Articles | Volume 7, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-309-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-309-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
06 Aug 2025
Research article |
| 06 Aug 2025
| 06 Aug 2025
Zircon micro-inclusions as an obstacle for in situ garnet U–Pb geochronology: an example from the As Sifah eclogite locality, Oman
Jesse B. Walters
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
NAWI Graz Geocenter, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
Department of Geosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center (FIERCE), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Joshua M. Garber
Department of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Aratz Beranoaguirre
Department of Geosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center (FIERCE), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Leo J. Millonig
Department of Geosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center (FIERCE), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Axel Gerdes
Department of Geosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center (FIERCE), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Tobias Grützner
Department of Geosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center (FIERCE), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Horst R. Marschall
Department of Geosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt Isotope and Element Research Center (FIERCE), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Related authors
No articles found.
Jesse R. Reimink, Renan Beckman, Erik Schoonover, Max Lloyd, Joshua Garber, Joshua H. F. L. Davies, Alexander Cerminaro, Morgann G. Perrot, and Andrew J. Smye
Geochronology Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2024-27, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2024-27, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for GChron
Short summary
Short summary
This manuscript presents a new method to date geological events affecting sedimentary rocks. This method relies on the potential for the zircon U-Pb system to be disturbed during fluid-flow, alteration, and metamorphic events in sedimentary rocks. This manuscript presents synthetic datasets for testing the accuracy and precision of the discordance dating method, as well as data from detrital zircons found in the contact metamorphic aureole surround the Alta Stock.
Sune G. Nielsen, Frieder Klein, Horst R. Marschall, Philip A. E. Pogge von Strandmann, and Maureen Auro
Solid Earth, 15, 1143–1154, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1143-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1143-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Magnesium isotope ratios of arc lavas have been proposed as a proxy for serpentinite subduction, but uncertainties remain regarding their utility. Here we show that bulk serpentinite Mg isotope ratios are identical to the mantle, whereas the serpentinite mineral brucite is enriched in heavy Mg isotopes. Thus, Mg isotope ratios may only be used as serpentinite subduction proxies if brucite is preferentially mobilized from the slab at pressures and temperatures within the arc magma source region.
Benedikt Ritter, Richard Albert, Aleksandr Rakipov, Frederik M. Van der Wateren, Tibor J. Dunai, and Axel Gerdes
Geochronology, 5, 433–450, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-433-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-433-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Chronological information on the evolution of the Namib Desert is scarce. We used U–Pb dating of silcretes formed by pressure solution during calcrete formation to track paleoclimate variability since the Late Miocene. Calcrete formation took place during the Pliocene with an abrupt cessation at 2.9 Ma. The end took place due to deep canyon incision which we dated using TCN exposure dating. With our data we correct and contribute to the Neogene history of the Namib Desert and its evolution.
Aratz Beranoaguirre, Iuliana Vasiliev, and Axel Gerdes
Geochronology, 4, 601–616, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-601-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-601-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
U–Pb dating by the in situ laser ablation mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) technique requires reference materials of the same nature as the samples to be analysed. Here, we have explored the suitability of using carbonate materials as a reference for sulfates, since there is no sulfate reference material. The results we obtained are satisfactory, and thus, from now on, the sulfates can also be analysed.
Tibor János Dunai, Steven Andrew Binnie, and Axel Gerdes
Geochronology, 4, 65–85, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-65-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-65-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We develop in situ-produced terrestrial cosmogenic krypton as a new tool to date and quantify Earth surface processes, the motivation being the availability of six stable isotopes and one radioactive isotope (81Kr, half-life 229 kyr) and of an extremely weathering-resistant target mineral (zircon). We provide proof of principle that terrestrial Krit can be quantified and used to unravel Earth surface processes.
Nicolai Schleinkofer, David Evans, Max Wisshak, Janina Vanessa Büscher, Jens Fiebig, André Freiwald, Sven Härter, Horst R. Marschall, Silke Voigt, and Jacek Raddatz
Biogeosciences, 18, 4733–4753, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4733-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4733-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We have measured the chemical composition of the carbonate shells of the parasitic foraminifera Hyrrokkin sarcophaga in order to test if it is influenced by the host organism (bivalve or coral). We find that both the chemical and isotopic composition is influenced by the host organism. For example strontium is enriched in foraminifera that grew on corals, whose skeleton is built from aragonite, which is naturally enriched in strontium compared to the bivalves' calcite shell.
