Major-element analyses of 26 samples from seven map units of metavolcanic rocks from the Ranyah area are compared with analyses in the literature of rocks from known tectonic settings. The evidence suggests that most of the layered rocks of the Ranyah area originated in immature island arcs. The Khaniq formation originated in a continental margin setting during cratonization. The Arfan and Juqjuq formations are related to a later subduction event.