Crustal evolution in a cratonic nucleus: Granitoids and felsic volcanic rocks of the North Caribou Terrane, Superior Province Canada

Attempts to decipher the petrogenesis of Archean Trondhjemite–Tonalite–Granodiorite (TTG) and establish trends in their compositions over time typically do not assess the possible role of assimilation–crystal fractionation processes. Studies of TTG suites worldwide, however, demonstrate that reprocessing of older crust is common. Felsic volcanic and intrusive rocks from the North Caribou Lake area, located in the nucleus of the Superior Province, exhibit a range of compositions that are not accounted for by variable degrees of amphibolite melting alone. Characteristic of Archean TTG, the rocks mainly fall in the lower right hand quadrant of a Nb/Ta vs Zr/Sm plot but they also show clear trends between εNdT and ratios such as Al2O3/TiO2, Th/Nb, [Tb/Yb]N and Eu/Eu*. The lowest Nb/Ta values in the TTG likely result from crystal fractionation including titanite, which strongly partitions and fractionates these elements.

Research Highlights► TTG in Superior Province nucleus not accounted for by amphibolite melting alone. ► The TTG mainly fall in the lower right hand quadrant of a Nb/Ta vs Zr/Sm plot. ► Also show trends between eNdT and Al2O3/TiO2, Th/Nb, [Tb/Yb]N and Eu/Eu*. ► Their lowest Nb/Ta likely result from crystal fractionation including titanite.