No description available.

The largest structural trend of the major lithotectonic boundaries in the Grenville Province is located in Ontario where all lithotectonic belts are deflected around Georgian Bay, termed the Big Bend. The thesis will explore some questions related to the formation of this structural feature such as; how the geometry of Grenville aged thrusting contributed to the Big Bend and what conditions led to the formation of the pre-Grenvillian Central Metasedimentary Belt whose geometrical shape may have controlled the development of the Big Bend. First, the geometrical properties of the major lithotectonic boundaries are explored using a three-dimensional model in SketchUp. SketchUp was designed to visualize three-dimensional 1:1 scale real-world structures in Cartesian space. By utilizing refined isotope and geologic surface boundaries accompanied with seismic surveys a three-dimensional tectonic framework of the SW Grenville Province has been constructed. The three-dimensional model of the Grenville Front, Allochthon Boundary Thrust and Central Metasedimentary Belt boundary provides a visual understanding of how the thrust geometry was superimposed from the top-down, eventually producing the Big Bend. Second, 60 new Nd isotope analyses are presented for plutonic orthogneisses from the Central Metasedimentary Belt (CMB), Grenville Province. The CMB has been identified as a back-arc aulacogen with blocks of rifted crustal basement (>1.35GaTDM) in a juvenile matrix of lavas, intrusions and supracrustal sequences (1.35GaTDM). The Grimsthorpe domain is located in the center of the CMB in Ontario and contains large batholiths that exhibit older crustal formation ages known as the Weslemkoon and Elzevir batholiths. The presented Nd isotope analyses identify domains with older crustal formation ages separated by thin salients with younger crustal formation ages inside the Weslemkoon batholith. The intricate geometry of the isotope boundaries within the Weslemkoon batholith suggest that the Laurentian crustal basement was incorporated in the rift and later broken-up by rift related transtension. Continental rift and rifted-arc settings of the Danakil Depression and Gulf of California are explored as modern analogues along with rifted continental fragments known as the Danakil block and Isla Tiburon respectively. Last, the Queensborough mafic-ultramafic complex (QC) is reviewed. The QC is located at the southern end of the Elzevir batholith. The QC was interpreted as a back-arc ophiolite based on REE ratios and MORB normalized spidergrams which were argued to be comparable to modern back-arc basalts. Upon review of the published major and trace element ratios there is a mantle component that is problematical to explain with a back-arc tectonic scenario. The geochemistry suggests that the QC could be partially derived from a mantle plume. The current tectonic models contend this part of Laurentia formed only from subduction related magmatism but based on the trace element data a plume may have been involved as well. The evidence presented supports the identification of the CMB as a failed continental rift and that the failed continental rift created an embayment in Laurentia which governed ductile deformation during Grenvillian orogenic events leading to the formation of the Big Bend. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

A Região do Betara, objeto desta pesquisa, localiza-se a nordeste da Cidade de Curitiba, entre os Municípios de Rio Branco do Sul e Campo Largo. Inclui Rochas granito-gnáissicas proto a miloníticas (Núcleo Betara) e seqüências metavulcanossedimentares de baixo a médio grau metamórfico (Formação Betara). Esses terrenos ocorrem na porção sul da Faixa Ribeira, em meio a seqüências metavulcanossedimentares da Formação Votuverava. Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal realizar estudos geológico-geocronológicos (UPb zircão) de rochas metabásicas associadas à seqüências metavulcanossedimentares (Formação Betara), bem como dos terrenos granito-gnáissicos proto a miloníticos (Núcleo Betara). Na região centro-sul do Betara, foram reconhecidas rochas granodioríticas proto a miloníticas formadas durante o paleoproterozóico (~2200 Ma) com heranças (núcleos de zircões) arqueanas (~2800 Ma). Valores arqueanos (~3200 Ma) foram obtidos através do método Sm-Nd (TDM) indicativos da época de derivação do manto dos protolitos crustais dessas rochas. Estes terrenos são limitados a sul pela Zona de Cisalhamento Lancinha, que baliza