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Mistinibi-Raude Lithotectonic DomainTranslation of original French

 

 

First published: 29 January 2019
Last modified: 

 

Background

Van der Leeden et al. (1990) proposed different tectonic subdivisions for the Southeastern Churchill Province (SECP), including the Mistinibi-Raude Domain, located between the Rivière George (ZCrge) and Moonbase (ZCmob) shear zones. Other authors have also used the terms “Central zone” (James and Mahoney, 1994), “Central Gneissic Zone” (Wardle et al., 1990b) and “Mistinibi-Raude Gneissic Domain” to refer to this area. The term « Mistinibi-Raude Domain » was used by Wardle et al. (1990) and has been used by the scientific community since then. Recently, Corrigan et al. (2018) still used the term “Mistinibi-Raude Block” to define this area.

Geological surveys and studies conducted by the Ministère and its partners between 2009 and 2017 identified the regional boundaries of the Mistinibi-Raude Lithotectonic Domain. These have been redefined slightly as part of the synthesis of the Southeastern Churchill Province (Lafrance et al., 2018).

Description

The Mistinibi-Raude Lithotectonic Domain is located in the southeastern part of the SECP. It has a diamond shape which measures ~290 km in length by 30 km to 70 km in width, for a total area of ~14 115 km2. It is generally oriented N-S and limited to the east and south by the Labrador border. The Mistinibi-Raude Domain is limited to the west by the end of the ZCrge influence zone. It is therefore in fault contact with the George Lithotectonic Domain. On the NE side, it is limited by the ZCmob, which marks the contact with the Falcoz Lithotectonic Domain.

Geology

The Mistinibi-Raude Lithotectonic Domain is dominated by a Paleoproterozoic sequence of migmatized paragneiss and diatexite (Mistinibi Complex). It also includes gneissic bedrock (Elson, Jannière and Advance complexes) and Neoarchean intrusions, usually felsic (La Pinaudière Granite and Brass Intrusion). These Archean units (2678-2571 Ma) show evidence of partial melting; however, migmatization is less important than in other SECP lithotectonic domains, so no migmatite unit derived from melting of these rocks has been defined.

There are also two volcano-sedimentary sequences in the domain: the Zeni Complex, which age is on the Archean-Proterozoic limit (~2480 Ma), and the Ntshuku Complex, clearly Paleoproterozoic (~2373 Ma). Rocks of the Zeni Complex are concentrated within the Zeni Shear Zone (ZCzen). They are thus highly mylonitized, making it difficult to identify precursors. However, according to Danis (1991) and Taner (1992), the Zeni Complex contains a good proportion of volcano-sedimentary rocks. The Ntshuku Complex is much less deformed and interpreted as an ancient volcanic arc (Corrigan et al., 2018). A well-preserved and minimally deformed Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary sequence (<1973 Ma) (Hutte Sauvage Group) also forms a regional lenticular unit in the west-central part of the domain.

The Mistinibi-Raude Domain is characterized by a large proportion of intrusive rocks, mostly of intermediate to mafic composition, both Paleoproterozoic (2344-2312 Ma) and Mesoproterozoic (1482-1409 Ma). The Nekuashu Suite and the Lac Brisson pluton differ slightly from other intrusions by older (2515 Ma) and younger (1240 Ma) ages respectively. Archean to Paleoproterozoic units are foliated to locally mylonitic near influence zones of the Rivière George, Moonbase and Zeni shear zones. Mesoproterozoic units are massive and generally homogeneous.

Rocks of the Mistinibi-Raude Lithotectonic Domain have been grouped into different lithodemic units, mainly suites and complexes, according to the standards of the North American Stratigraphic Code (Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources, 1986; American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature, 2005; Easton, 2009) and taking into account the nomenclature already established. These units were defined based on available geological and geochronological data. The stratigraphic order is shown on the geological map of Charette et al. (2019) and in the table below, from the youngest to the oldest unit.

