New dimensions of Ediacaran Magmatism in the southeastern New England Avalon zone, USA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeo.2025.009Abstract
High precision CA-ID-TIMS U-Pb zircon dates presented here establish 627.68 ± 0.66 Ma (2s internal uncertainty) Diorite at Rowley and associated granite near Topsfield, Massachusetts as the earliest arc-related magmatic rocks recognized so far in the Southeastern New England Avalon Zone. Granite dated at 609.10 ± 0.18 Ma on the southern extremity of this terrane in Newport, Rhode Island corresponds in age to previously dated Dedham Granite that is widespread in the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts. Slightly younger diorite (605.48 ± 0.21 Ma) in an upfaulted block west of Boston clusters with previous dates from the Milford and Fall River granites, and Westwood Granite re-dated at 595.17 ± 0.50 Ma proves to be co-eval with Lynn-Mattapan volcanic rocks. LA-ICPMS age spectra from the same samples (except Westwood Granite) also show inherited components. The Ediacaran crystallization ages for the southeastern New England suite overlap LA-ICPMs ages from numerous samples in the Nova Scotia's Cobequid and Antigonish Highlands. These ages both reinforce previous comparisons between these terranes and reveal patterns of incremental intrusion like those documented for continental arc-related plutons of the western United States. Mesoproterozoic and older inherited components in both cases reflect West Avalonian origins as a series of volcanic arcs developed on metasedimentary deposits that detached from the Timanide margin of Baltica. By the time <630 Ma Jeffers block tuffs and Topsfield Granite acquired Cryogenian xenocrysts, these terranes were drifting towards collision with Ganderia, precluding Baltica provenance for ~680-640 Ma zircon. The source of this inheritance remains unresolved.
References
Barr, S.M. and Raeside, R.P. 1989. Tectono-stratigraphic terranes in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: implications for the configuration of the northern Appalachian orogen. Geology, 17, pp. 822–825. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<0822:TSTICB>2.3.CO;2
Barr, S.M. and White, C.E. 1996. Contrasts in late Precambrian-early Paleozoic tectonothermal history between Avalon composite terrane sensu stricto and other possible peri-Gondwanan terranes in southern New Brunswick and Cape Breton Island, Canada. In Avalonian and related peri-Gondwanan terranes of the circum-North Atlantic. Edited by R.D. Nance, and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 304, pp. 95–108. https://doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-2304-3.95
Barr, S.M. and White, C.E. 2004. Geo-compilation of the Caledonia belt of southern New Brunswick. New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources, Minerals, Policy and Planning Division, Map Plate 2004-138, scale 1:100 000.
Barr, S.M., Dunning, G.R., Raeside, R.P., and Jamieson, R.A. 1990. Contrasting U–Pb ages from plutons in the Bras d'Or and Mira terranes of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 27, pp. 1200–1208. https://doi.org/10.1139/e90-127
Barr, S.M., Bevier, M.L., White, C.E., and Doig, R. 1994. Magmatic history of southern New Brunswick, Canada based on U–Pb (zircon) geochronology. Journal of Geology, 102, pp. 399–409. https://doi.org/10.1086/629682
Barr, S.M., Johnson, S.C., van Rooyen, D., White, C.E., Park, A.F., and Crowley, J. 2019. U–Pb (zircon) dating in the Caledonia Highlands, southern New Brunswick—Progress Report. In Geoscience Summaries and Other Activities 2019. Edited by E.A. Keith. New Brunswick Department of Energy and Resource Development Information Circular 2019-1, pp. 10–14.
