Journal of the Geological Society

Timing of migmatization and granite genesis in the Northwestern Terrane of

Svalbard, Norway: implications for regional correlations in the Arctic Caledonides
C.H. Pettersson, A.M. Tebenkov, A.N. Larionov, A. Andresen and V. Pease

Journal of the Geological Society 2009; v. 166; p. 147-158

doi:10.1144/0016-76492008-023

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© 2009 Geological Society of London

Journal of the Geological Society, London, Vol. 166, 2009, pp. 147–158. doi: 10.1144/0016-76492008-023.

Timing of migmatization and granite genesis in the Northwestern Terrane of

Svalbard, Norway: implications for regional correlations in the Arctic Caledonides

C . H . P E T T E R S S O N 1 * , A . M . T E B E N KOV 2, A . N. L A R I O N OV 3, A . A N D R E S E N 4 & V. P E A S E 1
1
Department of Geology and Geochemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
2
Polar Marine Geological Expedition, Pobeda Street 24, Lomonosov 189 510, Russia
3
A. P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI) 74 Sredny Pr., St. Petersburg 199106, Russia
4
Department of Geosciences, PO Box 1047 Blindern, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
Corresponding author (e-mail: calle@geo.su.se)

Abstract: U–Pb ion microprobe investigations of zircons from gneisses, granites and migmatites of the pre-
Devonian Smerenburgfjorden and Richarddalen Complexes constrain the tectonic evolution and origin of
Svalbard’s Northwestern Terrane. Field relationships combined with U–Pb age data indicate that a late Meso-
to Neoproterozoic metapelitic protolith was intruded by Tonian (c. 960 Ma) granitoids and suggest that the
entire Northwestern Terrane is underlain by early Neoproterozoic granitoids intruding older metasediments.
Both rock types were later involved in Caledonian deformation, with subsequent migmatization and granite
genesis at c. 435–420 Ma. Ages of inherited zircons in granites and migmatites reflect anatexis of this late
Meso- to Neoproterozoic protolith, with zircon xenocrysts ranging in age from c. 1030 to 1820 Ma.
Pronounced lithological, geochronological and tectonothermal similarities to NE Svalbard (Nordaustlandet)
and the Krummedal supracrustal sequence of East Greenland suggest a strong correlation between Svalbard
and East Greenland prior to Caledonian orogenesis.

Supplementary material: Ion microprobe analytical methods, data table and zircon descriptions are available
at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18326.

In the North Atlantic region, Caledonian and Grenvillian terranes
are exposed in Svalbard, Greenland, Britain, Canada and Scandi-
navia (Fig. 1a). Reconstructing the original configuration of these
terranes depends partly on determining the age and chemistry of
the crystalline basement, as well as determining the age and
provenance of the sedimentary rocks overlying the basement.
Recently, geochronological investigations in northwestern Sval-
bard have been dominated by conventional zircon U–Pb and
single-grain zircon Pb-evaporation methods (e.g. Peucat et al.
1989; Balashov et al. 1996; Gromet & Gee 1998; Ohta et al.
2002, 2003). These investigations show that the pre-Devonian
rocks of northwestern Svalbard experienced thermal events in the
Silurian and in the early Neoproterozoic. However, although
these methods can generate accurate and highly precise results,
their low spatial resolution makes it difficult to distinguish
between different growth events in complex, polyphase zircons,
resulting in mixed ages of ambiguous geological significance.
Consequently, the timing of pre-Devonian migmatization in
northwestern Svalbard remains ambiguous. To understand this
polyphase metamorphic history and to determine the time of
migmatization, we apply the high spatial resolution of an ion
microprobe to U–Pb dating of complex polyphase zircons from
migmatites and granititoids of northwestern Svalbard.
Geological setting
Pre-Devonian rocks (Hecla Hoek) of Svalbard are divided into
the Eastern, Northwestern and Southwestern Terranes, which are
separated by north–south-trending strike-slip faults (Fig. 1; Har-
land 1985, 1997; Gee 1986; Gee & Page 1994; Gee & Tebenkov
2004). The Northwestern Terrane of northwestern Svalbard is
bounded to the east by the Breibogen–Bockfjorden Fault (Hell-
man et al. 1998) and to the south by Krossfjorden (Fig. 1b). The
Raudfjorden Graben, with Late Silurian and Early Devonian
sediments (Friend et al. 1997), divides the Northwestern Terrane
into two sub-regions (Gee & Tebenkov 2004): a western region
comprising part of Albert I Land and an eastern region compris-
ing part of Haakon VII Land (Fig. 1b), also known as the
Biskayarhalvøya–Holtedahlfonna Horst.
Albert I Land
The southwestern part of Albert I Land is dominated by
Krossfjorden Group sediments, which are 7.5 km thick and are
predominantly metapelites and marbles (Gee & Hjelle 1966;
Dallmann et al. 2002). The northern and eastern part of Albert I
Land comprises the Smeerenburgfjorden Complex, which is
composed of migmatites and gneisses intruded by grey granitoids
(Gee & Hjelle 1966; Dallmann et al. 2002). Xenoliths of
metapelite, quartzite, amphibolite and marble occur in both the
orthogneisses and granite–migmatites. Rafts of metapelite and
marble with a north–south trend are common within the granites
and migmatites. The metasediments are interpreted as remnants
of the Krossfjorden Group (Hjelle 1979; Gee & Tebenkov 2004),
implying that a large part of the Krossfjorden Group was
migmatized. The dominant structure, a NW–SE-trending anticli-
norium, has upright to west-vergent folds and fold axes gently
plunge to the south; this partly explains the increase in meta-
morphic grade from greenschist facies in the south to amphibo-
lite–lower granulite facies in the north and central part of the
Northwestern Terrane (Gee & Hjelle 1966; Hjelle 1979; Bucher-
Nurminen 1981).

