses of detrital zircons from a biotite quartzite define a source age of 3600–3460 Ma. A deformed granitoid in tectonic contact with the Mkhondo suite yields a zircon evaporation mean age of 3192±5 Ma, which is interpreted as the age of emplacement. A zircon evaporation age of a granitic melt patch in paragneiss, as well as whole-rock and garnet Sm---Nd isotopic ages, suggest that the peak of high-grade metamorphism in the Mkhondo suite occurred at about 2750 Ma. This is the first evidence for Late Archean high-grade metamorphism in the southeastern Kaapvaal craton. The age data of this study restrict deposition of the Mkhondo suite to between 3.2 and 2.75 Ga.Mkhondo paragneisses are interpreted as shales with biotite quartzites as iron- and quartz-rich detrital sediments. Geochemical mixing calculations indicate that the sediment sources were composed of basalt (±komatiite), TTG and Eu-depleted granitoids. The Mkhondo assemblage may have been deposited along a passive continental margin or in a continental interior basin. The presence of minor BIF with positive Eu anomalies suggests minor hydrothermal input into the sedimentary basin. Intense chemical weathering was probably most important in production of the relatively pure quartz sands.     

Geochemistry of Archean metasedimentary rocks from West Greenland

Archean metasedimentary rocks occur as components of the Isua supracrustals, Akilia association and Malene supracrustals of southern West Greenland. Primary structures in these rocks have been destroyed by metamorphism and deformation. Their chemistry and mineralogy is consistent with a sedimentary origin, but other possible parents (e.g. acid volcanics, altered pyroclastic rocks) cannot be excluded for some of them. There is little difference in the composition of metasedimentary rocks from the early Archean Isua supracrustals and probable correlative Akilia association. Both have a wide range in rare earth element (REE) patterns with $\text{La}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>N</mtext>}}\text{Yb}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>N</mtext>}}$ ranging from 0.61?5.8. The REE pattern of one Akilia sample, with low $\text{La}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>N</mtext>}}\text{Yb}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>N</mtext>}}$, compares favourably with that of associated tholeiites and it is likely that such samples were derived almost exclusively from basaltic sources. Other samples with very steep REE patterns are similar to felsic volcanic boulders found in a conglomeratic unit in the Isua supracrustals. Samples with intermediate REE patterns are best explained by mixing of basaltic and felsic end members. Metasedimentary rocks from the Malene supracrustals can be divided into low silica (≤55% SiO₂) and high silica (>77% SiO₂) varieties. These rocks also show much variation in $\text{La}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>N</mtext>}}\text{Yb}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>N</mtext>}}$ (0.46?14.0) and their origin is explained by derivation from a mixture of mafic volcanics and felsic igneous rocks. The wide range in trace element characteristics of these metasedimentary rocks argues for inefficient mixing of the various source lithologies during sedimentation. Accordingly, these data do not rigorously test models of early Archean crustal composition and evolution. The systematic variability in trace element geochemistry provides evidence for the bimodal nature of the early Archean crust.     

Archean Regional Metamorphism of the Isua Supracrustal Belt,Southern West Greenland: Implications for a Driving Force for Archean Plate Tectonics

The Isua supracrustal belt (～3.8 Ga) constitutes the oldest accretionary complex in the world. Petrochemical and geothermobarometric studies of more than 1500 rock samples of the Isua belt have enabled us to estimate the extent of regional metamorphism, the petrotectonic environment, and the subduction-zone geothermal gradient in the Archean. The following line of evidence indicates progressive, prograde metamorphism from greenschist (Zone A) through albite-epidote-amphibolite (Zone B) to amphibolite facies (Zones C and D) in the northeastern part of the Isua supracrustal belt: (1) the systematic change of mineral paragenesis in metabasites and metapelites; (2) progressive change of the composition of major metamorphic minerals, including plagioclase, amphibole, chlorite, epidote, and garnet; (3) normal zoning of amphibole and garnet; and (4) the absence of relict minerals of high-grade amphibolitic metamorphism even in the lowest metamorphic zone. Metabasites of the Isua belt vary extremely in Mg#, causing a complex mineral paragenesis throughout the area. For example, a high FeO content of metabasites expands the stability field of hornblende to both lower and higher grades. The compositional and mineralogical characteristics above also indicate that the Isua supracrustal belt underwent a single regional metamorphic event, involving minor contact metamorphism and mylonitization; however, weak ocean-floor metamorphism and low-grade regional metamorphism during accretion cannot be ruled out.

