Archean Crust Evolution and
Ancient Mantle Geodynamics
✦ Field camp on Robinson Lake in the Central Slave Basement Complex of the Slave Craton, August 2016. (photo: Steve Shirey)
The Archean Eon (2500 myr to nearly 4000 myr before the present) was a time when the continental crust was first differentiated and stabilized. It marked the transition to modern-style plate tectonics and was perhaps the most important period for the formation of Earth’s mineral wealth (e.g. gold, nickel, copper, uranium, platinum, chromium, and diamonds).
The Archean Eon (2500 myr to nearly 4000 myr before the present) was a time when the continental crust was first differentiated and stabilized. It marked the transition to modern-style plate tectonics and was perhaps the most important period for the formation of Earth’s mineral wealth (e.g. gold, nickel, copper, uranium, platinum, chromium, and diamonds).
This USGS map depicts the ages of the last tectonothermal event that the crust of the Earth has experienced. Archean crust is shown in orange. While not a large percentage of the crust by volume, Archean crust occupies a central position as a nucleus for continental growth and as a site for the production of mineThis USGS map depicts the ages of the last tectonothermal event that the crust of the Earth has experienced. Archean crust is shown in orange. While not a large percentage of the crust by volume, Archean crust occupies a central position as a nucleus for continental growth and as a site for the production of mineral resources.
Relevant Publications
Relevant Publications
Legros, H., Czas, J., Luo, Y., Woodland, S., Sarkar, C. Shirey, S.B, Schulze, D. & Pearson, D.G. (2024) Post-Archean Nb-REE-U enrichment in the Superior craton recorded in metasomatised mantle rocks erupted in the 1.1 Ga Midcontinental Rift event. Mineralium Deposita 59, 373–396 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-023-01214-7
Legros, H., Czas, J., Luo, Y., Woodland, S., Sarkar, C. Shirey, S.B, Schulze, D. & Pearson, D.G. (2024) Post-Archean Nb-REE-U enrichment in the Superior craton recorded in metasomatised mantle rocks erupted in the 1.1 Ga Midcontinental Rift event. Mineralium Deposita 59, 373–396 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-023-01214-7
Wang, D., Shirey, S.B., Carlson, R.W., Fisher, C.M., Kemp, A. I.S., Bickford, M. E. (2022) Comparative Sm-Nd isotope behavior of accessory minerals: Reconstructing the Sm-Nd isotope evolution of early Archean rocks. Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta 318, 190–212 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2021.11.031
Wang, D., Shirey, S.B., Carlson, R.W., Fisher, C.M., Kemp, A. I.S., Bickford, M. E. (2022) Comparative Sm-Nd isotope behavior of accessory minerals: Reconstructing the Sm-Nd isotope evolution of early Archean rocks. Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta 318, 190–212 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2021.11.031
Staddon, L. G., Parkinson, I.J., Cavosie, A.J., Elliott, T., Valley, J.W., Fournelle, J., Kemp, A.I.S., Shirey, S.B. (2021) Detrital Chromite from Jack Hills, Western Australia: Signatures of Metamorphism and Constraints on Provenance. J Petrol 62, 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egab052 Supplemental Information
Staddon, L. G., Parkinson, I.J., Cavosie, A.J., Elliott, T., Valley, J.W., Fournelle, J., Kemp, A.I.S., Shirey, S.B. (2021) Detrital Chromite from Jack Hills, Western Australia: Signatures of Metamorphism and Constraints on Provenance. J Petrol 62, 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egab052 Supplemental Information
Bauer, A. M., Reimink, J. R., Chacko, T., Foley, B. J., Shirey, S.B., Pearson, D.G. (2020) Hafnium isotopes in zircons document the gradual onset of mobile-lid tectonics. Geochemical Perspectives Letters 14: doi:10.7185/geochemlet.2015. https://www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/article2015
Bauer, A. M., Reimink, J. R., Chacko, T., Foley, B. J., Shirey, S.B., Pearson, D.G. (2020) Hafnium isotopes in zircons document the gradual onset of mobile-lid tectonics. Geochemical Perspectives Letters 14: doi:10.7185/geochemlet.2015. https://www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/article2015
Reimink, J. R., Mundl‐Petermeier, A., Carlson, R. W., Shirey, S. B., Walker, R. J., Pearson, D. G. (2020) Tungsten Isotope Composition of Archean Crustal Reservoirs and Implications for Terrestrial μ182W Evolution. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 21: e2020GC009155. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GC009155
Reimink, J. R., Mundl‐Petermeier, A., Carlson, R. W., Shirey, S. B., Walker, R. J., Pearson, D. G. (2020) Tungsten Isotope Composition of Archean Crustal Reservoirs and Implications for Terrestrial μ182W Evolution. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 21: e2020GC009155. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GC009155