o domínio da Faixa Apiaí (à norte) daquele pertencente ao Complexo Atuba (a sul). Neste contexto tectônico, os terrenos granodioríticos proto à miloníticos representam lascas de embasamento, possivelmente relacionadas ao cráton do Paranapanema. Tal correlação, no entanto, não é tarefa fácil, uma vez que as características geológicas acopladas ao padrão geocronológico são bastante similares às observadas para o Núcleo Setuva (Siga Júnior et al., 2006 no prelo) e para o Complexo Atuba ( Siga Júnior et al., 1995 e Sato et al., 2003). Em contato tectônico com os terrenos granodioríticos ocorrem rochas sienograníticas proto a miloníticas, intimamente associadas a rochas metabásicas (mistura de magmas ? mixing, mingling). Os valores U-Pb (zircão) obtidos para os litotipos sienograníticos referem-se ao paleoproterozóico superior (1780 ? 1750 Ma; Kaulfuss, 2001 e Cury et al., 2003), similar às idades aqui obtidas para as rochas metabásicas (U-PB, zircão de 1789+-22 Ma). A ocorrência de rochas sienograníticas associadas a rochas metabásicas, com características anorogências, sugestivas de regimes extencionais representa um importante marco na região, relacionado à Tafrogênese Estateriana. Acrescente-se ainda a possibilidade de haver sedimentação associada a esse magmatismo de natureza anorogênica, relacionado a bacias do tipo rift desenvolvidas nesse período. Idades desse intervalo (1800 ? 1600 Ma) ocorrem no âmbito da Faixa Apiaí, em rochas sienograníticas proto à miloníticas do Núcleo do Tigre, a sul do corpo granítico Passa Três e no setor NE do batólito granítico Três Córregos (Kaulfuss, 2001; Cury et al., 2003 e Prazeres Filho, 2005). No continente Sul-Americano são reconhecidos ao longo de grande parte de sua porção centro-oriental (Província Borborema, Sistema Espinhaço, Grupo São João Del Rei, Província Tocantins e Faixa Ribeira), conforme discutido em Brito Neves et al. (1995). Esses registros tafrogenéticos, embora relativamente sincrônicos, variam em magnitude e extensão e são na maioria das vezes, caracterizados como rifts crustais com magmatismo de natureza alcalina ou sub-alcalina e sedimentação siliciclástica associada. Devem representar importantes cicatrizes associadas à rupturas de grandes massas continentais aglutinadas durante o Paleoproterozóico (Supercontinente Atlântica ? Rogers, 1996), ou mesmo durante o Paleo-Mesoproterozóico (Supercontinente Columbia; Rogers e Santos, 2002; Zhao et al., 2004). Os estudos geológicos relativos as seqüências metavulcanossedimentares (Formação Betara), em contato tectônico com os terrenos sienograníticos e granodioríticos (Núcleo Betara), permitiram reconhecer três unidades maiores: Sequência metapsamítica (basal) representada principalmente por quartzitos, uma Sequência de mármores, calciossilicáticas e metamargas (intermediária) e uma Sequência metapelítica (superior) onde predominam filitos com metabásicas associadas. Os dados geocronológicos obtidos através do método U-Pb (zircão) referem-se a corpos de rochas metabásicas (possíveis sills ou diques), que ocorrem intercalados concordantemente com a Sequência pelítica superior. O estudo petrográficos e geoquímicos desses corpos, embora bastante preliminar indica a natureza orto derivada dessas rochas e um quimismo de basaltos subalcalinos sugestivos de ambientes tectônicos distensivos. As idades obtidas do intervalo de 1500-1450 Ma são aqui interpretadas como mínimas de deposição da Formação Betara, possivelmente próxima desta. Valores de intervalo (1500-1450 Ma.) foram recentemente obtidos para as seqüências metavulcanossedimentares das Formações Votuverava, Perau e Água Clara. O Mesoproterozóico representa portanto, um importante marco relacionado a deposição de grande parte das seqüências metavulcanossedimentares do sul da Faixa Ribeira. O padrão geológico-geocronológico aliado ao padrão estrutural observado para a região do Betara, sugere que a colocação desses terrenos a níveis crustais superiores tenha ocorrido durante o Neoproterozóico, função de uma tectônica controlada em grande parte por cisalhamentos. / The Betara region was located at nothwest of the Curitiba City between the Campo Largo and Rio Branco do Sul municipal districts. This region includes granite-gnaissic rocks, proto to milonitics (Betara Nucleous) and metavolcanossedimentary sequences with low to intermediate metamorphic grade (Betara Formation). These terrains occur at the southern portion of the Ribeira Belt, surrounded by metavolcanossedimentary sequences of the Votuverava Formation. The main