Barr, S.M., Johnson, S.C., Dunning, G.R., White, C.E., Park, A.F., Wälle, M., and Langille, A. 2020. New Cryogenian, Neoproterozoic, and mid-Paleozoic U–Pb zircon ages from the Caledonia terrane, southern New Brunswick: better constrained but more complex volcanic stratigraphy. Atlantic Geology, 56, pp. 163–187. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeol.2020.007
Bell, K.G. and Alvord, D.C. 1976, Pre-Silurian stratigraphy of northeastern Massachusetts. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 148, pp. 179–216. https://doi.org/10.1130/MEM148-p179
Bevier, M.L. and Barr, S.M. 1990. U–Pb age constraints on the stratigraphy and tectonic history of the Avalon terrane, New Brunswick, Canada. The Journal of Geology, 98, pp. 53–63. https://doi.org/10.1086/629374
Bevier, M.L., Barr, S.M., White, C.E., and Macdonald, A.S. 1993. U–Pb geochronologic constraints on the volcanic evolution of the Mira (Avalon) terrane, southeastern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 30, pp. 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1139/e93-001
Billings., M.P. 1976. Geology of the Boston Basin. In Studies in New England Geology. Edited by P.C. Lyons and A.H. Brownlow. Geological Society of America, Memoir 146, pp. 5–28. https://doi.org/10.1130/MEM146-p5
Bradley, D.C., O'Sullivan, P.O., Cosca, M.A., Motts, H.A., Horton, J.D., Taylor, C.D., Beaudoin, G., Lee, G.K., Ramezani, J., Bradley, D.B., Jones, J.V., and Bowring, S. 2013. Synthesis of Geological, Structural, and Geochronologic Data (phase V, deliverable 53). In Second Projet de Renforcement Insitutionnel du Secteur Minier de Rébublique Islamique de Mauritanie (PRISM II). Edited by C.D. Taylor. U.S. Geological Survery Open File Report 2013—1280, 328 p.
Bradley, D.C., Evans, D.A.D., O'Sullivan, P., Taylor, C.D., and Eglington, B.M. 2022. The Assabet barcode: Mesoproterozoic detrital zircons from Neoproterozoic strata in Mauritania, West Africa. American Journal of Science, 322, pp. 939–992. https://doi.org/10.2475/08.2022.01
Brady, J.B. 2024. Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks. Interactive diagrams, investigative tools, images, and information for students and teachers of petrology. Smith College. CIPW norm calculation tool. URL <https://www.science.smith.edu/~jbrady/petrology/igrocks-tools/norm-calc.php> 12 December 2024.
Chute, N.E. 1966. Geology of the Norwood Quadrangle, Norfolk and Suffolk Counties, Massachusetts. US Geological Survey Bulletin 1163-B, 78 p.
Clapp, C.H. 1910. Geology of the igneous rocks of Essex County, Massachusetts. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 704, 132 p.
Coleman, D.S., Gray, W., and Glazner, A.F. 2004. Rethinking the emplacement and evolution of zoned plutons: geochronologic evidence for incremental assembly of the Tuolumne Intrusive Suite, California. Geology, 32, pp. 433–436. https://doi.org/10.1130/G20220.1
Crowley, J.L., Schoene, B., Bowring, S.A. 2007. U–Pb dating of zircon in the Bishop Tuff at the millennial scale: Geology, 35, pp. 1123–1126. https://doi.org/10.1130/G24017A.1
Dennen, W.H. 1981. Bedrock geology of the Cape Ann Area, Massachusetts. U.S. Regulatory Commission Document NUEG/CR0881, 83 p.
Dillon, P.M. 1994. Geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Late Precambrian plutonic series south of Boston, eastern Massachusetts. Unpublished Masters Thesis, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 150 p.
Dillon, P., Dunning, G., and Hon, R. 1993. Geochemical and geochronological evidence for two distinct Avalonian magmatic suites, eastern Massachusetts. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 25, p. 12.
Emerson, B.K. 1917.Geology of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 597, 289 p. (accompanied by 1:250,000 scale map dated 1916).
Grimes, C.B., Wooden, J.L., Cheadle, M.J., and John, B.E. 2015. "Fingerprinting" tectono-magmatic provenance using trace elements in zircon. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 170, pp. 45–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-015-1199-3
Hanson, L. and McFadden, R. 2014. Rocks and landforms of the Lynn Woods and Breakheart Reservations: what they reveal about the local geologic history and what still needs to be explored. In Guidebook to field trips in southeastern New England (MA-NH-RI). Edited by M.D. Thompson. 106th Meeting of the New England Intercollegiate Geologic Conference, Wellesley, MA, pp. C2-1-C2-24.
