Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

(Th+U)-Pb monazite ages from Al-Mg-rich metapelites, Rauer Group, east Antarctica

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The age of high-temperature granulite-facies metamorphism (>~800–850 °C) in the Rauer Group, Prydz Bay, east Antarctica, is relevant for establishing the metamorphic and temporal architecture of the Prydz Bay mobile belt. Monazites within Al-Mg-rich granulite-facies metapelites give an overall tanh-estimated Pan-African age of ~511±4 Ma (2σ) using in-situ electron microprobe-based (Th+U)-Pb chronology, consistent with existing U-Pb zircon geochronology from the Rauer Group and Prydz Bay. Monazite occurs primarily within cordierite-bearing coronae and symplectic mineral reaction textures, and also within biotite. Pan-African granulite-facies metamorphism is preferred as responsible for the development of the cordierite-bearing microstructures, and probably (peak) coarse-grained assemblages, constrained using an integrated geologic, geochronologic and metamorphic framework. Thus, Pan-African granulite-facies metamorphism affected the Rauer Group, within the Prydz Bay mobile belt. Moreover, integrated monazite geochronology may be used to decipher the temporal metamorphic histories of potentially complex high-temperature terrains.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 7.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andersen T (2002) Correction of common lead in U—Pb analyses that do not report 204Pb. Chem Geol 192:59–79

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asami M, Suzuki K, Adachi M (1996) Monazite ages by the chemical Th-U-total Pb isochron method for pelitic gneisses from the eastern Sør Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica. Polar Geosci 9:49–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Asami M, Suzuki K, Adachi M (1997) Th, U and Pb analytical data and CHIME dating of monazites from metamorphic rocks of the Rayner, Lützow-Holm, Yamato-Belgica and Sør Rondane complexes, East Antarctica. Polar Geosci 10:130–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Asami M, Suzuki K, Grew ES (2002) Chemical Th-U-total Pb dating by electron microprobe analysis of monazite, xenotime and zircon from the Archean Napier Complex, East Antarctica: evidence for ultra-high-temperature metamorphism at 2,400 Ma. Precambrian Res 114:249–275

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asami M, Suzuki K, Grew ES, Adachi M (1998) CHIME ages for granulites from the Napier Complex, east Antarctica. Polar Geosci 11:172–199

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayers JC, Miller C, Gorisch B, Milleman J (1999) Textural development of monazite during high-grade metamorphism: Hydrothermal growth kinetics, with implications for U,Th-Pb geochronology. Am Mineral 84:1766–1780

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bingen B, vanBreemen O (1998) U-Pb monazite ages in amphibolite- to granulite-facies orthogneiss reflect hydrous mineral breakdown reactions: Sveconorwegian Province of SW Norway. Contrib Mineral Petrol 132:336–353

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Black LP, Kinny PD, Sheraton JW, Delor CP (1991) Rapid production and evolution of late Archaean felsic crust in the Vestfold Block of East Antarctica. Precambrian Res 50:283–310

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boger SD, Carson CJ, Fanning CM, Hergt JM, Wilson CJL, Woodhead JD (2002) Pan-African intraplate deformation in the northern Prince Charles Mountains, east Antarctica. Earth Planet Sci Lett 195:195–210

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Braun I, Montel J-M, Nicollet C (1998) Electron microprobe dating of monazites from high-grade gneisses and pegmatites of the Keral Khondalite Belt, southern India. Chem Geol 146:65–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter P K, Counce D, Kluk E, Nabelek C (2002) Characterization of Corning EPMA standard glasses 95IRV, 95IRW, and 95IRX. J Res Natl Inst Stand Technol 107:703–718

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carson CJ, Dirks PHGM, Hand M, Sims JP, Wilson CJL (1995) Compressional and extensional tectonics in poly-metamorphic granulites from the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica. Geol Mag 132:151–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Carson CJ, Fanning CM, Wilson CJL (1996) Timing of the Progress Granite, Larsemann Hills: additional evidence for early Palaeozoic orogenesis within the East Antarctic Shield. Aust J Earth Sci 43:539–553

