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Birthdate for the Iapetus Ocean A precise U-Pb zircon and baddeleyite age for the Long Range dikes, southeast Labrador

Journal Article · · Geology; (USA)
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto (Canada)
  2. Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy (Canada)
Mafic dike swarms represent direct evidence of early tensional environments that may have eventually led to ocean formation. The first precise U-Pb zircon and baddeleyite age of 615 {plus minus} 2 Ma for a Long Range dike, southeastern Labrador, could mark the beginning of Iapetus Ocean formation. Baddeleyite (ZrO{sub 2}) is more widespread than previously recognized. It is ideal for use with the U-Pb system because it has low initial common lead and sufficient uranium levels, and it does not lose significant radiogenic lead with time. Baddeleyite therefore provides a unique opportunity for dating dikes associated with rift-related events with unprecedented accuracy.
OSTI ID:
7254093
Journal Information:
Geology; (USA), Journal Name: Geology; (USA) Vol. 17:7; ISSN GLGYB; ISSN 0091-7613
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English