147
148 C. H. PETTERSSON ET AL.
Biscayarhalvøya–Holtedahlfonna Horst
Hakon VII Land within the Northwestern Terrane is separated
into two blocks by the NW–SE-trending Hannabreen Fault
(Gee & Moody-Stuart 1966; Gjelsvik 1979). The southwestern
block is structurally and lithologically similar to the pre-
Devonian basement west of Raudfjorden. Metapelites and
marbles in the limb of a major antiform surround a core of
gneisses and migmatites (Gee & Hjelle 1966; Gjelsvik 1979).
Both the gneisses and the supracrustal rocks are intruded by
undeformed granites (Ohta et al. 2003). Lithological simila-
rities between the basement of the southwestern block and
Albert I Land, and the presence of marbles in both areas, led
Gjelsvik (1979) to suggest that these metasediments belong to
the Krossfjorden Group.
Fig. 1. Location and geology of the study
area. Inset shows Svalbard’s three terranes.
(a) Schematic map of Caledonian terranes
in the North Atlantic region in the
Mesozoic (after Dhuime et al. 2007). (b)
Geological map of NW Svalbard (after
Dallmann et al. 2002; Gee & Tebenkov
2004). Numbers in large circles indicate
sample locations from this study. Smaller
circles indicate sample locations of other
studies referred to in the text.
The northeastern block consists of several north–south-
trending, west-vergent thrust duplex units dipping to the east
(Gee 1972; Ohta et al. 2003), unconformably overlain by
Upper Silurian–lowermost Devonian fluvial sequences (Gee &
Moody-Stuart 1966; Friend et al. 1997). The basement may be
subdivided into two lithotectonic units: the Biskayerfonna
Group composed of pelitic and psammitic schists and amphi-
bolites, and the high P–T Richarddalen Complex composed of
metamafic intrusive rocks, marbles and gneisses (Gee 1966;
Peucat et al. 1989; Dallmeyer et al. 1990; Ohta et al. 2003).
Harland (1997) correlated the Biskayerfonna Group with the
Krossfjorden Group based on similar lithologies and meta-
morphic histories. The upper part of Biskayerfonna Group
contains upper amphibolite-facies mineral assemblages (Dall-
meyer et al. 1990).
 N O RT H W E S T E R N T E R R A N E O F S VA L BA R D
Previous geochronology
Albert I Land
Single-zircon Pb-evaporation dating of heterogeneous quartz-
dioritic neosome (Fig. 1b, location 1) may indicate migmatiza-
tion in the time interval 910–1150 Ma, with inherited early
Mesoproterozoic and older grains (Ohta et al. 2002). Early
evaporation steps yielded ages around 430 Ma, but no Caledo-
nian ‘plateau’ was obtained. Although cathodoluminescence
(CL) images show subhedral to euhedral U-rich rims developed
on rounded cores (Ohta et al. 2002), it is unclear whether the
rounding of these cores is due to metamorphic resorption or
detrital abrasion. Consequently, the actual timing of migmatiza-
tion is unclear; it may have occurred as the result of either
Caledonian metamorphism of a Neoproterozoic protolith or early
Neoproterozoic metamorphism of a Mesoproterozoic protolith
(Ohta et al. 2002), or some combination of the two.
Granites in the study area have been previously dated using
the single-zircon Pb-evaporation technique to 420–430 Ma (Fig.
1b, locations 4 and 9, Ohta et al. 2002; location 10, Balashov et
al. 1996). The granites also contain xenocrystic zircons of mainly
Proterozoic age, which imply either that the granites assimilated
older rocks or that they have a sedimentary protolith. A
gneissose granite xenolith in a grey granite yielded a single-
zircon Pb-evaporation crystallization age of c. 960 Ma, whereas
biotite gave a 40 Ar/39 Ar plateau age of c. 419 Ma (Fig. 1b,
location 6, Ohta et al. 2002). The Hornemantoppen batholith in
the north–central part of the Northwestern Terrane has an age of
about c. 415 Ma (Balashov et al. 1996; Hjelle 1979) and records
the final stages of Caledonian orogeny in the area, as indicated
by cross-cutting relationships with the grey granites and the
occurrence in it of xenoliths of the latter (Balashov et al. 1996;
Ohta et al. 2002).
Biscayarhalvøya–Holtedahlfonna Horst
South of Liefdefjorden a weakly foliated heterogeneous granitic
neosome is cut by granite dykes (Fig. 1b, location 13, Ohta et al.
2003) similar to the grey granites in Albert I Land. The youngest
plateau ages obtained from the neosome by the single-zircon
Pb-evaporation method range from 940 to 1063 Ma (Ohta et al.
2003). The zircons are euhedral to anhedral and CL images show
that the euhedral to anhedral shapes are mostly due to U-rich
rims mantling xenocrystic cores. The boundaries between cores
and overgrowths are either discordant or diffuse. Some of the
zircons have rounded edges and scratched surfaces (Ohta et al.
2003). In a few cases the early steps of ionization gave broadly
Neoproterozoic (560–850 Ma) ages, whereas the majority of
grains gave late Mesoproterozoic to early Palaeoproterozoic ages.
Similar to the neosome west of Raudfjorden (Fig. 1b, location 1,
Ohta et al. 2002), it was migmatized during either Caledonian
metamorphism of a Neoproterozoic protolith, and/or Grenvillian
metamorphism of a Mesoproterozoic protolith (Ohta et al. 2003).
In the southern parts of the northern block a weakly foliated
S-type granitic rock intrudes a phyllite of the Biscayarfonna
Group (Fig. 1b, location 17). A single-zircon Pb-evaporation age
of c. 960 Ma (Ohta & Larionov 1998) indicates that the
depositional age of the phyllite is Tonian or older.
Single-zircon Pb-evaporation dating of augen metagranite
from the Richarddalen Complex gave ages of 960  17 Ma (Fig.
1b, location 11, Ohta et al. 2003) and c. 965 Ma (Fig. 1b,
location 16, Peucat et al. 1989), and a metagabbro with corona
texture gave c. 955 Ma (Fig. 1b, location 16, Peucat et al. 1989).
149
These ages are interpreted to record crystallization of the
magmatic protolith. Sr and Nd data indicate that a crustal
component is involved in the genesis of these magmas (Peucat et
al. 1989). Conventional multi-grain analyses of zircons from an
eclogite and a felsic neosome from the Richarddalen Complex
yielded discordant data with upper intercept ages of c. 620 Ma
and c. 660 Ma, respectively (Fig. 1b, location 18, Peucat et al.
1989). Single-zircon Pb-evaporation dating of mafic and felsic
gneisses yielded ages of c. 650 Ma (Fig. 1b, location 18, Gromet
& Gee 1998). These Cryogenian ages are interpreted to represent
crystallization of the mafic and felsic protoliths (Gromet & Gee
1998). Eclogites with symplectite textures and metagabbros with
corona texture show polymetamorphic mineral assemblages
recording initial high P–T metamorphism and later retrogression
to amphibolite-facies assemblages (Gee 1966; Peucat et al.
1989). Based on the partitioning of Fe–Mg between garnet and
omphacite, eclogite formation took place at about 680–700 8C
and 12–14 kbar (Ohta et al. 1989) and eclogite-facies meta-
morphism occurred at c. 455 Ma (Gromet & Gee 1998). Clearly,
the Richarddalen Complex has a different geological history
from other units in the Northwestern Terrane and it is reasonable
to treat the Northwestern Terrane as composed of at least two
separate terranes (Gee & Tebenkov 2004).
New geochronology
Samples were collected for ion-microprobe U–Pb zircon dating
to determine the time of migmatization and to constrain the
tectonic evolution of the Northwestern Terrane. Samples include
four granitoids, one leucocratic dyke, two orthogneisses, one
paragneiss from the Smerenburgfjorden Complex, and one ortho-
gneiss from the Richarddalen Complex. Samples from locations
4 and 11 in this study (CP04-4 and T03-11, respectively) have
previously been dated using the Pb-evaporation technique (Ohta
et al. 2002, 2003; their granite sample 2 and metagranite sample,
respectively).
Sampling method, description and petrography
Location 1, granitoid dyke (CP03-1). The west side of Raudfjor-
den consists of migmatite with associated granitic rocks and
gneisses, intruded by white pegmatites (Fig. 1b). The sample is
from a c. 1 m wide dyke that clearly cross-cuts the migmatitic
country rock, and hence provides a minimum age for migmatiza-
tion. The structures here are similar to those of the migmatite
outcrop in Kollerfjorden (locations 5 and 6): boudinaged amphi-
bolitic xenoliths stretch out in a north–south direction, possibly
representing deformed mafic dykes. The rock is a medium-
grained granodiorite to tonalite, with a weak lineation defined by
aligned biotite grains. It contains plagioclase . quartz . biotite
. K-feldspar, with accessory garnet, apatite and zircon. Sub-
hedral crystals of plagioclase dominate and tend to form variably
saussuritized lath-shaped crystals, and larger crystals up to 5 mm
in size also occur. Biotite is frequently altered to chlorite and
occurs as small inclusions in plagioclase, as intergrowths with
plagioclase, and interstitially, indicating that biotite crystallized
before, during, and after the crystallization of plagioclase.
Location 2, granitoid (CP03-2). The northern part of Vasahal-
vøya (Fig. 1b) is dominated by migmatites intruded by grani-
toids. Consequently, the age of the granite constrains the timing
of migmatization. This sample is from a granitic pluton at the
northern coast. It is medium grained with a modal composition
of granodiorite to monzogranite and contains accessory apatite
150 C. H. PETTERSSON ET AL.

