Polymetamorphic Evolution of the Trans-Hudson Orogen, Baffin Island, Canada: Integration of Petrological, Structural and Geochronological Data

Supracrustal units metamorphosed at mid-crustal conditions withinthe Paleoproterozoic Trans-Hudson Orogen are preserved withinan obliquely exposed continental collision zone on Baffin Island(Canada). Early granulite-facies assemblages yield thermobarometricdata and phase diagram information that define a steep, compressiveP–T path segment. These assemblages are bracketed betweenca. 1849 and 1835 Ma, and are interpreted to result from (1)heat advection by an 1865 +4/–2 to 1848 ± 2 MaAndean-type granitic batholith, and (2) a ca. 1845 Ma crustalthickening event associated with accretion of an intra-oceanicarc terrane. A subsequent regional metamorphic event is characterizedby the growth of retrograde, upper amphibolite-facies assemblagesthat define a clockwise, decompressive P–T path. Mineralgrowth is bracketed between 1820 ± 1 and 1813 ±2 Ma, and is localized within deformation zones associated withthe 1820 +4/–3 to 1795 ± 2 Ma collision of theRae and Superior cratons. The metamorphic history of BaffinIsland supports a progressive change from plate-margin to intraplateprocesses within an evolving convergent orogen during the Paleoproterozoicthat is similar to those documented in younger collisional belts. KEY WORDS: polymetamorphism; geochronology; Paleoproterozoic; Trans-Hudson Orogen