Modern-style subduction processes in the Mesoarchaean: Geochemical evidence from the 3.12 Ga Whundo intra-oceanic arc

The ca. 3.12 Ga Whundo Group forms an exotic terrane on the western margin of the old (≥3.4 Ga) nucleus of the Pilbara Craton in northwestern Australia. It is exceptional amongst Mesoarchaean, or older, volcanic sequences in that it preserves a range of geological and geochemical features that toget...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Earth and planetary science letters 2005-03, Vol.231 (3), p.221-237
Main Authors: Smithies, R.H., Champion, D.C., Van Kranendonk, M.J., Howard, H.M., Hickman, A.H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Archaean
crustal evolution
flux melting
inter-oceanic arc
Marine
subduction
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Summary:The ca. 3.12 Ga Whundo Group forms an exotic terrane on the western margin of the old (≥3.4 Ga) nucleus of the Pilbara Craton in northwestern Australia. It is exceptional amongst Mesoarchaean, or older, volcanic sequences in that it preserves a range of geological and geochemical features that together provide unambiguous evidence of modern-style subduction processes. The group includes boninites, interlayered tholeiitic and calc-alkaline volcanics, Nb-enriched basalts and adakites. Low Th/La (0.07–0.14) and Ce/Yb (
ISSN:0012-821X
1385-013X
DOI:10.1016/j.epsl.2004.12.026