Evaluating the Potential of Zircon and Monazite in Thermochronometry of High Temperature Crustal Processes

9506551米勒这个项目将测试和应用一种新的方法来估计经历了高温变质的不同带状区域的锆石和独居石晶体的U/Pb成分，从而估计生长时间。这项技术结合了阴极发光、背散射电子成像和离子探针分析。该方法将在卡罗莱纳州西南部蓝岭和加利福尼亚州东南部老妇人山区的两个自然实验室的锆石和独居石上进行测试。此外，实验室实验将考察对锆石和独居石生长动力学的控制。这种野外测试和实验室测试相结合的结果将使人们能够更清楚地了解矿带的U/Pb分析所确定的年代，这将对所有造山带的构造热学研究产生影响。

9506551 Miller This project will test and apply a new methodology for estimating the U/Pb composition, and hence time of growth, of differently zoned areas of zircons and monazite crystals that have undergone high temperature metamorphism. The technique uses a combination of cathodoluminescence and backscattered electron imaging and ion microprobe analysis. The methodology will be tested on zircons and monazites from two natural laboratories in the Blue Ridge of southwestern Carolina and the Old Woman Mountains area of southeastern California. In addition, laboratory experiments will examine the controls on zircon and monazite growth kinetics. The results of this combinations of field and laboratory tests will enable a clearer understanding of what is being dated by U/Pb analyses of mineral zones, which will have an impact of tectonothermal studies of all orogenic belts.