Geochemical Characterization of Novokrivoyrog Metavolcanics: Tectonic Implications and Relationship with the Early Proterozoic Banded Iron Formation (BIF) of Krivoy Rog in Ukraine

Germain M. M. Mboudou, Cheo E. Suh, George T. Mafany

Economic Geology Unit, Department of Geology and Environmental Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
Institute of Mining and Geological Research, Regional Delegation of Scientific Research and Innovation, South West Region, Buea, Cameroon.

DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2012.23013                

Abstract

The geochemical characterization of Novokrivoyrog metavolcanics (2.2 Ga) and Krivoy Rog iron ores (1.8 Ga) in Ukraine represent an important tool for the understanding of their genesis and tectono-magmatic evolution. The petrological classification of the metavolcanics on SiO₂/(Zr-TiO₂) and (Zr-TiO₂)/(Nb/Y) Harker-type diagrams shows similarities to subalkaline andesitic basalts. An additional classification of the basalts on TAS (Na₂O + K₂O/SiO₂) and AFM (FeO-MgO-Na₂O + K₂O) diagrams exhibits a variable magmatic character from calc-alkaline to tholeiitic. The distribution of High Field Strength Elements, (HSFE: Ti, Zr, Y, Hf, Nb), V, Cr, and Rare Earth Elements (REE) in most of the rocks is close to calc-alkaline basalts (CAB) and can be compared to Precambrian mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) where high thermal (>250°C) basaltic alteration is intensive under pH conditions between 2 and 4. These contributed to the deposition of the Krivoy Rog BIFs. Indeed REE distribution patterns of the BIFs suggest that they can be subdivided into shales and shaly BIFs (rich in LREEs since their detrital and clastic inputs are much higher) with (La/Yb)N > 1 as indication of clastic inputs; chert and cherty BIFs showing positive Eu anomaly with (La/Yb)N < 1 are similar to REE patterns of mixed hydrothermal fluids and seawater; alkaline altered BIFs whose (La/Yb)N ratio is >1 emphasizes post-depositional effects related to the enrichment of light REEs over heavy REEs with a positive Eu anomaly. The distribution of REE patterns of Krivoy Rog BIFs can finally be compared to Precambrian iron formations of mixed submarine hydrothermal fluids and seawater origin which correspond to the MORB signature of the Novokrivoyrog metavolcanics.

Keywords

BIF; Geochemistry; Ukraine; REE; Metavolcanics

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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