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carson CJ, Powell R, Dirks PHGM, Wilson CJL (1997) Partial melting during tectonic exhumation of a granulite terrain: an example from the Larsemann Hills, east Antarctica. J Metamorph Geol 15:105–126

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cherniak DJ, Watson EB, Harrison TM, Grove M (2000) Pb diffusion in monazite: a progress report on a combined RBS/SIMS study. EOS Trans, Suppl 41, S25

    Google Scholar 

  • Cocherie A, Albarede F (2001) An improved U-Th-Pb age calculation for electron microprobe dating of monazite. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 65:4509–4522

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cocherie A, Legendre O, Peucat JJ, Kouamelan A (1998) Geochronology of polygenic monazites constrained by in situ electron microprobe Th-U-total Pb determination: implications for Pb behaviour in monazite. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 62:2475–2497

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Copeland P, Parrish RR, Harrison TM (1988) Identification of inherited radiogenic Pb in monazite and its implications for U-Pb systematics. Nature 333:760–763

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Corfu F (1988) Differential response of U-Pb systems in coexisting accessory minerals, Winnipeg River Subprovince, Canadian Shield: implications for Archean crustal growth and stabilization. Contrib Mineral Petrol 98:312–325

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crowley JL, Ghent ED (1999) An electron microprobe study of the U-Th-Pb systematics of metamorphosed monazite: the role of Pb diffusion versus overgrowth and recrystallization. Chem Geol 157:285–302

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dahl PS (1997) A crystal-chemical basis for Pb retention and fission track annealing systematics in U-bearing minerals, with implications for geochronology. Earth Planet Sci Lett 150:277–290

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeWolf CP, Belshaw N, O'Nions RK (1993) A metamorphic history from micron-scale 207Pb/206Pb chronometry of Archean monazite. Earth Planet Sci Lett 120:207–220

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dirks PHGM (1995) Terrain interference in the Precambrian of Prydz Bay, East Antarctica. Mem Geol Soc India 34:179–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Dirks P, Wilson CJL (1995) Crustal evolution of the East Antarctic mobile belt in Prydz Bay: continental collision at 500 Ma? Precambrian Res 75:189–207

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Drake MJ, Weill DF (1972) New rare earth element standards for electron microprobe analysis. Chem Geol 10:179–181

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzsimons ICW (1996) Metapelitic migmatites from Brattstrand Bluffs, East Antarctica—metamorphism, melting and exhumation of the mid crust. J Petrol 37:395–414

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzsimons ICW (1997) The Brattstrand Paragneiss and the Søstrene Orthogneiss: a review of Pan-African metamorphism and Grenvillian relics in southern Prydz Bay. In: Ricci CA (ed) The Antarctic region: geological evolution and processes, Terra Antarctica, Suna, pp 121–130

  • Fitzsimons ICW (2000) A review of tectonic events in the East Antarctic Shield, and their implications for Gondwana and earlier supercontinents. J Afr Earth Sci 31:3–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzsimons ICW, Harley SL (1991) Geological relationships in high-grade gneisses of the Brattstrand Bluffs coastline, Prydz Bay, East Antarctica. Aust J Earth Sci 38:497–519

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitzsimons ICW, Harley SL (1994) The influence of retrograde cation exchange on granulite P–T estimates and a convergence technique for the recovery of peak metamorphic conditions. J Petrol 35:543–576

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzsimons ICW, Kinny PD, Harley SL (1997) Two stages of zircon and monazite growth in anatectic leucogneiss: SHRIMP constraints on the duration and intensity of Pan-African metamorphism in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica. Terra Nova 9:47–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster GF, Gibson HD, Parrish R, Horstwood M, Fraser J, Tindle A (2002) Textural, chemical and isotopic insights into the nature and behaviour of metamorphic monazite. Chem Geol 191:183–207

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hand M, Kinny PD (1996) SHRIMP constraints on Palaeozoic high-T exhumation in SW Prydz Bay, east Antarctica. Geol Soc Aust Abstr 42:61–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL (1987) Precambrian geological relationships in high-grade gneisses of the Rauer Islands, east Antarctica. Aust J Earth Sci 34:175–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL (1988) Proterozoic granulites from the Rauer Group, East Antarctica. I. Decompressional pressure–temperature paths deduced from mafic and felsic gneisses. J Petrol 29:1059–1095

