Articles | Volume 16, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-785-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-785-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Characterizing some major Archean faults at depth in the Superior craton, North America
Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Jack M. Simmons
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
John A. Ayer
Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Mostafa Naghizadeh
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Ademola Q. Adetunji
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Taus R. C. Jørgensen
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Graham J. Hill
Institute of Geophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
Eric A. Roots
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Saeid Cheraghi
Metal Earth, Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6, ON, Canada
Related authors
Saeid Cheraghi, Alireza Malehmir, Mostafa Naghizadeh, David Snyder, Lucie Mathieu, and Pierre Bedeaux
Solid Earth, 12, 1143–1164, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1143-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1143-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
High-resolution seismic profiles in 2D are acquired in the north and south of the Chibougamau area, Quebec, Canada located in the northeast of the Abitibi Greenstone belt. The area mostly includes volcanic rocks, and both profiles cross over several fault zones. The seismic method is acquired to image the subsurface down to depth of 12 km. The main aim of this study is to image major fault zones and the geological formations connected to those faults to investigate metal endowment in the area.
Saeid Cheraghi, Alireza Malehmir, Mostafa Naghizadeh, David Snyder, Lucie Mathieu, and Pierre Bedeaux
Solid Earth, 12, 1143–1164, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1143-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1143-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
High-resolution seismic profiles in 2D are acquired in the north and south of the Chibougamau area, Quebec, Canada located in the northeast of the Abitibi Greenstone belt. The area mostly includes volcanic rocks, and both profiles cross over several fault zones. The seismic method is acquired to image the subsurface down to depth of 12 km. The main aim of this study is to image major fault zones and the geological formations connected to those faults to investigate metal endowment in the area.
Cited articles
Abbott, D. H., Mooney, W. D., and VanTongeren, J. A.: The character of the Moho and lower crust within Archean cratons and the tectonic implications. Tectonophysics, 609, 690–705, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2013.09.014, 2013.
Adetunji, A. Q., Ferguson, I. J. Simmons, J. M., Chong, Ma., Cheraghi, S., Snyder, D. B., and Ayer, J. A.: Trans-crustal geophysical responses beneath the supergiant Timmins-Porcupine orogenic gold camp, Canada, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JB028839, 2025.
Artemieva, I. M. and Shulgin, A.: Making and altering the crust: A global perspective on crustal structure and evolution, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 512, 8–16, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.033, 2019.
Aulbach, S., Griffin, W. L., Pearson, N. J., and O'Reilly, S. Y.: Nature and timing of metasomatism in the stratified mantle lithosphere beneath the central Slave craton (Canada), Chem. Geol., 352, 153–169, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2013.05.037, 2013.
Ayer, J., Amelin, Y., Corfu, F., Kamo, S., Ketchum, J., Kwok, K., and Trowell, N.: Evolution of the southern Abitibi greenstone belt based on U-Pb geochronology: autochthonous volcanic construction followed by plutonism, regional deformation and sedimentation, Precam. Res., 115, 63–95, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-9268(02)00006-2, 2002.
Ayer, J. A., Thurston, P. C., Bateman, R., Dubeì, B., Gibson, H. L., Hamilton, M. A., Hathway, B., Hocker, S. M., Houleì, M. G., Hudak, G., Ispolatov, V. O., Lafrance, B., Lesher, C. M., MacDonald, P. J., Peìloquin, A. S., Piercey, S. J., Reed, L. E., and Thompson, P. H.: Overview of results from the Greenstone Architecture Project: Discover Abitibi Initiative; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6154, 146 pp., ISBN 0-7794-8652-8, 2005.
Bateman, R., Ayer, J. A., and Dubé, B.: The Timmins-Porcupine gold camp, Ontario: anatomy of anArchean greenstone belt and ontogeny of gold mineralization, Econ. Geol., 103, 1285–1308, https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.103.6.1285, 2008.
Baxter, A. T., Hannington, M. D., Stewart, M. S., Emberley, J. M., Breker, K., Krätschell, A., Petersen, S., Brandl, P. A., Klischies, M., Mensing, R., and Anderson, M. O.: Shallow seismicity and the classification of structures in the Lau back-arc basin, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 21, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GC008924, 2020.
Beakhouse, G. P.: The Abitibi Subprovince plutonic record: Tectonic and metallogenic implications, Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6268, 161 pp., https://www.geologyontario.mines.gov.on.ca/persistent-linking?publication=OFR6268 (last access: 24 August 2025), 2011.
