GeoFile 2005-12: Precambrian
Basement - NE British Columbia - New U-Pb Geochronological Data and their
Significance for Diamond Exploration
by Simandl, G.J.;
Davis, W.; Hewett, T.
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GeoFile 2005-12 (PDF, 3.7 MB)
GeoFile 2005-12 was proposed to
enhance our understanding of crystalline basement in northeastern British
Columbia. Seven new U-Pb zircon ages for this area are reported for
samples of drill cuttings. Samples B5 (1854±6 Ma) and B25 (minimum age
1.75 Ga; inherited
zircon 1.89 - 2.23 Ga) are located within but near the edge of Nova
terrane as currently defined. Sample B2 plots within the Kiskatinaw
terrane and samples B11 (1994±7 Ma), B12 (1993±7 Ma) and B14 (1993±7 Ma)
plot within the Ksituan terrane. Sample B34 (1859±10 Ma), located near the
British Columbia -Yukon Border, occurs within the Fort Simpson terrane.
The samples from the Nova terrane returned Paleoproterozoic ages and thus
did not confirm the popular interpretation that assigns Archean age to
Nova terrane. The age indicated by the inherited zircon from sample B25
is similar to 2.0 and 2.3 Ga ages previously reported for the Buffalo Head
terrane, which is believed to be reworked Archean
basement. This finding is important from the exploration point of view
since the Buffalo Head terrane in neighbouring
Alberta hosts diamondiferous kimberlites.
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Last updated
November 01, 2007