Eric Salomon, Atle Rotevatn, Thomas Berg Kristensen, Sten-Andreas Grundvåg, Gijs Allard Henstra, Anna Nele Meckler, Richard Albert, and Axel Gerdes
Solid Earth, 11, 1987–2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1987-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1987-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This study focuses on the impact of major rift border faults on fluid circulation and hanging wall sediment diagenesis by investigating a well-exposed example in NE Greenland using field observations, U–Pb calcite dating, clumped isotope, and minor element analyses. We show that fault-proximal sediments became calcite cemented quickly after deposition to form a near-impermeable barrier along the fault, which has important implications for border fault zone evolution and reservoir assessments.
Related subject area
SIMS, LA-ICP-MS
A comparison between in situ monazite Lu–Hf and U–Pb geochronology
U–Pb dating on calcite paleosol nodules: first absolute age constraints on the Miocene continental succession of the Paris Basin
Effect of chemical abrasion of zircon on SIMS U–Pb, δ18O, trace element, and LA-ICPMS trace element and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses
On the viability of detrital biotite Rb–Sr geochronology
Late Neogene terrestrial climate reconstruction of the central Namib Desert derived by the combination of U–Pb silcrete and terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide exposure dating
Examination of the accuracy of SHRIMP U–Pb geochronology based on samples dated by both SHRIMP and CA-TIMS
In situ U–Pb dating of 4 billion-year-old carbonates in the martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001
Constraining the geothermal parameters of in situ Rb–Sr dating on Proterozoic shales and their subsequent applications
Short communication: On the potential use of materials with heterogeneously distributed parent and daughter isotopes as primary standards for non-U–Pb geochronological applications of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
In situ Lu–Hf geochronology of calcite
Calcite U–Pb dating of altered ancient oceanic crust in the North Pamir, Central Asia
Towards in situ U–Pb dating of dolomite
Uranium incorporation in fluorite and exploration of U–Pb dating
U − Pb geochronology of epidote by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as a tool for dating hydrothermal-vein formation
Tools for uranium characterization in carbonate samples: case studies of natural U–Pb geochronology reference materials
Direct U–Pb dating of carbonates from micron-scale femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry images using robust regression
Technical note: LA–ICP-MS U–Pb dating of unetched and etched apatites
The use of ASH-15 flowstone as a matrix-matched reference material for laser-ablation U − Pb geochronology of calcite
Expanding the limits of laser-ablation U–Pb calcite geochronology
Resolving multiple geological events using in situ Rb–Sr geochronology: implications for metallogenesis at Tropicana, Western Australia
LA-ICPMS U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircon grains from the Coconino, Moenkopi, and Chinle formations in the Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
Evaluating the reliability of U–Pb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) carbonate geochronology: matrix issues and a potential calcite validation reference material
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb carbonate geochronology: strategies, progress, and limitations
Alexander T. De Vries Van Leeuwen, Stijn Glorie, Martin Hand, Jacob Mulder, and Sarah E. Gilbert
Geochronology, 7, 199–211, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-199-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-199-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this contribution, we demonstrate in situ monazite lutetium–hafnium dating and compare results with uranium–lead dating. We present data from monazite reference materials and complex samples to demonstrate the viability of this method. We show that in situ lutetium–hafnium dating of monazite can resolve multiple age populations and may find use in scenarios where the uranium–lead system has been compromised.
Vincent Monchal, Rémi Rateau, Kerstin Drost, Cyril Gagnaison, Bastien Mennecart, Renaud Toullec, Koen Torremans, and David Chew
Geochronology, 7, 139–156, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-139-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-139-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Sedimentary rocks are typically dated indirectly, by comparing the fossil content of basins with the geological timescale. In this study, we employed an absolute dating approach to date 19\,Myr old sediments in the Paris Basin, using uranium–lead dating of calcite nodules associated with soil formation. The precision of our new ages enable more accurate comparisons (independent of their fossil contents) between the Paris Basin and other basins of similar age.