Bédard, J. H. and Harris, L. B.: Neoarchean disaggregation and reassembly of the Superior Craton, Geology, 42, 951–954, https://doi.org/10.1130/G35770.1, 2014.
Bedeaux, P., Pilote, P., Daigneault, R., and Rafini, S.: Synthesis of the structural evolution and associated gold mineralization of the Cadillac Fault, Abitibi, Canada, Ore Geol. Rev., 82, 49–69, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.11.029, 2017.
Bellefleur, G., Barnes, A., Calvert, A., Hubert, C., and Mareschal, M.: Seismic reflection constraints from Lithoprobe line 29 on the upper crustal structure of the northern Abitibi greenstone belt, Can. J. Earth Sci., 32, 128–134, https://doi.org/10.1139/e95-011, 1995.
Benn, K.: Tectonic delamination of the lower crust during Late Archean collision of the Abitibi-Opatica and Pontiac terranes, Superior Province, Canada in Archean Geodynamics and Environments, edited by: Benn, K., Mareschal, J.-C., and Condie, K., Geophy. Mono. Ser., Am. Geophys. Union, Washington DC, 164, 267–282, https://doi.org/10.1029/164GM17, 2006.
Benn, K. and Peschler, A. P.: A detachment fold model for fault zones in the Late Archean Abitibi greenstone belt, Tectonophysics, 400, 85–104, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2005.02.011, 2005.
Bjorkman, K. E., Lu, Y., McCuaig, T. C., Kemp, A. I., and Hollings, P.: Linked evolution and in situ growth of the Wabigoon superterrane, Superior Craton: evidence from zircon U-Pb isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry, Precambrian Res., 404, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2024.107341, 2024.
Bleeker, W.: Synorogenic gold mineralization in granite-greenstone terranes: the deep connection between extension, major faults, synorogenic clastic basins, magmatism, thrust inversion, and long-term preservation, Geol. Survey Canada Open File 7852, 25–47, https://doi.org/10.4095/296626, 2015.
Calvert, A. J. and Ludden, J. N.: Archean continental assembly in the southeastern Superior Province of Canada, Tectonics, 18, 412–429, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999TC900006, 1999.
Calvert, A. J., Sawyer, E. W., Davis, W. J., and Ludden, J. N.: Archean subduction inferred from seismic images of a mantle suture in the Superior Province, Nature, 375, 670–674, 1995.
Calvert, A. J., Cruden, A. R., and Hynes, A.: Seismic evidence for preservation of the Archean Uchi granite–greenstone belt by crustal-scale extension, Tectonophysics, 388, 135–143, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2004.07.043, 2004.
Card, K. D.: A review of the Superior Province of the Canadian Shield, a product of Archean accretion, Precam. Res., 48, 99–156, https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(90)90059-Y, 1990.
Cheraghi, S., Malehmir, A., Vayavur, R., Shamsipour, P., Naghizadeh, M., Haugaard, R., Snyder, D. B., and Ayer, J.: Addressing geometrical attributes and seismic imaging capability of fault systems in a world-class metal endowed region: Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Canada, Tectonophysics, 833, 229361, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2022.229361, 2022.
Childs, C., Nicol, A., Walsh, J. J., and Watterson, J.: The growth and propagation of synsedimentary faults, J. Struct. Geol., 25, 633–648, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0191-8141(02)00054-8, 2003.
Colpron, M., Nelson, J. L., and Murphy, D. C.: Northern Cordilleran terranes and their interactions through time, GSA Today, 17, 4–10, https://doi.org/10.1130/gsat01704-5a.1, 2007.
Cook, F. A., Clowes, R. M., Snyder, D. B., Van der Velden, A. J., Hall, K., Erdmer, P., and Evenchick, C. A.: Precambrian crust and lithosphere beneath the Mesozoic Northern Canadian Cordillera discovered by LITHOPROBE seismic reflection profiling, Tectonics, 23, TC2010, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002TC001412, 2004.
Cook, F. A., White, D. J., Jones, A. G., Eaton, D. W., Hall, J., and Clowes, R. M.: How the crust meets the mantle: Lithoprobe perspectives on the Mohorovičić discontinuity and crust–mantle transition, Can. J. Earth Sci., 47, 315–351, https://doi.org/10.1139/E09-076, 2010.
