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

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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.