objective of this work was realize geologic-geochronologic studies (U-Pb zircon) of metabasic rocks associated with the metavolcanossedimentary sequences (Betara Formation), as well the metabasic rocks associated with the proto milonitic to milonitic granite-gnaissic terrains (Betara Nucleous). At the center-southern portion of the Betara Region, was recognized granodioritic rocks, proto to milonitic formed during the Paleoproterozoic (~2200 Ma) with archean inheritances (zircon nucleous ~2800 Ma). Archean values (~3200Ma) where obtained with Sm-Nd (TDM) method. This values where indicative for the mantle carries away ages for the crustal protolites of these rocks. These terrains are limited at the south by the Lancinha Shear Zone, who separates the Apiaí Domain (north) from the Atuba Complex (south). In this tectonic context, the proto to milonitc ganodioritic terrains represents peaces from the basement and possibly can be related to the Paranapanema Cratonic Region. This correlations are not a simple work and the geologic propers with the geologic patterns was to close to that observed for the Setuva Nucleous (Siga Júnior et al., 2006 no prelo) and for the Atuba Complex ( Siga Júnior et al., 1995 e Sato et al., 2003). In tectonic contact with the granodioritic terrains occurs some sienogranitic rocks proto to milonitics associated with metabasic rocks (magma mixing and/or magma mingling). The U-Pb zircon values obtained to the sienogranitic rocks was related to the Upper Paleoproterozoic (1780-1750 Ma; Kaulfuss, 2001 e Cury et al., 2003), very close to the ages obtained for the metabasic rocks (U-Pb zircon at 1789+-22 Ma). The occurrence of the sienogranitic rocks associated with metabasic rocks; with anorogenic characteristics may imply extensional systems and represents an important frame on this region, related to the Estatherian Tafrogenetic Event. Increases the possibilities to occur some sedimentation associated to this anorogenic magmatism, related to rift type basins developed during this period. Ages from this interval (1800 - 1600 Ma) occurs at the Apiaí Belt for the sienogranites proto to milonitics from the Tigre Nucleous at the south of the Passa Tres granitic body and at the nothwesthern portion of the granitic bathollite Três Córregos (Kaulfuss, 2001; Cury et al., 2003 e Prazeres Filho, 2005). In the South American Continent was recognized at a great part of this center west portion (Borborema Province, Espinhaço System, São João Del Rei Group, Tocantins Province and Ribeira Belt) according with Brito Neves et al. (1995). This tafrogenetic record was relatively synchronic, but variate in magnitude and extension and at most part of the time was related to crustal rifts with alkaline to sub alkaline magmatism associated with siliciclastic sedimentation. Might represent important scars associated with the breakage of some large continental masses agglutinated during the Paleoproterozoic (Atlantica Suercontinent, Rogers, 1996) or as same during the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic (Columbia Supercontinet; Rogers and Santos, 2002; Zhao et al., 2004). The geologic studies of the metavolcanossedimentary sequences (Betara Formation) in tectonic contact with sienogranitic-granodioritic terrains (Betara Nucleous) admit to recognize three major units: Metapsamitic sequence (lower), recognized mainly by quartzites, a marble, calciossilicatic and marly sequence (intermediary) and a metapelitic sequence (upper) where predominate phyllites associated with metabasic rocks. The geochronological data obtained from the U-Pb (zircon) method refers to metabasic rock bodies (dikes or sills) who occurs in conformity and intercalated with the upper pelitic sequence. The geochemical studies of this bodies indicates this ortho derived nature and a subalkaline chemical characteristics who suggests a distensive ambient. The ages obtained in a range between 1500-1450 Ma can be interpreted like minimal ages to deposition for the Betara Formation. Values at this same range (1450-1500 Ma) were obtained recently to the Votuverava, Perau and Água Clara Formations. The Mesoproterozoic represents an important frame related to deposition of the great part of the metavolcanossedimentary sequences of the southern Ribeira Belt. The geologic-geochronologic patterns, with the structural patterns observed to the Betara Region suggests whom the placement of this terraines at the upper crustal levels occurs at the Neoproterozoic, function of a shear-controlled tectonics.