Metamorphic pressures and temperatures are estimated to be 5–7 kbar from garnet-hornblende-plagioclase-quartz geobarometry and 380–550°C from garnet-biotite geothermometry in Zones B to D. These P-T estimates indicate an intermediate P/T ratio metamorphic facies series. Geological investigations and chronological constraints of the Isua metamorphic belt indicate that the regional metamorphism was related to the subduction of Archean lithosphere, and records a geothermal gradient for the Archean subduction zone that is much higher than geotherms for Phanerozoic subduction zones. The high geothermal gradient may have resulted from the young age of subducted lithosphere and high potential temperature of the mantle. The Archean high geothermal gradient led to melting of thick oceanic crust in a thin, descending oceanic plate, creating many huge granitic (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite [TTG]) batholiths. Slab melting changed the oceanic crust (density = 3.07) to denser garnet-bearing assemblages (density = 3.55), implying that TTG melt extraction provided a potential driving force for Archean plate tectonics.     

Glacial landscape evolution in the Uummannaq region,West Greenland

The Uummannaq region is a mosaic of glacial landsystems, consistent with hypothesized landscape distribution resulting from variations in subglacial thermal regime. The region is dominated by selective linear erosion that has spatially and altitudinally partitioned the landscape. Low altitude areas are dominated by glacial scour and higher elevations are dominated by plateaux or mountain valley and cirque glaciers. The appearance and nature of each landscape type varies locally with altitude and latitude, as a function of bedrock geology and average glacial conditions. Selective linear erosion has been a primary control on landscape distribution throughout Uummannaq, leading to plateau formation and the growth of a coalescent fjord system in the Uummannaq region. This has allowed the development of the Uummannaq ice stream's (UIS) onset zone during glacial periods. Fjord development has been enhanced by a downstream change in geology to less‐resistant lithologies, increasing erosional efficiency and allowing a single glacial channel to develop, encouraging glacier convergence and the initiation of ice streaming. The landscape has been affected by several periods of regional uplift from 33 Ma to present, and has been subject to subsequent fluvial and glacial erosion. Uplift has removed surfaces from the impact of widespread warm‐based glaciation, leaving them as relict landsurfaces. The result of this is a regional altitude‐dependent continuum of glacial modification, with extreme differences in erosion between high and low elevation surfaces. This study indicates that processes of long‐term uplift, glacial erosion/protection and spatial variability in erosion intensity have produced a highly partitioned landscape.     

Chemical assembly of Archean anorthosites from amphibolite- and granulite-facies terranes, SW Greenland

We report whole-rock, major- and trace-element compositions (obtained by XRF and INA methods) for the amphibolite-facies Buksefjorden and granulite-facies Nordland anorthosites, SW Greenland. In a previous petrologic study on the same sample suite, we documented differences in texture, mineralogy, and mineral compositions between these two anorthosite bodies. Chemical analyses confirm differences in composition between the two bodies, but these differences cannot be explained by variations in metamorphic conditions, and point towards differences in the nature of their protoliths. Analyzed Nordland samples are anorthosites and leucogabbros with 88-98% normative plagioclase, whereas those from Buksefjorden include anorthosite, leucogabbro, and gabbro with ~55-95% normative plagioclase. Two or more compositional groupings can be recognized at each site, which correspond to differences in color and mineralogy of the hand samples. Samples from Buksefjorden are mainly quartz-normative, whereas those from Nordland are olivine (- nepheline) normative. Other differences include higher Ni/Co ratio and REE contents in the granulite-facies anorthosites from Nordland. REE pattern shapes are similar, however, being moderately fractionated at ~0.5-102 chondrites with positive Eu-anomalies. Calculated equilibrium melt patterns are similar for both anorthosites, being relatively flat at ~50-1502 chondrites, suggesting unfractionated (but evolved) parental magmas. Olivine must have been present in the protoliths of the Nordland rocks compared with Buksefjorden. Otherwise, the protoliths contained plagioclase with variable An-content (~An₆₂-An₉₂) and a mafic component with variable Fe/Mg (mg ~0.3-0.8). This mafic component was either hornblende or a combination of ortho- and clinopyroxene in fixed proportions, plus a small amount of magnetite. Mixing calculations demonstrate that some Buksefjorden anorthosites contain two varieties of plagioclase: a calcic type that may correspond to cumulus crystals, and a sodic-type that may correspond to a trapped-melt component. On plots of normative whole-rock An versus mg, compositions of the Buksefjorden and Nordland anorthosites form crude negative arrays that differ from the generally positive trends of mafic layered intrusions (Kiglapait, Skaergaard) and from the generally flats trends of plagioclase-rich cumulate rocks (St. Urbain and Stillwater anorthosites). This difference provides further evidence for the distinctive nature of Archean calcic-anorthosite complexes compared with other types of mafic intrusions. Moreover, this distribution of data points is consistent with the assembly of the protolith of the SW Greenland anorthosites mainly as mixtures of plagioclase and hornblende. Finally, the field for the Buksefjorden and Nordland anorthosites overlaps only slightly with that for the Fiskenaesset Complex, thus extending the known range of compositions for Archean anorthosites in West Greenland.     