and zircon. It consists of equigranular and subhedral feldspars,
anhedral quartz grains and subhedral, chloritized biotite grains.
The plagioclase is frequently zoned, with saussuritized Ca-rich
cores. Larger K-feldspar grains exhibit microperthitic texture and
are variably sericitized. Occasionally the boundary between
plagioclase and K-feldspar is myrmekitic.
tends to be of uniform length in all three dimensions, suggesting
low mobility of any formed melt (Mehnert 1968, p. 69) and
supporting a diatexitic origin of the paragneiss. Occasionally,
large K-feldspar grains contain inclusions of round plagioclase
and round quartz together with inclusions of biotite, muscovite
and zircon.

Location 3, paragneiss (CP04-3). This paragneiss was collected
from within a migmatite outcrop in the inner part of Kongsfjor-
den (Fig. 1b) and may represent the diatexitic part of the
migmatite. Consequently, this sample may represent protolith to
the migmatites and granites of the study area. Results from the
paragneiss should constrain the timing of migmatization and
reveal if the granitoids have similar inherited zircon ages,
important for understanding the origin of the Northwestern
Terrane. Its western margin with the Generalfjella Formation is
tectonic. The sample is medium grained, with a weak gneissosity
defined by biotite-rich schlieren, with or without garnet (Fig. 2c).
The biotite-rich domains either have a sharp contact to the
granitic host or are mantled by a quartz–feldspar rim. The
leucocratic domain has a granodioritic modal composition. In the
leucocratic domain, biotite is the only mafic mineral, constituting
c. 10% of the rock and defining a weak foliation. The texture is
dominated by subhedral plagioclase, which is frequently serici-
tized, and interstitial quartz with undulose extinction. Plagioclase
Location 4, granitoid (CP04-4). Granitic rocks crop out along
eastern Krossfjorden (Figs 1b and 2a). To the east they are
sheared against migmatite (Ohta et al. 2002) and to the west they
intrude metapelites of the Krossfjorden Group as subconcordant
sheets (Ohta et al. 2002). This granitoid is associated with
migmatite that has numerous enclaves, suggesting that the
granitoid is crustally derived and the biotite-rich enclaves
represent restite of the protolith (Didier & Barbarin 1991).
Numerous lenticular, biotite-rich xenoliths, and to a lesser extent
lenticular to elliptic leucocratic plagioclase-rich xenoliths, are
dispersed in the granitoid (Fig. 2). The leucocratic xenoliths are
smaller than the biotite-rich enclaves, with occasional biotite-rich
mantles. The modal composition is monzogranite to granodiorite
and the rock has the same texture as granitoid sample CP03-2.
Location 5, orthogneiss (K04-5). The sample was collected from
the northern coast of Kollerfjorden (Fig. 1b), where its contact
with the metapelites is diffuse and marked by a gradual

