The geology of a mafic dyke at Roerkulten, Sverdrupfjella, western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

G. H. Grantham, R. A. Armstrong, A. B. Moyes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The mafic dyke is metamorphosed to amphibolite-facies and is calc-alkaline with intermediate SiO 2 (∼56%) and high Al 2O 3 and TiO 2 and is transitional between basaltic to andesitic compositions. The dyke has high Sr, Zr and Ba contents. The steep chondrite-normalised REE profile has a small negative Eu anomaly. The dyke cross-cuts S1 planar fabrics but contains a S 2 planar fabric which is folded by F 3. A weak axial planar F 3 fabric is seen. U-Pb SHRIMP zircon data plot near concordantly at the lower intercept suggesting extensive recrystallisation at 523 ± 21 Ma and primary crystallisation at ∼900 Ma (upper intercept). Whole rock Rb-Sr data suggest a age of ∼748 ± 102 Ma. Whole rock Sm/Nd data only yield model ages of 1107Ma (TCHUR) and 1468Ma (TDM) with a mean ε Ndvalue of -2.9. Previously published Rb-Sr isotope data suggest mineral scale resetting at ∼460-500 Ma. The data suggest dyke intrusion at ∼900-1000 Ma and folding and metamorphism at ∼460-530 Ma. The asymmetry of the folds and the sense of shear on reverse faults elsewhere in Sverdrupfjella indicate tectonic vergence to the southeast. This vergence sense is consistent with ∼490 Ma age structures in northern Mozambique which was adjacent to Antarctica prior to Gondwana dispersal.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDyke Swarms - Time Markers of Crustal Evolution - Proceedings of the 5th International Conference, IDC-5
Pages213-224
Number of pages12
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event5th International Dyke Conference: Dyke Swarms - Time Markers of Crustal Evolution, IDC-5 - Rovaniemi, Finland
Duration: 31 Jul 20053 Aug 2005

Publication series

NameDyke Swarms - Time Markers of Crustal Evolution - Proceedings of the 5th International Conference, IDC-5

Conference

Conference5th International Dyke Conference: Dyke Swarms - Time Markers of Crustal Evolution, IDC-5
Country/TerritoryFinland
CityRovaniemi
Period31/07/053/08/05

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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