Archean geodynamics and plate tectonics linked to Pb isotope variability

Abstract

Understanding Earth’s early crustal architecture is critical to reconstructing the planet’s geodynamic evolution. We present a global analysis of ∼25,000 Pb isotope analyses from ore deposits, focusing on Archean cratons to investigate lithospheric evolution and continental configurations. Spatial patterns in model age and source µ (238U/204Pb) reveal isotopic domains that align with proposed Archean supercratons. Low µ values are characteristic of cratons interpreted to belong to the ca. 2.6 Ga Superia supercraton (e.g., Superior [Canada], Kaapvaal [southern Africa], and Hearne [Canada] cratons), whereas moderate to high µ values are typical of cratons associated with the contemporaneous Sclavia supercraton (e.g., Slave [Canada], Yilgarn [Australia], Dharwar [India], and Zimbabwe [southern Africa] cratons). These long-lived terrane-scale signatures suggest Pb isotopes can resolve lithospheric domains preserved across multiple cratons. Our results offer new geochemical constraints on Archean continental assembly and highlight the utility of ore-deposit Pb isotope data for testing early Earth plate configurations.