Dark enclaves rich in amphibole and biotite are ubiquitous in granitoid rocks and generally thought to represent fragments of mafic magmas, cumulates or restites. However, magmatic assimilation of metamorphic or sedimentary country rock can also form dark enclaves. To develop criteria for identifying dark enclaves of non-magmatic origin, we investigated dark enclaves from a complete spectrum of light (carbonate- or feldspar-rich) to dark (amphibole-rich, biotite-rich, or composite) enclaves, reflecting progressive thermal and chemical equilibration with host tonalite from the Domenigoni Valley pluton in the Peninsular Ranges Batholith, California. Metasedimentary dark enclaves have a number of major and trace element characteristics that overlap those of literature-compiled igneous dark enclaves. Comparison to modeled igneous differentiation paths shows metasedimentary enclaves can have anomalous CaO and K2O contents for a given SiO2, but other major element systematics may not deviate noticeably from igneous differentiation trends. In addition, the fact that there are literature-compiled mafic enclaves trending towards high K2O and high CaO suggests that not all mafic enclaves are of igneous origin. While the majority of dark enclaves may not be metasedimentary, this work provides some criteria for identifying enclaves should a case of metasedimentary origin arise.

A Região do Betara, objeto desta pesquisa, localiza-se a nordeste da Cidade de Curitiba, entre os Municípios de Rio Branco do Sul e Campo Largo. Inclui Rochas granito-gnáissicas proto a miloníticas (Núcleo Betara) e seqüências metavulcanossedimentares de baixo a médio grau metamórfico (Formação Betara). Esses terrenos ocorrem na porção sul da Faixa Ribeira, em meio a seqüências metavulcanossedimentares da Formação Votuverava. Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal realizar estudos geológico-geocronológicos (UPb zircão) de rochas metabásicas associadas à seqüências metavulcanossedimentares (Formação Betara), bem como dos terrenos granito-gnáissicos proto a miloníticos (Núcleo Betara). Na região centro-sul do Betara, foram reconhecidas rochas granodioríticas proto a miloníticas formadas durante o paleoproterozóico (~2200 Ma) com heranças (núcleos de zircões) arqueanas (~2800 Ma). Valores arqueanos (~3200 Ma) foram obtidos através do método Sm-Nd (TDM) indicativos da época de derivação do manto dos protolitos crustais dessas rochas. Estes terrenos são limitados a sul pela Zona de Cisalhamento Lancinha, que baliza o domínio da Faixa Apiaí (à norte) daquele pertencente ao Complexo Atuba (a sul). Neste contexto tectônico, os terrenos granodioríticos proto à miloníticos representam lascas de embasamento, possivelmente relacionadas ao cráton do Paranapanema. Tal correlação, no entanto, não é tarefa fácil, uma vez que as características geológicas acopladas ao padrão geocronológico são bastante similares às observadas para o Núcleo Setuva (Siga Júnior et al., 2006 no prelo) e para o Complexo Atuba ( Siga Júnior et al., 1995 e Sato et al., 2003). Em contato tectônico com os terrenos granodioríticos ocorrem rochas sienograníticas proto a miloníticas, intimamente associadas a rochas metabásicas (mistura de magmas ? mixing, mingling). Os valores U-Pb (zircão) obtidos para os litotipos sienograníticos referem-se ao paleoproterozóico superior (1780 ? 1750 Ma; Kaulfuss, 2001 e Cury et al., 2003), similar às idades aqui obtidas para as rochas metabásicas (U-PB, zircão de 1789+-22 Ma). A ocorrência de rochas sienograníticas associadas a rochas metabásicas, com características anorogências, sugestivas de regimes extencionais representa um importante marco na região, relacionado à Tafrogênese Estateriana. Acrescente-se ainda a possibilidade de haver sedimentação associada a esse magmatismo de natureza anorogênica, relacionado a bacias do tipo rift desenvolvidas nesse período. Idades desse intervalo (1800 ? 