Fig. 2. Sample outcrops. (a) Location 4, granitoid CP04-4. (Note numerous biotite-rich inclusions, which were avoided in our sample.) (b) Location 11,
orthogneiss (deformed granite) T03-11. (c) Location 3, schlieren structure in paragneiss CP04-3.
 N O RT H W E S T E R N T E R R A N E O F S VA L BA R D
transition. Metapelitic and quartzitic xenoliths in the orthogneiss
indicate that the granitic protolith to the orthogneiss intruded
these metasedimentary rocks (Fig. 3). To the east, the orthogneiss
is intruded by K04-6 grey granitoid. Several biotite-rich enclaves
occur. The orthogneiss probably intruded the metapelites sub-
concordantly and later Caledonian deformation aligned the
structural elements into parallelism. Biotite defines a north–
south-striking, west-dipping foliation (Fig. 3) subparallel to the
foliation in the metapelites of the Signehamna Formation to the
west. Numerous tourmaline–amphibole-bearing pegmatites cut
the orthogneiss. The orthogneiss is composed of quartz (up to
50%), K-feldspar (40%), plagioclase (5%) and biotite (5–7%).
Zircon is an accessory mineral.
Location 6, granitoid (K04-6, G). This grey granitoid sample
from Kollerfjorden intrudes migmatite to the east and orthogneiss
to the west (Fig. 3). Its enclaves are similar to those of CP04-4
and it is composed of equigranular and subhedral feldspars
(K-feldspar 30%, plagioclase 10–20%), anhedral quartz grains
(30%) and subhedral, chloritized biotite grains (10–20%). The
plagioclase is frequently zoned and partly saussuritized. Larger
K-feldspar grains are sericitized. Zircon and tourmaline are
accessory.
Location 6, leucocratic dyke (K04-6, L). The inner part of
Kollerfjorden exposes migmatites derived from metapelites,
possibly representing partial melts of the Krossfjorden Group.
Further west the migmatites are intruded by granite (Fig. 3). The
granite sample is a leucocratic dyke inasmuch as it represents
anatectic melt removed from its source and injected into a
different layer of the migmatite: it is from an area dominated by
schollen structured diatexite migmatites (terminology and defini-
tions of Sawyer 2008). The schollen are enclosed in granite and
consist of north–south-trending neosome, which is, in some
parts, stromatic (Fig. 3). The melanocratic part of the neosome is
biotite-rich, whereas the leucocratic parts are dominated by
plagioclase. The ratio of schollen to granite varies. Areas
dominated by granite also contain lesser amounts of biotite-rich
schlieren and the contact to the neosome rafts is generally
sharper, suggesting that the granite, to various extents, is injected
into the diatexitic migmatite. This sample, from the granitic part
of the migmatite, has a similar composition and petrography to
Fig. 3. Sketch of intrusive relationships along the northern coast of Kollerfjorden showing rock types and sample photographs. For scale, the hammer
shaft is c. 35 cm long and the diameter of the lens cap is c. 8 cm. The stars represent sample locations. G, granite; L, leucocratic dyke; O, orthogneiss.
151
the K04-6 granitoid intruded at this location further to the west.
Secondary alteration such as saussuritization and sericitization
are more extensive in the leucocratic dyke.
Location 6, orthogneiss xenolith (K04-6, O). Further east of
K04-5, similar orthogneisses occur as xenoliths in the grey
granite (Fig. 3). The sampled orthogneiss xenolith is foliated, and
has the same mineralogy as the orthogneiss in the main outcrop
to the west (K04-5), comprising quartz (dominant), feldspar and
biotite with similar mineral relationships.
Location 11, orthogneiss (T03-11). This sample is an orthogneiss
from the Richarddalen Complex (Fig. 1b), collected for compari-
son with the Northwestern Terrane gneisses of Albert I Land. It
has a mylonitic structure with centimetre-sized, eye-shaped K-
feldspar porphyroclasts and millimetre-sized garnet porphyro-
blasts that now are variously replaced by chlorite (Fig. 2b). The
large garnets and K-feldspars are separated and mantled by a
fine-grained laminated matrix, dominated by equigranular poly-
gonal feldspar and quartz grains with uniform extinction. The
matrix also contains minor amounts of muscovite and apatite
with accessory zircon. The planar fabric is enhanced by elongate
quartz grains and bands of small chloritized garnet crystals. The
larger quartz grains show abundant subgrains and newly formed
grains of uniform extinction. The degree of deformation varies
and in low-strain areas the granitic K-feldspar megacrystic
granitic protolith to the augen gneiss is visible (Peucat et al.
1989).
Analytical results
Ion microprobe analytical methods, data table and zircon descrip-
tions are in the Supplementary Material. CL images of represen-
tative grains are presented (Fig. 4). Ages were calculated with
Isoplot software version 3.14 (Ludwig 2003) and decay constants
after Steiger & Jäger (1977). The results are plotted on inverse
concordia diagrams with 2ó error ellipses (Fig. 5). Grey ellipses
(mixed core–rim analyses) and dotted ellipses are discarded from
the final age calculation. Analyses which hit cracks or overlapped
the grain–epoxy boundary have also been excluded, as they, to a
large extent, suffer from common Pb contamination. Weighted
mean ages are calculated using the 206 Pb/238 U age for grains
152 C. H. PETTERSSON ET AL.

