Geochemistry of metasediments in the Hercynian and pre-Hercynian crust of the Schwarzwald, the Vosges and Northern Switzerland

Abstract

Several units in the pre-Hercynian gneiss basement and Hercynian schists of the Schwarzwald (Southwestern Germany and Northern Switzerland) and the Vosges (France) were characterized geochemically. The samples are attributed to possible sedimentary protoliths by means of their main constituents. Groups of analyses belonging to the defined protoliths are then compared by means of statistical procedures (the Mann-Whitney test and multiple discriminant analysis) which reveal significant differences so that every area is characterized by a specific pattern of major and trace elements. Furthermore, correlations between some units of the Schwarzwald and the Vosges are possible. The gneisses of Ste. Marie-aux-Mines (Vosges) can be closely correlated with those of the Central Schwarzwald, whereas there is a distinct contrast between gneisses of the Central Schwarzwald and gneisses of the Southern Schwarzwald. The schists of Baden-Baden (Schwarzwald) most probably have their counterpart in the schists of Ville in the Vosges.