Multidisciplinary Modeling of Mantle Lithosphere Structure Within the Superior Craton, North America

Abstract New 3D multi‐azimuthal receiver function analysis identified four regional seismic discontinuities dipping at 7–13° within the mantle of Superior craton North America; most are discordant to known major upper crustal structures. Widely observed crustal‐scale structures with near‐vertical axial planes striking east‐west indicate that recent and dominant phase folding horizontal shortening strain occurred during Kenoran (D2) deformation concurrent Au‐mineralization peak metamorphism 2.72–2.66 Ga. Two strike 065° 249°, southeast northwest, respectively. These strikes roughly parallel northern margin some intra‐cratonic features such as axis Quetico Basin. 355° 187°, east west, respectively, western craton. Our new observations reveal neither moderately dipping, nor coherent eclogitic layers characteristic modern plate tectonic subduction zones. Prominent east‐ west‐dipping relate best a Paleoproterozoic (Trans‐Hudson) deformation, which is rarely in crust. A xenoliths xenocrysts indicates carbonatitic metasomatism predominates above where strongly localized conductivity occurs whereas kimberlitic below broadly conductive mantle.