Fig. 4. CL images of representative zircons from Northwestern Terrane samples. Analytical spots are indicated by ellipses. Errors for all ages are 2ó
unless otherwise stated. G, granite; L, leucocratic dyke; O, orthogneiss; P, paragneiss. Analytical methods and data table are in the Supplementary
Material.
 N O RT H W E S T E R N T E R R A N E O F S VA L BA R D
younger than Tonian (850–1000 Ma), whereas the weighted
mean 207 Pb/206 Pb ages are reported for Tonian and older ages
(after Zeck & Whitehouse 1999).
Location 1, granitoid dyke (CP03-1)
Twenty-six analyses were performed on 25 grains. The zircon
population is dominated by sub- to euhedral crystals that are
either pink or clear, and transparent in transmitted light. A
minority of the zircons are round, yellow–red anhedral grains.
Under CL the majority of grains have cores mantled by CL-
bright oscillatory-zoned, sub- to euhedral rims (Fig. 4, grains 1,
3, 8, 9 and 22). Six grains record single-phase growth (e.g. grains
14 and 20). The cores are either CL dark, with or without
oscillatory zoning, or show various dark and bright domains,
which in some grains appear to disrupt an original zoning (e.g.
grain 22). The core exterior has elliptical to spherical shapes,
with or without embayments. Two grains are more than 20%
discordant and have been excluded from further analysis (ana-
lyses 1 and 2.1 in Fig. 5a). The core from grain 8 is 5.2%
discordant and records a 207 Pb/206 Pb age of 1591.2  6.9 Ma.
Fifteen analyses of cores plus one grain recording single-phase
growth (grain 20) define a discordia with an upper intercept of
968  26 Ma when the lower intercept is anchored to the Silurian
thermal event (Fig. 5a). Two rims and five grains recording
single-phase growth yield a concordia age of 420.5  4.0 Ma
(Fig. 5a).
Location 2, granitoid (CP03-2)
The majority of zircon grains are sub- to euhedral, pink, turbid,
and often severely fractured. To a lesser extent, the zircon
population includes euhedral, colourless and transparent grains,
which are generally smaller than the dominant grain type. In CL,
the euhedral shape is formed by oscillatory-zoned, single-phase
grains or as dark, sometimes oscillatory-zoned overgrowths on
xenocrystic cores (Fig. 4). The oscillatory-zoned single-phase
grains commonly show normal zoning; that is, an oscillatory-
zoned U-poorer ‘core’ region that is concordantly mantled by a
U-richer ‘rim’ (e.g. grain 3). A minority (20%) of the zircon
population is xenocrystic. The xenocrystic cores vary in their CL
characteristics, from CL bright to dark, occasionally oscillatory
zoned. Fifteen analyses were performed on 13 grains. Analysis
13 has an inner CL-dark domain with a slightly darker over-
growth. The analysis of the U-rich core, although concordant, is
excluded; it may reflect lead loss caused by metamictization of
the grain (U content is 2064 ppm). Two analyses (5 and 10 in
Fig. 5b) are more than 9% discordant and have been excluded
from further analysis. One analysis of a CL-bright core gave a
concordant age of 1036  18 Ma. All single-phase grains (seven
grains) and one rim yield a concordia age of 424.5  4.3 Ma
(Fig. 5b).
Location 3, paragneiss (CP04-3)
A total of 45 analyses were performed on 31 zircons from
sample CP04-3. The zircons are mainly pink, with length/width
ratios of 1–3. They are dominantly sub- to anhedral, elliptical
to round, and have scratched surfaces. In CL, the subhedral and
occasional euhedral crystal shape is formed by CL-bright or
diffusively zoned overgrowths on xenocrystic cores (Fig. 4, e.g.
grains 30 and 31), or by an oscillatory-zoned single growth
phase (e.g. grain 3). The anhedral grains are oscillatory-zoned
zircons of a single growth phase that is discordant to grain
153
exteriors (e.g. grain 28). The xenocrystic cores differ in their
shape and CL characteristics, being either elliptical to spherical,
fragmental with sharp edges, or highly irregular with undulate
margins (e.g. grains 5, 30 and 31). The CL textures vary from
chaotic to zoned cores truncated by overgrowths. Analyses 4.3,
4.4 and 10.2 show high amounts of common lead and are
therefore discarded from the final age determination. Analyses
2, 4.2, 18 and 23.1 are more than 9% discordant and are
therefore excluded from further analysis. The majority of the
older ages, for both cores and single-phase grains, are con-
cordant and range from 1131  18 Ma (analysis 30) to 1822 
29 Ma (analysis 10.1). One rim (analysis 30) defines an age
similar to the cores. Five rims and one homogeneous grain
provide a concordia age of 417.4 5.6 Ma (Fig. 5c). These
three concordant ages (420, 1131 and 1822 Ma) define a
triangular array (dashed lines in Fig. 5c) including most of the
analyses.
Location 4, granitoid (CP04-4)
The majority of zircons are euhedral, turbid, and pink to clear
and transparent in transmitted light. In CL, xenocrystic cores
are common and have a polygonal to rounded exteriors with
or without embayments (Fig. 4, grains 13, 15, 16 and 24).
The cores are CL bright to dark, with or without oscillatory
zoning, which may be interrupted by darker or brighter
domains. The zoning in the cores is generally discordant to
the overgrowth (e.g. grain 24). The euhedral crystal shape is
formed by an oscillatory- or sector-zoned growth that either
mantles the cores (grain 13) or forms the entire grain (grain
21). Thirty-one analyses were performed on 25 grains. Grain
25 shows alteration in CL and yields a younger age outside
the error limit of the Silurian age group (Fig. 5d), therefore
that analysis is interpreted to record lead loss and is excluded
from the final age calculation. Analysis 12 is more than 11%
discordant and has been excluded from further analysis. Four
