Petrogenesis, Geochemical Evolution, and Cryospheric Interactions of Alkaline Complexes in Greenland: Implications for Mineralization and Paleoclimate Reconstruction

Title

Petrogenesis, Geochemical Evolution, and Cryospheric Interactions of Alkaline Complexes in Greenland: Implications for Mineralization and Paleoclimate Reconstruction

Author

1. Nicole Espoladori, Professor, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil, Brazil
2. Camila Souza, Student, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil

Abstract

Greenland hosts some of the most significant alkaline igneous complexes in the North Atlantic region, representing key archives of mantle processes, crustal evolution, hydrothermal alteration, and glacial–climatic interactions. These complexes, including Kangerdlugssuaq, Ilímaussaq, Grønnedal-Íka, and Qassiarsuk, provide valuable insights into magmatic differentiation, isotopic evolution, mineralization, and water–rock interactions. In addition, glacial retreat studies and sedimentary investigations from East Greenland and beyond contribute to understanding post-magmatic surface processes and paleoclimatic transitions. This review synthesizes petrological, mineralogical, geochemical, isotopic, and cryospheric research to evaluate the evolution of Greenland’s alkaline systems and their broader geodynamic and environmental implications. Emphasis is placed on magma genesis, fractional crystallization, carbonatite association, ikaite formation, aerosol iron transport, and ice-sheet retreat history. The integration of magmatic and surface-process studies provides a comprehensive framework for understanding lithosphere–hydrosphere–cryosphere interactions in high-latitude tectonic settings.

Keywords

Conclusion

Greenland’s alkaline complexes represent integrated records of mantle processes, magmatic differentiation, hydrothermal alteration, and glacial modification. Petrogenetic models reveal enriched mantle sources and complex differentiation histories. Hydrothermal systems facilitate carbonate deposition and rare-element redistribution. Surface processes and atmospheric transport connect lithospheric activity to polar biogeochemical cycles. Ice-sheet retreat further shapes exposure, sediment flux, and landscape evolution. A multidisciplinary framework combining petrology, isotope geochemistry, hydrothermal modeling, sedimentology, and cryospheric science is essential for fully understanding these dynamic geological systems.

Author Contrubution

The author confirms sole responsibility for the following: study conception and design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, and manuscript preparation.

Funding

The authors did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of Interest

All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Data Sharing Statement

Not applicable.

Software And Tools Use

Not applicable.

Acknowledgements

I thank the following individuals for their expertise and assistance in all aspects of our study and for their help in writing the manuscript. I am also grateful for the insightful comments given by anonymous peer reviewers. Everyone's generosity and expertise have improved this study in myriad ways and saved me from many errors.