COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Structural Analysis, U-Pb Geochronologic, and Nd Isotopic Characterization of the Carolina Slate Belt and Milton Belt, Southern Appalachians

沿大陆边缘的地壳和海洋岩石圈碎片的融合是大陆增长的一个基本过程。阿巴拉契亚山脉南部是发生在古生代-中生代的这种融合的产物。该项目将采用野外和实验室相结合的方法，确定构成卡罗莱纳板岩带和米尔顿带的碎片的结构、时间和性质。这一结果将对大陆的演化和世界上大多数主要山地系统的发展产生重要影响。

The amalgamation of crustal and oceanic lithospheric fragments along continental margins represents a fundamental process for the growth of the continents. The southern Appalachian Mountains are a product of such an amalgamation that occurred during Paleozoic-Mesozoic time. This project will determine the structure, timing, and nature of the fragments that comprise the Carolina Slate Belt and Milton Belt using a combined field and laboratory approach. Results will have important implications for both the evolution of continents and for the development of most major mountain belt systems of the world.