cores up to 7% discordant yield 207 Pb/206 Pb ages of 929 
34 Ma (grain 2), 1574  14 Ma (grain 11), 1700  13 Ma
(grain 16) and 1886  Ma (grain 18). Four other cores yield
concordant ages of 1755  14 Ma (analysis 14 and 24.1),
1465  27 Ma (grain 13.2) and 1656  29 Ma (grain 20.2).
All grains recording a single growth phase (five grains), plus
one core (grain 5) and five rims yield a concordia age of
433.7  4.3 Ma (Fig. 5d).
Location 5, orthogneiss (K04-5)
Zircons are dominated by sub- to euhedral crystals that are either
pink or clear, and transparent in transmitted light. The pink
zircon population tends to be turbid and fractured. Under CL,
xenocrystic cores are rare and the majority of grains are
oscillatory zoned recording a single growth event (Fig. 4). Three
analyses are more than 10% discordant and are excluded from
further analysis. Because of the large error in analysis 6.1, it is
also excluded from the final age calculation. Analysis 3 appears
to be an outlier, as the remaining 10 analyses yield a concordia
age of 958.6  5.0 Ma (Fig. 5e).
Location 6, granitoid (K04-6, G)
The majority of zircons are acicular, well faceted crystals with a
length/width ratio of c. 3–4. They are pinkish and turbid, or clear
and transparent in transmitted light. Under CL, the zircon popu-
lation is dominated by oscillatory-zoned grains (Fig. 4, grains 4
154 C. H. PETTERSSON ET AL.
 N O RT H W E S T E R N T E R R A N E O F S VA L BA R D
and 6). Oscillatory-zoned cores are mantled by an oscillatory-
zoned overgrowth (e.g. grain 8). A single core (analysis 8.1) with
more than 30% discordance has been excluded from further
analysis. Although grains 2 and 7 yield concordant ages of 445
 8 Ma and 440  8 Ma, respectively, they are altered in CL
(Fig. 4) possibly indicating Pb loss; consequently, they are
excluded from the final age calculation. Five analyses of
oscillatory-zoned core regions from zircon recording single-
phase growth, plus one rim, yield a concordia age of 419.9 
3.9 Ma.
155
Fig. 5. Inverse concordia diagrams for
zircon analyses from NW Svalbard. Details
of analyses (numbers given in the figure)
are in the Supplementary Material. r, rim; h,
homogeneous single phase growth. Unless
otherwise stated, ages are 2ó concordia
ages. Ellipses plotted in grey represent
mixed ages and dotted ellipses are
disregarded in the final age calculation.
Location 6, leucocratic dyke (K04-6, L)
Zircon from the leucocratic dyke is similar to zircon of the
granitoid sample from the same locality (K04-6, G). Zircon is
acicular with a length/width ratio of c. 3–5 and the grains are
clear and transparent in transmitted light. Under CL they display
an oscillatory-zoned domain that sometimes mantles a CL-dark
to oscillatory-zoned core (Fig. 4). Core analysis 2.1 is 30%
discordant and has been excluded from further analysis. Another
core analysis is 5% discordant with 207 Pb/206 Pb ages of 1789 
156 C. H. PETTERSSON ET AL.
7 Ma (analysis 5). One rim analysis and three analyses of
oscillatory-zoned zircons recording single-phase growth yield a
concordia age of 420.1  3.7 Ma (Fig. 5g).
Location 6, orthogneiss xenolith (K04-6, O)
Zircon grains from the orthogneiss xenolith are similar to those
in K04-5, dominated by pink or clear, and transparent subhedral
grains. Most grains show oscillatory zoning under CL, which
sometimes mantles oscillatory-zoned cores (Fig. 4). Analyses
4.1, 5 and 8 are more than 18% discordant and are therefore
discarded from the final age determination. Analysis 4.2 is from
a xenocrystic core and, although excluded from the concordia
calculation (Fig. 5h), it yields a concordant age of 997 14 Ma.
Six of 10 analyses combine to yield a concordia age of 956.1 
5.6 Ma (Fig. 5h).
Location 11, orthogneiss (T03-11)
The zircons are mainly sub- to euhedral, clear and transparent.
Well faceted, pink grains are less common. In CL the zircon
population consists mainly of CL-bright, oscillatory-zoned grains
defining a single-growth phase (Fig. 4, grain 2). Alternations of
darker and brighter zones are common. Nine zircons from
sample T03-11 were analysed. Analyses 2.1 and 2.2 are from
opposite ends of the same grain (Fig. 4). They have 206 Pb/238 U
ages within error of each other but there is no agreement
between their 207 Pb/206 Pb ages. Analyses 2.1 and 2.2 are there-
fore discarded from the final age determination. Because of the
large error in analysis 9, it is also excluded from the final age
calculation. Analysis 3 is from a xenocrystic core (Fig. 4) and it
yields a concordant age of 1465 13 Ma. Six grains recording
single-phase growth yield a concordia age of 965.8  10.0 Ma
(Fig. 5i).
Discussion
Our new ion-microprobe data constrain the pre-Devonian thermal
evolution of the Northwestern Terrane and indicate that two
thermal events occurred: a Silurian event with migmatization and
major granitoid genesis at c. 420 Ma and an earlier Tonian (c.
960 Ma) thermal event associated with granitoids intruding the
Krossfjorden Group. Inherited (xenocrystic) zircons are crucial
for identifying potential crustal sources and the palaeogeographi-
cal origin of the Northwestern Terrane. Xenocrystic zircon ages
from the Northwestern Terrane reveal Neoproterozoic to Palaeo-
proterozoic sources.
Silurian thermal event
The granitoids (CP03-1, CP03-2, CP04-4 and K04-6, G), para-
gneiss (CP04-3) and leucocratic dyke (K04-6, L) have euhedral
to subhedral zircons recording single-phase growth and/or rims
mantling cores (Fig. 4). The ages of rims and single-phase grains
from each sample (excluding sample CP04-4) are within error
of each other and these five samples yield a weighted mean age
of 423  7 Ma. CP04-4 yields a slightly older concordia age of
