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Collisional Snowbird tectonic zone resurrected: Growth of Laurentia during the 1.9 Ga accretionary phase of the Hudsonian orogeny

¹ Geological Survey of Canada, 615 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E9, Canada

The 2800-km-long Snowbird tectonic zone is one of the most controversial tectonic features of the Canadian shield. Metamorphic and in situ geochronologic data reported here reveal that a 1.9 Ga medium- to high-pressure belt extends along most of this tectonic zone. In contrast to recent interpretations, a collisional origin is indicated by the length of this metamorphic belt, tectonic thickening documented in parts of it, geological contrasts across it, and subduction-type microdiamonds within it. This collisional event marks a pre–1.865 Ga phase of the Hudsonian orogeny involving microcontinent accretion that was fundamental to the growth of Laurentia.

Key Words: geochronology • SHRIMP data • in situ ages • pressure-temperature conditions • tectonic models • Trans-Hudson orogen • Canadian shield