Global trends in the evolution of metallogenic processes as a reflection of supercontinent cyclicity

Abstract

The worldwide distribution of large and superlarge mineral deposits (LSLDs) on a geological time scale is analyzed. It has been established that their formation from Eoarchean to Cenozoic was nonuniform in time. The maxima and minima of ore generation intensity correlate well with global cyclical processes, eventually resulting in the assembly and breakup of supercontinents. The periods of supercontinent amalgamation are characterized by the highest rate of continental crust growth due to the contribution of juvenile sources, a maximum of orogenic activity, and the most intense deposit formation. Periods close to betweencycle boundaries are distinguished by a low intensity of both endogenic and ore-forming processes. As follows from the available data, the number of known LSLDs slightly decreases from the Kenoran to Columbian cycle, significantly decreases in the next Rodinian cycle, which, in turn, is followed by abrupt growth in the Pangaean and Amasian cycles, especially as concerns LSLDs of the granitoid-related class. The intensification of metallogenic activity correlates with a commensurable increase in orogenic activity of the Earth’s crust probably caused by continental crust expansion, an increase in the number of sialic blocks participating in the formation of accretionary and collisional orogens, and acceleration of lithospheric plate motion. Some trends are also described for other LSLD classes (basic–alkaline, volcanic-hosted massive sulfide, sedimentary, epigenetic sediment-hosted), caused to a certain extent by supercontinent cycles and their evolutionary variations.