433.7  4.3 Ma. This timespan (c. 434–423 Ma) is interpreted to
represent the time of migmatization and granite genesis in the
Northwestern Terrane. Earlier ages from granites in the North-
western Terrane (Balashov et al. 1996; Ohta et al. 2002) are
indistinguishable from the c. 420 Ma group of this study.
Ohta et al. (2002) studied a heterogeneous, quartz dioritic
neosome from the same locality as migmatite sample CP03-1
and identified a major melting episode between c. 910 and
1150 Ma with indications of rims developed on rounded cores at
c. 430 Ma. Another migmatitic neosome (Ohta et al. 2003; Fig 1,
locality 13) has a heterogeneous zircon population with euhedral
to anhedral grains representing overgrowths developed around
cores. Some of the grains were rounded with scratched surfaces
(Ohta et al. 2003), implying abrasion during sedimentary
processes. The 207 Pb/206 Pb ratios from early evaporation steps
yielded ages from 560 to 850 Ma. Based on these data, Ohta et
al. (2002, 2003) could not determine if the migmatization event
reflected Silurian metamorphism of an early Neoproterozoic
protolith or an early Neoproterozoic metamorphism of a Meso-
proterozoic protolith. In light of our new data, we argue that
migmatization of an early Neoproterozoic protolith formed the
neosomes during Caledonian metamorphism at c. 420 Ma. The
560–850 Ma ages reported from the granitic neosome by Ohta et
al. (2003) probably represent mixed ages between older cores
and later Silurian overgrowth and consequently have no geologi-
cal significance. The 620–660 Ma ages reported from Richardda-
len Complex (Peucat et al. 1989; Gromet & Gee 1998) probably
also reflect mixed ages resulting from complex polyphase
crystals, rather than recording a geologically meaningful event.
Tonian thermal event
This event is recorded in the orthogneiss samples (K04-5, K04-6
and T03-11). A weighted mean of these three samples yields an
age of c. 958 Ma. The majority of zircons from the orthogneisses
are sub- to euhedral, oscillatory-zoned grains defining a single
growth phase. Therefore, this Tonian thermal event is interpreted
as the crystallization age of the orthogneiss protolith. A similar
age was reported from a weakly foliated S-type granitic rock
intruding metapelites of the Biscayarfona Group (Ohta &
Larionov 1998; Fig. 1, location 17). In Kollerfjorden, the western
margin of the orthogneiss (Fig. 3, sample K04-5) intrudes
metapelites of the Krossfjorden Group. Hence, the depositional
age of the metapelites must be Neoproterozoic or older. The
eastern margin of the orthogneiss is intruded by undeformed grey
granite (K04-6, G) and a similar orthogneisses (K04-6, O) occurs
as xenoliths in the grey granite, supporting the older age for the
orthogneiss (Fig. 3). The Tonian event recorded by the ortho-
gneiss from the Richarddalen Complex (Fig.1, location 11,
sample T03-11) correlates with the previous age reported by
Ohta et al. (2003) and the age of other Neoproterozoic intrusive
rocks in the Richarddalen Complex (Peucat et al. 1989).
Inherited zircon ages
Xenocrystic cores from the granodioritic dyke (CP03-1) preserve
mainly Neoproterozoic ages, whereas those in the paragneiss
(CP04-3) and granitoid (CP04-4) are Mesoproterozoic to Palaeo-
proterozoic in age. In the paragneiss, concordant ages and the
Silurian migmatization event define a triangle that includes all of
the discordant results (Fig. 5c), suggesting that the inherited
zircon population with ages from c. 1130 Ma to 1820 Ma grew
rims and lost lead to different degrees during Silurian anatexis at
c. 420 Ma. Resorption during the later Caledonian thermal event
resulted in undulating xenocrystic core exteriors with embay-
ments, mantled by younger zircon growth (e.g. grain 5, CP04-3
in Fig. 4). A detrital origin for these inherited grains is supported
by the fact that the paragneiss (1) occurs within a metapelitic
sequence, (2) contains xenocrystic cores that span several
hundred million years (i.e. c. 1130–1820 Ma), and (3) contains
zircons that show clear signs of breakage and abrasion (e.g.
 N O RT H W E S T E R N T E R R A N E O F S VA L BA R D
grains 31 and 28, CP04-3 in Fig. 4). In this case, the youngest
concordant inherited grain provides a latest Mesoproterozoic
(,1130 Ma) maximum age for the sedimentary protolith.
The xenocrystic cores in CP03-1 and CP04-4 are more
difficult to interpret (Fig. 4). Late magmatic alteration of zircon
(e.g. grain 14, CP03-1), and resorption of zircon during a
younger metamorphic event (e.g. 24 in CP04-4) creates an
uneven, irregular core exterior. Several elliptical to circular
xenocrystic cores without embayments or new growth may be
detrital in origin. The narrow range of inherited zircon ages from
CP03-1, similar to the c. 960 Ma orthogneisses, suggests that the
migmatitic neosome is a remelted Neoproterozoic granitoid.
CP04-4, however, is likely to have a metasedimentary protolith,
consistent with its stratigraphic location and the wide range
(1460–1760 Ma) of zircon ages present. Thus, there appear to be
two protoliths for the Silurian granites and migmatites of the
Northwestern Terrane: a late Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic
pelite and c. 960 Ma orthogneiss.
Possible source regions for the Northwestern Terrane
Geology of the Nordaustlandet Terrane of Svalbard. The oldest
exposed rocks in the Nordaustlandet Terrane (eastern area of the
Eastern Terrane) belong to the Helvetesflya Formation and
Brennevinsfjorden Group, and include turbidites consisting of
psammites and shales metamorphosed at greenschist facies (Gee
et al. 1995). The metasedimentary sequence is intruded by early
Neoproterozoic granitoids, partly transformed to augen gneisses