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL (1998) Ultrahigh temperature granulite metamorphism (1,050 °C, 12 kbar) and decompression in garnet (Mg70)-orthopyroxene-sillimanite gneisses from the Rauer Group, East Antarctica. J Metamorph Geol 16:541–562

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL, Buick IS (1992) Wollastonite-Scapolite assemblages as indicators of granulite pressure–temperature-fluid histories: the Rauer Group, East Antarctica. J Petrol 33:693–728

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL, Fitzsimons ICW (1991) Pressure–temperature evolution of metapelitic granulites in a polymetamorphic terrane: the Rauer Group, East Antarctica. J Metamorph Geol 9:231–243

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL, Fitzsimons ICW (1995) High-grade Metamorphism and deformation in the Prydz Bay Region, East Antarctica: terranes, events and regional correlations. Mem Geol Soc India 34:73–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL, Hensen BJ (1990) Archaean and Proterozoic high-grade terranes of East Antarctica (40–80°E): a case study of diversity in granulite facies metamorphism. In: Ashworth JR, Brown M (eds) High-temperature metamorphism and Crustal Anatexis, Series 2, The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain, Unwin-Hyman, London, pp 320–370

  • Harley SL, Snape I, Black LP (1998) The evolution of a layered metaigneous complex in the Rauer Group, East Antarctica: evidence for a distinct Archaean terrane. Precambrian Res 89:175–205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL, Snape I, Fitzsimons ICW (1995) Regional correlations and terrane assembly in East Prydz Bay: Evidence from the Rauer Group and Vestfold Hills. Terra Antarct 2:49–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins DP, Bowring SA (1997) U-Pb systematics of monazite and xenotime: case studies from the Palaeoproterozoic of the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Contrib Mineral Petrol 127:87–103

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hensen BJ, Zhou B (1995a) Retention of isotopic memory in garnets partially broken down during an overprinting granulite-facies metamorphism: Implications for the Sm-Nd closure temperature. Geology 23:225–228

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hensen BJ, Zhou B (1995b) A Pan-African granulite facies metamorphism episode in Prydz Bay, Antarctica: evidence from Sm-Nd garnet dating. Aust J Earth Sci 42:245–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Hensen BJ, Zhou B (1996) Sm-Nd garnet chronology of granulite facies events in Prydz Bay and the Rauer Group, east Antarctica. Geol Soc Aust Abstr 41:191

    Google Scholar 

  • Hensen BJ, Zhou B (1997) East Gondwana amalgamation by Pan-African collision? Evidence from Prydz Bay, East Antarctica. In: Ricci CA (ed) The Antarctic region: geological evolution and processes, Terra Antarctica, Suna, pp 115–119

  • Jarosewich E, Boatner LA (1991) Rare-earth element reference samples for electron microprobe analysis. Geostandards Newsl 15:397–399

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kelsey DE, White RW, Powell R, Wilson CJL, Quinn CD (2003) New constraints on metamorphism in the Rauer Group, Prydz Bay, east Antarctica. J Metamorph Geol (in press)

  • Kingsbury JA, Miller CF, Wooden JL, Harrison TM (1993) Monazite paragenesis and U-Pb systematics in rocks of the eastern Mojave Desert, California, USA: implications for thermochronometry. Chem Geol 110:147–167

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kinny PD (1998) Monazite U-Pb ages from east Antarctic granulites: comparisons with zircon U-Pb and garnet Sm-Nd ages. Geol Soc Aust Abstr 49:250

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinny PD, Black LP, Sheraton JW (1993) Zircon ages and the distribution of Archaean and Proterozoic rocks in the Rauer Islands. Antarct Sci 5:193–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Meert JG (2003) A synopsis of events related to the assembly of eastern Gondwana. Tectonophysics 362:1–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mikhail EM (1976) Observations and least squares. Dun-Donelly, New York, 497 pp

