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Geochemistry and volcanic setting of the Ordovician Forbordfjell and Jonsvatn greenstones, Trondheim Region, central Norwegian Caledonides

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Abstract

Geochemical patterns in two, correlative, Ordovician, basaltic greenstone formations from the central Norwegian Caledonides corroborate field indications of a tripartite stratigraphic subdivision of the units. Lower and upper members show similar chemical traits and are transitional to LREE-enriched, high-magnesia to low-magnesia basalts. The thicker, more massive, middle member carries the geochemical signature of LREE-depleted, ‘normal’ mid-oceanic ridge tholeiites. Stratigraphic-upward petrochemical variation discerned within the individual members points to processes of either closed or open-system low-P fractional crystallization. The geochemical trends can be ascribed to a mechanism of spreading accompanied by lithospheric thinning in a marginal ocean basin situation, followed by renewed crustal thickening. Geochemical and lithovolcanic polarity indicators denote that the basin was located to the east of an Arenig-Llanvirn magmatic arc sited within the Caledonian Iapetus Ocean.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geologisk Institutt, Universitetet i Trondheim, N-7034, Trondheim-N.T.H., Norway

    Tor Grenne

  2. Norges geologiske undersøkelse, P.O. Box 3006, N-7001, Trondheim, Norway

    David Roberts

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  1. Tor Grenne
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Grenne, T., Roberts, D. Geochemistry and volcanic setting of the Ordovician Forbordfjell and Jonsvatn greenstones, Trondheim Region, central Norwegian Caledonides. Contr. Mineral. and Petrol. 74, 375–386 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00518118

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00518118

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