TY - JOUR
T1 - Using isotopic and chronologic data to fingerprint strata
T2 - Challenges and benefits of variable sources to tectonic interpretations, the Paro Formation, Bhutan Himalaya
AU - Tobgay, T.
AU - Long, S.
AU - McQuarrie, N.
AU - Ducea, M. N.
AU - Gehrels, G.
PY - 2010/12/1
Y1 - 2010/12/1
N2 - We combine detrital zircons (DZ) and epsilon neodymium (ε Nd) signatures with field mapping in the Paro Formation in western Bhutan. DZ age spectra are strongly variable and display signatures that have been used to uniquely identify both Greater Himalayan (GH) and Lesser Himalayan (LH) strata. DZ age peaks from six quartzite samples require sources for ∼0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, and 2.5 Ga zircons in the Paro Formation. The youngest (∼0.5 Ga) zircons argue for a Cambrian maximum deposition age. Two samples have a youngest 1.8 Ga peak typically attributed to Paleoproterozoic LH rocks. A ∼450 Ma crystallization age from two granite samples constrains the minimum deposition age as Ordovician. New εNd signatures from six detrital samples from the Paro Formation show significant variation with lithology. Schists have εNd(0) values between -12.0 and -16.9, while quartzite values vary between -18.8 and -24.5. These data imply that the Paro Formation was derived from both young and old sources, with DZ and εNd values obtained from the same quartzite samples requiring old detritus while the εNd values obtained from interbedded schist require younger detritus. Using published isotopic and chronologic definitions of Himalayan strata, schist-rich layers would be considered GH, while the interbedded quartzite would be LH. Thus, the Paro Formation refutes the generally accepted notion that different Himalayan tectonostratigraphic zones have unique DZ and εNd signatures. Our data recommend caution in the use of DZ and εNd signatures for tectonic interpretation, especially when making correlations with studies that extend 1000s of km along strike.
AB - We combine detrital zircons (DZ) and epsilon neodymium (ε Nd) signatures with field mapping in the Paro Formation in western Bhutan. DZ age spectra are strongly variable and display signatures that have been used to uniquely identify both Greater Himalayan (GH) and Lesser Himalayan (LH) strata. DZ age peaks from six quartzite samples require sources for ∼0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, and 2.5 Ga zircons in the Paro Formation. The youngest (∼0.5 Ga) zircons argue for a Cambrian maximum deposition age. Two samples have a youngest 1.8 Ga peak typically attributed to Paleoproterozoic LH rocks. A ∼450 Ma crystallization age from two granite samples constrains the minimum deposition age as Ordovician. New εNd signatures from six detrital samples from the Paro Formation show significant variation with lithology. Schists have εNd(0) values between -12.0 and -16.9, while quartzite values vary between -18.8 and -24.5. These data imply that the Paro Formation was derived from both young and old sources, with DZ and εNd values obtained from the same quartzite samples requiring old detritus while the εNd values obtained from interbedded schist require younger detritus. Using published isotopic and chronologic definitions of Himalayan strata, schist-rich layers would be considered GH, while the interbedded quartzite would be LH. Thus, the Paro Formation refutes the generally accepted notion that different Himalayan tectonostratigraphic zones have unique DZ and εNd signatures. Our data recommend caution in the use of DZ and εNd signatures for tectonic interpretation, especially when making correlations with studies that extend 1000s of km along strike.
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U2 - 10.1029/2009TC002637
DO - 10.1029/2009TC002637
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:79251589051
SN - 0278-7407
VL - 29
JO - Tectonics
JF - Tectonics
IS - 6
M1 - TC6023
ER -