Hatch, N.L., Zen, E-An, Goldsmith, R., Robinson, P., Ratcliffe, N.M., Stanley, R.S., and Wones, D.R. 1984. Lithotectonic assemblages as portrayed on the new Bedrock Geologic Map of Massachusetts. American Journal of Science, 284, p. 1026–1034. https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.284.9.1026
Henderson, B.J., Collins, W.J., Murphy, J.B., Gutiérrez-Alonso, G., and Hand, M. 2016. Gondwanan basement terranes of the Variscan-Appalachian orogen: Baltican, Saharan and West African Hafnium isotopic fingerprints in Avalonia, Iberia and the Amorican terranes. Tectonophysics, 681, pp. 278–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2015.11.020
Hepburn, J.C., Hon, R., Dunning, G.R., Bailey, R.H., and Galli, K. 1993. The Avalon and Nashoba terranes (eastern margin of the Appalachian orogen in southeastern New England). Edited by J.T. Cheney and J.C. Hepburn. Field Trip Guidebook for the northeastern United States, Geological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Boston, 2, pp. X1–X31.
Hermes, O.D. and Zartman, R.E. 1985.Late Proterozoic and Devonian plutonic terrane within the Avalon zone of Rhode Island. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 96, pp. 272–282. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1985)96<272:LPADPT>2.0.CO;2
Hermes, O.D. and Zartman, R.E. 1992. Late Proterozoic and Silurian alkaline plutons within the southeastern New England Avalon zone. Journal of Geology 100, pp. 477–486. https://doi.org/10.1086/629599
Hermes, O.D., Gromet, L.P., and Murray, D.P. (compilers). 1994. Bedrock geologic map of Rhode Island: Kingston, RI. Rhode Island Map Series No. 1, scale 1:100 000.
Hibbard, J.P., van Staal, C.R., Rankin, D.W., and Williams, H. 2006. Lithotectonic map of the Appalachian Orogen, Canada-United States of America. Geological Survey of Canada Map 2096a, scale 1:1 500 000. https://doi.org/10.4095/221932
Hinchey, J.G. 2001. An integrated geochemical, petrologic, geochronological and metallogenic study of the Powder Horn Intrusive Suite and the associated Lodestar prospect—a magmatic-hydrothermal auriferous breccia zone that linje epithermal and porphyry systems, northern Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland. Unpublished M.Sc. theses, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, 333 p.
Irving, T.N. and Baragar, W.R.A. 1971. A guide to the chemical classification of the common volcanic rocks. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 8, pp. 523–548. https://doi.org/10.1139/e71-055
Jaffey, A.H., Flynn, K.F., Glendenin, L.E., Bentley, W.C., and Essling, A.M. 1971. Precision measurements of half-lives and specific activities of 235U and 238U. Physical Review C, 4, pp. 1889–1906. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.4.1889
Keppie, J.D., Davis, D.W., and Krogh, T.E. 1998. U–Pb geochronological constraints on Precambrian stratified units in the Avalon composite terrane of Nova Scotia, Canada. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 35, pp. 222–236. https://doi.org/10.1139/e97-109
Krogh, T. E. 1982a. Improved accuracy of U–Pb zircon ages by the creation of more concordant systems using an air abrasion technique. Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta, 46, pp. 637–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(82)90165-X
Krogh, T. E. 1982b. Improved accuracy of U–Pb zircon dating by selection of more concordant fractions using a high-gradient magnetic separation technique. Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta, 46, pp. 631–635. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/0016-7037(82)90164-8.
Krogh, T.E., Strong, D.F., O'Brien, S.J., and Papezik, V.S. 1988. Precise U–Pb zircon dates from the Avalonian terrane in Newfoundland. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 25, pp. 442–453. https://doi.org/10.1139/e88-045
Kuznetsov, N.B., Natapov, L.M., Belousova, E.A., O'Reilly, S.Y., and Griffin, W.L. 2010. Geochronological, geochemical and isotopic study of detrital zircon suites from late Neoproterozoic clastic strata along the NE margin of the East European craton: implication for plate tectonic models. Gondwana Research, 17, pp. 583–601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2009.08.005
Kuznetsov, N.B., Belousova, E.A., Alekseev, A.S., and Romanyuk, T.V. 2014. New data on detrital zircons from the sandstones of the lower Cambrian Brusov Formation (White Sea region, East European craton): unravelling the timing of the onset of the Arctida-Baltica collision. International Geology Review, 556, pp. 1945–1963. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2014.977968
LaForge, L. 1932. Geology of the Boston area, Massachusetts. U.S Geological Survey Bulletin 839, 105 p.
