Constraints on source-forming processes of West Greenland kimberlites inferred from Hf-Nd isotope systematics

Kimberlites from West Greenland have Hf-Nd isotope as well as major and trace element compositions that are similar to other Group I kimberlites, but that are distinctive in the spectrum of magmas sampled at Earth’s surface. The West Greenland kimberlites have ε_Ndi that ranges from +1.6 to +3.1 and ε_Hfi that ranges from −4.3 to +4.9. The samples exhibit ubiquitous negative Δε_Hfi (deviation from the ocean island basalt ε_Hf-ε_Nd reference line), ranging from −1.8 to −11.2. The kimberlites are characterized by steep heavy rare earth element patterns, positive Ta-Nb anomalies and negative Hf-Zr anomalies. These chemical signals are consistent with the presence of ancient, subducted oceanic crust in the kimberlite source region. In the model we present, dewatering and possibly partial melting of rutile-bearing oceanic crust during subduction results in characteristic trace element patterns in the residual crust. During aging, the Hf-Nd isotopic composition of this dewatered/partially melted EMORB-type crust evolves to negative Δε_Hfi values. Metasomatic fluids derived from this ancient subducted oceanic crust infiltrate and impart their trace element and isotopic signal on proximal peridotitic mantle. Melting of this metasomatized mantle peridotite results in kimberlite magmas.     

Ancient graphite in the Eoarchean quartz-pyroxene rocks from Akilia in southern West Greenland II: Isotopic and chemical compositions and comparison with Paleoproterozoic banded iron formations

We present detailed petrographic surveys of apatite grains in association with carbonaceous material (CM) in two banded iron formations (BIFs) from the Paleoproterozoic of Uruguay and Michigan for comparison with similar mineral associations in the highly debated Akilia Quartz-pyroxene (Qp) rock. Petrographic and Raman spectroscopic surveys of these Paleoproterozoic BIFs show that apatite grains typically occur in bands parallel to bedding and are more often associated with CM when concentrations of organic matter are high. Carbonaceous material in the Vichadero BIF from Uruguay is generally well-crystallized graphite and occurs in concentrations around 0.01 wt% with an average δ¹³C_gra value of −28.6 ± 4.4‰ (1σ). In this BIF, only about 5% of apatite grains are associated with graphite. In comparison, CM in the Bijiki BIF from Michigan is also graphitic, but occurs in concentrations around 2.4 wt% with δ¹³C_gra values around −24.0 ± 0.3‰ (1σ). In the Bijiki BIF, more than 78% of apatite grains are associated with CM. Given the geologic context and high levels of CM in the Bijiki BIF, the significantly higher proportion of apatite grains associated with CM in this rock is interpreted to represent diagenetically altered biomass and shows that such diagenetic mineral associations can survive metamorphism up to the amphibolite facies.Isotope compositions of CM in muffled acidified whole-rock powders from the Akilia Qp rock have average δ¹³C_gra values of −17.5 ± 2.5‰ (1σ), while δ¹³C_carb values in whole-rock powders average −4.0 ± 1.0‰ (1σ). Carbon isotope compositions of graphite associated with apatite and other minerals in the Akilia Qp rock were also measured with the NanoSIMS to have similar ranges of δ¹³C_gra values averaging −13.8 ± 5.6‰ (1σ). The NanoSIMS was also used to semi-quantitatively map the distributions of H, N, O, P, and S in graphite from the Akilia Qp rock, and relative abundances were found to be similar for graphite associated with apatite or with hornblende, calcite, and sulfides. These analyses revealed generally lower abundances of trace elements in the Akilia graphite compared to graphite associated with apatite from Paleoproterozoic BIFs.Graphite associated with hornblende, calcite, and sulfides in the Akilia Qp rock was fluid-deposited at high-temperature from carbon-bearing fluids, and since this graphite has similar ranges of δ¹³C_gra values and of trace elements compared to graphite associated with apatite, we conclude that the Akilia graphite in different mineral associations formed from the same source(s) of CM. Collectively our results do not exclude a biogenic origin of the carbon in the Akilia graphite, but because some observations can not exclude graphitization of abiogenic carbon from CO₂- and CH₄-bearing mantle fluids, there remain ambiguities with respect to the exact origin of carbon in this ancient metasedimentary rock. Accordingly, there may have been several generations of graphite formation along with possibly varying mixtures of CO₂- and CH₄-bearing fluids that may have resulted in large ranges of δ¹³C_gra values. The possibility of fluid-deposited graphite associated with apatite should be a focus of future investigations as this may prove to be an alternative pathway of graphitization from phosphate-bearing fluids. Correlated micro-analytical approaches tested on terrestrial rocks in this work provide insights into the origin of carbon in ancient graphite and will pave the way for the search for life on other ancient planetary surfaces.     