Thermal granulite-facies metamorphism with diffuse retrogression in Archaean orthogneisses, Fiskefjord, southern West Greenland

Around Fiskefjord, southern West Greenland, Archaean amphibolite-facies, granulite-facies and retrograde orthogneisses occur in lithological and structural continuity with each other. The granulite-facies rocks here—and elsewhere in West Greenland—are surrounded by extensive areas of retrograde gneisses. Both the prograde and retrograde metamorphism took place in a major event of continental crust formation c. 3000 Ma ago, which gave rise to granulite-facies conditions in part of the rock complex exposed today. In the Fiskefjord area distributions of major and trace elements, as well as strontium and lead isotopes, show that the fades transformations were accompanied by pronounced metasomatism, and mineral chemistry indicates that the hydrous retrograde metamorphism took place under amphibolite-facies conditions and was gradual and incomplete. The metamorphic and metasomatic processes in the Fiskefjord area are believed to have been controlled by heat from continuous intracrustal injection of large masses of tonalitic magma, which caused gradual dehydration and partial melting, followed by liberation of aqueous fluids during crystallization of anatectic melts. These fluids partially retrograded previously dehydrated gneisses. In contrast, South Indian high-grade gneisses have mainly prograde amphibolite–granulite-facies transitions which are distinct and well preserved, later than penetrative deformation, and are likely to have been controlled by CO₂ streaming. These amphibolite–granulite-facies transitions are reported to be near-isochemical. It is suggested that there are (at least) two different kinds of granulite-facies metamorphism: a near-isochemical prograde type in stabilized tectonic environments, perhaps controlled by influx of CO₂ (e.g. in South India) and significantly post-dating original crust formation; and a fluid-deficient type with widespread anatexis, hydrous retrogression and metasomatism, which takes place during accretion of continental crust, and in which heat is the governing factor (e.g. in southern West Greenland).     

Late Archaean granulite facies metamorphism in the Vestfold Hills,East Antarctica

Granulites of the Vestfold Hills record a pulsed end-Archaean to early Palaeoproterozoic M1–M2 evolution that is distinct from other Archaean areas in East Antarctica and cratonic domains placed adjacent to East Antarctica in Gondwana reconstructions. Pressure and temperature conditions of the end-Archaean to earliest Palaeoproterozoic (2501–2496 Ma) M1 granulite facies metamorphism in the Vestfold Hills have been constrained from mineral assemblages and thermobarometry of Fe-rich paragneisses. Reintegrated compositions of exsolved subcalcic clinopyroxenes and pigeonites in a metaironstone yield temperatures of 895 ± 35 °C, whilst reintegrated compositions of perthitic feldspars in semipelitic paragneisses give minimum estimates of 860 ± 30 °C. These results rule out the extreme ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions previously proposed for M1 in the Vestfold Hills. Pressures of metamorphism during M1 are estimated as 8.1 ± 0.9 kb at 850 ± 40 °C from hercynite + sillimanite + almandine + corundum and retrieved Fe–Mg–Al relations in orthopyroxene coexisting with garnet. A second metamorphic event, M2, occurred at 600–660 °C and 6–8 kb based on thermometry of recrystallised pyroxene neoblasts and thermobarometry applied to M2 garnet–quartz symplectites formed on orthopyroxene and garnet. The intervening emplacement of the magmatic Crooked Lake Gneiss Group precursors occurred at similar or shallower pressures prior to D2–M2, an event that caused tectonic interleaving and reactivation of the Vestfold Hills basement at mid-crustal depths in the earliest Palaeoproterozoic, prior to its unroofing to shallower levels (3–5 kb) by 2470 Ma. The lack of correlative Archaean histories in areas that were formerly adjacent in Gondwanan reconstructions is consistent with the Vestfold Hills region either being exotic to the East Antarctic Shield until the final (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian) amalgamation of Gondwana, or being accreted to part of East Antarctica in a Proterozoic event distinct from the Rayner–Eastern Ghats tectonism that united much of India with Antarctica at 1000–900 Ma.     