Cate Kooymans, Charles W. Magee Jr., Kathryn Waltenberg, Noreen J. Evans, Simon Bodorkos, Yuri Amelin, Sandra L. Kamo, and Trevor Ireland
Geochronology, 6, 337–363, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-337-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-337-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Zircon is a mineral where uranium decays to lead. Some radiation damage lets lead escape. A method called chemical abrasion (CA) dissolves out the damaged portions of zircon so that remaining zircon retains lead. We compare ion beam analyses of untreated and chemically abraded zircons. The ion beam ages for untreated zircons match the reference values for untreated zircon. The ion beam ages for CA zircon match CA reference ages. Other elements are unaffected by the chemical abrasion process.
Kyle P. Larson, Brendan Dyck, Sudip Shrestha, Mark Button, and Yani Najman
Geochronology, 6, 303–312, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-303-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-303-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study demonstrates the utility of laser-ablation-based detrital biotite Rb–Sr geochronology to investigate the rates of exhumation and burial in active mountain-building systems. It is further demonstrated that additional chemical data collected during spot analyses can be used to determine temperatures recorded in biotite. The method used has advantages over traditional methods in speed, ease of acquisition, and the ability to collect additional chemical information.
Benedikt Ritter, Richard Albert, Aleksandr Rakipov, Frederik M. Van der Wateren, Tibor J. Dunai, and Axel Gerdes
Geochronology, 5, 433–450, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-433-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-433-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Chronological information on the evolution of the Namib Desert is scarce. We used U–Pb dating of silcretes formed by pressure solution during calcrete formation to track paleoclimate variability since the Late Miocene. Calcrete formation took place during the Pliocene with an abrupt cessation at 2.9 Ma. The end took place due to deep canyon incision which we dated using TCN exposure dating. With our data we correct and contribute to the Neogene history of the Namib Desert and its evolution.
Charles W. Magee Jr., Simon Bodorkos, Christopher J. Lewis, James L. Crowley, Corey J. Wall, and Richard M. Friedman
Geochronology, 5, 1–19, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-1-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-1-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
SHRIMP (Sensitive High Resolution Ion MicroProbe) is an instrument that for decades has used the radioactive decay of uranium into lead to measure geologic time. The accuracy and precision of this instrument has not been seriously reviewed in almost 20 years. This paper compares several dozen SHRIMP ages in our database with more accurate and precise methods to assess SHRIMP accuracy and precision. Analytical and geological complications are addressed to try to improve the method.
Romain Tartèse and Ian C. Lyon
Geochronology, 4, 683–690, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-683-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-683-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Absolute chronological constraints are crucial in Earth and planetary sciences. In recent years, U–Pb dating of carbonates has provided information on the timing of, for example, diagenesis, faulting, or hydrothermalism. These studies have targeted relatively young terrestrial carbonates up to 300 million years old. By dating 3.9 billion-year-old martian carbonates in situ using the U–Pb chronometer, we show that this system is robust in ancient samples that have had a relatively simple history.
Darwinaji Subarkah, Angus L. Nixon, Monica Jimenez, Alan S. Collins, Morgan L. Blades, Juraj Farkaš, Sarah E. Gilbert, Simon Holford, and Amber Jarrett
Geochronology, 4, 577–600, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-577-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-577-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Advancements in technology have introduced new techniques to more quickly and cheaply date rocks with little sample preparation. A unique use of this method is to date shales and constrain when these rocks were first deposited. This approach can also time when such sequences were subsequently affected by heat or fluids after they were deposited. This is useful, as the formation of precious-metal-bearing systems or petroleum source rocks is commonly associated with such processes.
Daniil V. Popov
Geochronology, 4, 399–407, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-399-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-399-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This work provides equations allowing the use of minerals with variable concentrations of parent and daughter isotopes as primary standards to correct for elemental fractionation during the analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Alexander Simpson, Stijn Glorie, Martin Hand, Carl Spandler, Sarah Gilbert, and Brad Cave
Geochronology, 4, 353–372, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-353-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-353-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The article demonstrates a new technique that can be used to determine the age of calcite crystallisation using the decay of 176Lu to 176Hf. The technique is novel because (a) Lu–Hf radiometric dating is rarely applied to calcite and (b) this is the first instance where analysis has been conducted by ablating the sample with a laser beam rather than bulk dissolution. By using laser ablation the original context of the sample is preserved.