Howell, D., Stachel T., Stern R. A., Pearson D. G., Nestola F., Hardman M. F., Harris J. W., Jaques A. L., Shirey S.B., Cartigny P., Smit K. V., Aulbach S., Brenker F. E., Jacob D. E., Thomassot E., Walter M. J., and Navon O. (2020). "Deep carbon through time: Earth’s diamond record and its implications for carbon cycling and fluid speciation in the mantle." Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 275: 99-122. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016703720301216
Howell, D., Stachel T., Stern R. A., Pearson D. G., Nestola F., Hardman M. F., Harris J. W., Jaques A. L., Shirey S.B., Cartigny P., Smit K. V., Aulbach S., Brenker F. E., Jacob D. E., Thomassot E., Walter M. J., and Navon O. (2020). "Deep carbon through time: Earth’s diamond record and its implications for carbon cycling and fluid speciation in the mantle." Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 275: 99-122. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016703720301216
Smit, K.V., Shirey, S.B., Hauri, E.H., and Stern, R.A. (2019) Sulfur isotopes in diamonds reveal differences in continent construction. Science 364, 383-385. http://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw9548
Smit, K.V., Shirey, S.B., Hauri, E.H., and Stern, R.A. (2019) Sulfur isotopes in diamonds reveal differences in continent construction. Science 364, 383-385. http://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw9548
Reimink, J. R., Pearson, D. G., Shirey, S. B., Carlson, R. W., Ketchum, J. W. F. (2019) Onset of new, progressive crustal growth in the central Slave craton at 3.5 Ga. Geochemical Perspectives Letters, 10, 7-12. http://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.1907
Reimink, J. R., Pearson, D. G., Shirey, S. B., Carlson, R. W., Ketchum, J. W. F. (2019) Onset of new, progressive crustal growth in the central Slave craton at 3.5 Ga. Geochemical Perspectives Letters, 10, 7-12. http://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.1907
Reimink, J. R., Chacko, T., Carlson, R. W., Shirey, S. B., Liu, J., Stern, R. A., et al. (2018). Petrogenesis and tectonics of the Acasta Gneiss Complex derived from integrated petrology and 142 Nd and 182 W extinct nuclide-geochemistry. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 494, 12–22. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.04.047
Reimink, J. R., Chacko, T., Carlson, R. W., Shirey, S. B., Liu, J., Stern, R. A., et al. (2018). Petrogenesis and tectonics of the Acasta Gneiss Complex derived from integrated petrology and 142 Nd and 182 W extinct nuclide-geochemistry. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 494, 12–22. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.04.047
Garçon, M., Carlson, R. W., Shirey, S. B., Arndt, N. T., Horan, M. F., & Mock, T. D. (2017). Erosion of Archean continents: The Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf isotopic record of Barberton sedimentary rocks. Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta, 206, 216–235. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2017.03.006
Garçon, M., Carlson, R. W., Shirey, S. B., Arndt, N. T., Horan, M. F., & Mock, T. D. (2017). Erosion of Archean continents: The Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf isotopic record of Barberton sedimentary rocks. Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta, 206, 216–235. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2017.03.006
Shirey SB and Richardson SH, 2011, Start of the Wilson Cycle at 3 Ga shown by diamonds from subcontinental mantle. Science 333, 434-436. http://www.sciencemag.org/content/333/6041/434.full?sid=8a1704f8-0377-4836-85b6-a1056cd76e5c
Shirey SB and Richardson SH, 2011, Start of the Wilson Cycle at 3 Ga shown by diamonds from subcontinental mantle. Science 333, 434-436. http://www.sciencemag.org/content/333/6041/434.full?sid=8a1704f8-0377-4836-85b6-a1056cd76e5c
Gurney, J., Helmstaedt, H., Richardson, S., and Shirey, S., 2010, Diamonds through Time: Economic Geology, v. 105, p. 689. http://dx.doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.105.3.689
Gurney, J., Helmstaedt, H., Richardson, S., and Shirey, S., 2010, Diamonds through Time: Economic Geology, v. 105, p. 689. http://dx.doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.105.3.689
Shirey, S.B., Kamber, B.S., Whitehouse, M.J., Mueller, P.A., and Basu, A.R., 2008, A review of the isotopic and trace element evidence for mantle and crustal processes in the Hadean and Archean: Implications for the onset of plate tectonic subduction, in Condie, K., and Pease, V., eds., When Did Plate Tectonics Begin on Earth?, Volume 440: Boulder, CO, Geological Society of America Special Paper, p. 1-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/2008.2440(01)
