COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Structural Analysis, U-Pb Geochronologic, and Nd Isotopic Characterization of the Carolina Slate Belt and Milton Belt, Southern Appalachians

沿着大陆边缘的地壳和海洋岩石圈碎片的合并代表了大陆生长的一个基本过程。南阿巴拉契亚山脉是古生代-中生代这种合并的产物。该项目将采用现场和实验室相结合的方法，确定构成卡罗莱纳石板带和米尔顿带的碎片的结构、时间和性质。研究结果将对大陆的演变和世界上大多数主要山带系统的发展产生重要影响。

The amalgamation of crustal and oceanic lithospheric fragments along continental margins represents a fundamental process for the growth of the continents. The southern Appalachian Mountains are a product of such an amalgamation that occurred during Paleozoic-Mesozoic time. This project will determine the structure, timing, and nature of the fragments that comprise the Carolina Slate Belt and Milton Belt using a combined field and laboratory approach. Results will have important implications for both the evolution of continents and for the development of most major mountain belt systems of the world.