Corfu, F. and Stone, D.: Age structure and orogenic significance of the Berens River composite batholiths, western Superior Province, Can. J. Earth Sci., 35, 1089–1109, https://doi.org/10.1139/e98-056, 1998.
Corfu, F. and Stott, G. M.: U-Pb geochronology of the central Uchi subprovince, Superior Province, Can. J. Earth Sci., 30, 1179–1196, 1993.
Corfu, F. and Stott, G. M.: Shebandowan greenstone belt, western Superior Province: U-Pb ages, tectonic implications, and correlations, GSA Bull., 110, 1467–1484, https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1998)110<1467:SGBWSP>2.3.CO;2, 1998.
Corfu, F., Stott, G. M., and Breaks, F. W.: U-Pb geochronology and evolution of the English River subprovince, an Archean low P-high T metasedimentary belt in the Superior Province, Tectonics, 14, 1220–1233, 1995.
Daoudene, Y., Tremblay, A., Ruffet, G., and Leclerc, F.: The Abitibi-Opatica transition, Superior Province, Quebec, Canada: structural analysis, 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology and implications for Archean tectonics, Precam. Res., 379, 106803, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2022.106803, 2022.
Davis, D. W., Sutcliffe, R. H., and Trowell, N. F.: Geochronological constraints on the tectonic evolution of a late Archaean greenstone belt, Wabigoon Subprovince, Northwest Ontario, Canada, Precam. Res., 39, 171–191, https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(88)90041-1, 1988.
Dimroth, E. and Rocheleau, M.: Archean wrench fault tectonics and structural evolution of the Blake River Group, Abitibi Belt, Quebec: Discussion, Can. J. Earth Sci., 22, 941–943, https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(88)90041-1, 1995.
Dubé, B. and Mercier-Langevin, P.: Gold deposits of the Archean Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Canada, in: Geology of the World's Major Gold Deposits and Provinces, Special Publication. Soc. Econ. Geol., 23, https://doi.org/10.5382/SP.23.32, 2020.
Evans, D. A. D. and Halls, H. C.: Restoring Proterozoic deformation within the Superior craton, Precam. Res., 183, 474–489, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2010.02.007, 2010.
Fam, H. J. A., Naghizadeh, M., Smith, R., Yilmaz, O., Cheraghi, S., and Rubingh, K.: High-resolution 2.5 D multifocusing imaging of a crooked seismic profile in a crystalline rock environment: Results from the Larder Lake area, Ontario, Canada, Geophys. Prospect., 71 (Spec. Issue: Mineral Exploration and Mining Geophysics), 1152–1180, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2478.13285, 2023.
Frederiksen, A. W., Miong, S. K., Darbyshire, F. A., Eaton, D. W., Rondenay, S., and Sol, S.: Lithospheric variations across the Superior Province, Ontario, Canada: Evidence from tomography and shear wave splitting, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 112, B07318, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JB004861, 2007.
Gibson, S. A. and McKenzie, D.: On the role of Earth's lithospheric mantle in global volatile cycles, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 602, 117946, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2022.117946, 2023.
Goodwin, A. M. and Smith, I. E. M.: Chemical discontinuities in Archean metavolcanic terrains and the development of Archean crust, Precam. Res., 10, 301–311, https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(80)90016-9, 1980.
Grandjean, G., Wu, H., White, D., Mareschal, M., and Hubert, C.: Crustal velocity models for the Archean Abitibi greenstone belt from seismic refraction data, Can. J. Earth Sci., 32, 149–166, https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(80)90016-9, 1995.
Hacker, B. R., Kelemen, P. B., and Behn, M. D.: Continental lower crust, Annu. Rev. Earth Pl. Sc., 43, 167–205, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-earth-050212-124117, 2015.
Haq, S. S. and Davis, D. M.: Mechanics of fore-arc slivers: Insights from simple analog models, Tectonics, 29, TC5015, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009TC002583, 2010.
Haugaard, R., Della-Justina, F., Roots, E., Cheraghi, S., Vayavur, R., Hill, G., Snyder D., Ayer, J., Naghizadeh, M., Hill, G., and Smith, R.: Crustal-scale geology and fault geometry along the gold endowed Matheson Transect of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Econ. Geol., 116, 1053–1072, https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.4813, 2021.
