Chapter 1 Introduction to the lithotectonic framework of Sweden and organization of this Memoir

Michael B Stephens

doi:10.1144/m50-2019-21

Abstract

AbstractThe solid rock geology of Sweden comprises three principal components: (1) Proterozoic and (locally) Archean rocks belonging to the western part of the Fennoscandian Shield; (2) Phanerozoic and (locally) Neoproterozoic sedimentary cover rocks deposited on top of this ancient crust; and (3) the early to mid-Paleozoic (0.5–0.4 Ga) Caledonide orogen. Earlier compilations have applied different principles for the subdivision of the geology in the Fennoscandian Shield and the Caledonide orogen. A uniform lithotectonic framework has been developed here. Crustal segments affected by orogenesis have been identified and their ages determined by the youngest tectonothermal event. Four ancient mountain belts and six orogenies are preserved. Solid rocks outside the orogens have been assigned to different magmatic complexes or sedimentary successions based on their time of formation and tectonic affiliation. This approach allows relicts of older mountain-building activity to be preserved inside a younger orogen – for example, the effects of the Archean (2.8–2.6 Ga) orogeny inside the 2.0–1.8 Ga Svecokarelian orogen and Paleo–Mesoproterozoic (1.7–1.5 and 1.5–1.4 Ga) mountain-building processes inside the 1.1–0.9 Ga Sveconorwegian orogen. Sweden's five largest mineral districts are addressed in the context of this new lithotectonic framework, which forms the architecture to the contents of the chapters in this Memoir.

Highlights

Introduction to the lithotectonic framework ofSweden and organization of this MemoirMICHAEL B
The generally more mountainous northwestern part of Sweden belongs to the Caledonide orogen (17%), comprising tectonically reworked Proterozoic basement and Cryogenian–Silurian cover rocks (Fig. 1.1)
The remainder of the solid rock in Sweden, outside these orogens and not affected by mountain-building activity, has been subdivided into different magmatic complexes or sedimentary successions based on the timing of their emplacement or deposition and their tectonic affiliation

Summary

Introduction

Introduction to the lithotectonic framework ofSweden and organization of this MemoirMICHAEL B. The remainder of the solid rock in Sweden, outside these orogens and not affected by mountain-building activity, has been subdivided into different magmatic complexes or sedimentary successions based on the timing of their emplacement or deposition and their tectonic affiliation.

Results

Conclusion