1600 Ma) ocorrem no âmbito da Faixa Apiaí, em rochas sienograníticas proto à miloníticas do Núcleo do Tigre, a sul do corpo granítico Passa Três e no setor NE do batólito granítico Três Córregos (Kaulfuss, 2001; Cury et al., 2003 e Prazeres Filho, 2005). No continente Sul-Americano são reconhecidos ao longo de grande parte de sua porção centro-oriental (Província Borborema, Sistema Espinhaço, Grupo São João Del Rei, Província Tocantins e Faixa Ribeira), conforme discutido em Brito Neves et al. (1995). Esses registros tafrogenéticos, embora relativamente sincrônicos, variam em magnitude e extensão e são na maioria das vezes, caracterizados como rifts crustais com magmatismo de natureza alcalina ou sub-alcalina e sedimentação siliciclástica associada. Devem representar importantes cicatrizes associadas à rupturas de grandes massas continentais aglutinadas durante o Paleoproterozóico (Supercontinente Atlântica ? Rogers, 1996), ou mesmo durante o Paleo-Mesoproterozóico (Supercontinente Columbia; Rogers e Santos, 2002; Zhao et al., 2004). Os estudos geológicos relativos as seqüências metavulcanossedimentares (Formação Betara), em contato tectônico com os terrenos sienograníticos e granodioríticos (Núcleo Betara), permitiram reconhecer três unidades maiores: Sequência metapsamítica (basal) representada principalmente por quartzitos, uma Sequência de mármores, calciossilicáticas e metamargas (intermediária) e uma Sequência metapelítica (superior) onde predominam filitos com metabásicas associadas. Os dados geocronológicos obtidos através do método U-Pb (zircão) referem-se a corpos de rochas metabásicas (possíveis sills ou diques), que ocorrem intercalados concordantemente com a Sequência pelítica superior. O estudo petrográficos e geoquímicos desses corpos, embora bastante preliminar indica a natureza orto derivada dessas rochas e um quimismo de basaltos subalcalinos sugestivos de ambientes tectônicos distensivos. As idades obtidas do intervalo de 1500-1450 Ma são aqui interpretadas como mínimas de deposição da Formação Betara, possivelmente próxima desta. Valores de intervalo (1500-1450 Ma.) foram recentemente obtidos para as seqüências metavulcanossedimentares das Formações Votuverava, Perau e Água Clara. O Mesoproterozóico representa portanto, um importante marco relacionado a deposição de grande parte das seqüências metavulcanossedimentares do sul da Faixa Ribeira. O padrão geológico-geocronológico aliado ao padrão estrutural observado para a região do Betara, sugere que a colocação desses terrenos a níveis crustais superiores tenha ocorrido durante o Neoproterozóico, função de uma tectônica controlada em grande parte por cisalhamentos. / The Betara region was located at nothwest of the Curitiba City between the Campo Largo and Rio Branco do Sul municipal districts. This region includes granite-gnaissic rocks, proto to milonitics (Betara Nucleous) and metavolcanossedimentary sequences with low to intermediate metamorphic grade (Betara Formation). These terrains occur at the southern portion of the Ribeira Belt, surrounded by metavolcanossedimentary sequences of the Votuverava Formation. The main objective of this work was realize geologic-geochronologic studies (U-Pb zircon) of metabasic rocks associated with the metavolcanossedimentary sequences (Betara Formation), as well the metabasic rocks associated with the proto milonitic to milonitic granite-gnaissic terrains (Betara Nucleous). At the center-southern portion of the Betara Region, was recognized granodioritic rocks, proto to milonitic formed during the Paleoproterozoic (~2200 Ma) with archean inheritances (zircon nucleous ~2800 Ma). Archean values (~3200Ma) where obtained with Sm-Nd (TDM) method. This values where indicative for the mantle carries away ages for the crustal protolites of these rocks. These terrains are limited at the south by the Lancinha Shear Zone, who separates the Apiaí Domain (north) from the Atuba Complex (south). In this tectonic context, the proto to milonitc ganodioritic terrains represents peaces from the basement and possibly can be related to the Paranapanema Cratonic Region. This correlations are not a simple work and the geologic propers with the geologic patterns was to close to that observed for the Setuva Nucleous (Siga Júnior et al., 2006 no prelo) and for the Atuba Complex ( Siga Júnior et al., 1995 e Sato et al., 2003). In tectonic contact with the granodioritic terrains occurs some sienogranitic rocks proto to milonitics associated with metabasic rocks (magma mixing and/or magma mingling). The U-Pb zircon values obtained to the sienogranitic rocks was related to the Upper Paleoproterozoic (1780-1750 Ma; Kaulfuss, 2001 e Cury et al., 2003), very close to the ages obtained for the metabasic rocks (U-Pb