Heinson, G., Didana, Y., Soeffky, P., Thiel, S., and Wise, T.: The crustal geophysical signature of a world class mineral system, Sci Rep-UK, 8, 1–6, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-29016-2, 2018.
Hendrickson, M. D.: Structural analysis of aeromagnetic data from the Rainy River Block, Wabigoon subprovince, Minnesota, USA and Ontario, Canada: Strain partitioning along a Neoarchean terrane boundary and implications for mineral exploration, Precam. Res., 286, 20–34, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2016.09.028, 2016.
Herzberg, C.: Understanding the Paleoproterozoic Circum-Superior Large Igneous Province constrains the thermal properties of Earth's mantle through time, Precam. Res., 375, 106671, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2022.106671, 2022.
Hill, G. J., Roots, E. A., Frieman, B. M., Haugaard, R., Craven, J. A., Smith, R. S., Snyder, D. B., Zhou, X., and Sherlock, R.: On Archean craton growth and stabilisation: insights from lithospheric resistivity structure of the Superior Province, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 562, https://https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2021.116853, 2021.
Hill, G. J., Frieman, B. M., Roots, E. A., Wannamaker, P. E., Maris, V., Haugaard, R., Kamm, J., Klanica, R., Kovacikova, S., Calvert, A. J., and Craven, J. A.: Deformation controlled fluid mass-transfer processes in ancient orogens, Geophys. Res. Lett., 52, https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL110244, 2025.
Hrabi, R. B. and Cruden, A. R.: Structure of the Archean English River subprovince: implications for the tectonic evolution of the western Superior Province, Canada, Can. J. Earth Sci., 43, 947–966, https://doi.org/10.1139/e06-023, 2006.
Hynes, A. and Song, Z.: Variable unroofing in the western Superior Province-metamorphic evidence and possible origin, Can. J. Earth Sci., 43, 805–819, https://doi.org/10.1139/e06-049, 2006.
Jones, A. G., Ledo, J., Ferguson, I. J., Craven, J. A., Unsworth, M. J., Chouteau, M., and Spratt, J. E.: The electrical resistivity of Canada's lithosphere and correlation with other parameters: contributions from Lithoprobe and other programmes, Can. J. Earth Sci, 51, 573–617, https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2013-0151, 2014.
Leclerc, F., Harris, L. B., Bédard, J. H., van Breemen, O., and Goulet, N.: Structural and Stratigraphic Controls on Magmatic, Volcanogenic, and Shear Zone-Hosted Mineralization in the Chapais-Chibougamau Mining Camp, Northeastern Abitibi, Canada, Econ. Geol., 107, 963–989, https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.107.5.963, 2012.
Lorin Fassbender, M., Hannington, M., Thomas Baxter, A., Diekrup, D., Stewart, M., and Alexander Brandl, P:. Geochemical signatures of mafic volcanic rocks in modern oceanic settings and implications for Archean mafic magmatism, Econ. Geol., 119, 445–470, https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.5044, 2024.
Ma, C., Naghizadeh, M., Adetunji, A. Q., Lodge, R. W. D., Snyder, D. B., and Sherlock, R.: Imaging Neoarchean crustal structures: An integrated geologic-seismic-magnetotelluric study in the western Wabigoon and Winnipeg River terranes, Superior craton, Precam. Res., 364, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2021.106339, 2021.
Macpherson, C. G. and Hall, R.: Timing and tectonic controls in the evolving orogen of SE Asia and the western Pacific and some implications for ore generation, Geol. Soc. SP., 204, 49–67, https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.2002.204.01.04, 2002.
Mathieu, L. and Leybourne, M.: Petrogenesis of a TTG intrusive suite: the La Dauversière pluton, Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada, Can. J. Earth Sci., https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2024-0002, 2024.
Mathieu, L., Crépon, A., and Kontak, D. J.: Tonalite-dominated magmatism in the Abitibi subprovince, Canada, and significance for Cu-Au magmatic-hydrothermal systems, Minerals, 10, 242, https://doi.org/10.3390/min10030242, 2020a.
Mathieu, L., Snyder, D. B., Bedeaux, P., Cheraghi, S., Lafrance, B., Thurston, P., and Sherlock, R.: Deep into the Chibougamau area, Abitibi greenstone belt: Structure of a Neoarchean crust revealed by seismic reflection profiling, Tectonics, 38, e2020TC006223. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020TC006223, 2020b.
