Precambrian metamorphic conditions and crustal evolution, northeastern Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Abstract A complex of Precambrian polymetamorphic gneisses and granitoids of the Churchill structural province, northeastern Alberta, Canada has been examined structurally, petrographically, chemically and geochronologically. An Archean basement gneiss complex is indicated by Rb-Sr dating of pegmatites which cut both gneisses and granitoids (2470 ± 26 Ma with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7030 ± 0.0008). A high-pressure granulite facies (M1) mineral assemblage and older structures (D1) are assigned to the Archean. A moderate-pressure granulite facies (M2.1), a low-pressure amphibolite facies (M2.2), a greenschist facies (M2.3), and younger structures (D2) are of Aphebian age. Formation of granitoids by anatexis of the pre-existing Archean basement complex during M2.1 is indicated by their Aphebian ages (ca. 1900 Ma) and high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7100 ± 0.0018). The path of retrograde metamorphism is linked with relatively slow rates of uplift and cooling. Late Aphebian sediments attained low-grade greenschist facies metamorphism only and are younger than the other metamorphic rocks. The tectonic evolution of this Precambrian mobile belt during the Aphebian contrasts with the stable Archean cratonic block in the Slave province to the north.