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

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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.