Paleomagnetism, U–Pb geochronology, and geochemistry of Marathon dykes, Superior Province, and comparison with the Fort Frances swarm

Abstract

We report the first detailed study of the paleomagnetism, U–Pb geochronology and major element geochemistry of Paleoproterozoic north-trending Marathon dykes north of Lake Superior. The paleomagnetic and geochemical results demonstrate that Marathon dykes can be divided into two subsets, one of normal magnetic polarity, the other of reverse polarity. Normal and reverse Marathon paleomagnetic poles, at 43°N, 196°E (dm = 9°, dp = 7°, number of dykes N = 16) and 51°N, 175°E (dm = 9°, dp = 6°, N = 12), respectively, are statistically distinct and may indicate different ages of normal and reverse dyke emplacement, A U–Pb baddeleyite age of [Formula: see text] Ma has been obtained at a normally magnetized Marathon paleomagnetic site. The reversely magnetized Marathon dykes are undated, but have a paleopole rather close to that of the reversely magnetized [Formula: see text] Ma Fort Frances dykes and major element geochemical signatures as portrayed on Jensen plots that are identical to those of the Fort Frances swarm. Therefore, reverse Marathon and Fort Frances dykes could define a giant radiating dyke swarm focused south of Lake Superior, supporting models that associate these dykes with Paleoproterozoic rifting along the southern margin of the Superior Province. The Marathon and Fort Frances paleopoles continue a northwesterly trend in southern Superior Province paleopoles, which has recently been defined by results for [Formula: see text] Ma Senneterre dykes and 2167 ± 2 Ma Biscotasing dykes. This trend contrasts with previous widely used polar wander paths for the same period that young in the opposite direction and illustrates the importance of collaborative studies of paleomagnetism and U–Pb geochronology.