zircon at 1789+-22 Ma). The occurrence of the sienogranitic rocks associated with metabasic rocks; with anorogenic characteristics may imply extensional systems and represents an important frame on this region, related to the Estatherian Tafrogenetic Event. Increases the possibilities to occur some sedimentation associated to this anorogenic magmatism, related to rift type basins developed during this period. Ages from this interval (1800 - 1600 Ma) occurs at the Apiaí Belt for the sienogranites proto to milonitics from the Tigre Nucleous at the south of the Passa Tres granitic body and at the nothwesthern portion of the granitic bathollite Três Córregos (Kaulfuss, 2001; Cury et al., 2003 e Prazeres Filho, 2005). In the South American Continent was recognized at a great part of this center west portion (Borborema Province, Espinhaço System, São João Del Rei Group, Tocantins Province and Ribeira Belt) according with Brito Neves et al. (1995). This tafrogenetic record was relatively synchronic, but variate in magnitude and extension and at most part of the time was related to crustal rifts with alkaline to sub alkaline magmatism associated with siliciclastic sedimentation. Might represent important scars associated with the breakage of some large continental masses agglutinated during the Paleoproterozoic (Atlantica Suercontinent, Rogers, 1996) or as same during the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic (Columbia Supercontinet; Rogers and Santos, 2002; Zhao et al., 2004). The geologic studies of the metavolcanossedimentary sequences (Betara Formation) in tectonic contact with sienogranitic-granodioritic terrains (Betara Nucleous) admit to recognize three major units: Metapsamitic sequence (lower), recognized mainly by quartzites, a marble, calciossilicatic and marly sequence (intermediary) and a metapelitic sequence (upper) where predominate phyllites associated with metabasic rocks. The geochronological data obtained from the U-Pb (zircon) method refers to metabasic rock bodies (dikes or sills) who occurs in conformity and intercalated with the upper pelitic sequence. The geochemical studies of this bodies indicates this ortho derived nature and a subalkaline chemical characteristics who suggests a distensive ambient. The ages obtained in a range between 1500-1450 Ma can be interpreted like minimal ages to deposition for the Betara Formation. Values at this same range (1450-1500 Ma) were obtained recently to the Votuverava, Perau and Água Clara Formations. The Mesoproterozoic represents an important frame related to deposition of the great part of the metavolcanossedimentary sequences of the southern Ribeira Belt. The geologic-geochronologic patterns, with the structural patterns observed to the Betara Region suggests whom the placement of this terraines at the upper crustal levels occurs at the Neoproterozoic, function of a shear-controlled tectonics.

No description available.

Gneiss domes are structural features associated with orogens worldwide. This study provides a structural analysis of the domes of the Harvey Cardiff Domain, associated with the Grenville Orogeny. Structural data and oriented samples were collected during field work in the summer of 2012. These were used in combination with published and unpublished foliation and lineation data to analyze structural patterns and determine a mechanism of formation for the domes. The end member scenarios for dome formation were taken from the gneiss dome classification scheme devised by Yin (2004). Most of these mechanisms were eliminated based on a lack of necessary large scale geologic features in the region of the study area. An analysis of the foliation pattern of the Cheddar and Cardiff domes was most consistent with formation by diapirism. However, the foliation patterns of the domes differ from the expected diapiric pattern, and seems to represent a non-horizontal slice through a diapir, cutting through a diapir neck in the north and a diapir hat in the south. This pattern can also be explained by rotation of diapiric foliation due to strain induced by the main orogenic event. This hypothesis was tested using COMSOL, a finite elastic strain model, and found to be realistic. With the methods used in this study it is not possible to tell whether this rotation occurred after or during dome emplacement.

