Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/117931
Type: Thesis
Title: A low-temperature thermochronologic insight into the thermal and exhumation history of the eastern Musgrave Province, South Australia
Author: Agostino, K. N.
Issue Date: 2015
School/Discipline: School of Physical Sciences
Abstract: Multi–method thermochronological data are presented for 12 Mesoproterozoic granitoid samples collected from the eastern Musgrave Province within South Australia. Interpretation of these data with the aid of time–temperature modelling allows inference of multiphase cooling histories. Apatite fission track (AFT) results indicate four discrete exhumation events that induced cooling through AFT closure temperatures (~60–120°C), supported by additional apatite (AHe) and zircon (ZHe) (U-Th-Sm)/He data. Late Neoproterozoic cooling from deep crustal levels to temperatures <200°C was observed, which is thought to be related with the Petermann Orogeny. Subsequent cooling events at ~450–400 Ma (Silurian – Devonian) and ~310–290 Ma (Late Carboniferous) are thought to represent exhumation associated with the Alice Springs Orogeny. The latter event exhumed the sampled eastern Musgrave plutons at shallow crustal depths. An additional Triassic – early Jurassic thermal event was observed throughout the study area, thought to be related to elevated geothermal gradients at that time. The high sample density across the structural architecture of the study area furthermore reveals patterns of differential exhumation and preservation of the thermal record, indicating more shallow exhumation levels in the centre and deeper exhumation towards the margins of the sampled transect. The observed differential exhumation patterns match with a model of an inverted graben system, demonstrating how low temperature thermochronological techniques can reveal fault reactivation patterns. The results highlight that the eastern Musgraves record a complex Phanerozoic low-temperature thermal history revealing the poorly appreciated tectonic evolution of inland Australia.
Dissertation Note: Thesis (B.Sc.(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, 2015
Where: Musgrave Province, South Australia
Keywords: Honours; Geology; low–temperature thermochronology; exhumation; eastern Musgrave Province; apatite fission track; South Australia; apatite helium; zircon helium
Description: This item is only available electronically.
Provenance: This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the author of this thesis and do not wish it to be made publicly available, or you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
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