Ancient graphite in the Eoarchean quartz-pyroxene rocks from Akilia in southern West Greenland I: Petrographic and spectroscopic characterization

Because all known Eoarchean (>3.65 Ga) volcano-sedimentary terranes are locked in granitoid gneiss complexes that have experienced high degrees of metamorphism and deformation, the origin and mode of preservation of carbonaceous material in the oldest metasedimentary rocks remain a subject of vigorous debate. To determine the biogenicity of carbon in graphite in such rocks, carbonaceous material must be demonstrably indigenous and its composition should be consistent with thermally altered biogenic carbon as well as inconsistent with abiogenic carbon. Here we report the petrological and spectroscopic characteristics of carbonaceous material, typically associated with individual apatite grains, but also with various other minerals including calcite, in a >3.83 Ga granulite-facies ferruginous quartz-pyroxene unit (Qp rock) from the island of Akilia in southern West Greenland. In thin sections of the fine-grained parts of Akilia Qp rock sample G91-26, mapped apatites were found to be associated with graphite in about 20% of the occurrences. Raman spectra of this carbonaceous material had strong G-band and small D-band absorptions indicative of crystalline graphite. Three apatite-associated graphites were found to contain curled graphite structures, identified by an anomalously intense second-order D-band (or 2D-band) Raman mode. These structures are similar to graphite whiskers or cones documented to form at high temperatures. Raman spectra of apatite-associated graphite were consistent with formation at temperatures calculated to be between 635 and 830 °C, which are consistent with granulite-facies metamorphic conditions. Three graphite targets extracted by focused ion beam (FIB) methods contained thin graphite coatings on apatite grains rather than inclusions sensu stricto as inferred from transmitted light microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. TEM analyses of graphite in these FIB sections showed a (0 0 0 2) interplanar spacing between 3.41 and 3.64 Å for apatite-associated graphite, which is larger than the spacing of pure graphite (3.35 Å) and may be caused by the presence of non-carbon heteroatoms in interlayer sites. Samples analyzed by synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) also confirmed the presence of crystalline graphite, but abundances of N and O heteroatoms were below detection limit for this method. Graphite in the Akilia Qp rock was also found to occur in complex polyphase mineral assemblages of hornblende ± calcite ± sulfides ± magnetite that point to high-temperature precipitation from carbon-bearing fluids. These complex mineral assemblages may represent another generation of graphitization that could have occurred during the amphibolite-facies metamorphic event at 2.7 Ga. Several observations point to graphitization from high-temperature fluid-deposition for some of the Akilia graphite and our results do not exclude a biogenic source of carbon in graphite associated with apatite, but ambiguities remain for the origin of this carbon.     

Chemical and isotopic evidence for widespread Eoarchean metasedimentary enclaves in southern West Greenland

