Metamorphism of the MacLean Lake and Central Metavolcanic belts, La Ronge domain, Trans-Hudson Orogen: pressure-temperature variations and tectonic implications

Abstract

Metamorphic assemblages differ between the metasedimentary MacLean Lake belt and the adjacent Central Metavolcanic belt in the La Ronge domain, Trans-Hudson Orogen. The former consists of meta-arkoses, psammitic gneisses, metaconglomerates, and calc-silicate gneisses of upper amphibolite facies (600-740°C, 440-660 MPa) with local migmatization, whereas the latter is comprised mainly of metavolcanic and plutonic rocks, with minor metasedimentary schists of greenschist to lower amphibolite facies (480-630°C, 520-560 MPa). Petrographic evidence indicates that peak metamorphic conditions were reached towards the end of D1 deformation during which the Central Metavolcanic belt was thrust onto the MacLean Lake belt along the McLennan Lake tectonic zone, which separates the two belts. Peak metamorphic assemblages did not undergo retrograde alteration during D2 deformation, indicating that high temperature was maintained during D2 deformation. Differences in pressure (P) and temperature (T) between the northeastern and southwestern parts of the Central Metavolcanic belt may have resulted from tilting along strike after peak metamorphism. Peak temperatures increase gradually from the Central Metavolcanic belt to MacLean Lake belt across the McLennan Lake tectonic zone. Peak pressures in the two belts are similar, implying that the Central Metavolcanic belt thrust sheet was probably thin. The P-T data for the MacLean Lake belt indicate a relatively high thermal gradient (40-50°C/km), similar to that in the metasedimentary Kisseynew domain in the orogen.