Shirey, S.B., Kamber, B.S., Whitehouse, M.J., Mueller, P.A., and Basu, A.R., 2008, A review of the isotopic and trace element evidence for mantle and crustal processes in the Hadean and Archean: Implications for the onset of plate tectonic subduction, in Condie, K., and Pease, V., eds., When Did Plate Tectonics Begin on Earth?, Volume 440: Boulder, CO, Geological Society of America Special Paper, p. 1-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/2008.2440(01)
Wilson, A.H., Shirey, S.B., and Carlson, R.W., 2003, Archean ultra-depleted komatiites formed by hydrous melting of cratonic mantle: Nature, v. 423, p. 858-861. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature01701
Wilson, A.H., Shirey, S.B., and Carlson, R.W., 2003, Archean ultra-depleted komatiites formed by hydrous melting of cratonic mantle: Nature, v. 423, p. 858-861. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature01701
Shirey, S.B., Carlson, R.W., Richardson, S.H., Menzies, A., Gurney, J.J., Pearson, D.G., Harris, J.W., and Wiechert, U., 2001, Archean emplacement of eclogitic components into the lithospheric mantle during formation of the Kaapvaal Craton: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 28, p. 2509-2512. http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/v028/i013/2000GL012589/
Shirey, S.B., Carlson, R.W., Richardson, S.H., Menzies, A., Gurney, J.J., Pearson, D.G., Harris, J.W., and Wiechert, U., 2001, Archean emplacement of eclogitic components into the lithospheric mantle during formation of the Kaapvaal Craton: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 28, p. 2509-2512. http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/v028/i013/2000GL012589/
Pearson, D.G., Snyder, G.A., Shirey, S.B., Taylor, L.A., Carlson, R.W., and Sobolev, N.V., 1995, Archaean Re-Os age for Siberian eclogites and constraints on Archaean tectonics: Nature, v. 374, p. 711-713. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/374711a0
Pearson, D.G., Snyder, G.A., Shirey, S.B., Taylor, L.A., Carlson, R.W., and Sobolev, N.V., 1995, Archaean Re-Os age for Siberian eclogites and constraints on Archaean tectonics: Nature, v. 374, p. 711-713. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/374711a0
Schiotte, L., Hansen, B.T., Shirey, S.B., and Bridgwater, D., 1993, Petrological and whole rock isotopic characteristics of tectonically juxtaposed Archaean gneisses in the Okak area of the Nain Province, Labrador; relevance for terrane models: Precambrian Research, v. 63, p. 293-323. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(93)90038-4
Schiotte, L., Hansen, B.T., Shirey, S.B., and Bridgwater, D., 1993, Petrological and whole rock isotopic characteristics of tectonically juxtaposed Archaean gneisses in the Okak area of the Nain Province, Labrador; relevance for terrane models: Precambrian Research, v. 63, p. 293-323. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(93)90038-4
Barrie, C.T., and Shirey, S.B., 1991, Nd- and Sr-isotope systematics for the Kamiskotia-Montcalm area; implications for the formation of late Archean crust in the western Abitibi Subprovince, Canada: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 28, p. 58-76. https://doi.org/10.1139/e91-006
Barrie, C.T., and Shirey, S.B., 1991, Nd- and Sr-isotope systematics for the Kamiskotia-Montcalm area; implications for the formation of late Archean crust in the western Abitibi Subprovince, Canada: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 28, p. 58-76. https://doi.org/10.1139/e91-006
Bedard, L.P., Stern, R.A., Hanson, G.N., and Shirey, S.B., 1990, Petrogenesis of mantle-derived, LILE-enriched Archean monzodiorites and trachyandesites (sanukitoids) in southwestern Superior Province; discussion and reply: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 27, p. 1135-1137. https://doi.org/10.1139/e90-119
Bedard, L.P., Stern, R.A., Hanson, G.N., and Shirey, S.B., 1990, Petrogenesis of mantle-derived, LILE-enriched Archean monzodiorites and trachyandesites (sanukitoids) in southwestern Superior Province; discussion and reply: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 27, p. 1135-1137. https://doi.org/10.1139/e90-119
Walker, R.J., Shirey, S.B., Hanson, G.N., Rajamani, V., and Horan, M.F., 1989, Re-Os, Rb-Sr, and O isotopic systematics of the Archean Kolar schist belt, Karnataka, India: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 53, p. 3005-3013. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(89)90176-2
Walker, R.J., Shirey, S.B., Hanson, G.N., Rajamani, V., and Horan, M.F., 1989, Re-Os, Rb-Sr, and O isotopic systematics of the Archean Kolar schist belt, Karnataka, India: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 53, p. 3005-3013. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(89)90176-2
Stern, R.A., Hanson, G.N., and Shirey, S.B., 1989, Petrogenesis of mantle-derived, LILE-enriched Archean monzodiorites and trachyandesites (sanukitoids) in southwestern Superior Province: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 26, p. 1688-1712. https://doi.org/10.1139/e89-145
