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Geochemistry and origin of Mesoproterozoic metavolcanic rocks from Fisher Massif, Prince Charles Mountains, East Antarctica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 May 2004

E. V. Mikhalsky
Affiliation:
VNIIOkeangeologia, Maklina 1, St Petersburg 190121, Russia
J. W. Sheraton
Affiliation:
Australian Geological Survey Organisation, PO Box 378, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
A. A. Laiba
Affiliation:
Polar Marine Geological Research Expedition, Pobedy 24, Lomonosov, St Petersburg 189510, Russia
B. V. Beliatsky
Affiliation:
VNIIOkeangeologia, Maklina 1, St Petersburg 190121, Russia

Abstract

Fisher Massif consists of Mesoproterozoic (c. 1300 Ma) lower amphibolite-facies metavolcanic rocks and associated metasediments, intruded by a variety of subvolcanic and plutonic bodies (gabbro to granite). It differs in both composition and metamorphic grade from the rest of the northern Prince Charles Mountains, which were metamorphosed to granulite facies about 1000 m.y. ago. The metavolcanic rocks consist mainly of basalt, but basaltic andesite, andesite, and more felsic rocks (dacite, rhyodacite, and rhyolite) are also common. Most of the basaltic rocks have compositions similar to low-K island arc tholeiites, but some are relatively Nb-rich and more akin to P-MORB. Intermediate to felsic medium to high-K volcanic rocks, which appear to postdate the basaltic succession, have calc-alkaline affinities and probably include a significant crustal component. On the present data, an active continental margin with associated island arc was the most likely tectonic setting for generation of the Fisher Massif volcanic rocks.

Type
Papers—Earth Sciences and Glaciology
Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 1996

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