Johannes Rembe, Renjie Zhou, Edward R. Sobel, Jonas Kley, Jie Chen, Jian-Xin Zhao, Yuexing Feng, and Daryl L. Howard
Geochronology, 4, 227–250, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-227-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-227-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Calcite is frequently formed during alteration processes in the basaltic, uppermost layer of juvenile oceanic crust. Weathered oceanic basalts are hard to date with conventional radiometric methods. We show in a case study from the North Pamir, Central Asia, that calcite U–Pb age data, supported by geochemistry and petrological microscopy, have potential to date sufficiently old oceanic basalts, if the time span between basalt extrusion and latest calcite precipitation (~ 25 Myr) is considered.
Bar Elisha, Perach Nuriel, Andrew Kylander-Clark, and Ram Weinberger
Geochronology, 3, 337–349, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-337-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-337-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Distinguishing between different dolomitization processes is challenging yet critical for resolving some of the issues and ambiguities related to the formation of dolomitic rocks. Accurate U–Pb absolute dating of dolomite by LA-ICP-MS could contribute to a better understanding of the dolomitization process by placing syngenetic, early diagenetic, and/or epigenetic events in the proper geological context.
Louise Lenoir, Thomas Blaise, Andréa Somogyi, Benjamin Brigaud, Jocelyn Barbarand, Claire Boukari, Julius Nouet, Aurore Brézard-Oudot, and Maurice Pagel
Geochronology, 3, 199–227, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-199-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-199-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
To explore the U–Pb geochronometer in fluorite, the spatial distribution of uranium and other substituted elements in natural crystals is investigated using induced fission-track and synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence mapping. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating on four crystals, which preserve micrometer-scale variations in U concentrations, yields identical ages within analytical uncertainty. Our results show that fluorite U–Pb geochronology has potential for dating distinct crystal growth stages.
Veronica Peverelli, Tanya Ewing, Daniela Rubatto, Martin Wille, Alfons Berger, Igor Maria Villa, Pierre Lanari, Thomas Pettke, and Marco Herwegh
Geochronology, 3, 123–147, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-123-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-123-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This work presents LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology of epidote in hydrothermal veins. The challenges of epidote dating are addressed, and a protocol is proposed allowing us to obtain epidote U–Pb ages with a precision as good as 5 % in addition to the initial Pb isotopic composition of the epidote-forming fluid. Epidote demonstrates its potential to be used as a U–Pb geochronometer and as a fluid tracer, allowing us to reconstruct the timing of hydrothermal activity and the origin of the fluid(s).
E. Troy Rasbury, Theodore M. Present, Paul Northrup, Ryan V. Tappero, Antonio Lanzirotti, Jennifer M. Cole, Kathleen M. Wooton, and Kevin Hatton
Geochronology, 3, 103–122, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-103-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-103-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We characterize three natural carbonate samples with elevated uranium/lead (U/Pb) ratios to demonstrate techniques improving the understanding of U incorporation in carbonates for U/Pb dating. With the rapidly accelerating application of laser ablation analyses, there is a great need for well-characterized reference materials that can serve multiple functions. Strontium (Sr) isotope analyses and U XANES demonstrate that these samples could be used as reference materials.
Guilhem Hoareau, Fanny Claverie, Christophe Pecheyran, Christian Paroissin, Pierre-Alexandre Grignard, Geoffrey Motte, Olivier Chailan, and Jean-Pierre Girard
Geochronology, 3, 67–87, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-67-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-67-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
A new methodology for the micron-scale uranium–lead dating of carbonate minerals is proposed. It is based on the extraction of ages directly from pixel images (< 1 mm2) obtained by laser ablation coupled to a mass spectrometer. The ages are calculated with a robust linear regression through the pixel values. This methodology is compared to existing approaches.
Fanis Abdullin, Luigi A. Solari, Jesús Solé, and Carlos Ortega-Obregón
Geochronology, 3, 59–65, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-59-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-59-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Unetched and etched apatite grains from five samples were dated by U–Pb method using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our experiment indicates that etching needed for apatite fission track dating has insignificant effects on obtaining accurate U–Pb ages; thus, the laser ablation-based technique may be used for apatite fission track and U–Pb double dating.
Perach Nuriel, Jörn-Frederik Wotzlaw, Maria Ovtcharova, Anton Vaks, Ciprian Stremtan, Martin Šala, Nick M. W. Roberts, and Andrew R. C. Kylander-Clark
Geochronology, 3, 35–47, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-35-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-35-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This contribution presents a new reference material, ASH-15 flowstone with an age of 2.965 ± 0.011 Ma (95 % CI), to be used for in situ U–Pb dating of carbonate material. The new age analyses include the use of the EARTHTIME isotopic tracers and a large number of sub-samples (n = 37) with small aliquots (1–7 mg) each that are more representative of laser-ablation spot analysis. The new results could improve the propagated uncertainties on the final age with a minimal value of 0.4 %.
