Reinterpretation of a major terrane boundary in the northern Svalbard Caledonides based on metamorphic fingerprinting of rocks in northern Spitsbergen

• Tectonic models for development of the Svalbard Caledonides depend on reliable assessment of the metamorphic evolution of the various basement provinces involved. The Mosselhalvoya Group (MG) and the Atomfjella Complex (AC) have previously been assigned to the Nordaustlandet andWest Ny-Friesland terranes, respectively. New analytical data and petrographic observations indicate that both units experienced two-stage metamorphism under similar pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions. Two stages of amphibolite facies metamorphism (M1 and M2) are clearly recorded by garnet and staurolite porphyroblast textures. The results of thermodynamic phase equilibrium modeling indicate that peak M2 metamorphism occurred at similar to 7-7.5 kbar and 590-600 degrees C in both units. Zirconium-in-rutile trace element thermometry confirms the temperature estimates for M1 and M2 stages of metamorphism. Monazite chemical Th-U-Pb dates from the MG resolve a two-stage garnet growth at 444 +/- 7 Ma (M1) and 423 +/- 6 Ma (M2). In contrast, monazite dated in the AC defines a single age of 420 +/- 4 Ma interpreted as M2 growth. We suggest M2 was coeval with early strike-slip motion along the Billefjorden Fault Zone, whereas M1 reflects initial tectonic burial of the studied units. The similarity in metamorphic history between the both units suggests that the boundary between them is a subordinate thrust fault within the Atomfjella thrust stack rather than a major boundary separating the Nordaustlandet and West Ny-Friesland terranes. The MG should be included within the West Ny-Friesland terrane and the tectonic boundary with the Nordaustlandet terrane is likely the Eolussletta Shear Zone.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Geologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Geology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Mosselhalvoya Group

Atomfjella Complex

West Ny-Friesland terrane

Nordaustlandet terrane

thermodynamic phase equilibrium modelling

monazite

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)