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Some observations on the use of zircon U-Pb geochronology in the study of granitic rocks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2011

Ian S. Williams
Ian S. Williams
Affiliation:
Ian S. Williams, Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, GPO Box 4, Canberra City, ACT 2601, Australia
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Abstract

In situ, microscale, U-Pb isotopic analyses of zircon using the SHRIMP ion microprobe demonstrate both the potential and the limitations of zircon U-Pb geochronology. Most zircons, whether from igneous or metamorphic rocks, need to be considered as mixed isotopic systems. In simple, young igneous rocks the mixing is principally between isotopically disturbed and undisturbed zircon. In polymetamorphic rocks, several generations of zircon growth can coexist, each with a different pattern of discordance. A similar situation exists for igneous rocks rich in inherited zircon, as these contain both melt-precipitated zircon and inherited components of several different ages. Microscale analysis by ion probe makes it possible to sample the record of provenance, age and metamorphic history commonly preserved within a single zircon population. It also indicates how the interpretation of conventionallymeasured bulk zircon isotopic compositions might be improved.

Keywords

Dalgetydiscordanceinheritanceion probeKamerukamonaziteMount Sonesradiogenic PbWatergumsWatersmeet
Type
Research Article
Information
Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of The Royal Society of Edinburgh , Volume 83 , Issue 1-2: Second Hutton Symposium: The Origin of Granites and Related Rocks , 1992 , pp. 447 - 458
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1992

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