Metasomatism of magmatic and metamorphic rocks of the Wawa-Abitibi and Western Wabigoon Subprovinces and Kapuskasing structure, Superior Province, Canada: Implications for Neoarchean continent evolution and gold deposition

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Metasomatism, or the chemical transformation of rocks by interaction with fluids, has recently been getting more attention from the scientific community, as more Earth scientists realize it is an important process which has been involved in the genesis of the Earth's crust as well as in the formation of ore deposits, since at least 4 billion years ago. Although metasomatism has been recognized in all rock types, and is instrumental for the genesis of certain types of metal deposits, it remains poorly understood. For example, while the effects of metamorphism and magmatism during the construction of the Canadian Shield have been studied in detail, the effect of metasomatism on the evolution of these rocks was never fully assessed. Here, I propose to study the metasomatism associated with the magmatic evolution of certain parts of the Canadian Shield in Ontario and Quebec, within the Wawa-Abitibi terrane, the Wabigoon terrane, and the Kapuskasing structure.*******Gaining a better understanding of the effect of metasomatism during the assembly of the Canadian Shield is of primary importance for our comprehension of the formation and evolution of the Earth's crust, and for our understanding of the genesis of the important gold deposits it hosts. The new knowledge and insight that will result from this research will be important to Earth scientists in general, and more specifically to geologists, who try to understand how continents form and explore metallic deposits; to physical geographers who integrate geological information into maps for the public;, to petrologists who study how rocks form and teach it in high school, college and university; and to structural geologists and geophysicists who are interested in how oceanic crusts are being subducted underneath continents and in how continents collide to edify mountain ranges. In short, this research will allow us to better understand how the Canadian Shield formed, and ultimately how continents are built.*******This research will also benefit the mining industry and the Canadian economy. A significant part of this research will be dedicated to improving our understanding of the formation of the gold deposits which are so important to our economy and to the regional workforce. The new exploration tools that will be developed here will help vector the exploration industry toward new gold deposits, which will stimulate the economy and create new jobs for Canadians. Finally, this research program will provide invaluable training opportunities for HQP and prepare them for jobs in the academic, government and geology industry.******