Abstract
Archaean Noranda-type exhalative massive sulphide ores were formed by sub-seafloor geothermal activity which leached mafic constituents and ore metals from iron-rich bimodal (basalt–rhyolite) tholeiites and converted them to hydrothermally altered greenschist facies ‘intermediate’ rocks of apparent calc-alkaline affinity.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Déscarreaux, J. CIM Bull. 6, 61–69 (1973).
Allard, G. O. Quebec Dept Nat. Resour., Miner. Dep. Rep. DP-368 (1976).
Gélinas, L. et al. in Volcanic Regimes in Canada (eds Baragar, W.R.A., Coleman, L. C. & Hall, J.M.) Spec. Pap. 16, 265–295 (Geological Association of Canada, 1977).
Spitz, G. & Darling, R. Can. J. Earth Sci. 12, 1820–1849 (1975).
Beswick, A. E. & Soucie, G. Precamb. Res. 6, 235–248 (1978).
MacGeehan, P.J. & MacLean, W.H. Nature 283, 153–157 (1980).
MacGeehan, P.J. thesis, McGill Univ., Montreal (1979).
MacGeehan, P.J. Can. J. Earth Sci. 15, 551–570 (1978).
MacLean, W.H. & MacGeehan, P.J. IREM/MERI Case Hist. 76–1, (McGill University, Montreal, 1976).
Harrigan, D. B. & MacLean, W.H. Can. J. Earth Sci. 13, 500–511 (1976).
Streckeisen, A. Geology 7, 331–335 (1979).
Kennedy, G. C. Econ. Geol. 45, 629–653 (1950).
Sourirajan, S. & Kennedy, G. C. Am. J. Sci. 260, 115–141 (1962).
Spooner, E. T. C. & Fyfe, W. S. Contr. Miner. Petrol. 42, 287–304 (1973).
Irvine, T. N. & Baragar, W. R. A. Can. J. Earth Sci. 8, 523–548 (1971).
Jolly, W. T. in Volcanic Regimes in Canada (eds Baragar, W.R.A., Coleman, L. C. & Hall, J. M.) Spec. Pap. 16, 311–330 (Geological Association of Canada, 1977).
Carmichael, I. S. E. J. Petrol. 5, 435–460 (1964).
Goodwin, A. M. in Volcanic Regimes in Canada (eds Baragar, W. R. A., Coleman, L. C. & Hall, J. M.) Spec. Pap. 16, 205–241 (Geological Association of Canada, 1977).
Pearce, J. A. & Cann, J. R. Earth planet. Sci. Lett. 19, 290–300 (1973).
Morrison, M. A. Earth planet. Sci. Lett. 39, 407–416 (1978).
Davies, J.F., Grant, R. W.E. & Whitehead, R.E.S. Can. J. Earth Sci. 16, 305–311 (1979).
Winchester, J. A. & Floyd, P. A. Earth planet. Sci. Lett. 28, 459–469 (1976).
Smith, R. E. & Smith, S. E. Earth planet. Sci. Lett. 32, 114–120 (1976).
Nakamura, N. Geochim. cosmochim. Acta 38, 757–775 (1974).
Sangster, D.F. & Scott, S.D. in Handbook of Strata-Bound and Stratiform Ore Deposits Vol. 6 (ed. Wolf. K. H.) 129–222 (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1976).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MacGeehan, P., MacLean, W. An Archaean sub-seafloor geothermal system, ‘calc-alkali’ trends, and massive sulphide genesis. Nature 286, 767–771 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/286767a0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/286767a0
This article is cited by
-
Geochemical constraints on the tectonic setting of the Sonakhan Greenstone Belt, Bastar Craton, Central India
Acta Geochimica (2018)
-
The Key Tuffite, Matagami Camp, Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Canada: petrogenesis and implications for VMS formation and exploration
Mineralium Deposita (2014)
-
Regional-scale hydrothermal alteration in the Central Blake River Group, western Abitibi subprovince, Canada: implications for VMS prospectivity
Mineralium Deposita (2003)
-
Rock-water interaction and evolution of sulphide ores in the late Archaean Chitradurga greenstone belt of southern India
Mineralium Deposita (1993)
-
The mobility of rare-earth elements during hydrothermal activity: A review
Chinese Journal of Geochemistry (1991)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.