MESOPROTEROZOIC
mPbri Lac Brisson Pluton Aegirine-riebeckite peralkaline granite
mPsip Slippery Dykes  Subophitic olivine gabbro
mPhar Harp Dykes Ophitic olivine gabbro
mPfay Falcoz Swarm Subpohitic olivine gabbro and gabbronorite
mPsla Slanting Dykes Fine to very fine-grained subpohitic gabbro
mPmsy Misery Syenite Fayalite-hedenbergite quartz syenite
mPnak Napeu Kainut Suite Quartz monzonite and granite
mPmit Mistastin Batholith Quartz syenite and granite
mPmic Michikamau Suite Anorthosite, gabbro and gabbronorite
mPjui Juillet Syenite Clinopyroxene-alkali feldspar syenite
mPram Ramusio Granite Even-grained or porphyraceous granite
PALEOPROTEROZOIC
pPdmn Dumans Suite Leucocratic granite, monzogranite and granodiorite
pPht Hutte Sauvage Group Meta-arkose, conglomeratic meta-arenite and muscovite-hematite schist
pPmis Mistinibi Complex Migmatized paragneiss, diatexite and anatectic granite
pPdea Déat Suite Porphyraceous granodiorite, monzogranite and monzodiorite
pPrso Résolution Suite Pyroxene-hornblende ± garnet mangerite and gabbronorite
pPcab Lac Cabot Suite Porphyroclastic and magnetic monzonite and granite
pPped Pelland Suite Granoblastic mafic to felsic intrusive rocks
pPrae Raude Suite Gabbronorite, diorite and quartz monzonite
pPpal Pallatin Intrusive Suite Porphyraceous potassic intrusions; mafic and ultramafic intrusive rocks
pPnts Ntshuku Complex Metavolcanoclastics, metabasalt, schist and augen gneiss, porphyry
ARCHEAN TO PALEOPROTEROZOIC
ApPzen Zeni Complex Amphibolite, felsic to intermediate mylonites and paragneiss
nApPnek Nekuashu Suite Mafic to intermediate intrusions
ApPter Terriault Complex Heterogeneous granodiorite and tonalite; enderbite
nAlai La Pinaudière Granite Porphyroclastic granite and quartz monzonite
nAbrs Brass Intrusion Enderbite and olivine gabbro
ApPadv Advance Complex Felsic to intermediate gneiss and associated intrusive rocks
ApPjai Jannière Complex Tonalite, and tonalitic and granitic gneiss
Aelo Elson Complex Tonalitic and granitic gneiss

Geological Evolution

The Mistinibi-Raude Lithotectonic Domain differs from the rest of the SECP by the small proportion of Archean units it includes and by crystallization ages (2.68-2.3 Ga) obtained in all of its units which are relatively uncommon in the rest of the SECP. The oldest ages (2678-2571 Ma; Nunn et al., 1990; James et al., 2003) were obtained in Labrador, more specifically south of the ZCzen. This zone is referred to by various authors as a distinct lithotectonic domain: the Orma Domain (Nunn and Noel, 1982; Nunn et al., 1990; Wardle et al., 1990; James et al., 2003; Hammouche et al., 2011, 2012; Corrigan et al., 2018). Given that these two zones are characterized by the absence of a crystallization age older than 2.67 Ga and, more importantly, the absence of a metamorphic footprint associated with the Trans-Hudsonian Orogen, Charette et al. (2019) preferred to pair this zone with the Mistinibi-Raude Domain as part of the SECP synthesis. While it is uncertain whether these two zones have a common origin, at least they have been amalgamated prior to the Trans-Hudsonian Orogen.

The geological evolution of the Mistinibi-Raude Domain is mainly marked by an intermediate to mafic magmatism between 2344 Ma and 2312 Ma, as well as by a period of erosion of these rocks. The latter produced an important sequence of sedimentary rocks, now recognized as the Mistinibi Complex and having a maximum deposition age of ~2220 Ma (Godet et al., 2018). The evidence of metamorphism under suprasolidus conditions between 2145 Ma and 2070 Ma, as well as the absence of metamorphic ages typical of the Trans-Hudsonian Orogenesis, indicates a tectonometamorphic evolution distinct from the rest of the SECP, as discussed by Charette et al. (2019). Subsequently, erosion of Mistinibi Complex migmatites and surrounding rocks produced the Hutte Sauvage Group sedimentary basin. The absence of geochronological data from detrital zircons that would coincide with crystallization of the De Pas Supersuite (1861-1805 Ma) suggests that the basin was formed prior to the emplacement of this magmatic arc unit.