Ludwig, K.R. 2003. User’s Manual for Isoplot 3.00. Berkeley Geochronology Center, Berkeley, CA, 70 p.
Mancuso, C.I., Gates, A.E., and Puffer, J.H. 1996. Geochemical and petrologic evidence of Avalonian arc to rift transition from granitoids in southeastern Rhode Island. In Avalonian and related peri-Gondwanan terranes of the circum-North Atlantic. Edited by R.D. Nance, and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 304, pp. 193–206. https://doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-2304-3.193
Markus, R.S. 1993. The geochemistry of the Dedham Granite suite north of Boston, Massachusetts. Unpublished Masters Thesis, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 215 p.
Mattinson, J.M. 2005. Zircon U–Pb chemical abrasion ("CA-TIMS") method: combined annealing and multi-step partial dissolution analysis for improved precision and accuracy of zircon ages. Chemical Geology, 220, pp. 47–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2005.03.011
Matzel, J.E.P, Bowring, S.A., and Miller, R.B. 2006. Time scales of pluton construction at differing crustal levels: examples from the Mount Stuart and Tenpeak intrusions, North Cascades, Washington. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 118, pp. 1412–1430. https://doi.org/10.1130/B25923.1
Miller, B.V., Barr, S.M., Fyffe, L.R., and White, C.E. 2000. New U–Pb ages from southern New Brunswick: preliminary results. In Current Research 1999. Edited by B.M.W. Carroll. New Brunswick Bureau of Natural Resources and Energy, Minerals and Energy Division, Mineral Resource Report 2000-4, pp. 39–50.
Miller, J.S., Matzel, J.E.P., Miller, C.F., Burgess, S.D., and Miller, R.B. 2007. Zircon growth and recycling during the assembly of large, composite arc plutons. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 167, pp. 282–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2007.04.019
Mills, A.J., Dunning, G.R., and Sandeman, H.A. 2021. Lithogeochemical, isotopic, and U–Pb (zircon) age constraints on arc to rift magmatism, north-western and central Avalon terrane, Newfoundland, Canada: implications for local lithostratigraphy. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 58, pp. 332–354. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2019-0196
Murphy, J.B., Keppie, J.D., Dostal, J., and Cousens, B.L. 1996. Repeated Late Neoproterozoic-Silurian crustal melting beneath the Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia: Nd isotopic evidence and tectonic interpretations. In Avalonian and Related Peri-Gondwanan Terranes of the Circum-North Atlantic. Edited by R.D. Nance, and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 304, pp. 109–120. https://doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-2304-3.109
Murphy, J.B., Keppie, J.D., Davis, D., and Krogh, T.E. 1997. Regional significance of new U–Pb age data for Neoproterozoic igneous units in Avalonian rocks of northern mainland Nova Scotia. Geological Magazine, 134, pp. 113_120. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756897006596
Murphy, J.B., McCausland, P.J.A., O'Brien, S.J., Pisarevski, S., and Hamilton, M.A. 2008. Age, geochemistry and Sm–Nd isotopic signature of the 0.76 Ga Burin Group: compositional equivalent of Avalonian basement? Precambrian Research, 165, pp. 37-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2008.05.006
Nance, R.D. and Murphy, J.B. 1994. Contrasting basement isotopic signatures and the palinspastic restoration of peripheral orogens: example from the Neoproterozoic Avalonian-Cadomian belt. Geology, 22, pp. 617–620. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022<0617:CBISAT>2.3.CO;2
Nance, R.D., Murphy, J.B., Strachan, R.A., D'Lemos, R.S., and Taylor, G.K. 1991. Late Proterozoic tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Avalonian and Cadomian terranes. Precambrian Research, 53, 41–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(91)90005-U
Nelson, A.E. 1975. Geologic map of the Natick quadrangle, Middlesex and Norfolk Counties, Massachusetts. U.S. Geological Survey Map GQ-1208, scale 1:24 000.
