Abstract
Abstract Comparison of the major and trace element geochemistry of glaciogenic laminated deposits of Pleistocene and Paleoproterozoic age from an area north of Lake Huron, Ontario, has revealed differences and similarities that may provide insight into the erosional history of part of the Archean Superior province of the Canadian shield during the last 2 Ga and some aspects of the evolution of the earth’s atmosphere. Both the major element and trace element compositions of the ancient and “recent” glacial deposits are very similar. The Paleoproterozoic mudstones are, however, enriched in Fe and U, characteristics that may reflect the oxygen content of the Archean/early Paleoproterozoic atmosphere/hydrosphere system. Strong Ca depletion is exhibited by the Paleoproterozoic glaciogenic argillites but is absent from the Pleistocene samples. The Proterozoic argillites have slightly higher values for a Chemical Index of Alteration than those of Pleistocene muds. These characteristics may reflect the acid natur...
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