Middle Archean ocean ridge hydrothermal metamorphism and alteration recorded in the Cleaverville area, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia

A hydrothermally metamorphosed greenstone complex, capped by bedded cherts and banded iron formations (BIFs), is exposed in the Cleaverville area, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia. It has been interpreted as an accretionary complex characterized by both a duplex structure and an oceanic plate stratigraphy, and is shown to represent a 3.2 Ga upper oceanic crust. Three metamorphic zones are identified in the basaltic greenstones. The metamorphic grade increases from sub-greenschist facies (zones A and B) to greenschist facies (zone C) under low-pressure conditions. The boundaries between three mineral zones are subparallel to the bedding plane of overlying chert/BIF, and metamorphic temperature increases stratigraphically downward. The zones correspond to the thermal structure of ocean-floor metamorphism, at a mid-ocean ridge.
The uppermost greenstone in the study area is more pervasively altered and carbonatized than the modern upper oceanic crust. This indicates the enrichment of CO₂ in the metamorphic fluid by which widespread formation of carbonate occurred, compared with a narrow stability region of Ca-Al silicates. It is, therefore, suggested that the Archean hydrothermal alteration played a more important role in fixation of CO₂ than present-day ocean-ridge hydrothermal alteration, as an interaction between sea water and oceanic crust.     

Chemical characteristics and genesis of the quartz-feldspathic rocks in the Archean crust of Greenland

A total of 108 samples of meta-tonalites, metagranodiorites, granites and meta-tholeiites representing groups of Early to Late Archean age and different metamorphic history from SW and SE Greenland have been analyzed for Ca, K and 28 trace elements. There is no systematic change of the chemical composition with age observable. The results support petrologic experiments which suggest that tonalites and granodiorites (the most abundant rocks of the Archean crust) are partial melting products of a mafic lower crust. Modelling suggest that this crust consisted of garnet amphibolite derived from a source with a bulk composition resembling a slightly enriched rather than depleted mantle. The Ce_N/Yb_N ratio is above 10 in the majority of tonalites. Most samples have no Eu anomaly because of a balanced contribution from the minerals of a mafic rock (or a plagioclase-free source). The positive Eu anomaly of some granodiorites and of a minor proportion of tonalites can be explained as being caused by plagioclase accumulation during differentiation or by partial melting of plagioclase-rich fractions. Modelling with Zn excludes an origin of tonalitic melts by differentiation of basaltic to dioritic magmas. The Archean meta-diorites, meta-tonalites and meta-granodiorites from Greenland have generally lost some K and S relative to their suggested magmatic protoliths. Loss of Rb, Tl, Pb and K and relative gain of Ca, Sr, Ba and Sc connected with granulitization of meta-tonalites can be explained in the majority of cases by separation of about 25 percent granitic partial melt. High K/Rb, K/Pb, Zn/Cd and Nb/Th ratios of granulites plus low ratios of granites are almost in balance with intermediate ratios of amphibolite-facies tonalites. Retrogression of granulites into amphibolites was accompanied by introduction of Pb, Tl, Rb, Ba, Sr and K from Na-Cl-rich brines circulating on fractures. A comparison of the abundance of 24 elements (characterized by different compatibility) in the Archean crust of Greenland with the present bulk crust reflects only minor changes (Th, Nb) if at-all in the chemical composition of the continental crust since the Archean.     

Gold occurrences of the Archean North Atlantic craton,southwestern Greenland: A comprehensive genetic model