O’Brien, S.J., Tucker, R.D., and O’Driscoll, C.F. 1994. Neoproterozoic basement-cover relationships and the tectono-magmatic record of the Avalon zone on the Hermitage Peninsula and environs, Newfoundland: new perspectives in the Appalachian-Caledonian orogen. In Program and Abstracts, Geological Association of Canada Nuna Conference, pp. 21–22.
O'Brien, S.J., O'Driscoll, C.F., Greene, B.A., and Tucker, R.D. 1995. Pre-Carboniferous geology of the Connaigre Bay Peninsula and the adjacent coast of Fortune Bay, southern Newfoundland. In Current Research (1995): Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey Report 95-1, pp. 267–297.
O'Brien, S.J., O'Brien, B.H., Dunning, G.R., and Tucker, R.D. 1996. Late Neoproterozoic Avalonian and related per-Gondwanan rocks of the Newfoundland Appalachians. In Avalonian and related peri-Gondwanan terranes of the circum-North Atlantic. Edited by R.D. Nance, and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 304, pp. 9–28. https://doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-2304-3.9
O'Brien, S.J., Dunning, G.R., Dubé, B., O'Driscoll, C.F., Sparks, B., Israel, S., and Ketchem, J. 200l. Insights into the Neoproterozoic geology of the central Avalon Peninsula (parts of NTS map areas 1N/6, 1N/7 and 1N/3), eastern Newfoundland. In Current Research (2001): Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey Report 2001-1, pp. 169–189.
Parrish, R. R. and Krogh, T. E. 1987. Synthesis and purification of 205Pb for U–Pb geochronology. Chemical Geology, Isotope Geoscience section, 66, pp. 103–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-9622(87)90033-9
Pearce, J.A., Harris, N.B., and Tindle A.G. 1984. Trace element discrimination diagrams for the tectonic interpretation of granitic rocks. Journal of Petrology, 25, pp. 956–983. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/25.4.956
Pe-Piper, G. and Piper, D.J.W. 1998. Geochemical evolution of Devonian-Carboniferous igneous rocks of the Magdalen Basin, eastern Canada: Pb- and Nd-isotopic evidence for mantle and lower crustal sources. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 35, pp. 201–221. https://doi.org/10.1139/e97-106
Pe-Piper, G. and Piper, D.J.W. 2002. A synopsis of the geology of the Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia. Atlantic Geology, 38, pp. 145–160. https://doi.org/10.4138/1259
Pe-Piper, G. and Piper, D.J.W. 2005. Bedrock geology map of the Earltown area (parts of NTS sheets 11E/06, 11E/10 and 11E/11), Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Bureau of Natural Resources, Mineral Resources Branch, Open-File Map ME-2005-117, scale 1:50 000.
Pe-Piper, G., Piper, D.J.W., and Koukouvelas, I. 1996. Precambrian plutons of the Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia: Geological Society of America, Special Paper 304, pp. 121–132. https://doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-2304-3.121
Pollock, J.C., Barr, S.M., van Rooyen, D., and White, C.W. 2022. Insights from Lu–Hf zircon isotopic data on the crustal evolution of Avalonia and Ganderia in the northern Appalachian orogen. In New Developments in the Appalachian-Caledonian-Variscan orogen. Edited by Y.D. Kuiper, J.B. Murphy, R.D. Nance, R.A. Strachan and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 554, pp. 173–207. https://doi.org/10.1130/2021.2554(08)
Pu, J.P., Bowring, S.A., Ramezani, J., Myrow, P., Raub, T.D., Landing, E., Mills, A., Hodgin, E., and Macdonald, F.A. 2016. Dodging snowballs: geochronology of the Gaskiers glaciation and the first appearance of the Ediacaran biota. Geology, 44, pp. 955–958. https://doi.org/10.1130/G38284.1
Quinn, A.W. 1971. Bedrock geology of Rhode Island. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1295, 65 p.
