Later Proterozoic Stratigraphy of the Northern Atlantic Regions

290 Pages·1988·14.95 MB·English

by  J. A. Winchester (auth.), J. A. Winchester (eds.)

Later Proterozoic Stratigraphy
of the
Northern Atlantic Regions
LATER PROTEROZOIC STRATIGRAPHY
OF THE
NORTHERN ATLANTIC REGIONS
edited by
J. A. WINCHESTER
Lecturer in Geology
University of Keele
Blackie
Glasgow and London
Published in the USA by
Chapman and Hall
New York
Blackie and Son Ltd
Bishopbriggs, Glasgow G64 2NZ
7 Leicester PI ace, London WC2H 7BP
Published in the USA by
Chapman and Hall
in association with Methuen, Inc.
29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001~2291
© 1988 Blackie and Son Ltd.
Softcover reprint of the hardcover 1st edition 1988
First published 1988
All rights reserved.
No part oj this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
in atry form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission oj the Publishers.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Later Proterozoie stratigraphy of the Northern
Atlantic regions.
1. Geology, Stratigraphic-Pre-Cambrian
2. North Atlantic Region
I. Winchester, J. A.
551.7'15'091821 QE653
ISBN 978-1-4615-7346-3 ISBN 978-1-4615-7344-9 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-1-4615-7344-9
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Later Proterozoic stratigraphy of the northern Atlantic
regions.
Bibliography: p.
Includes index.
1. Geology, Stratigraphic-Pre-Cambrian.
2. Geology-Great Britain. 3. Geology-North Atlantic
Ocean Region. I. Winchester, J. A.
QE653.L275 1987 551.7'12'091821 87~6333
ISBN 978-1-4615-7346-3
Photosetting by Thomson Press (India) Limited, New Delhi
Preface
Later Proterozoic Stratigraphy of the Northern Atlantic stimulating and their prompt submission of text and
Regions aims to produce a concise and up-to-date illustrative material has enabled rapid production of
synthesis of the later Proterozoic geology of those lands the book. Funding for this research has come from many
bordering the North Atlantic that were once situated sources, including the Natural Environment Research
north of the Iapetus Suture and the Tornquist Line. Council, the British Geological Survey, the Geological
Proterozoic rocks deposited between 1150 and 650 Ma Surveys of Greenland and Newfoundland and many
(the latter date marked by the Varanger glaciation) are universities.
the main subject of the book, although reference is also Many of the chapters use differing and interesting
made to deposits laid down at the end of the Proterozoic methods of approach, including structural analysis,
in Scandinavia, Newfoundland and Greenland. The sedimentology, whole-rock trace element geochemistry,
need for such a comprehensive review has become geophysics, and isotopic age dating. The scope of the
increasingly apparent in recent years, because the original research was extended to include formerly
introduction of many new methods of resolving pro- adjacent areas and, as a result, a number of useful
blems in complex metamorphic terrains has unlocked a correlations between these regions can be made. The
vast store of new information. book concludes with a somewhat speculative model for
This book is not the result of a specially-convened the stratigraphic evolution of the entire region in the
conference, but is a collection of specially commissioned later Proterozoic, which identifies many outstanding
articles drawing upon the expertise of 23 scholars who problems. Consequently, it is hoped and expected that
are all actively investigating the rocks described. The this book will provide a valuable synthesis of past
co-operation of these contributors has been immensely knowledge and a basis for future research.