The North Atlantic craton of southwestern Greenland hosts several orogenic gold occurrences, although, to date, none is in production. Four gold provinces are distinguished and include Godthåbsfjord, Tasiusarsuaq, Paamiut, and Tartoq. In the Godthåbsfjord gold province, the hypozonal gold occurrences are aligned along the major ca. 2660–2600 Ma Ivinnguit fault. Orogenic gold mineralization correlates temporally with, and is related to, ductile deformation along this first-order structure. The northern part of the Tasiusarsuaq gold province is characterized by small hypozonal gold occurrences that are controlled by 2670–2610 Ma folds and shear zones. Auriferous fluids were focused into the structures in both gold provinces during west-directed accretion of the Kapisilik terrane (2650–2580 Ma) to the already amalgamated terranes of the North Atlantic craton. In the southern part of the Tasiusarsuaq gold province, hypozonal gold mineralization is hosted in back-thrusts (Sermilik prospect) and thrusts (Bjørnesund prospect) that formed at 2740 Ma and 2860–2830 Ma, respectively. The deformation is related to the ca. 2850 Ma accretion of the Sioraq block and the Tasiusarsuaq terrane, and the 2800–2700 Ma accretion of the Tasiusarsuaq terrane and the Færingehavn and Tre Brødre terranes.Mesozonal orogenic gold mineralization is hosted in an accretionary complex in the Paamiut and Tartoq gold provinces. Gold occurrences cluster over a strike extent of approx. 40 km in thrusts and complex strike-slip settings in lateral ramps. The timing of the E-vergent terrane accretion in both areas is unknown, and could either be at ca. 2850 Ma or 2740 Ma. In the eastern part of the Paamiut gold province, quartz veins and associated alteration zones were overprinted by granulite facies metamorphism and show evidence for partial melting. These outermost parts of the accretionary complex were involved in burial-exhumation tectonics during crustal accretion.Mainly three different orogenic stages related to gold mineralization are distinguished in the North Atlantic craton between ca. 2850 Ma and 2610 Ma. These are generally accretionary tectonic episodes, and gold mineralization is hosted either in reactivated fault systems between terranes or accretionary complex structures along the deformed cratonic margin. The larger orogenic gold occurrences formed at ca. 2740–2600 Ma that appears to be a period of orogenic gold mineralization globally, although significant gold resources in the North Atlantic craton have yet to be identified.     

Late Quaternary history of Washington Land, North Greenland

During the last glacial stage, Washington Land in western North Greenland was probably completely inundated by the Greenland Ice Sheet. The oldest shell dates from raised marine deposits that provide minimum ages for the last deglaciation are 9300 cal. yr BP (northern Washington Land) and 7600 cal. yr BP (SW Washington Land). These dates indicate that Washington Land, which borders the central part of Nares Strait separating Greenland from Ellesmere Island in Canada, did not become free of glacier ice until well into the Holocene. The elevation of the marine limit falls from 110 m a.s.l. in the north to 60 m a.s.l. in the southwest. The recession was followed by readvance of glaciers in the late Holocene, and the youngest shell date from Neoglacial lateral moraines north of Humboldt Gletscher is 600 cal. yr BP. Since the Neoglacial maximum, probably around 100 years ago, glaciers have receded. The Holocene marine assemblages comprise a few southern extralimital records, notably of Chlamys islandica dated to 7300 cal. yr BP. Musk ox and reindeer disappeared from Washington Land recently, perhaps in connection with the cold period that culminated about 100 years ago.     

Late Quaternary history of the Kap Mackenzie area,northeast Greenland

Wagner, B., Bennike, O., Cremer, H. & Klug, M. 2010: Late Quaternary history of the Kap Mackenzie area, northeast Greenland. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 492–504. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00148.x. ISSN 0300‐9483. The Kap Mackenzie area on the outer coast of northeast Greenland was glaciated during the last glacial stage, and pre‐Holocene shell material was brought to the area. Dating of marine shells indicates that deglaciation occurred in the earliest Holocene, before 10 800 cal. a BP. The marine limit is around 53 m a.s.l. In the wake of the deglaciation, a glaciomarine fauna characterized the area, but after c. one millennium a more species‐rich marine fauna took over. This fauna included Mytilus edulis and Mysella sovaliki, which do not live in the region at present; the latter is new to the Holocene fauna of northeast Greenland. The oldest M. edulis sample is dated to c. 9500 cal. a BP, which is the earliest date for the species from the region and indicates that the Holocene thermal maximum began earlier in the region than previously documented. This is supported by driftwood dated to c. 9650 cal. a BP, which is the earliest driftwood date so far from northeastern Greenland and implies that the coastal area was at least partly free of sea ice in summer. As indicated by former studies, the Storegga tsunami hit the Kap Mackenzie area at c. 8100 cal. a BP. Loon Lake, at 18 m a.s.l., was isolated from the sea at c. 6200 cal. a BP, which is distinctly later than expected from existing relative sea‐level curves for the region.     

鞍本地区太古宙原型沉积盆地恢复初探

鞍本地区是我国重要的沉积变质型铁矿矿集区,本文作者通过对该区区域航磁、重力等物探资料进行解译,结合区域地质与矿产资料,对该区太古宙沉积盆地形态进行恢复,并对其演化过程进行讨论,认为沉积了鞍山群的盆地原始形态为近东西向展布的断陷型盆地,在2.0~2.7 Ga期间遭受变质变形改造,最终形成轴向近南北的直立水平褶皱。通过对原型盆地的恢复,将有助于解释鞍山群各岩组同位素测年结果相近的问题,同时也能为合理部署铁矿找矿工作提供依据。