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Evolution and assembly of Archean Gneiss Terranes in the Godthåbsfjord Region, southern west Greenland: Structural, metamorphic, and isotopic evidence
Author(s) -
Nutman Allen P.,
Friend Clark R. L.,
Baadsgaard Halfdan,
McGregor Victor R.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
tectonics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.465
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1944-9194
pISSN - 0278-7407
DOI - 10.1029/tc008i003p00573
Subject(s) - terrane , metamorphism , granulite , geology , gneiss , geochemistry , metamorphic facies , metamorphic rock , archean , proterozoic , petrology , facies , geomorphology , paleontology , tectonics , structural basin
The Godthåbsfjord region of southern West Greenland comprises several terranes that were assembled between 2750 and 2550 Ma and folded during amphibolite facies metamorphism. The terranes, which are dominated by gneisses of different ages and show different preassembly metamorphic and structural histories, are (1) the Færingehavn terrane containing the 3820–3600 Ma Amîtsoq gneisses, with granulite facies metamorphism at circa 3600 Ma, (2) the Akia terrane containing the 3070–2940 Ma Nûk gneisses, with granulite‐amphibolite facies metamorphism at circa 2980 Ma, (3) the Tasiusarsuaq terrane containing circa 2900 Ma gneisses, with granulite facies metamorphism at circa 2800 Ma, and (4) the Tre Brødre terrane containing the 2800–2750 Ma Ikkattoq gneisses, with amphibolite facies metamorphism at 2800–2750 Ma. Metamorphic assemblages and structures formed prior to terrane assembly, were variably overprinted during amphibolite facies metamorphism and heterogeneous strain associated with assembly. Recognition of the region as consisting of several terranes indicates that the anatomy of some Archean high‐grade gneiss complexes may resemble that of orogens of Proterozoic and Phanerozoic age that formed as a consequence of plate tectonic processes.