Geochemistry of Precambrian basal gneisses in Lofoten—Vesterålen,northern Norway

The basal gneiss complex of Lofoten—Vesterålen consists of an older (ca. 2.7 Ga) migmatite complex, believed to be largely supracrustal in origin, and a younger (ca. 1.8 Ga) cover complex of clearly supracrustal origin. The major-element geochemistry of both groups is that of an igneous suite of generally calc-alkaline character. Similarities with the volcanic rocks of modern continental-margin environments extend to trace-element contents and REE patterns. A complex multistage evolution is inferred.An orthopyroxene isograd bisects the area. Element fractionation between amphibolitefacies and granulite-facies rocks appears to be limited to some trace elements; REE patterns are not affected by the metamorphism.