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Geochemistry of the Arvonia Formation, VA: Implications for Source-Area Weathering, Tectonic Setting, and Provenance
King, Sarah E.
King, Sarah E.
Abstract
The Arvonia Formation, located within the Chopawamsic Terrane in the Piedmont of Virgninia, is a commercially-viable slate belt and contains one of the richest fossil assemblages in the southern Piedmont. However, the geologic history of the Arvonia Formation remains unclear. Geochemistry is used in this study to provide clues to the character of the source-area weathering, provenance, and tectonic setting. Major element compositions indicate that the source rocks were felsic rocks that had been weathered to an intermediate extent. Trace element compositions also indicate that the provenance is an upper crustal source that was well-homogenized. Two possible tectonic settings include a forearc basin with sediment input from the Chopawamsic volcanic arc, or a successor basin setting with sediment infilling from the Blue Ridge/ greater Laurentia. When compared to the chemical compositions of present Blue Ridge and Chopawamsic rocks, the Arvonia Formation is significantly different. Therefore, the Avonia could not have been derived exclusively from either currently exposed source area, but the depositional setting remains unclear.
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2009-01-01
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Geology