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

由于劳伦蒂亚和冈德瓦南的可能相互作用，与阿巴拉契亚造山带有关的地体增生史最近重新引起了人们的兴趣。对位于北美岩石和东部冈德瓦南周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。这一合作项目将包括对弥尔顿带进行综合的结构和同位素研究，通过使用高精度的U-Pb锆石年代学和其他同位素技术来确定构造前、同生和构造后的深成岩体的结晶年龄，以限制变形时间。这些结果预计将显著修正弥尔顿带的变形历史，并将有助于澄清与冈德瓦南和/或劳伦蒂亚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.