New mapping, geochemistry and zircon U-Pb ion microprobe geochronology of pre-3750 Ma rocks from West Greenland was used to identify sedimentary protoliths in a problematic high-grade metamorphic terrane. Samples were collected from southernmost part of the Itsaq Gneiss Complex where Akilia association supracrustal rocks have previously been noted. Supracrustal lithologies include laterally continuous and variably deformed units of amphibolite, ultramafics and ferruginous quartz-pyroxene rocks. Oxygen isotope and mass-independently fractionated sulfur isotopes, immobile trace elements and rare earth element patterns are consistent with origin of quartz-pyroxene rocks as chemical sediments deposited in a marine hydrothermal setting. We describe a further supracrustal lithology: Garnet-bearing quartz-biotite schists with elevated oxygen isotope values (δ¹⁸O_SMOW ? +16‰) and mass-independently fractionated S isotopes consistent with a low-temperature aqueous sedimentary origin. In several enclaves, granitoid gneisses within low-strain limbs transect lithologic contacts and contain inclusions of surrounding rocks. This supports the interpretation that some orthogneisses were originally emplaced as igneous veins that cut supracrustal lithologies. Zircon geochronology on orthogneisses that preserve intrusive relationships confirms minimum ages of ca. 3750 Ma for the supracrustals and pooled [Th/U]_zircon and δ¹⁸O_zircon values of older zircon populations are consonant with igneous growth in the bulk composition of the host rocks. Low [Zr]_WR and high Zr saturation temperatures further minimize the possibility of zircon inheritance. A >3750 Ma age and chemical sedimentary origin for various Akilia association lithologies underscores the widespread occurrence of rocks of this kind beyond the type locality on Akilia (island) at the southern limit of the Itsaq Gneiss Complex.     

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.     

The iron-rich suite from the Amîtsoq gneisses of southern West Greenland: early Archaean plutonic rocks of mixed crustal and mantle origin

A distinctive group of augen gneisses and ferrodiorites (termed the iron-rich suite) is a component of the early Archaean Amîtsoq gneisses of southern West Greenland. The iron-rich suite outcrops south of the mouth of Ameralik fjord in an area that underwent granulite facies metamorphism in the early Archaean. The iron-rich suite forms approximately 30% of the Amîtsoq gneiss of this area and occurs as sheets and lenses up to 500 m thick. The rest of the Amîtsoq gneisses are predominantly tonalitic-granodioritic, banded grey gneisses. Despite intense deformation and polymetamorphism, there is local field evidence that the iron-rich suite was intruded into the grey gneisses after they had been affected by tectonism and metamorphism. The banded grey gneisses are interpreted as 3,700 to 3,800 Ma old; U-Pb zircon ages from the iron-rich suite give concordia intercepts at circa 3,600 Ma.Coarse grained augen gneisses with microcline mega-crysts are the dominant lithology of the iron-rich suite. They are mostly granodioritic, grading locally into granite and diorite, and are generally rather massive, but locally have well-preserved layering or are markedly heterogeneous. Mafic components are commonly concentrated into clots rich in hornblende and biotite and containing apatite, ilmenite, sphene and zircon. Variation in the proportion of these clots is the main reason for the compositional variation of the augen gneisses. The ferrodiorites of the suite occur as lenses in the augen gneisses. Leucocratic granitoid sheets locally cut the iron-rich suite. The augen gneisses and ferrodiorites have geochemical characteristics in common, such as high Fe/Mg values and high contents of FeOt, TiO₂, P₂O₅, Zr, Y and total REE (rare earth elements).The iron-rich suite probably formed as follows:Heating of the lower crust adjacent to mantle-derived basic intrusions caused melting of the lower crust, giving rise to granodioritic magmas. Disruption of partially crystallised basic intrusions caused mixing of the crustal melts and the fractionated mantle melts to produce the augen gneisses with their high FeOt, TiO₂, P₂O₅, Zr, Y and total REE enrichment. Fragmented, crystallised parts of the basic intrusions gave rise to the ferrodiorite inclusions. These heterogeneous plutons rose to higher crustal levels where they crystallised as sheets and possibly were responsible for the local granulite facies metamorphism. The granitoid sheets that cut the iron-rich suite are interpreted as crustal melts of local origin.The iron-rich suite resembles Proterozoic rapakivi granite-ferrodiorite-norite (anorthosite) associations which form characteristic suites in late- to post-tectonic environments in recently thickened sial. The occurrence of this type of magmatism in the early Archaean is evidence of the complex, polygenetic nature of the oldest known continental crust.     

Systematic Sr-isotopic variation in alkaline rocks from West Greenland

Mesozoic lamprophyre and carbonatite dykes from southern West Greenland, which are believed to have evolved from a single mantle-derived magma by crystal fractionation and liquid immiscibility, have initial Sr-isotopic ratios which are negatively correlated with the increasing contents of Sr, Nb and Zr through the suite. The isotopic variation is suggested to have resulted from contamination with radiogenic crustal Sr after the formation of the various rock types of the suite.     