  • Montel J-M, Foret S, Veschambre M, Nicollet C, Provost A (1996) Electron microprobe dating of monazite. Chem Geol 131:37–53

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Montel J-M, Kornprobst J, Vielzeuf D (2000) Preservation of old U-Th-Pb ages in shielded monazite: example from the Beni Bousera Hercynian kinzigites (Morocco). J Metamorph Geol 18:335–342

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Motoyoshi Y, Thost DE, Hensen BJ (1991) Reaction textures in calc-silicate granulites from the Bolingen Islands, Prydz Bay, East Antarctica: implications for the retrograde P–T path. J Metamorph Geol 9:293–300

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nichols GT, Berry RF (1991) A decompressional P–T path, Reinbolt Hills, East Antarctica. J Metamorph Geol 9:257–266

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pan Y (1997) Zircon- and monazite-forming metamorphic reactions at Manitouwadge, Ontario. Can Mineral 35:105–118

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parrish, RR (1990) U-Pb dating of monazite and its application to geological problems. Can J Earth Sci 27:1435–1450

    Google Scholar 

  • Poitrasson F, Chenery S, Bland DJ (1996) Contrasted monazite hydrothermal alteration mechanisms and their geochemical implications. Earth Planet Sci Lett 145:79–96

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pouchou L, Pichoir F (1984) A new model for quantitative X-ray microanalysis. Rech Aerospatiale 3:167–192

    Google Scholar 

  • Powell R, Hergt J, Woodhead J (2002) Improving isochron calculations with robust statistics and the bootstrap. Chem Geol 185:191–204

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rubatto D, Williams IS, Buick IS (2001) Zircon and monazite response to prograde metamorphism in the Reynolds Range, central Australia. Contrib Mineral Petrol 140:458–468

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schärer U (1984) The effect of initial 230Th disequilibrium on young U-Pb ages: the Makalu case, Himalaya. Earth Planet Sci Lett 67:191–204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scherrer NC, Engi M, Gnos E, Jakob V, Liechti A (2000) Monazite analysis; from sample preparation to microprobe age dating and REE quantification. Schweiz Mineral Petrogr Mitt 80:93–105

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sheraton JW, Black LP (1988) Chemical evolution of granitic rocks in the East Antarctic Shield, with particular reference to post-orogenic granites. Lithos 21:37–52

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson RL, Parrish RR, Searle MP, Waters DJ (2000) Two episodes of monazite crystallisation during metamorphism and crustal melting in the Everest region of the Nepalese Himalaya. Geology 28:403–406

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sims JP (1999) The structural and metamorphic evolution of a granulite-facies gneiss terrain; the Rauer Group, east Antarctica. PhD Thesis, The University of Melbourne

  • Sims JP, Dirks PHGM, Carson CP, Wilson CJL (1994) The structural evolution of the Rauer Group, East Antarctica: mafic dykes as passive markers in a composite Proterozoic terrain. Antarct Sci 6:379–394

    Google Scholar 

  • Sims JP, Hand M, Wilson CJL, Fanning CM (2001) Cambrian-aged (UHT) ultra-high temperature metamorphism in the Rauer Group, east Antarctica. Geol Soc Aust Abstr, 64:174–175

    Google Scholar 

  • Sims JP, Wilson CJL (1997) Strain localisation and textural development in a granulite-facies shear zone—the Rauer Group, East Antarctica. In: Ricci CA (ed) The Antarctic region: geological evolution and processes, Terra Antarctica, Suna, pp 120–130

  • Smith HA, Giletti BJ (1997) Lead diffusion in monazite. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 61:1047–1055

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Spear FS, Parrish RR (1996) Petrology and cooling rates of the Valhalla Complex, British Columbia. J Petrol 37:733–765

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stern RA, Berman RG (2000) Monazite U-Pb and Th-Pb geochronology by ion microprobe, with an application to in situ dating of an Archean metasedimentary rock. Chem Geol 172:113–130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stüwe K, Powell R (1989) Low pressure granulite facies metamorphism in the Larsemann Hills area, East Antarctica; petrology and tectonic implications for the Prydz Bay area. J Metamorph Geol 7:465–484