Ramezani, J., Beveridge, T. L., Rogers, R. R., Eberth, D. A., and Roberts, E. M. 2022. Calibrating the zenith of dinosaur diversity in the Campanian of the Western Interior Basin by CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb geochronology. Scientific Reports, 12, Article no. 16026, 22 pp. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19896-w
Rast, N. and Skehan, J.W., 1983. The evolution of the Avalonian plate. Tectonophysics, 100, pp. 257–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(83)90191-9
Rast, N., O’Brien, B.H., and Wardle, R.J. 1976. Relationships between Precambrian and Lower Palaeozoic rocks of the ‘Avalon Platform’ in New Brunswick, the northeast Appalachians and the British Isles. Tectonophysics, 30, pp. 325–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(76)90192-X
Reusch, D.N., Holm-Denoma, C.A., and Slack, J.E. 2018. U–Pb zircon geochronology of Proterozoic and Paleozoic rocks, North Isleboro, coastal Maine (US): links to West Africa and Penobscottian orogenesis in southeastern Ganderia? Atlantic Geology, 54, pp. 189–221. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeol.2018.007
Ridge, J.C. 2024. Bedrock Geology of the Middlesex Fells Reservation and Adjoining Parks and Preserves in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA. Map and explanation, 245 p., scale 1:4600 (last update March 8, 2024). URL <https://sites.tufts.edu/fellsgeology/>, 8 March 2024.
Samson, S.D., Barr, S.M., and White, C.E. 2000. Nd isotopic compositions of terranes within the Avalon zone, southern New Brunswick. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 37, pp. 1039–1052. https://doi.org/10.1139/e00-015
Satkoski, A.M., Barr, S.M., and Samson, S.D. 2010. Provenance of late Neoproterozoic and Cambrian sediments in Avalonia: constraints from detrital zircon ages and Sm–Nd isotopic compositions in southern New Brunswick, Canada. Journal of Geology, 118, pp. 187–200. https://doi.org/10.1086/649818
Schmitz, M.D. and Schoene, B. 2007. Derivation of isotope ratios, errors and error correlations for U–Pb geochronology using 205Pb-235U-(233U)-spiked isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometric data. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems (G3) 8. Article no. Q08006. https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GC001492
Schoene, B., Crowley, J.L., Condon, D.J., Schmitz, M.D., and Bowring, S.A. 2006. Reassessing the uranium decay constants for geochronology using ID-TIMS U–Pb data. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70, pp. 426–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2005.09.007
Severson, A.R., Kuiper, Y.D., Eby, N.G., Lee, Han-Yang., and Hepburn, J.C. 2022. New detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–HF isotopic data from metasedimentary rocks along the western boundary of the composite Avalon terrane in the southeastern New England Appalachians. In New Developments in the Appalachian-Caledonian-Variscan orogen. Edited by Y.D. Kuiper, J.B. Murphy, R.D. Nance, R.A. Strachan and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 554, pp. 73–91. https://doi.org/10.1130/2021.2554(04)
Sheridan, A.W. 1988. Geochemistry of the Milford plutonic suite (Massachusetts). Unpublished Masters Thesis, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 153 p.
Skehan, J.W., Webster, M.J., and Logue, D.F. 1987. Cambrian stratigraphy and structural geology of south Narragansett Bay. In Centenniel Field Guide Volume 5. Edited by D.C. Roy. Northeastern section field guide of the Geological Society of America, pp. 195–200. https://doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-5405-4.195
Smith, B.M. 1978. The geology and Rb–Sr age of granitic rocks of Aquideck and Conanicut Islands, Rhode Island. Unpublished Masters Thesis, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 100 p.
Stewart, D.B., Tucker, R.D., Ayuso, R.A., and Lux, D.R. 2001. Minimum age of the Neoproterozoic Seven Hundred Acre Island Formation, Isleboro block, Maine. Atlantic Geology, 37, pp. 41–59. https://doi.org/10.4138/1971
Streckheisen, A.W. 1973. Plutonic rocks: classification and nomenclature recommended by the IUGS Subcommission on the systematics of igneous rocks. Geotimes, 18, pp. 26–30.