Influence of contamination on banded iron formations in the Isua supracrustal belt,West Greenland: Reevaluation of the Eoarchean seawater compositions

Banded Iron Formations(BIFs) are chemical sediments, ubiquitously distributed in the Precambrian supracrustal belts; thus their trace element compositions are helpful for deciphering geochemical evolution on the Earth through time. However, it is necessary to elucidate factors controlling the whole-rock compositions in order to decode the ancient seawater compositions because their compositions are highly variable. We analyzed major and trace element contents of the BIFs in the 3.8-3.7 Ga Isua supracrustal belt(ISB), southern West Greenland. The BIFs are petrographically classified into four types:Black-,Gray-, Green-and White-types, respectively. The Green-type BIFs contain more amphiboles, and are significantly enriched in Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, heavy rare earth element(HREE) and U contents. However,their bulk compositions are not suitable for estimate of seawater composition because the enrichment was caused by secondary mobility of metamorphic Mg, Ca and Si-rich fluid, involvement of carbonate minerals and silicate minerals of olivine and pyroxene and/or later silicification or contamination of volcanic and clastic materials. The White-type BIFs are predominant in quartz, and have lower transition element and REE contents. The Gray-type BIFs contain both quartz and magnetite. The Black-type BIFs are dominated by magnetite, and contain moderate to high transition element and REE contents. But,positive correlations of V, Ni, Zn and U contents with Zr contents suggest that involvement of detrital,volcanic and exhalative materials influences on their contents. The evidence for significant influence of the materials on the transition element contents such as Ni in the BIFs indicates the transition element contents in the Archean ocean were much lower than previously estimated. We reconstructed secular variations of V,Co, Zn and U contents of BIFs through time, which show Ni and Co contents decreased whereas V, Zn and U contents increased through time. Especially, the Ni and Co contents drastically decreased in the Mesoarchean rather than around the Great Oxidation Event. On the other hand, the V,Zn and U contents progressively increased from the Mesoarchean to the Proterozoic. Stratigraphical trends of the BIFs show increase in Y/Ho ratios and decrease in positive Eu anomaly upwards, respectively. The stratigraphic changes indicate that a ratio of hydrothermal fluid to seawater component gradually decrease through the deposition, and support the Eoarchean plate tectonics, analogous to the their stratigraphic variations of seafloor metalliferous sediments at present and in the Mesoarchean.     

Constraints on mantle evolution from Os/Os isotopic compositions of Archean ultramafic rocks from southern West Greenland (3.8 Ga) and Western Australia (3.46 Ga)

Initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os isotopic compositions for geochronologically and geologically well -constrained 3.8-Ga spinel peridotites from the Itsaq Gneiss Complex of southern West Greenland and chromite separates from 3.46-Ga komatiites from the Pilbara region of Western Australia have been determined to investigate the osmium isotopic evolution of the early terrestrial mantle. The measured compositions of ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os(0) = 0.10262 ± 2, from an olivine separate, and 0.10329 ± 3, for a spinel separate from ∼3.8-Ga peridotite G93/42, are the lowest yet reported from any terrestrial sample. The corrections for in situ decay over 3.8 Ga for these low Re/Os phases are minimal and change the isotopic compositions by only 0.5 and 2.2% for the spinel and the olivine, respectively, resulting in ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os_{(3.8 Ga)} = 0.1021 ± 0.0002 and 0.1009 ± 0.0002, respectively. These data extend direct measurement of Os isotopic compositions to much earlier periods of Earth history than previously documented and provide the best constraints on the Os isotopic composition of the early Archean terrestrial mantle. Analyses of Pilbara chromites yield 3.46-Ga mantle compositions of 0.1042 ± 0.0002 and 0.1051 ± 0.0002.These new data, combined with published initial Os isotopic compositions from late Archean and early Proterozoic samples, are compatible with the mantle, or at least portions of it, evolving from a solar system initially defined by meteorites to a modern composition of ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os(0) = 0.1296 ± 0.0008 as previously suggested from peridotite xenolith data ( Meisel et al., 2001); the associated ¹⁸⁷Re/¹⁸⁸Os(0) = 0.435 ± 0.005. Thus, chondritic ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os compositions were a feature of the upper mantle for at least 3.8 billion years, requiring chondritic Re/Os ratios to have been a characteristic of the very early terrestrial mantle. In contrast, nonchondritic initial compositions of some Archean komatiites demonstrate that Os isotopic heterogeneity is an ancient feature of plume materials, reflecting the development of variable Re/Os mantle sources early in Earth history.The lower average ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os = 0.1247 for abyssal peridotites (Snow and Reisberg, 1995) indicate that not all regions of the modern mantle have evolved with the same Re/Os ratio. The relative sizes of the various reservoirs are unknown, although mass balance considerations can provide some general constraints. For example, if the unradiogenic ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os modern abyssal peridotite compositions reflect the prevalent upper mantle composition, then the complementary high Re/Os basaltic reservoir must represent 20 to 40% by mass of the upper mantle (taken here as 50% of the entire mantle), depending on the mean storage age. The difficulties associated with efficient long-term storage of such large volumes of subducted basalt suggest that the majority of the upper mantle is not significantly Re-depleted. Rather, abyssal peridotites sample anomalous mantle regions.The existence of 3.8-Ga mantle peridotites with chondritic ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os compositions and with Os concentrations similar to the mean abundances measured in modern peridotites places an upper limit on the timing of a late accretionary veneer. These observations require that any highly siderophile element -rich component must have been added to the Earth and transported into and grossly homogenized within the mantle by 3.8 Ga. Either large-scale mixing of impact materials occurred on very short (0-100 myr) timescales or (the interpretation preferred here) the late veneer of highly siderophile elements is unrelated to the lunar terminal cataclysm estimated to have occurred at ∼3.8 to 3.9 Ga.     

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.     

The young Earth and the story of the early Archaean rocks of West Greenland

Broadly the science of geology has passed through a number of distinct phases. In the early days attention was focussed on establishing a stratigraphic framework, concentrating on fossils and lithologies—the days of mapping and systematizing of sedimentary successions and the uncovering of the succession of life. Later, in the early twentieth century, geologists became much more interested in igneous rocks. By the 1960s attention turned to the ocean basins, culminating in the acceptance of the paradigm of plate tectonics. At the end of the 1960s, one area of geology that remained relatively little understood was the huge span of time represented by the Precambrian, about 80 per cent of Earth's history. By the 1960s this was changing. Radiometric dating was beginning to show the relative ages of such terranes and new methods of mapping were beginning to be used.     

Highly depleted Hadean mantle reservoirs in the sources of early Archean arc-like rocks, Isua supracrustal belt, southern West Greenland

Growing evidence from the accessible geological record reveals that crust-mantle differentiation on Earth started as early as 4.4 Ga. In order to assess the extent of early Archean mantle depletion, we obtained ¹⁷⁶Lu-¹⁷⁶Hf, ¹⁴⁷Sm-¹⁴³Nd, and high field strength element (HFSE) concentration data for the least altered, well characterized boninite-like metabasalts and associated metasedimentary rocks from the Isua supracrustal belt (southern West Greenland). The metasediments exhibit initial εHf₍₃₇₂₀₎ values from −0.7 to +1.5 and initial εNd₍₃₇₂₀₎ values from +1.6 to +2.1. Initial εHf₍₃₇₂₀₎ values of the least altered boninite-like metabasalts span a range from +3.5 to +12.9 and initial εNd₍₃₇₂₀₎ values from −0.3 to +3.2. These initial Hf-isotope ratios display coherent trends with SiO₂, Al₂O₃/TiO₂ and other relatively immobile elements, indicating contamination via assimilation of enriched components, most likely sediments derived from the earliest crust in the region. This model is also consistent with previously reported initial γOs₍₃₇₂₀₎ values for some of the samples. In addition to the positive εHf₍₃₇₂₀₎ values, the least disturbed samples exhibit positive εNd₍₃₇₂₀₎ values and a co-variation of εHf₍₃₇₂₀₎ and εΝd₍₃₇₂₀₎ values. Based on these observations, it is argued, that the most depleted samples with initial εHf₍₃₇₂₀₎ values of up to +12.9 and high ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf of ∼0.05 to ∼0.09 tap a highly depleted mantle source with a long term depletion history in the garnet stability field. High precision high field strength element (HFSE) data obtained for the Isua samples confirm the contamination trend. Even the most primitive samples display negative Nb-Ta anomalies and elevated Nb/Ta, indicating a subduction zone setting and overprint of the depleted mantle sources by felsic melts generated by partial melting of eclogite. Collectively, the data for boninite-like metabasalts support the presence of strongly depleted mantle reservoirs as previously inferred from Hf isotope data for Hadean zircons and combined ¹⁴²Nd-¹⁴³Nd isotope data for early Archean rocks.     

