EVOLUTION OF PALEOPROTEROZOIC MAGMATISM: GEOLOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY, AND ISOTOPIC CONSTRAINTS

Abstract

Evolution of tectono-magmatic processes in the Paleoproterozoic is divisible into four stages each controlled by its own type of endogenic activity. The critical moment in geological history was at the third stage onset 2.05 Ga ago, when the Archean style of evolution gave way to subsequent one. Magmas of siliceous high-Mg (boninite-like) series (SHMS) dominant during the first stage (2.5-2.3 Ga) had the mixed mantle-crust genesis. They originated in highly depleted ultramafic reservoir of asthenospheric mantle being contaminated by the Archean crustal material during ascent to the surface. Typical of the SHMS magmas were the high content of silica, Al, Mg, Cr and elevated concentrations of Ni, Co, Cu, V, PGE and incompatible elements, LREE included, while concentrations of Fe, Ti, Nb and alkalies, especially K, were at a relatively low level. Magmatism of K-granitoid type was of a limited significance. The second stage, especially its second substage (2.3-2.05 Ga), was distinct because of mass eruptions of picritic and basaltic magmas enriched in Fe, Ti, Mn, P and incompatible elements, LREE in particular, which also had elevated Cr, Ni, Co, Cu and Ba concentration being relatively depleted in Mg and Al. This change in geochemistry of magmatism was independent of tectonic processes, which retained the former style. The third stage (2.05-1.8 Ga) was marked by opening of first oceans (Jormua, Purtuniq and other ophiolites) and by formation of orogens comparable with Phanerozoic orogens that was associated with development of subduction zones and back-arc basins with relevant magmatism. High Mg, Fe, Ti, Cr, Ni, Cu, V but low Th concentrations were typical of intense picrite-basaltic volcanism marking onset of the third stage. Magmas of suprasubduction genesis had considerably higher Si, Al, P, Zn, Th concentrations and very low CaO/ Al2O3 ratios. Development of orogens came to the end 1.82-1.80 Ga ago. Appearance of giant belts of intraplate, usually silicic high-K volcanism juxtaposed on stabilized Paleoproterozoic orogens with abnormally thick crust was confined to the fourth stage spanning besides the initial Mesoproterozoic (1.8-1.5 Ga). Anorthosite-rapakivi granitoid batholiths, which originated above mantle plume heads, corresponded to intermediate magma chambers of relevant magmatic systems. As is suggested, juvenile basaltic melts of this stage retained within the crust provoking a large-scale melting of sialic material. The high K, Ti, Zn, Pb, Zr and elevated Be, Sn, Y, Nb, Rb, F, W, Mo, Li and U contents characterized geochemistry of magmas, which originated at the fourth stage. ; MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica" 2006.