Evidence of mid-Proterozoic granite formation in the Isua area

Abstract

A 1.5-2 m wide fine-grained undeformed acid dyke, cutting the Early Archaean Isua supracrustal succession, was found in 1978 (D.B., J.B.). Preliminary Rb-Sr isotope measurements (F.K.) of small hand samples suggested an unexpected mid-Proterozoic age. Additional material was collected in 1979 (J.B.). Owing to weight restrictions in the helicopter, some of the samples are smaller (100-500 g) than we would normally use, but we feel justified in presenting the results since they suggest Proterozoic granitic activity in the area, which has implications for the later history of the Archaean block.