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki K, Adachi M (1991) Precambrian provenance and Silurian metamorphism of the Tsubonosawa paragneiss in the South Kitakami terrane, Northeast Japan, revealed by the chemical Th-U-total Pb isochron ages of monazite, zircon and xenotime. Geochem J 25:357–376

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki K, Adachi M (1994) Middle Precambrian detrital monazite and zircon from the Hida gneiss on Oki-Dogo Island, Japan: their origin and implications for the correlation of basement gneiss of Southwest Japan and Korea. Tectonophysics 235:277–292

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki K, Adachi M, Kajizuka I (1994) Electron microprobe observations of Pb diffusion in metamorphosed detrital monazites. Earth Planet Sci Lett 128:391–405

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki K, Adachi M, Tanaka T (1991) Middle Precambrian provenance of Jurassic sandstone in the Mino Terrane, central Japan: Th-U-total Pb evidence from an electron microprobe monazite study. Sediment Geol 75:141–147

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tingey RJ (1991) The regional geology of Archaean and Proterozoic rocks in Antarctica. In: Tingey RJ (ed) The geology of Antarctica, Clarendon Press, Oxford, pp 1–73

  • Vavra G, Schaltegger U (1999) Post-granulite facies monazite growth and rejuvenation during Permian to Lower Jurassic thermal and fluid events in the Ivrea Zone (Southern Alps). Contrib Mineral Petrol 134:405–414

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Williams IS, Compston W, Chappell BW (1983) Zircon and monazite U-Pb systems and the histories of I-type magmas, Berridale Batholith, Australia. J Petrol 24:76–97

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Williams ML, Jercinovic MJ, Terry MP (1999) Age mapping and dating of monazite on the electron microprobe: Deconvoluting multistage tectonic histories. Geology 27:1023–1026

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf MB, London D (1995) Incongruent dissolution of REE- and Sr-rich apatite in peraluminous granitic liquids: Differential apatite, monazite, and xenotime solubilities during anatexis. Am Mineral 80:765–775

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Y, Liu X, Song B, Zhang Z, Li J, Yao Y, Wang Y (1995) Constraints on the stratigraphic age of metasedimentary rocks of the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica; possible implications for Neo-proterozoic tectonics. Precambrian Res 75:175–188

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Y, Song B, Wang Y, Ren L, Li J, Chen T (1992) Geochronology of the late granite in the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica. In: Yoshida Y, Kaminuma K, Shiraishi K (eds) Recent progress in Antarctic earth science, Terra Scientific Publishing Company, Tokyo, pp 155–161

  • Zhu XK, O'Nions RK (1999) Zonation of monazite in metamorphic rocks and its implications for high temperature thermochronology: a case study from the Lewisian terrain. Earth Planet Sci Lett 171:209–220

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu XK, O'Nions RK, Belshaw NS, Gibb AJ (1997) Lewisian crustal history from in situ SIMS mineral chronometry and related metamorphic textures. Chem Geol 136:205–218

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The Australian Antarctic Division and Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) are thanked for providing logistical support to collect the samples during the 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 austral summers, under the guise of ASAC Project 1129 awarded to C.J.L.W. D.E.K thanks Cameron Quinn for his wisdom in the field. Martin Hand and an anonymous reviewer are thanked for constructive reviews. The University of Melbourne scholarships office is thanked for providing a contribution towards the research. D.E.K is supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, 3010 , Victoria, Australia

    D. E. Kelsey, R. Powell & C. J. L. Wilson

  2. Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 74, 7001, Hobart, Tasmania , Australia

    D. A. Steele

Authors
  1. D. E. Kelsey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. Powell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. C. J. L. Wilson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. D. A. Steele
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. E. Kelsey.

Additional information

Editorial responsibility: B. Collins

Electronic Supplementary Material

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kelsey, D.E., Powell, R., Wilson, C.J.L. et al. (Th+U)-Pb monazite ages from Al-Mg-rich metapelites, Rauer Group, east Antarctica. Contrib Mineral Petrol 146, 326–340 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-003-0497-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-003-0497-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation