COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Structural and Isotopic Characterization of the Milton Belt, Axial Zone of the Southern Appalachians

由于劳伦大陆和冈瓦纳大陆可能的相互作用，与阿巴拉契亚造山带相关的地体增生历史最近重新引起了人们的兴趣。 对位于北美岩石和东部近冈瓦纳岩石之间的米尔顿地体的研究与长期以来关于米尔顿带变形的性质和时间的观点相矛盾。 该合作项目将涉及米尔顿带的综合结构和同位素研究，通过使用高精度 U-Pb 锆石地质年代学和其他同位素技术确定构造前、同构造和构造后岩体的结晶年龄来限制变形时间。 预计结果将显着修正米尔顿带的变形历史，并将有助于澄清与冈瓦纳和/或劳伦大陆的化学和同位素亲和力。

The history of terrane accretion associated with the Appalachian orogen has recently received renewed interest due to the possible interactions of laurentia and Gondwanan. Study of the Milton terrane, between North American rocks and peri-Gondwanan rock to the east has contradicted long-held views concerning the nature and timing of deformation of the Milton belt. This collaborative project will involve an integrated structural and isotopic study of the Milton belt to constraining deformation timing by determination of the crystallization ages of pre-, syn-, and post- tectonic plutons using high precision U-Pb zircon geochronology and other isotopic techniques. Results are expected to significantly revise the history of deformation of the Milton belt and will help clarify chemical and isotopic affinities to Gondwanan and/or Laurentia.