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Geochronological potential of a dedicated southern Appalachian deep research drill hole

Conference · · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:6611825
A Southern Appalachian Deep Research Drill Hole (SADRDH) would offer a unique opportunity to provide geochronological controls for regional tectonothermal events as well as serve as a natural laboratory for the investigation of a variety of diffusion-controlled, radiometric systems. Considerable uncertainty exists as to the relative extents and crustal levels of translations, and the temporal relations between thrusting and regional metamorphic events. SADRDH would provide unweathered, continuous sections across many of these allochthonous units and the intervening tectonic contacts. If sufficient 3'' core is recovered, collaborative U-Pb (zircon and monazite) and Sm-Nd (whole-rock and mineral) age determinations could be integrated with careful petrologic studies to provide reliable crystallization ages for the various igneous lithologies penetrated. These results together with a coordinated, systematic determination of /sup 40/Ar//sup 39/Ar and fission track mineral ages could provide complete time-temperature profiles of the various allochthonous units and allow for recognition of contrasts across tectonic contacts. Integration of this record with results of fluid-inclusion and oxygen isotopic studies within ductile shear zones could help resolve the times and crustal conditions of thrusting. Geochronological evaluation of the thermal record within these sequences could provide control on the extent and times of basement involvement in the tectonothermal events recorded in the overlying allochthonous units.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Georgia, Athens (USA)
OSTI ID:
6611825
Report Number(s):
CONF-8510489-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 17
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English