Thompson, M.D., Barr, J.M., and Pollock, J.C. 2022. Evolving views of West Avalonia: Perspectives from southeastern New England, USA. In New developments in the Appalachian-Caledonian–Variscan orogen. Edited by Y.D. Kuiper, J.B. Murphy, R.D. Nance, R.A. Strachan and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 554, pp. 47–72. https://doi.org/10.1130/2022.2554(03)
Thompson, M.D. and Bowring, S.A. 2000. Age of the Squantum “Tillite,” Boston Basin, Massachusetts: U–Pb zircon constraints on terminal Neoproterozoic glaciation. American Journal of Science, 300, pp. 630–655. https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.300.8.630
Thompson, M.D. and Crowley, J.L. 2020. Avalonian arc-to-platform transition in southeastern New England: U–Pb geochronology and stratigraphy of Ediacaran Cambridge "argillite", Boston Basin, Massachusetts, USA. American Journal of Science, 320, pp. 405–449. https://doi.org/10.2475/05.2020.01
Thompson, M.D., Hermes, O.D., Bowring, S.A., Isachsen, C.E., Besancon, J.B., and Kelly, K.L. 1996. Tectonostratigraphic implications of Late Proterozoic U–Pb zircon ages in Avalon zone of southeastern New England. In Avalonian and Related Peri-Gondwanan Terranes of the Circum-North Atlantic. Edited by R.D. Nance and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America Special, Paper 304, pp. 171–191. https://doi.org/10.1130/0-8137-2304-3.179
Thompson, M.D., Grunow, A.M., and Ramezani, J. 2007. Late Neoproterozoic paleogeography of the Southeastern New England Avalon Zone: insights from U–Pb geochronology and paleomagnetism. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 119, pp. 681–696. https://doi.org/10.1130/B26014.1
Thompson, M.D., Ramezani, J., Barr, S.M., and Hermes, O.D. 2010. High-precision U–Pb zircon dates for Ediacaran granitoid rocks in SE New England: revised magmatic chronology and correlation with other Avalonian terranes. In From Rodinia to Pangea: the Lithotectonic Record of the Appalachian Region. Edited by R.P. Tollo, M.J. Bartholomew, J.P. Hibbard, and P.M. Karabinos. Geological Society of America, Memoir 206, pp. 231–250. https://doi.org/10.1130/2010.1206(11)
Thompson, M.D., Barr, S.M., and Grunow, A.M. 2012. Avalonian perspectives on Neoproterozoic paleogeography: evidence from Sm–Nd isotope geochemistry and detrital zircon geochronology in SE New England, USA. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 124, pp. 517–531. https://doi.org/10.1130/B30529.1
Thompson, M.D., Ramezani, J., and Crowley, J.L. 2014. U–Pb zircon geochronology of Roxbury Conglomerate, Boston Basin, Massachusetts: tectono-stratigraphic implications for Avalonia in and beyond SE New England. American Journal of Science, 314, pp. 1009–1040. https://doi.org/10.2475/06.2014.02
Tierney, F.L. 1950. Geologic report of descriptions of rock bodies, faults and geologic phenomena found in excavating the City Tunnel. Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Report G 15, 49 p.
Toulmin, P. III 1964. Bedrock geology of the Salem quadrangle and vicinity, Massachusetts. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1163-A, 79 p.
