Time resolution of metamorphic-magmatic events in the Palaeozoic active margin of the northern Wilson Terrane (Ross Orogen, North Victoria Land)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulrich Schüßler
• Subject Area: Oceanography
• Term: from 2008 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 75425516

The Wilson Terrane in North Victoria Land (Antarctica) belongs to the Early-Palaeozoic Ross Accretionary Orogen. High-grade metamorphism and magmatism of the Granite Harbour Intrusives are attributed to a magmatic arc setting of the terrane. U-Pb zircon/monazite as well as KAr and Ar-Ar mica/hornblende age data is yet available from the Oates Coast to the north. It signalize a ~490 - 470 Ma rapid cooling subsequent to isothermal decompression during granulitefacies conditions, apparently untypical for a magmatic arc evolution. A better understanding of these observations can be expected by an extensive screening of metamorphic and magmatic ages in the Wilson Hills, the Lazarev Mountains and the Daniels Range by the electron-microprobe (EMP) monazite dating method on numerous samples recovered during the GANOVEX expedions. The cost and time-efficient EMP monazite dating and related metamorphic studies potentially can provide information on (a) pre-Ross orogenic thermal events, (b) P-T-time evolution by correlation of mineral-chemical data from monazite and garnet-bearing assemblages, (c) protolith ages on acidic members of the Granite Harbour Intrusives suite and (d) ages of the major thrusting events. The study contributes in an exemplaric way to resolve the geodynamic processes in a magmatic arc terrane which is a characteristic part of an Early-Palaeozoic accretionary orogen.

• DFG Programme: Infrastructure Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1158: Infrastructure area - Antarctic Research with Comparative Investigations in Arctic Sea Ice Areas
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Bernhard Schulz