JAW
v
Contents
I Introduction 1
J. A. WINCHESTER
1.1 Aim of this volume I
1.2 Geographical limits I
1.3 Proterozoic time-span covered 5
1.3.1 Terminology 5
1.4 Tectonometamorphic units 6
1.4.1 The Grenville-Sveco-Norwegian event 6
1.4.2 Late Precambrian events 7
1.4.3 Palaeozoic events 7
1.5 Stratigraphic methods 7
1.5.1 Lithological correlation 7
1.5.2 Chemostratigraphic correlation 8
1.5.3 Isotopic age-dating methods 8
1.5.4 Geophysics in correlation 9
1.6 External links 10
References II
Section 1: ROCKS PREDATING THE GRENVILLE EVENT
2 Sedlln.entary structures and sequences within a late Proterozoic tidal shelf deposit: the Upper
Morar Psammite Formation of northwestern Scotland 14
N. R. W. GLENDINNING
2.1 Introduction 14
2.2 Geological setting 14
2.3 Petrography 16
2.4 Sedimentology 16
2.4.1 The Upper Psammite on the western limb of the Morar Antiform 16
2.5 Other features 19
2.5.1 Palaeocurrents 19
2.5.2 Soft-sediment deformation 20
2.5.3 Erosion surfaces 22
2.5.4 Shrinkage cracks? 22
2.5.5 Calc-silicates 23
2.5.6 Morar Striped and Pelitic Schist 24
2.6 Summary 25
2.6.1 Facies relationships 25
2.6.2 Interpretation: lateral changes 25
2.6.3 Interpretation: vertical transitions 27
2.6.4 Discussion 27
2.6.5 The Upper Psammite on the eastern limb of the Morar Antiform: a possible control on basin geometry 28
2.7 Conclusions 29
References 29
3 The Glenfinnan and Loch Eil Divisions of the Moine Assemblage 32
R. A. STRACHAN, F. MAY and D. BARR
3.1 Introduction 32
3.2 Geological setting 32
3.3 Age of the Glenfinnan and Loch Eil Divisions 34
3.4 Stratigraphy of the Glenfinnan and Loch Eil Divisions 34
3.4.1 Glenfinnan Division 34
3.4.2 Loch Eil Division 36
3.4.3 Achnacarry and Achnaconeran Striped Formations 36
3.4.4 The northern and southern parts of the Sgurr Beag Nappe 38
3.4.5 Stratigraphic nomenclature 39
3.5 Regional correlations 39
3.5.1 Correlations between the rocks of the Sgurr Beag Nappe and the Morar Division 39
3.5.2 Correlation between the rocks of the Sgurr Beag Nappe and the Sutherland Moine Assemblage 39
3.6 Sedimentology of the Glenfinnan and Loch Eil Divisions 39
3.6.1 Loch Eil Division 40
3.6.2 Glenfinnan Division 42
3.7 Depositional tectonics 42
References 43
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CONTENTS
4 The Central Highland Division 46
M. A. J. PIASECKI and S. TEMPERLEY
4.1 Introduction 46
4.2 Lithofacies 47
4.3 Orogenic history 47
4.3.1 Late Proterozoic history 47
4.3.2 Latest Proterozoic (Knoydartian) shearing event 49
4.3.3 Early Palaeozoic orogeny 49
4.4 Relationship between the Central Highland Division and the Grampian Group 51
4.5 Affinities and age of the Central Highland Division 51
4.6 Regional implications 51
References 52
5 The Moine Assel11blage in Sutherland 54
S. J. MOORHOUSE and VALERIE E. MOORHOUSE
5.1 Introduction: a history of speculation and controversy 54
5.2 Lithologies, tectonics and age of deposition 54
5.2.1 Structure and tectonomorphic sequence 54
5.2.2 The A'Mhoine Nappe 58
5.2.3 The Naver Nappe 60
5.2.4 The Swordly Nappe and the granite-migmatite complexes 61
5.2.5 Conclusions on the age of deposition and deformation 63
5.3 Geochemical characterization of the Sutherland Moine Assemblage 64
5.3.1 Analytical method 64
5.3.2 Geochemical results 64
5.4 Discussion and conclusions 70
References 72
6 The Moine rocks of Shetland 74
D. FLINN
6.1 Moine rocks west of the Walls Boundary Fault 74
6.l.1 The Sand Voe schuppen zone 75
6.1.2 The Eastern Gneisses 76
6.1.3 The metasediments-psammites 76
6.1.4 The metasediments-the garnet-mica schists 77
6.1.5 The correlation with Scotland 77
6.2 Moine rocks east of the Walls Boundary Fault 77
6.2.1 Lithology of the Yell Sound Division 78
6.3 The boundary zone 83
6.4 The Hascosay Slide 84
6.5 Conclusions 85
References 85
7 The KruIlll11edal supracrustal sequence in East Greenland 86
A. K. HIGGINS
7. 1 Introduction 86
7.2 General structure of the Caledonides 87
7.3 Isotopic evidence for Grenville orogenesis 89
7.4 Krummedal supracrustal sequence 90
7.4.1 Krummedal 90
7.4.2 Hinks Land 91
7.4.3 Vestfjord 91
7.4.4 Nordbugt 91
7.4.5 East Milne Land 93
