An overview of Early Paleozoic arc systems in New Brunswick, Canada, and eastern Maine, USA

Authors

  • Leslie R. Fyffe Geological Surveys Branch, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy (retired), Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1, Canada
  • Cees R. van Staal Pacific Division, Geological Survey of Canada (retired), Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5J3, Canada
  • Reginal A. Wilson Geological Surveys Branch, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy (retired), Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1, Canada
  • Susan C. Johnson Geological Surveys Branch, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy, Susex, New Brunswick E4E 5L2, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeo.2023.001

Abstract

A plate tectonic model involving northwesterly retreat of an Iapetan subducting slab has been developed over the last three decades to explain the time span of volcanism recorded within the development of Early Paleozoic arc systems preserved in New Brunswick. These arc systems are referred as the Penobscot arc-backarc (514482 Ma), and Popelogan–Meductic arc (478460 Ma). Opening of the Tetagouche backarc basin associated with the PopeloganMeductic arc was diachronous and heterogeneous and involved volcanism associated mainly with the crustal extension and rifting between 472455 Ma. The complex evolution of the Tetagouche backarc basin is examined in respect to six sub-basins, containing relatively well documented stratigraphic sections in New Brunswick: namely from northeast to southwest the Fournier, California Lake, Bathurst, Sheephouse Brook, Napadogan, and Becaguimec sub-basins. Recently, alternate plate tectonic models have been proposed for the northern Appalachians based on newly acquired geochronological data from northern Maine. We integrate these new data with existing stratigraphic, structural, paleontological, and geochemical evidence to support and refine the previously proposed migrating-arc model for New Brunswick and Maine.

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2023-01-16

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Fyffe, L. R., van Staal, C. R., Wilson, R. A., & Johnson, S. C. (2023). An overview of Early Paleozoic arc systems in New Brunswick, Canada, and eastern Maine, USA. Atlantic Geoscience, 59, 01–028. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeo.2023.001

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