Noritic dykes of southern West Greenland: early Proterozoic boninitic magmatism

Two major swarms of early Proterozoic (ca. 2.1 Ga) basic dykes occur within the Archaean craton of southern West Greenland. One swarm comprises ophitic and sub-ophitic tholeiitic dolerites, while the other (the BN dyke swarm) constitutes mainly norites in which pyroxenes and olivine are enclosed by plagioclase oikocrysts. The close geochemical similarity between a quenched norite and the coarser-grained varieties indicates that the composition of the latter type has not been significantly modified by crystal accumulation. The BN dykes are geochemically distinctive, most having high MgO (ca. 16%), Cr and Ni contents in conjunction with relatively high SiO₂, light rare-earth (REE) and large ion lithophile (LIL) element concentrations. The texture, mineral chemistry and petrochemistry of the quenched noritic dyke all bear strong resemblances to those features in modern boninitic lavas. The BN dykes also correspond to proposed parental liquids of the Bushveld Complex and other major layered basic igneous intrusions. The two dyke swarms are petrogenetically distinct. The tholeiitic dolerites were derived from a relatively undepleted, primordial mantle while the noritic dykes originated from a metasomatized harzburgitic source. The wide-spread distribution of similar Proterozoic intrusions suggests crustal underplating by harzburgitic mantle on a world-wide scale at this time.     

In situ U-Pb, O and Hf isotopic compositions of zircon and olivine from Eoarchaean rocks, West Greenland: New insights to making old crust

The sources and petrogenetic processes that generated some of the Earth’s oldest continental crust have been more tightly constrained via an integrated, in situ (U-Pb, O and Hf) isotopic approach. The minerals analysed were representative zircon from four Eoarchaean TTG tonalites and two felsic volcanic rocks, and olivine from one harzburgite/dunite of the Itsaq Gneiss Complex (IGC), southern West Greenland. The samples were carefully chosen from localities with least migmatisation, metasomatism and strain. Zircon was thoroughly characterized prior to analysis using cathodoluminescence, scanning electron, reflected and transmitted light imaging. The zircon from all but one sample showed only minor post-magmatic recrystallisation. ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb dating of oscillatory-zoned zircon using SHRIMP RG (n = 142) indicates derivation of the felsic igneous rocks from different batches of magma at 3.88, 3.85, 3.81, 3.80 and 3.69 Ga.Analyses of ¹⁸O/¹⁶O compositions of olivine from a harzburgite/dunite (n = 8) using SHRIMP II in multi-collector mode, indicate that the oxygen isotopic composition of this sample of Eoarchaean mantle (δ¹⁸O_Ol = 6.0 ± 0.4‰) was slightly enriched in ¹⁸O, but not significantly different from that of the modern mantle. Zircon δ¹⁸O measurements from the six felsic rocks (n = 93) record mean or weighted mean compositions ranging from 4.9 ± 0.7‰ to 5.1 ± 0.4‰, with recrystallised domains showing no indication of oxygen isotopic exchange during younger tectonothermal events. δ¹⁸O_Zr compositions indicate that the primary magmas were largely in equilibrium with the mantle or mantle-derived melts generated at similar high temperatures, while calculated tonalite δ¹⁸O_WR compositions (6.7-6.9‰) resemble those of modern adakites.LA-MC-ICPMS zircon ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf analyses were obtained from six samples (n = 122). Five samples record weighted mean initial ε_Hf compositions ranging from to 0.5 ± 0.6 to −0.1 ± 0.7 (calculated using λ¹⁷⁶Lu = 1.867 × 10⁻¹¹ yr⁻¹), while one sample records a composition of 1.3 ± 0.7, indicating the magmas were generated from a reservoir with a time averaged, near chondritic Lu/Hf. The derivation of TTG magmas from a chondritic Lu/Hf source implies either that there was not voluminous continental crustal growth nor major mantle differentiation leading to Lu/Hf fractionation during the Hadean or Eoarchaean, or alternatively that rapid recycling of an early formed crust allowed the early mantle to maintain a chondritic Lu/Hf.Previous studies have demonstrated that ancient TTG rocks were mostly produced by dehydration melting of mafic rocks within the stability field of garnet, probably in flatly-subducted or buried oceanic crust. The oxygen isotopic signatures measured here at high spatial resolution allow the source materials to be better defined. Melting of a mixed mafic source consisting of ∼80% unaltered gabbro (δ¹⁸O_WR = 5.5‰) with ∼20% hydrothermally altered gabbro/basalt (δ¹⁸O_WR = 4.0‰) would produce tonalite magmas within the average compositional range observed. ¹⁸O-enriched components such as altered shallow basaltic oceanic crust and pelagic or continental sediments were not present in the sources of these TTG melts. The absence of high ¹⁸O signatures may indicate either the rarity of low temperature altered sediments, or their effective removal from the down-going slab.     

