18 Tectonic Processes in the Circum-Atlantic Orogens II: A Celebration of the Career of Rob Strachan

Saturday, 29 March 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
120

TOWARDS MORE PRECISE PALAEOGEOGRAPHY USING ZIRCON AGE DATABASES

Paper number: 18-10
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 10:55 AM – 11:15 AM

Authors

Abstract

Using the constantly growing number of published zircon ages allows characterizing magmatic barcodes, metamorphic episodes and detrital pathways in previously unattainable levels of detail. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of these data is often not utilized for future studies after publication. The use of such hitherto unexploited data allows an increase in the spatio-temporal density of geochronological information, particularly in the context of provenance analyses. Our initial compilation of zircon age data (N > 5200, n > 300000) provides a characterisation of circum-Atlantic (s.l.) and southern African zircon provinces. Amongst these provinces are Baltica, the West African, Congo and Kalahari Cratons, Amazonia, and further terrane assemblages including their successors. These provinces include Baltica, the West African, Congo and Kalahari Cratons, Amazonia, and further terrane assemblages, including their successors. The objective of this study is to present an initial overview of the typical zircon age patterns observed in these areas.Although a substantial zircon age database has been assembled, enabling the formulation of original hypotheses regarding palaeo-sediment transport, further work is required to achieve the necessary sample density for mapping primary sediment flux in an appropriate spatial and temporal framework. This represents a primary objective, as it will facilitate more precise reconstructions of palaeogeographic terrane configurations in conjunction with additional geological data. The current zircon age database allows for the identification of primary zircon provinces and some sub-provinces at a reasonable terrane-scale resolution. Additionally, distinct zircon age populations, which can be used as "unique identifiers", e.g., to distinguish between the western and eastern parts of Cadomia, have been discerned.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025NE-408423

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