Geochronologic Constraints on the Permian–Triassic Northern Source Region of the Sverdrup Basin, Canadian Arctic Islands

2016 ◽  
Vol 691 ◽  
pp. 206-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen A. Anfinson ◽  
Ashton F. Embry ◽  
Daniel F. Stockli
Keyword(s):  
Source Region ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Sverdrup Basin

Insights into the Phanerozoic tectonic evolution of the northern Laurentian margin: detrital apatite and zircon (U–Th)/He ages from Devonian strata of the Franklinian Basin, Canadian Arctic Islands

2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 761-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen A. Anfinson ◽  
Andrew L. Leier ◽  
Keith Dewing ◽  
Bernard Guest ◽  
Daniel F. Stockli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Evolution ◽  
Middle Devonian ◽  
Source Region ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Upper Devonian ◽  
Sediment Source ◽  
Western Margin ◽  
Source Regions ◽  
Sverdrup Basin ◽  
Single Grain

Middle to Upper Devonian strata of the Franklinian Basin in the Canadian Arctic contain a rich record of Phanerozoic tectonic events along the northern margin of Laurentia. We report detrital thermochronometric zircon (U–Th)/He ages (ZHe; number of aliquots, n = 72) and apatite (U–Th)/He ages (AHe; n = 38) from these Paleozoic strata in an effort to better understand the sediment source regions and the exhumation history of the basin. Detrital ZHe ages are older than corresponding stratigraphic ages and were not reset during subsequent burial, thus constraining both maximum burial depths (<7 km) within the basin and source terrane thermal–tectonic evolution. Paleocurrent data, sediment composition, εNd values and detrital zircon U–Pb ages from previous studies indicate Middle to Upper Devonian strata of the Franklinian Basin are derived from two principal sediment source regions, the East Greenland Caledonides and a northern continental landmass (referred to as Crockerland). However, ZHe ages indicate these two distinctly different source regions experienced coeval exhumation in the Silurian Period. ZHe ages from Crockerland-derived sediment provide evidence that this landmass, which collided with northern Laurentia during the Ellesmerian Orogeny, was associated with the Caledonian Orogen. AHe ages from Middle to Upper Devonian strata are younger than depositional ages, indicating the AHe ages are at least partially reset since deposition and hence record information about exhumation of the strata and not the sediment source region. Dispersion of AHe single-grain ages from Middle Devonian strata along the southeastern margin of the basin suggest complex initial single-grain characteristics and may indicate long residence time in the He partial retention zone. AHe ages from Upper Devonian samples from the western margin of the basin are also dispersed but indicate the region experienced protracted exhumation from 330 to 190 Ma during early stages of Sverdrup Basin development. AHe ages from Middle Devonian samples from the western margin of the basin suggest two potential periods of prolonged exhumation in Early Cretaceous (Valanginian to Aptian) and Late Cretaceous (Campanian) times. These ages partially coincide with regional erosional or nondepositional events followed by deposition of major clastic units in the adjacent Sverdrup Basin.

Mixed local and ultra-distal volcanic ash deposition within the Upper Cretaceous Kanguk Formation, Sverdrup Basin, Canadian Arctic Islands

2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (12) ◽  
pp. 2067-2084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Pointon ◽  
Michael J Flowerdew ◽  
Peter Hülse ◽  
Simon Schneider ◽  
Martin J Whitehouse
Keyword(s):  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Volcanic Ash ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Active Continental Margin ◽  
Far East ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Volcanic Belt ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Sverdrup Basin ◽  
Chukotka Volcanic Belt

AbstractThe Upper Cretaceous Kanguk Formation of the Sverdrup Basin, Canadian Arctic Islands, contains numerous diagenetically altered volcanic ash layers (bentonites). Eleven bentonites were sampled from an outcrop section on Ellesmere Island for U–Pb zircon secondary ion mass spectrometry dating and whole-rock geochemical analysis. Two distinct types of bentonite are identified from the geochemical data. Relatively thick (0.1 to 5 m) peralkaline rhyolitic to trachytic bentonites erupted in an intraplate tectonic setting. These occur throughout the upper Turonian to lower Campanian (c. 92–83 Ma) outcrop section and are likely associated with the alkaline phase of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province. Two thinner (<5 cm) subalkaline dacitic to rhyolitic bentonites of late Turonian to early Coniacian age (c. 90–88 Ma) are also identified. The geochemistry of these bentonites is consistent with derivation from volcanoes within an active continental margin tectonic setting. The lack of nearby potential sources of subalkaline magmatism, together with the thinner bed thickness of the subalkaline bentonites and the small size of zircon phenocrysts therein (typically 50–80 μm in length) are consistent with a more distal source area. The zircon U–Pb age and whole-rock geochemistry of these two subalkaline bentonites correlate with an interval of intense volcanism in the Okhotsk–Chukotka Volcanic Belt, Russia. It is proposed that during late Turonian to early Coniacian times intense volcanism within the Okhotsk–Chukotka Volcanic Belt resulted in widespread volcanic ash dispersal across Arctic Alaska and Canada, reaching as far east as the Sverdrup Basin, more than 3000 km away.

SEISMIC EXPLORATION IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC ISLANDS

Geophysics ◽  
1962 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
George D. Hobson
Keyword(s):  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Seismic Exploration ◽  
Efficient Operation ◽  
Reflection And Refraction ◽  
Adverse Weather Conditions ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Sverdrup Basin ◽  
June July

The Polar Continental Shelf Project, a broad program of research in the Canadian Arctic, was started in 1959. Seismic studies were undertaken by the Geological Survey of Canada. Refraction and reflection techniques were employed in the first stages of a reconnaissance program during May, June, July, and August 1960. Certain new techniques were developed during this seismic program in the high Arctic. The crew operated from motor toboggans in 1960 but helicopters will be used more extensively in the future for a more efficient operation. Adverse weather conditions such as blizzards, low temperatures, white‐outs, wind, and rain are a hindrance to operations at various times of the year. The sea ice appears to present no great noise problem to standard recording techniques. Several air shots were recorded in direct comparison with surface shots but the gain in energy level is not enough to justify using the method. The records from various locations within the Sverdrup Basin indicate that both reflection and refraction techniques are satisfactory. A cross‐section illustrates the results of the 1960 program.

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