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.     

Deserpentinization and high-pressure(eclogite-facies) metamorphic features in the Eoarchean ultramafic body from Isua,Greenland

Discontinuous chains of ultramafic rock bodies form part of the 3800–3700 Ma Isua Supracrustal Belt(ISB),hosted in the Itsaq Gneiss Complex of southwestern Greenland.These bodies are among the world’s oldest outcrops of ultramafic rocks and hence an invaluable geologic record.Ultramafic rocks from Lens B in the northwestern limb of ISB show characteristics of several stages of serpentinization and deserpentinization forming prograde and retrograde mineral assemblages.Ti-rich humite-group minerals such as titanian chondrodite(Ti-Chn)and titanian clinohumite(Ti-Chu)often occur as accessory phases in the metamorphosed ultramafic rocks.The Ti-rich humite minerals are associated with metamorphic olivine.The host olivine is highly forsteritic(Fo96-98)with variable Mn O and Ni O contents.The concentrations of the rare-earth elements(REE)and high-field strength elements(HFSE)of the metamorphic olivine are higher than typical mantle olivine.The textural and chemical characteristics of the olivine indicate metamorphic origin as a result of deserpentinization of a serpentinized ultramafic protolith rather than primary assemblage reflecting mantle residues from high-degrees of partial melting.The close association of olivine,antigorite and intergrown Ti-Chn and Ti-Chu suggests pressure condition between$1.3–2.6 GPa within the antigorite stability field(<700°C).The overall petrological and geochemical features of Lens B ultramafic body within the Eoarchean ISB indicate that these are allochthonous ultramafic rocks that recorded serpentine dehydration at relatively lower temperature and reached eclogite facies condition during their complex metamorphic history similar to exhumed UHP ultramafic rocks in modern subduction zone channels.     

Geochronological constraints on Paleoarchean thrust-nappe and Neoarchean accretionary tectonics in southern West Greenland

Major regional deformation and metamorphic events in the Godthåbsfjord region, southern West Greenland, occurred at 3650 and 2820–2720 Ma (e.g. Precambrian Res. 78 (1996) 1). New geochronological constraints (U–Pb zircon, Sensitive High Resolution Ion Microprobe [SHRIMP] and thermal ionisation mass spectrometry [TIMS]) have been obtained from a stack of mylonitic, crystalline thrust-nappes in the footwall of the western part of the Paleoarchean (3.8–3.7 Ga) Isua Greenstone Belt, Isukasia. A mylonitic tonalite sheet, interpreted to have intruded synkinematically with respect to mylonitisation, yields a magmatic crystallisation age of 3640±3 Ma. A cross-cutting pegmatite and a post-kinematic tonalite pluton yield magmatic crystallisation ages of 2948±8 and 2991±2 Ma, respectively. Accordingly, we interpret the thrust-nappe stack to have formed during the Paleoarchean (3640 Ma), making it the oldest example known on Earth. The similarity of this structural regime to that of modern mountain belts suggests that Paleoarchean and modern continental crust were comparable in terms of mechanical strength and constitution.Southern West Greenland has been interpreted in terms of Neoarchean accretion, comparable with modern plate tectonics (e.g. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 142 (1996) 353). Isukasia lies just east of a purported Neoarchean accretionary boundary between the Akia terrane to the Northwest and the Akulleq terrane to the Southeast. The Akia terrane was previously considered to overthrust the Akulleq terrane at 2820–2720 Ma. Our geochronological and geological data indicate (i) that the two “terranes”, as presently defined, were stitched at 2991±2 Ma and (ii) that thrusting across the boundary was directed toward the Akia terrane. Therefore, we suggest that the Akia–Akulleq interface was not a fundamental tectonic structure during the Neoarchean, and we question its identification as an accretionary boundary.     