McCaffrey, R.: The tectonic framework of the Sumatran subduction zone, Annu. Rev. Earth Pl. Sc., 37, 345–366, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.031208.100212, 2009.
Mercier-Langevin, P., Lawley, C. J. M., Castonguay, S., Dubeì, B., Bleeker, W., Pinet, N., Beìcu, V., Pilote, J.-L., Jackson, S. E., Wodicka, N., Honsberger, I. W., Davis, W. J., Petts, D. C., Yang, Z., Jautzy, J., and LauzieÌre, K.: Targeted Geoscience Initiative 5, Gold Project: A summary of contributions to the understanding of Canadian gold systems, in: Targeted Geoscience Initiative 5: Contributions to the Understanding of Canadian Gold Systems, edited by: Mercier-Langevin, P., Lawley, C. J. M., and Castonguay, S., Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 8712, 1–30, https://doi.org/10.4095/323662, 2020.
Mints, M. V.: The composite North American Craton, Superior Province: Deep crustal structure and mantle-plume model of Neoarchaean evolution, Precam. Res., 302, 94–121, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2017.08.025, 2017.
Mole, D. R., Thurston, P. C., Marsh, J. H., Stern, R. A., Ayer, J. A., Martin, L. A. J., and Lu, Y. J.: The formation of Neoarchean continental crust in the south-east Superior Craton by two distinct geodynamic processes, Precam. Res., 356, 106104, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2021.106104, 2021.
Monecke, T., Mercier-Langevin, P., and Dubé, B.: Archean Base and Precious Metal Deposits, Southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Canada, Rev. Econ. Geol., 19, Soc. Econ. Geol., https://https://doi.org/10.5382/Rev.19, 280 pp., 2017.
Mooney, W. D.: Chapter 1.11 Crust and lithospheric structure–global crustal structure, in: Seismology and Structure of the Earth: Treatise on Geophysics, edited by: Romanowicz, B. and Dziewonski, A., Elsevier B.V., 1, 361, ISBN 978-0-444-53459-0, 2010.
Mueller, W. and Donaldson, J. A.: Development of sedimentary basins in the Archean Abitibi belt, Canada: an overview, Can. J. Earth Sc., 29, 2249–2265, https://doi.org/10.1139/e92-177, 1992.
Musacchio, G., White, D. J., Asudeh, I., and Thomson, C. J.: Lithospheric structure and composition of the Archean western Superior Province from seismic refraction wide angle reflection and gravity modeling, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 109, B03304, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JB002427, 2004.
Naghizadeh, M., Snyder, D., Cheraghi, S., Foster, S., Cilensek, S., Floreani, E., and Mackie, J.: Acquisition and Processing of Wider Bandwidth Seismic Data in Crystalline Crust: Progress with the Metal Earth Project, Minerals, 9, 145, https://doi.org/10.3390/min9030145, 2019.
Naghizadeh, M., Smith, R., Rubingh, K., Sherlock, R., Ayer, J., Lafrance, B., Cheraghi, S., Snyder, D., Vergne, J., Hollis, D., and Mordret, A.: Active and passive seismic imaging of the central Abitibi greenstone belt, Larder Lake, Ontario, J. Geophys. Res. So. Ea., 127, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB022334, 2022.
Okaya, D. A. and Jarchow, C. M.: Extraction of deep crustal reflections from shallow Vibroseis data using extended correlation, Geophysics, 54, 555–562, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1442682, 1989.
Percival, J. A. and West, G. F.: The Kapuskasing uplift: A geological and geophysical synthesis, Can. J. Earth Sci., 31, 1256–1286, https://doi.org/10.1139/e94-110, 1994.
Percival, J. A. and Williams, H. R.: Late Archean Quetico accretionary complex, Superior Province, Canada, Geology, 17, 23–25, https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<0023:LAQACS>2.3.CO;2, 1989.
Percival, J. A., Sanborn-Barrie, M., Skulski, T., Stott, G. M., Helmstaedt, H., and White, D. J.: Tectonic evolution of the western Superior Province from NATMAP and Lithoprobe studies, Can. J. Earth Sci., 43, 1085–1117, https://doi.org/10.1139/e06-062, 2006.