7.4.6 North Liverpool Land 93
7.4.7 Kejser Franz Joseph Fjord 94
7.5 Conclusions 95
References 96
Section 2: LATE PROTEROZOIC ROCKS ON THE LAURENTIAN FORELAND
8 The Stoer Group, Scotland 97
A. D. STEWART
8.1 Introduction 97
8.2 The Stoer Group 98
8.2.1 Breccia facies 98
8.2.2 Muddy sandstone facies 99
8.2.3 Conglomeratic facies 99
8.2.4 Port Cam facies 100
8.2.5 Poll a'Mhuilt facies 100
Vlll
CONTENTS
8.2.6 Bay of Stoer facies 100
8.2.7 Meal! Dearg facies 100
References 102
9 The Sleat and Torridon Groups 104
A. D. STEWART
9.1 Introduction 104
9.2 The Sleat Group 104
9.2.1 Rubha Guail Formation 104
9.2.2 Loch na Da1 Formation 104
9.2.3 Beinn na Seamraig and Kinloch Formations 105
9.2.4 Comparison of Sleat and Torridon Groups 105
9.3 The Torridon Group 106
9.3.1 Diabaig Formation 106
9.3.2 Applecross Formation 108
9.3.3 Aultbea Formation 109
9.3.4 Cailleach Head Formation 109
9.4 The provenance of the Sleat and Torridon Groups 109
References III
10 The Double Mer ForInation 113
C. F. GOWER
10.1 Introduction 113
10.2 Regional distribution 113
10.3 Characteristics of the Double Mer Formation 113
10.4 Interpretation of the age of the Double Mer Formation 117
References 118
11 The Colonsay Group 119
M. BENTLEY
11.1 Introduction 119
11.2 The Colon say Group Sequences 119
11.2.1 Lithostratigraphy 119
11.2.2 Cover~basement contacts 122
11.2.3 Sedimentology 123
11.2.4 Regional depositional environment 123
11.3 Structure 123
11.3.1 Deformation history 123
11.3.2 Structural relationships of the main igneous intrusions 125
11.4 Geochronological framework 125
11.4.1 Isotope studies 125
11.4.2 The relative timing of events within the Colonsay Group 126
11.5 Inter-regional correlation 126
11.5.1 Basement correlatives 126
11.5.2 Colonsay Group correlatives 127
11.5.3 Regional correlation of the Colonsay Group deformation 127
11.5.4 Displacement histories on the Great Glen and Loch Gruinart Faults and their bearing on Colonsay
Group correlations 128
11.6 Conclusions 129
References 129
Section 3: POST-GRENVILLE ROCKS AFFECTED BY THE CALEDONIAN EVENT
12 Pre-Dalradian rocks in NW Ireland 131
J. A. WINCHESTER and M. D. MAX
12.1 Introduction 131
12.2 Northwest County Mayo inlier 131
12.2.1 Erris Complex 131
12.3 Slishwood Division 142
12.4 Northernmost Ireland 143
12.5 Other Proterozoic inliers in NW Ireland 143
References 144
13 The GraInpian Group, Scotland 146
J. A. WINCHESTER and B. W. GLOVER
13.1 Introduction 146
13.2 Stratigraphic framework 147
13.2.1 Glenshirra succession 148
13.2.2 Ord Ban Subgroup 149
13.2.3 Corrieyairack Subgroup 149
IX
A'
CONTENTS
13.2.4 Glen Spean Subgroup 152
13.3 Geochemistry 154
13.4 Conclusions 160
References 160
14 The Erris Group, Ireland 162
J. A. WINCHESTER, M. D. MAX and C. B. LONG
14.1 Introduction 162
14.2 Stratigraphy 163
14.2.1 Doonamo Formation 163
14.2.2 Belderg Formation 164
14.2.3 Broad Haven Formation 164
14.2.4 Benmore Formation 164
14.2.5 Srahlaghy Formation 164
14.2.6 Rocks correlated with the Erris Group 165
14.3 Geochemical studies 166
14.3.1 Psammites 166
14.3.2 Semi-pelites 171
14.3.3 Heavy-mineral bands 172
14.3.4 Amphibolites 174
14.4 Correlation with the Grampian Group 175
14.5 Conclusions 175
References 176
15 The Appin Group 177
A. E. WRIGHT
15.1 Introduction 177
15.2 Stratigraphy 177
15.2.1 Lochaber Subgroup 181
15.2.2 Ballachulish Subgroup 183
15.2.3 Blair Atholl Subgroup 184
15.3 Geochemistry 185
15.3.1 Lochaber Schists 185
15.3.2 Quartzites 186
15.3.3 Black Slates 189
15.3.4 Carbonate rocks 190
15.4 Sedimen tology 192
15.4.1 Lochaber Subgroup 192
15.4.2 Ballachulish Subgroup 193
15.4.3 Blair Atholl Subgroup 197
15.5 Conclusions 198
References 198
16 Stratigraphy of the Fleur de Lys Belt, northwest Newfoundland 200
J. HIBBARD
16.1 Introduction 200
16.2 Evolution of stratigraphic thought 200
16.3 Infrastructure 202
16.3.1 Age and correlations 205
16.4 Cover sequences 205
16.4.1 Varied sequence 206
16.4.2 Monotonous sequence 207
16.4.3 Ophiolitic rocks 207
16.4.4 Other sequences 208
16.4.5 Contact relationships 208
16.4.6 Age and correlation 209
16.5 Significance and interpretation of the Fleur de Lys Belt 209