Armalcolite-bearing Fe-Ti oxide assemblages in graphite-equilibrated salic volcanic rocks with native iron from Disko,central West Greenland

Native iron-bearing strongly sediment-contaminated andesitic to dacitic lavas from the Maligât Formation on Disko contain an early phenocryst assemblage of plagioclase, low-Ca pyroxene(s) and ilmenite. The phenocrystic ilmenite has reacted to form complex Fe-Ti oxide-metal-sulphide aggregates, which contain one or more of the oxides ilmenite, armalcolite and rutile. The armalcolite is very similar to the lunar type 1 armalcolite of Haggerty (1973) and approximate compositionally the ternary system FeTi₂O₅-MgTi₂O₅-Ti₃O₅ (92 to 97 mol.%). When evidence from several salic rocks is combined the Fe-Ti oxide-metal-sulphide aggregates display reactions which may represent one isobaric invariant assemblage (ilmenite-armalcolite-rutile-iron) and the 3 boundary univariant reactions in the system Fe-Ti-O. The compositional and textural features of ferro-magnesian silicates, oxides and metals show that most rocks were affected by a rapidly declining f _{O 2} during magma ascent and cooling, as displayed in the Fe-Ti oxide-metal-sulphide aggregates by the cross-cutting of one or several T—f _{O 2} buffer curves in the system Fe-Ti-O. Prominent sulphidation reactions are observed in the oxide aggregates and are always of the type where FeO in oxide is replaced by FeS while the liberated oxygen is consumed in a reduction process. Carbon, bound as graphite or cohenite, occurs throughout the rocks and is mostly enclosed in phenocrysts and xenocrysts. When the salic magmas ascended from pre-eruption reservoirs at 1 to 1.5 kb the reduction was largely controlled by strongly pressure-dependent carbon-oxygen equilibria resulting in rapidly declining T—f _{O 2} paths recorded by the oxide assemblages. In the simplified C-O gas system carbon-barometry (Sato 1979) applied to the selected rocks would indicate final equilibrium pressures of between 10 and 100 bars. The scarcity of preserved graphite in the lavas would suggest that the carbon-controlled reductions were terminated when available carbon was exhausted during the magma ascent and solidification.     

The age of carbonatites,kimberlites and lamprophyres from southern West Greenland: recurrent alkaline magmatism during 2500 million years

Alkaline rocks were intruded into the Precambrian basement in southern West Greenland during at least five separate episodes. The Tupertalik carbonatite intrusion was emplaced around or before 2650 m.y.; it is now metamorphosed in granulite facies but is recognisable by its trace element content. Lamprophyre dykes were intruded at ca. 1800 m.y. and again at ca. 1200 m.y. At ca. 600 m.y. the Sarfartôq carbonatite intrusion and extensive kimberlite dykes were emplaced in the Holsteiborg-Strømfjord region. At 225-115 m.y. the Qaqarssuk carbonatite complex was emplaced in the Sukkertoppen region, and numerous lamprophyre and kimberlite dykes were emplaced between Fishenasset and Ivigtut. All these episodes are correlatable with contemporaneous alkaline activity in Canada and Scandinavia and substantiate the periodicity of carbonatite emplacement. The Mesozoic suite of intrusions is related to rifting prior to continental break-up and the formation of the North Atlantic Ocean. The Eocambrian suite of 600 m.y. is thought to have formed under similar conditions during continental break-up and the formation of the Iapetus ocean.