Percival, J. A., Skulski, T., Sanborn-Barrie, M., Stott, G. M., Leclair, A. D., Corkery, M. T., and Boily, M.: Geology and tectonic evolution of the Superior Province, Canada, Chap. 6, in: Tectonic Styles in Canada: The LITHOPROBE Perspective, edited by: Percival, J. A., Cook, F. A., and Clowes, R. M., Geol. Assoc. Canada SP 49, 321–378, ISBN 978-1-897095-60-7, 2012.
Poulsen, K. H.: The Larder Lake-Cadillac Break and its gold districts, Rev. Econ. Geol., 19, 133–167, https://doi.org/10.5382/Rev.19.05, 2017.
Roots, E. A., Hill, G. J., Frieman, B. M., Wannamaker, P. E., Maris, V., Calvert, A. J., Craven, J. A., Smith, R. S., and Snyder, D. B.: Magmatic, hydrothermal and ore element transfer processes of the southeastern Archean Superior Province implied from electrical resistivity structure, Gondwana Res., 105, 84–95, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2021.12.004, 2022.
Roots, E. A., Frieman, B. M., Hill, G. J., Smith, R. S., Craven, J. A., Calvert, A. J., and Snyder, D. B.: Constraints on growth and stabilization of the western Superior Craton from inversion of magnetotelluric data, Tectonics, 43, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023TC008110, 2024.
Rudnick, R. L. and Fountain, D. M.: Nature and composition of the continental crust: a lower crustal perspective, Rev. Geophys., 33, 267–309, https://doi.org/10.1029/95RG01302, 1995.
Sanborn-Barrie, M. and Skulski, T.: Sedimentary and structural evidence for 2.7 Ga continental arc–oceanic-arc collision in the Savant–Sturgeon greenstone belt, western Superior Province, Canada, Can. J. Earth Sc., 43, 995–1030, https://doi.org/10.1139/e06-060, 2006.
Schaeffer, A. J. and Lebedev, S.: Imaging the North American continent using waveform inversion of global and USArray data, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 402, 26–41, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2014.05.014, 2014.
Simmons, J. M., Ayer, J. A., Naghizadeh, M., Adetunji, A. Q., Snyder, D. B., Jørgensen, T. R. C., Hill, G. J., Roots, E. A., and Cheraghi, S.: A Metal Earth Atlas of Seismic Reflection and Magnetotelluric Transects Across the Superior Province, Laurentian University, https://doi.org/10.1139/9780886671341, 2024 (data available at: https://metalearth.geohub.laurentian.ca/search?tags=Dataset, last access: 26 August 2025).
Sleep, N. H.: Archean plate tectonics: what can be learned from continental geology?, Can. J. Earth Sci., 29, 2066–2071, https://doi.org/10.1139/e92-164, 1992.
Smit, K. V., Stachel, T., Creaser, R. A., Ickert, R. B., DuFrane, S. A., Stern, R. A., and Seller, M.: Origin of eclogite and pyroxenite xenoliths from the Victor kimberlite, Canada, and implications for Superior craton formation, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 125, 308–337, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2013.10.019, 2014.
Snyder, D. B. and Thurston, P. C.: A North Caribou superterrane in the Superior craton, North America, Precam. Res., 403, 107329, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2024.107329, 2024.
Snyder, D. B., Bleeker, W., Reed, L. E., Ayer, J. A., Houlé, M. G., and Bateman, R.: Tectonic and metallogenic implications of regional seismic profiles in the Timmins mining camp, Econ. Geol., 103, 1135–1150, https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.103.6.1135, 2008.
Snyder, D. B., Savard, G., Kjarsgaard, B. A., Vaillancourt, A., Thurston, P. C., Ayer, J. A., and Roots, E.: Multidisciplinary modelling of mantle lithosphere structure within the Superior Craton, North America, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GC009566, 2021.
Stern, T. A. and McBride, J. H.: Seismic exploration of continental strike-slip zones, Tectonophysics, 286, 63–78, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1951(97)00255-2, 1998.
Stott, G. M., Corkery, M. T., Percival, J. A., Simard, M., and Goutier, J.: A revised terrane subdivision of the Superior Province, Ontario Geological Survey Open File Report 6260, https://www.geologyontario.mines.gov.on.ca/persistent-linking?publication=OFR6260.020 (last access: 25 August 2025), 2010.