Stern, R.A., Hanson, G.N., and Shirey, S.B., 1989, Petrogenesis of mantle-derived, LILE-enriched Archean monzodiorites and trachyandesites (sanukitoids) in southwestern Superior Province: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 26, p. 1688-1712. https://doi.org/10.1139/e89-145
Rajamani, V., Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1989, Fe-rich Archean tholeiites derived from melt-enriched mantle sources; evidence from the Kolar schist belt, South India: Journal of Geology, v. 97, p. 487-501. https://doi.org/10.1086/629324
Rajamani, V., Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1989, Fe-rich Archean tholeiites derived from melt-enriched mantle sources; evidence from the Kolar schist belt, South India: Journal of Geology, v. 97, p. 487-501. https://doi.org/10.1086/629324
Lambert, D.D., Morgan, J.W., Walker, R.J., Shirey, S.B., Carlson, R.W., Zientek, M.L., and Koski, M.S., 1989, Rhenium-osmium and samarium-neodymium isotopic systematics of the Stillwater Complex: Science, v. 244, p. 1169-1174. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.244.4909.1169
Lambert, D.D., Morgan, J.W., Walker, R.J., Shirey, S.B., Carlson, R.W., Zientek, M.L., and Koski, M.S., 1989, Rhenium-osmium and samarium-neodymium isotopic systematics of the Stillwater Complex: Science, v. 244, p. 1169-1174. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.244.4909.1169
Walker, R.J., Shirey, S.B., and Stecher, O., 1988, Comparative Re-Os, Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotope and trace element systematics for Archean komatiite flows from Munro Township, Abitibi Belt, Ontario: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 87, p. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(88)90060-X
Walker, R.J., Shirey, S.B., and Stecher, O., 1988, Comparative Re-Os, Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotope and trace element systematics for Archean komatiite flows from Munro Township, Abitibi Belt, Ontario: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 87, p. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(88)90060-X
Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1986, Mantle heterogeneity and crustal recycling in Archean granite-greenstone belts; evidence from Nd isotopes and trace elements in the Rainy Lake area, Superior Province, Ontario, Canada: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 50, p. 2631-2651. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(86)90215-2
Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1986, Mantle heterogeneity and crustal recycling in Archean granite-greenstone belts; evidence from Nd isotopes and trace elements in the Rainy Lake area, Superior Province, Ontario, Canada: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 50, p. 2631-2651. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(86)90215-2
Rajamani, V., Shivkumar, K., Hanson, G.N., and Shirey, S.B., 1985, Geochemistry and petrogenesis of amphibolites, Kolar schist belt, South India; evidence for komatiitic magma derived by low percentages of melting of the mantle: Journal of Petrology, v. 26, p. 92-123. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/26.1.92
Rajamani, V., Shivkumar, K., Hanson, G.N., and Shirey, S.B., 1985, Geochemistry and petrogenesis of amphibolites, Kolar schist belt, South India; evidence for komatiitic magma derived by low percentages of melting of the mantle: Journal of Petrology, v. 26, p. 92-123. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/26.1.92
Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1984, Mantle-derived Archaean monzodiorites and trachyandesites: Nature, v. 310, p. 222-224. https://doi.org/10.1038/310222a0
Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1984, Mantle-derived Archaean monzodiorites and trachyandesites: Nature, v. 310, p. 222-224. https://doi.org/10.1038/310222a0
Shirey, S.B., 1984, The origin of Archean crust in the Rainy Lake area, Ontario. Unpub. PhD Dissertation, Stony Brook, 393 pp.
Shirey, S.B., 1984, The origin of Archean crust in the Rainy Lake area, Ontario. Unpub. PhD Dissertation, Stony Brook, 393 pp.
Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1983, Granitic rocks and metasediments in Archean crust, Rainy Lake area, Ontario; Nd isotope evidence for mantle-like Sm/ Nd sources, in Ashwal Lewis, D., and Card Kenneth, D., eds., Workshop on a cross section of Archean crust., Volume 83-03: LPI Technical Report: Houston, TX, United States, Lunar and Planetary Institute, p. 83-86.
Shirey, S.B., and Hanson, G.N., 1983, Granitic rocks and metasediments in Archean crust, Rainy Lake area, Ontario; Nd isotope evidence for mantle-like Sm/ Nd sources, in Ashwal Lewis, D., and Card Kenneth, D., eds., Workshop on a cross section of Archean crust., Volume 83-03: LPI Technical Report: Houston, TX, United States, Lunar and Planetary Institute, p. 83-86.