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Radioactive element distribution in the Archean granulite terrane of Jequié — Bahia, Brazil

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Abstract

The radioactive element distribution in the Archean granulite facies rocks of Jequié, Brazil, has been determined. The K/Rb ratios show a large spread with majority of the values falling within the normal field (K/Rb<300). The Th/U ratios fall into two groups, one group with values in the range of 1.7 to 2.6, whereas the other group show Th/U values greater than 7 (7 to 25). These distributions can be explained on the basis of the presence of accessory minerals apatite and zircon. The relatively high concentrations of the radioactive and other elements in Jequié granulites probably represents the relict primary geochemical character, little modified during metamorphism. The radiogenic heat production data for the area are calculated and using the measured regional heat flow value from nearby area an estimate of the relative thickness of the continental lithosphere is made using the model developed by Oxburgh (1981).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Caixa Postal 11049-01000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    S. S. Iyer & M. B. A. Vasconcellos

  2. Departamento de Mineralogia e Recursos Minerais, U.N.E.S.P., 13500, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil

    A. Choudhuri

  3. Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal, 20899-01498, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    U. G. Cordani

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  1. S. S. Iyer
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  2. A. Choudhuri
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  3. M. B. A. Vasconcellos
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  4. U. G. Cordani
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Iyer, S.S., Choudhuri, A., Vasconcellos, M.B.A. et al. Radioactive element distribution in the Archean granulite terrane of Jequié — Bahia, Brazil. Contr. Mineral. and Petrol. 85, 95–101 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380226

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