The Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Rathjen Gneiss: implications for the early tectonic evolution of the Delamerian Orogen.
Date
1999
Authors
Foden, J.
Sandiford, M.
Dougherty-Page, J.
Williams, I.
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Journal article
Citation
Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 1999; 46(3):377-389
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Abstract
The Rathjen Gneiss is the oldest and structurally most complex of the granitic intrusives in the southern Adelaide Fold-Thrust Belt and therefore provides an important constraint on the timing of the Delamerian Orogen. Zircons in the Rathjen Gneiss show a complex growth history, reflecting inheritance, magmatic crystallisation and metamorphism. Both single zircon evaporation ('Kober' technique) and SHRIMP analysis yield best estimates of igneous crystallisation of 514 ± 5 Ma, substantially older than other known felsic intrusive ages in the southern Adelaide Fold-Thrust Belt. This age places an older limit on the start of the Delamerian metamorphism and is compatible with known stratigraphic constraints suggesting the Early Cambrian Kanmantoo Group was deposited, buried and heated in less than 20 million years. High-U overgrowths on zircons were formed during subsequent metamorphism and yield a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 503 ± 7 Ma. The Delamerian Orogeny lasted no more than 35 million years. The emplacement of the Rathjen Gneiss as a pre- or early syntectonic granite is emphasised by its geochemical characteristics, which show affiliations with within-plate or anorogenic granites. In contrast, younger syntectonic granites in the southern Adelaide Fold-Thrust Belt have geochemical characteristics more typical of granites in convergent orogens. The Early Ordovician post-tectonic granites then mark a return to anorogenic compositions. The sensitivity of granite chemistry to changes in tectonic processes is remarkable and clearly reflects changes in the contribution of crust and mantle sources.