The stratigraphic diagram presented by Charette et al. (2019) shows initial relationships between Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic units, intrusions and Mesoproterozoic dykes.

References

Publications Available Through Sigéom Examine

Charette, B., Lafrance, I., Godet, A., Vanier, M.-A. 2019. Domaine de Mistinibi-Raude, sud-est de la Province de Churchill, Nunavik, Québec, Canada : synthèse de la géologie. MERN. BG 2019-07, 1 plan.

Danis, D. 1991. Géologie de la région du lac Raude (Territoire-du-Nouveau-Québec). MRN, ET 88-10.

Godet, A., Vanier, M.-A., Guilmette, C., Labrousse, L., Charette, B., Lafrance, I. 2017. Chemins PT et style d’exhumation du Complexe de Mistinibi, Province du Churchill Sud-Est, Canada. MERN, Université Laval. MB 2018-31.

Hammouche, H., Legouix, C., Goutier, J., Dion, C. 2012. Géologie de la région du lac Zeni. MRN, RG 2012-02.

Hammouche, H., Legouix, C., Goutier, J., Dion, C., Petrella, L. 2011. Géologie de la région du lac Bonaventure. MRNF, RG 2011-03.

Lafrance, I., Charette, B., Vanier, M.-A. 2018. Sud-est de la Province de Churchill, Nunavik, Québec, Canada : synthèse de la géologie. MERN. Bulletin GéologiQUE

Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources 1986. Code stratigraphique nord-américain, Québec; DV 86-02, 74 pages. 

Taner, M.F. 1992. Reconnaissance géologique de la région du lac Juillet (Territoire-du-Nouveau-Québec). MRN, MB 91-19.

Vanier, M.-A., Godet, A., Guilmette, C., Harris, L.B., Cleven, N R., Charette, B., Lafrance, I. 2018. Extrusion latérale en croûte moyenne dans le sud-est de la Province de Churchill démontrée par les interprétations géophysiques, l’analyse structurale et les pétrofabriques du quartz. INRS, MERN, Universite Laval, MB 2018-12.

Other Publications

American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature, North American Stratigraphic Code 2005. AAPG Bulletin, volume 89, p. 1547–1591. doi: 10.1306/07050504129.

Corrigan, D., Wodicka, N., McFarlane, C., Lafrance, I., van Rooyen, D., Bandyayera, D., Bilodeau, C. 2018. Lithotectonic Framework of the Core Zone, Southeastern Churchill Province, Canada: Geoscience Canada; volume 45, pages 1–24. doi: 10.12789/geocanj.2018.45.128.

Easton, R.M. 2009. A guide to the application of lithostratigraphic terminology in Precambrian terrains. Stratigraphy; volume 6, pages 117–134.

James, D.T., Mahoney, K.L. 1994. Structural, Metamorphic and intrusive relations in the Hinterland of the Eastern Churchill Province, Western Labrador. Current Research, Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy. Geological Survey Branch, Report 94-1, pages 371–385.

James, D.T., Connelly, J.N., Kamo, S., Kwok, K. 2003. The southeastern Churchill Province revisited: U-Pb geochronology, regional correlations, and the enigmatic Orma Domain. In Current Research. Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy, Mineral Development Division; report 03-1, pages 35–45.

Nunn, G.A.G., Noel, N. 1982. Regional geology east of Michikamau Lake, Central Labrador. In Current Research. Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy, Mineral Development Division; report 82-1, pages 149–167.

Nunn, G.A.G., Heaman, L.M., Krogh, T.E. 1990. U-Pb geochronological evidence for Archean crust in the continuation of the Rae Province (eastern Churchill Province), Grenville Front Tectonic Zone, Labrador. Geoscience Canada; volume 17, pages 259–265.

Van der Leeden, J., Bélanger, M., Danis, D., Girard, R., Martelain, J., Lewry, J.F., Stauffer, M.R. 1990. Lithotectonic domains in the high-grade terrain east of the Labrador Trough (Quebec). In The Early Proterozoic Trans-Hudson Orogen of North America, pages 371–386.

Wardle, R.J., Ryan, B., Ermanovics, I. 1990. The eastern Churchill Province, Torngat and New Quebec orogens: an overview: Geoscience Canada; volume 17, pages 217–222.

 

 

 

15 janvier 2020