Hidden Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic crust in NW Ireland? : evidence from zircon Hf isotopic data from granitoid intrusions

Flowerdew, M.J.; Chew, D.M.; Daly, J.S.; Millar, I.L.. 2009 Hidden Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic crust in NW Ireland? : evidence from zircon Hf isotopic data from granitoid intrusions. Geological Magazine, 146 (6). 903-916. 10.1017/S0016756809990227

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Official URL: http://geolmag.geoscienceworld.org/content/vol146/...

Abstract/Summary

The presence of major crystalline basement provinces at depth in NW Ireland is inferred from in situ Hf isotope analysis of zircons from granitoid rocks that cut structurally overlying metasedimentary rocks. Granitoids in two of these units, the Slishwood Division and the Tyrone Central Inlier, contain complex zircons with core and rim structures. In both cases, cores have average {epsilon}Hf values that differ from the average {epsilon}Hf values of the rims at 470 Ma (the time of granitoid intrusion). The Hf data and similarity in U–Pb age between the inherited cores and detrital zircons from the host metasedimentary rocks suggests local contamination during intrusion rather than transport of the grains from the source region at depth. Rims from the Slishwood Division intrusions have average {epsilon}Hf470 values of –7.7, consistent with a derivation from juvenile Palaeoproterozoic crust, such as the Annagh Gneiss Complex or Rhinns Complex of NW Ireland, implying that the deep crust underlying the Slishwood Division is made of similar material. Rims from the Tyrone Central Inlier have extremely negative {epsilon}Hf470 values of approximately –39. This isotopic signature requires an Archaean source, suggesting rocks similar to the Lewisian Complex of Scotland, or sediment derived wholly from it, occurs at depth in NW Ireland.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1017/S0016756809990227
Programmes:	BGS Programmes 2009 > NERC Isotope Geoscience Laboratory BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Long-Term Monitoring and Survey – Geosciences Division
ISSN:	0016-7568
NORA Subject Terms:	Earth Sciences
Date made live:	18 Dec 2009 10:15 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/8844

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1017/S0016756809990227

Programmes:

BGS Programmes 2009 > NERC Isotope Geoscience Laboratory
BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Long-Term Monitoring and Survey – Geosciences Division

ISSN:

0016-7568

NORA Subject Terms:

Earth Sciences

Date made live:

18 Dec 2009 10:15 +0 (UTC)