(Johansson et al. 2000, 2004). Unconformably overlying the
metasediments are andesitic and rhyolitic volcanic rocks of the
Kap Hansteen Group and Svartrabbane Formation, which are
intruded by quartz porphyry. These granitoids, volcanic and
subvolcanic rocks are dated to 937–967 Ma, but contain Meso-
and Palaeoproterozoic inherited zircons, and they probably
formed by anatexis of the Brennevinsfjorden Group sediments or
similar rocks at depth (Johansson et al. 2000). After this early
Neoproterozoic thermal event, the Nordaustlandet Terrane was
dominantly a stable platform, as recorded by the Neoproterozoic
to Early Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks deposited on the early
Neoproterozoic basement. During the Caledonian orogeny the
region experienced a second anatectic event, which included
migmatization of the crust and granitoid genesis at 410–450 Ma
(Tebenkov et al. 2002; Johansson et al. 2002, 2004). The
protolith for the Caledonian granites and migmatites in the
Nordaustlandet Terrane is probably the Neoproterozoic or older
metasediments belonging to the Brennevinsfjorden Group (Jo-
hansson et al. 2002, 2004; Tebenkov et al. 2002).
Geology of southern East Greenland Caledonides. The Krumme-
dal supracrustal sequence and its northern continuation the
Smallefjord supracrustal sequence of the East Greenland Caledo-
nides consist of medium- to high-grade mica schist, paragneiss
and impure quartzite (Higgins 1988; Henriksen et al. 1989). The
Krummedal supracrustal sequence was deposited between 930
and 1100 Ma on an Archaean–Palaeoproterozoic gneiss complex
and its zircon population is dominated by ages from c. 1100 to
1800 Ma (Higgins et al. 1981; Strachan et al. 1995; Kalsbeek et
al. 2000; Watt et al. 2000). The southern part of the Krummedal
sequence has a similar depositional age, but the detrital ages are
more bimodal in character, with one cluster of dates around
940–1250 Ma and another around 1300–1800 Ma (Leslie &
Nutman 2003). The Krummedal and Smallefjord sequences
underwent high-grade metamorphism with subsequent migmati-
zation and granite genesis at c. 915–940 Ma and at c. 400–
157
435 Ma (Strachan et al. 1995; Kalsbeek et al. 2000, 2001; Watt
et al. 2000; Leslie & Nutman 2003; Andresen et al. 2007). In the
time between the Grenvillian and Caledonian tectonothermal
events, the early Neoproterozoic crust was overlain by sediments
stratigraphically equivalent to the Neoproterozoic to Early Pa-
laeozoic sequences in the Nordaustlandet Terrane of Eastern
Svalbard (Gee & Tebenkov 2004).
Comparison with Nordaustlandet and southern East Greenland
Caledonides. The ages from the Northwestern Terrane and south-
ern East Greenland and the Nordaustlandet Terrane have strong
similarities. All three areas contain a metasedimentary sequence
that was migmatized and intruded by granitoids in the Silurian.
A Tonian anatectic event is recorded in both the Nordaustlandet
Terrane and the southern East Greenland Caledonides. A similar
aged event occurred in the Northwestern Terrane and there are
indications that the Tonian intrusive rocks in the Northwestern
Terrane are crustally derived.
Previous work demonstrates remarkable similarity between the
Nordaustlandet Terrane of Svalbard and the central and southern
East Greenland Caledonides (summarized by Gee & Tebenkov
2004; Johansson et al. 2005). Our results indicate that the
Northwestern Terrane has strong similarities to both Nordaustlan-
det and East Greenland, and suggest a close correlation between
the Northwestern Terrane and the Krummedal supracrustal
sequence. A successful model for the amalgamation of Svalbard’s
terranes needs to account for the similarities between southern
East Greenland Caledonides, the Northwestern Terrane and the
Nordaustlandet Terrane.
Conclusions
The high spatial resolution of the ion microprobe is essential for
dating zircons from complex high-grade, polymetamorphic ter-
ranes. Our results from migmatites and associated granitoids
indicate that the basement of the Northwestern Terrane (exclud-
ing the Richarddalen complex) comprises late Meso- to Neopro-
terozoic metasediment intruded by Tonian age (c. 960 Ma)
granitoids. Inherited zircons in the granitoids provide additional
constraints on the age of this basement. Subsequent migmatiza-
tion of this Meso- to Neoproterozoic protolith occurred predomi-
nantly at c. 420 Ma with accompanying granitoid genesis during
Caledonian orogenesis.
These Tonian and Silurian tectonothermal events, lithologies,
and inherited and detrital zircon ages, are similar to those of the
Nordaustlandet Terrane of NE Svalbard (Johansson et al. 2005).
They are also similar to those of the Krummedal supracrustal
metasediments of the southern East Greenland Caledonides, with
their early Neoproterozoic and Silurian intrusive rocks (Kalsbeek
et al. 2000, 2001; Watt et al. 2000; Leslie & Nutman 2003). This
suggests a strong link between the Northwestern Terrane (exclud-
ing the Richarddalen Complex), Nordaustlandet, and the southern
East Greenland Caledonides.
We appreciate financial support from Knut och Alice Wallander Stiftel-
sen, Stiftelsen Ymer-80, Stiftelsen Lars Hiertas Minne, and the Swedish
Research Council (Grant No. 2004-5326). Thanks also go to the
NORDSIM facility and staff. The NORDSIM facility is financed and
operated under an agreement between the research councils of Denmark,
Norway and Sweden, the Geological Survey of Finland and the Swedish
Museum of Natural History. This is NORDSIM paper 215. We thank
two anonymous reviewers for constructive comments that improved the
manuscript.
158 C. H. PETTERSSON ET AL.
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