<p> The Grenville Province represents the remains of a collisional orogeny ca. 1.2 - 1.0 Ga and contains the Central Metasedimentary Belt (CMB). Generally thought to represent one or more accreted island arcs, the CMB is located between belts of highgrade gneisses and contains a number of identified structural terranes. Neodymium (Nd) model ages of the high-grade gneisses on either side of the CMB yield similar values (~1.5 Ga) while the average model age within the CMB is usually more juvenile (<1.3 Ga). This distinction, along with observations about the geometrical shape of the juvenile zone, has led to the creation of an alternative model for the development of the CMB in the Grenville Province as developed by Dickin and McNutt, (2007). The new model equates the CMB with an ensimatic rift zone with an en echelon morphology consisting of a series of segments with NNE trends, separated by one or more horsts of older crustal rock. The development of the CMB under these conditions implies that restricted access to seawater may have facilitated limestone deposition prior to major biogenic influences, and thus the morphology of the rift is defined in part by the extent of the Grenville marble outcrops. </p> <p> The present study tests this model through the use of 80 new Nd isotope analyses to map the NW boundary of the CMB, known as the Central Metasedimentary Belt Boundary Zone (CMBBZ), west of Bancroft, Ontario. Within this part of the CMBBZ, the age boundary between pre-Grenvillian and juvenile gneisses is relatively sharp (1 - 4 km wide) and this age boundary makes a near 90-degree tum from a NNE trend near Minden to an E-W trend near Haliburton. Two blocks of older material are located within the juvenile terranes of the CMB, which are interpreted as being blocks of older crust rifted from the walls of the older Muskoka domain to the north of the study region. These structures are analogous to similar horsts of older crustal material found in the Afar region of East Africa. Therefore, we suggest that the locus of the CMBBZ was constrained by older structures, representing a transition from the side of a rift zone segment south of Minden, to the truncated end of this rift segment between Haliburton and Bancroft. Hence, the detailed structure of the CMBBZ in this region provides further evidence in support of the rift zone model. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

The accretionary Mesoproterozoic Grenville Orogeny (ca. 1300 – 980 Ma) involving the Central Metasedimentary Belt is a key building block of the eastern Laurentian margin. A petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical and geochronological study of the migmatite complex in Otter Lake (QC) within the Marble Domain is used to resolve regional metamorphic and magmatic events primarily recorded in the leucosome accessory minerals (i.e. monazite). The relationship between the different stages of monazite and garnet growth and dissolution during the tectonic evolution of the orogenic history for the interpreted metasomatic (injected) and anatectic (in situ) monazite-bearing neosomes from this study supports published thermochronological work in the area and challenges the claim that the Central Metasedimentary Belt was not heated above 500 °C during the Ottawan phase. Instead, the region shows Grenville magmatic and anatectic events were overprinted by high-temperature, fluid-rich Ottawan-phase metamorphism recorded within both injected (monazite-bearing) and in situ (monazite- and garnet-bearing) neosomes.

<p> Glamorgan township in southeastern Ontario, is underlain by Precambrian rocks of the Grenville province. Prominent amongst these are migmatite, paragneiss, and granite gneiss, VJhich collectively form a series of rocks (the Glamorgan gneiss aeries). </p> <p> Field work revealed that this series is completely gradational from a geological aspect, and that the geological gradation is complemented by a geochemical gradation. <p> An explanation of these gradational relationships constitutes the main contribution of this study. The conclusions reached are that partial melting of paragneiss produced migmatite and a trondhjemitic melt, which later produced granitic (in the strict sense) derivatives. </p> <p> In developing the main conclusions, a number of subsidiary problems are discussed, chief of which are the possible metavolcanic or metasedimentary o'rigin of the paragneiss and the possible origin of so-called diorite as a differentiate of an alkaline gabbro. Metamorphism was concluded to be of Miyashiro's low pressure intermediate type. </p> <p> By the use of experimentally determined reactions and stability fields a metamorphic grid was devised, which led to the following upper limits of metamorphic conditions: 550 to 650°C and 3 to 6.5 kilobars total pre5sure. These estimates in turn lead to the following limiting geothermal gradients: 25 to 55°C per kilometre. </p> <p> The Glamorgan occurrence was found to share three characteristics with many other Precambrian terrains : 1. migmatisation and emplacement of granite accompanied high grade metamorphism; 2. an early sodium-rich granite was followed by a more potassic one; and 3. the more sodic granite is associated with a small amount of basic igneous rock. These three generalisations were used to formulate a possible model for deep crustal petrogenesis. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)