Szwillus, W., Afonso, J. C., Ebbing, J., and Mooney, W. D.: Global crustal thickness and velocity structure from geostatistical analysis of seismic data, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 124, 1626–1652, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB016593, 2019.
Thurston, P. C.: Autochthonous development of Superior Province greenstone belts?, Precam. Res., 115, 11–36, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-9268(02)00004-9, 2002.
Tikoff, B. and Teyssier, C.: Strain modeling of displacement-field partitioning in transpressional orogens, J. Struct. Geol., 16, 1575–1588, https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(94)90034-5, 1994.
Tóth, Z., Lafrance, B., and Dubé, B.: Oblique lateral extrusion during dextral transpression along the Beardmore-Geraldton belt, Canada, J. Struct. Geol., 169, 104834, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2023.104834, 2023.
Tóth, Z., Lafrance, B., Roots, E., Naghizadeh, M., Mark, B., Strongman, K. R., Haataja, A., Gibson, H. L., Tinkham, D., and Adetunji, A.: Dome-and-keel and linear accretionary architectures in the eastern Wabigoon superterrane, Canada: Seismic profiling, magnetotelluric modelling, and gold endowment, Can. J. Earth Sci., https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2024-0177, 2025.
van der Velden, A. J. and Cook, F. A.: Relict subduction zones in Canada, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 110, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004JB003333, 2005.
Wannamaker, P. E., Evans, R. L., Bedrosian, P. A., Unsworth, M. J., Maris, V., and McGary, R. S.: Segmentation of plate coupling, fate of subduction fluids, and modes of arc magmatism in Cascadia, inferred from magnetotelluric resistivity, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 15, 4230–4253, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GC005509, 2014.
White, D. J., Musacchio, G., Helmstaedt, H. H., Harrap, R. M., Thurston P., van der Velden, A., and Hall, K.: Images of a lower-crustal oceanic slab; direct evidence for tectonic accretion in the Archean western Superior Province, Geology, 31, 997–1000, https://doi.org/10.1130/G20014.1, 2003.
Wilkinson, L., Cruden, A. R., and Krogh, T. E.: Timing and kinematics of post-Timiskaming deformation within the Larder Lake-Cadillac deformation zone, southwest Abitibi greenstone belt, Ontario, Canada, Can. J. Earth Sci., 36, 627–647, https://doi.org/10.1139/e99-015, 1999.
Williams, H. R., Stott, G. M., Thurston, P. C., Sutcliffe, R. H., Bennett, G., Easton, R. M., and Armstrong, D. K.: Tectonic evolution of Ontario: summary and synthesis, Ontario Geol. Survey Spec., 4, 1255–1332, https://www.geologyontario.mines.gov.on.ca/persistent-linking?publication=SV04-02.025 (last access: 24 August 2025), 1992.
Žák, J., Tomek, F., Svojtka, M., Vacek, F., Kachlík, V., Ackerman, L., Ježek, J., and Petronis, M. S.: Distributed crustal shortening followed by transpressional shearing in the Superior Province, northeastern Canada: A Late Archean analogy to modern accretionary plate margins?, Precam. Res., 362, 106322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2021.106322, 2021.
Žák, J., Svojtka, M., Sláma, J., Tomek, F., Kachlík, V., Ackerman, L., Vacek, F., and Trubač, J.: Exploring the link between spatiotemporal patterns of plutonism and geodynamic regimes at the end of Archean: an example from the northeastern Superior Province, Canada, Precam. Res., 392, 107073, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2023.107073, 2023.
Zhang, J., Linnen, R., Lin, S., Davis, D., and Martin, R.: Paleoproterozoic hydrothermal reactivation in a Neoarchean orogenic lode gold deposit of the southern Abitibi Subprovince; U-Pb monazite geochronological evidence from the Young-Davidson Mine, Ontario, Precam. Res., 249, 263–272, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2014.05.015, 2014.
Short summary
Subsurface geometries of ancient faults mapped by high-resolution geophysical surveys use reflected seismic waves. Such surveys in southern Canada map faults which host significant gold or nickel deposits. Reflectors are considered to be brittle if upper-crustal, lava flows if folded or broken, and mid-crustal if mostly parallel. Steep fault zones possibly first formed in ocean settings when the lava erupted. Folding and horizontal shortening probably occurred during later mountain building.
Subsurface geometries of ancient faults mapped by high-resolution geophysical surveys use...
Special issue