References 210
17 The Eleonore Bay Group (central East Greenland) 212
R. CABY and JANINE BERT RAND-SARF A TI
17.1 Introduction 212
17.2 Alpefjord Formation 212
17.2.1 The lower member 213
17.2.2 The middle carbonate member 219
17.2.3 The upper member 220
17.3 Agardhsbjerg Formation 222
17.3.1 Agardhsbjerg Formation in Canning Land 223
17.4 Brogetdal Formation 223
17.4.1 Description of the major cycles 223
x
CONTENTS
17.4.2 Description of the characteristic facies 225
17.4.3 Interpretation of the palaeoenvironments 228
17.5 N~kkefossen Formation 229
17.5.1 Description of some characteristic facies 229
17.5.2 Interpretation of the palaeoenvironments 231
17.6 The age of the Eleonore Bay Group 232
17.6.1 Geochronological data 232
17.6.2 Comparisons with the Phanerozoic 234
17.7 Conclusions 234
References 234
18 The 'sparagaDlites' of Norway 237
J. P. NYSTUEN and ANNA SIEDLECKA
18.1 Introduction 237
18.2 South Norway 237
18.2.1 Valdres and Mellsenn Groups 242
18.2.2 Engerdalen Group 243
18.3 North Norway 243
18.3.1 Vads~ Group 243
18.3.2 Tanafjord Group 244
18.3.3 Bossekop Group 245
18.3.4 Vestertana Group 246
18.3.5 Borras Group 246
18.3.6 Dividal Group 246
18.3.7 Barents Sea Group 246
18.3.8 L~kvikfjell Group 247
18.3.9 Laksefjord Group 247
18.4 Palaeogeographical environment and sedimentary evolution 248
18.5 Correlation 248
References 249
19 Later Proterozoic environDlents and tectonic evolution in the northern Atlantic lands 253
J. A. WINCHESTER
19.1 Introduction 253
19.2 Correlating Canada and West Greenland 253
19.3 Correlating West and East Greenland 255
19.4 Correlation between SE Greenland and the NW British Isles 255
19.5 Correlating East Greenland and Scandinavia 258
19.6 Correlating Scandinavia and the NW British Isles 258
19.7 Early Proterozoic mafic volcanic belts 258
19.8 Sedimentation between 1150 and 1000 Ma ago 259
19.9 Continental sedimentation 259
19.10 Marine basins 1150-1000 Ma 259
19.11 Tectonic setting and depositional patterns 260
19.12 Post-Grenville basin development 261
19.13 Early restricted basin development 261
19.14 Late Proterozoic deformation and metamorphism 261
19.15 Early widespread subsidence and deposition 261
19.16 Widespread marine transgression 264
19.17 Postglacial Proterozoic deposits 264
References 266
Index 271
Xl
Contributors
D. Barr J. Hibbard
Britoil PLC Department of Geological Sciences
150 St Vincent Street Snee Hall
Glasgow G2 5LJ Cornell University
UK Ithaca, NY 14853
USA
M. Bentley
A. K. Higgins
Shell Exploration and Production
Gn/mlands Geologiske U nders~gelse
Shell-Mex House
(/>ster V old grade 10
The Strand
DK-1350 Copenhagen K
London WC2R ODX
Denmark
UK
C. B. Long
J. Bertrand-Sarfati
Geological Survey of Ireland
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Beggars Bush
Centre Geologique et Geophysique
Haddington Road
Place Eugene Bataillon
Ballsbridge
34060 Montpellier
Dublin 4
France
Eire
R. Caby M. D. Max
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Acoustics Division
Centre Geologique et Geophysique Naval Research Laboratory
Place Eugene Bataillon Code 5110
34060 Montpellier Washington DC 20375-5000
France USA
D. Flinn F. May
Department of Geology British Geological Survey
University of Liverpool Murchison House
Brownlow Street West Mains Road
PO Box 147 Edinburgh EH9 3LA
Liverpool L69 3BX UK
UK
S. J. Moorhouse
Geological Sciences
N. R. W. Glendinning
School of Natural Sciences
Department of Geology
The Hatfield Polytechnic
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
Ha tfield, Hertfordshire ALl 0 9AB
(University of London)
UK
Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX
UK Valerie E. Moorhouse
Geological Sciences
B. W. Glover School of Natural Sciences
Department of Geology The Hatfield Polytechnic
University of Keele Hatfield, Hertfordshire ALlO 9AB
Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG UK
UK
J. P. Nystuen
C. F. Gower Saga Petroleum a.s.
Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy Maries vei 20
PO Box 4750 Postboks 9
Stjohn's N-l322 H~vik
Newfoundland, Canada AIC 5T7 Norway
Xlll