Regional geochemical anomalies related to plate tectonic models for the Northwestern Canadian shield

Abstract

Regional geochemical maps of a 97,000-km2 area of the northwestern Canadian Shield were based on analysis of lake sediment samples collected at 5-km grid points. The maps revealed three global-scale geochemical features: (1) a major anomaly of refractory and chalcophile elements associated with a Proterozoic volcanic-plutonic belt of previously proposed Andean are affinities; (2) a dramatic increase in Ba concentrations on crossing a proposed Precambrian suture zone; and (3) another major anomaly of refractory and chalcophile elements associated with the Archean greenstone belt closest to the supposed suture zone. The regional geochemical anomaly in the Proterozoic volcanic-plutonic belt is considered to have originated during an island-arc-type evolution of the belt by intrusion of magma formed by stages of partial melting of subducted oceanic basalts contaminated by subducted ocean floor sediments. The increase in Ba concentration found on crossing the proposed Precambrian suture is attributed to exposure of deep crust by the post-collision erosion of the uplifted edge of one of the proto-continents. The multielement, geochemical signature of the Archean greenstone belt is tentatively attributed to Archean subduction of oceanic crust and ocean sediments. The regional, multielement anomalies delineated are associated with known or suspected base metal and uranium mineralization. If the geotectonic relationships proposed above are valid, routine geochemical mapping of the Precambrian Canadian Shield will not only be of use in prospecting and mineral potential evaluation but may indirectly assist in metallogenic interpretations. Further, there is a possibility that routine geochemical mapping of the Canadian Shield may define other subduction and suture zones.