van Staal, C.R., Barr, S.M., and Murphy, J.B. 2012. Provenance and tectonic evolution of Ganderia: constraints on the evolution of the Iapetus and Rheic oceans. Geology, 40, pp. 987–990. https://doi.org/10.1130/G33302.1
van Staal, C.R., Barr, S.M., McCausland, P.J.A., Thompson, M.D., and White, C.E. 2021. Tonian–Ediacaran tectonomagmatic evolution of West Avalonia and its Ediacaran-Early Cambrian interactions with Ganderia: an example of complex terrane transfer due to arc-arc collision? Geological Society of London Special Publications, 503, pp. 143–167. https://doi.org/10.1144/SP503-2020-23
Walsh, G.J., Aleinikoff, J.N., and Dorais, M.J. 2011. Bedrock Geologic Map of the Grafton Quadrangle, Worcester County, Massachusetts. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3171, scale 1:24 000. https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3171
Whalen, J.B., Jenner, G.A., Currie, K.L, Barr, S.M., Longstaffe, F.J., and Hegner, E. 1994. Geochemical and isotopic characteristics of granitoids of the Avalon zone, southern New Brunswick: possible evidence for repeated delamination events. Journal of Geology, 102, pp. 269–282. https://doi.org/10.1086/629670
White, C.E., Barr, S.M., Hamilton, M.A., and Murphy, J.B. 2021. Age and tectonic implications of Neoproterozoic granitoid rocks, Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada: Implications for Avalonia in the northern Appalachian orogen. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 58, pp. 396–412. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2020-0110
White, C.E., Barr, S.M., Crowley, J.L., van Rooyen, D., and MacHattie, T.G. 2022. U–Pb zircon ages and Sm–Nd isotopic data from the Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada: new contributions to understanding the Neoproterozoic geological history of Avalonia. In New developments in the Appalachian-Caledonian-Variscan orogen. Edited by Y.D. Kuiper, J.B. Murphy, R.D. Nance, R.A. Strachan and M.D. Thompson. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 554, pp. 135–172. https://doi.org/10.1130/2021.2554(07)
Williams, H. (compiler) 1978. Tectonic lithofacies map of the Appalachian orogen. Memorial University of Newfoundland Map no. 1, scale 1:1 000 000.
Williams, H. and Hatcher, R.D., Jr. 1982. Suspect terranes and accretionary history of the Appalachian orogen. Geology, 10, pp. 530–536. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1982)10<530:STAAHO>2.0.CO;2
Williams, H. and Hatcher, R.D., Jr. 1983. Appalachian suspect terranes. In Contributions to the tectonics and geophysics of mountain chains. Edited by R.D. Hatcher and H. Williams. Geological Society of America, Memoir 158, pp. 33–54. https://doi.org/10.1130/MEM158-p33
Willner, A.P., Barr, S.M., Gerdes, A., Massonne, H.-J., and White, C.E. 2013. Origin and evolution of Avalonia: evidence from U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircon from the Mira terrane, Canada, and the Stavelot—Venn Massif, Belgium. Journal of the Geological Society of London, 170, pp. 769–784. https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2012-152
Wintsch, R.P. and Aleinikoff, J.N. 1987. U–Pb isotopic and geologic evidence for Late Paleozoic anatexis, deformation, and accretion of the Late Proterozoic Avalon terrane, southcentral Connecticut. American Journal of Science, 287, pp. 107–126. https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.287.2.107
Wones, D.R. and Goldsmith, R. 1991. Intrusive rocks of eastern Massachusetts. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1366-I, 61 p.
Zartman, R.E. and Naylor, R.S. 1984. Structural implications of some radiometric ages of igneous rocks in southeastern New England. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 95, pp. 522–539. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1984)95<522:SIOSRA>2.0.CO;2
Zartman, R.E., Snyder, G.L., Stern, T.W., Marvin, R.F., and Buckman, R.C. 1965. Implications of new radiometric ages in eastern Connecticut and Massachusetts. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 525-D, pp. D1–D10.
Zen, E-an 1983. Bedrock geologic map of Massachusetts. Reston, U.S. Geological Survey, 1:250 000, 2 sheets.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Margaret D. Thompson, James L. Crowley, Jahandar Ramezani

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
As of January 1, 2025, Atlantic Geoscience has adopted Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) This license requires that re-users give credit to the creator. It allows re-users to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, even for commercial purposes.
Copyright to material published in Atlantic Geoscience is normally retained by the author. Alternate arrangements can be made on request for government employees.
Permission to use a single graphic for which the author owns copyright is considered “fair dealing” under the Canadian Copyright Act and “fair use” by the journal, and no other permission need be granted, subject to the image being appropriately cited in all reproductions. The same fair dealing/fair use policy applies to sections of text up to 100 words in length.