Investigation of the petrogenesis and geodynamics of Archean anorthosite-greenstone associations in the Superior Province and SW Greenland

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The petrogenetic and geodynamic models proposed to explain the origin of Archean anorthosite-greenstone associations require re-evaluation within the context of new high-precision geochemical data. Over the next five years, I plan to conduct a comprehensive series of field, trace element (e.g., LILE, REE, HFSE, transition metals) and radiogenic isotopic (e.g., Nd, Hf, Pb) studies on the well-preserved Neoarchean Fiskenaesset (SW Greenland), Bad Vermilion Lake (Ontario, Canada) and Doré Lake (Quebec, Canada) layered anorthosite complexes and spatially associated greenstone belts. The overarching objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of this distinctive Archean magmatic associations. The specific outstanding problems to be addressed by the project are: (1) what are the sources of anorthositic magmas? (2) What are the petrogenetic relationships between anorthosites and associated gabbros, ultramafic intrusions, and mafic to felsic volcanic rocks? (3) What are the geodynamic settings in which these rocks formed? The results of this project will have the following significance: (1) enhance our knowledge on the petrogenetic origin of Archean anorthosites; and (2) improve our understanding the geodynamic origin of Archean greenstone belts and continental crust. Canadian mining industry will benefit from this study given that anorthosites complexes often contain mineral deposits (e.g. chromites). The project will provide important opportunities for two PhD students in the University of Windsor. One of the students will work on the Fiskenaesset Complex and the other student will study the Doré Lake and Bad Vermilion Lake anorthosite complexes and associated volcanic rocks.