Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics

Isotope diffusion in a mineral is strongly temperature dependent but is also a function of grain size. Deformation must, therefore, be an important consideration in the interpretation of isotopic data because it provides a means of modifying grain size and shape. We illustrate the range of different...

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Main Authors: Reddy, Steven, Potts, G.
Format: Journal Article
Published: Elsevier 1999
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01918141
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/7689
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author Reddy, Steven
Potts, G.
author_facet Reddy, Steven
Potts, G.
author_sort Reddy, Steven
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description Isotope diffusion in a mineral is strongly temperature dependent but is also a function of grain size. Deformation must, therefore, be an important consideration in the interpretation of isotopic data because it provides a means of modifying grain size and shape. We illustrate the range of different deformation mechanisms common in micas and use simple models to investigate the relationship between these and isotope diffusion. We consider three different thermal scenarios with deformation taking place during: (a) the prograde heating path, (b) at the closure temperature of the deforming mineral, and (c) at temperatures significantly below the closure temperature. We have modelled these simple systems using a finite difference algorithm that simulates argon diffusion profiles and bulk ages. This modelling illustrates that obtaining deformation ages is critically dependent on an understanding and recognition of the different deformation mechanisms that have affected the sample. In the cases where deformation causes a change in grain size, it is important to characterise both the temperature at which deformation takes place and the closure temperature of grains formed during the deformation. The development of grains with Tc greater than the deformation temperature may record a deformation age. Examples of this condition include: (i) neocrystallisation; (ii) grain size reduction occurring at temperatures below Tc (of the reduced grain size) where the deformation mechanism has reset the grains; and (iii) deformation-induced grain coarsening.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-76892019-05-09T01:45:42Z Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics Reddy, Steven Potts, G. Isotope diffusion in a mineral is strongly temperature dependent but is also a function of grain size. Deformation must, therefore, be an important consideration in the interpretation of isotopic data because it provides a means of modifying grain size and shape. We illustrate the range of different deformation mechanisms common in micas and use simple models to investigate the relationship between these and isotope diffusion. We consider three different thermal scenarios with deformation taking place during: (a) the prograde heating path, (b) at the closure temperature of the deforming mineral, and (c) at temperatures significantly below the closure temperature. We have modelled these simple systems using a finite difference algorithm that simulates argon diffusion profiles and bulk ages. This modelling illustrates that obtaining deformation ages is critically dependent on an understanding and recognition of the different deformation mechanisms that have affected the sample. In the cases where deformation causes a change in grain size, it is important to characterise both the temperature at which deformation takes place and the closure temperature of grains formed during the deformation. The development of grains with Tc greater than the deformation temperature may record a deformation age. Examples of this condition include: (i) neocrystallisation; (ii) grain size reduction occurring at temperatures below Tc (of the reduced grain size) where the deformation mechanism has reset the grains; and (iii) deformation-induced grain coarsening. 1999 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/7689 10.1016/S0191-8141(99)00032-2 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01918141 Elsevier fulltext
spellingShingle Reddy, Steven
Potts, G.
Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics
title Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics
title_full Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics
title_fullStr Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics
title_full_unstemmed Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics
title_short Constraining absolute deformation ages: The relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics
title_sort constraining absolute deformation ages: the relationship between deformation mechanisms and isotope systematics
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01918141
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/7689