Andrew R. C. Kylander-Clark
Geochronology, 2, 343–354, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-343-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-343-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This paper serves as a guide to those interested in dating calcite by laser ablation. Within it are theoretical and practical limits of U and Pb concentrations (and U / Pb ratios), which would allow viable extraction of ages from calcite (and other minerals with moderate U / Pb ratios), and which type of instrumentation would be appropriate for any given sample. The method described uses a new detector array, allowing for lower detection limits and thereby expanding the range of viable samples.
Hugo K. H. Olierook, Kai Rankenburg, Stanislav Ulrich, Christopher L. Kirkland, Noreen J. Evans, Stephen Brown, Brent I. A. McInnes, Alexander Prent, Jack Gillespie, Bradley McDonald, and Miles Darragh
Geochronology, 2, 283–303, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-283-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-283-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Using a relatively new dating technique, in situ Rb–Sr geochronology, we constrain the ages of two generations of mineral assemblages from the Tropicana Zone, Western Australia. The first, dated at ca. 2535 Ma, is associated with exhumation of an Archean craton margin and gold mineralization. The second, dated at ca. 1210 Ma, has not been previously documented in the Tropicana Zone. It is probably associated with Stage II of the Albany–Fraser Orogeny and additional gold mineralization.
George Gehrels, Dominique Giesler, Paul Olsen, Dennis Kent, Adam Marsh, William Parker, Cornelia Rasmussen, Roland Mundil, Randall Irmis, John Geissman, and Christopher Lepre
Geochronology, 2, 257–282, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-257-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-257-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
U–Pb ages of zircon crystals are used to determine the provenance and depositional age of strata of the Triassic Chinle and Moenkopi formations and the Permian Coconino Sandstone of northern Arizona. Primary source regions include the Ouachita orogen, local Precambrian basement rocks, and Permian–Triassic magmatic arcs to the south and west. Ages from fine-grained strata provide reliable depositional ages, whereas ages from sandstones are compromised by zircon grains recycled from older strata.
Marcel Guillong, Jörn-Frederik Wotzlaw, Nathan Looser, and Oscar Laurent
Geochronology, 2, 155–167, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-155-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-155-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The dating of carbonates by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is improved by an additional, newly characterised reference material and adapted data evaluation protocols: the shape (diameter to depth) of the ablation crater has to be as similar as possible in the reference material used and the unknown samples to avoid an offset. Different carbonates have different ablation rates per laser pulse. With robust uncertainty propagation, precision can be as good as 2–3 %.
Nick M. W. Roberts, Kerstin Drost, Matthew S. A. Horstwood, Daniel J. Condon, David Chew, Henrik Drake, Antoni E. Milodowski, Noah M. McLean, Andrew J. Smye, Richard J. Walker, Richard Haslam, Keith Hodson, Jonathan Imber, Nicolas Beaudoin, and Jack K. Lee
Geochronology, 2, 33–61, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-33-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-33-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Here we review current progress in LA-ICP-MS U–Pb carbonate geochronology and present strategies for acquisition and interpretation of carbonate U–Pb dates. We cover topics from imaging techniques and U and Pb incorporation into calcite to potential limitations of the method – disequilibrium and isotope mobility. We demonstrate the incorporation of imaging and compositional data to help refine and interpret U–Pb dates. We expect this paper to become a
go-toreference paper for years to come.
Cited articles
Agard, P., Searle, M. P., Alsop, G. I., and Dubacq, B.: Crustal stacking and expulsion tectonics during continental subduction: P-T deformation constraints from Oman, Tectonics, 29, TC5018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010TC002669, 2010.
Ambrose, T. K., Waters, D. J., Searle, M. P., Gopon, P., and Forshaw, J. B.: Burial, accretion, and exhumation of the metamorphic sole of the Oman-UAE ophiolite, Tectonics, 40, e2020TC006392, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020TC006392, 2021.
Bartoli, O., Millonig, L. J., Carvalho, B. B., Marschall, H. R., and Gerdes, A.: The Age of Granulite-Facies Metamorphism in the Ivrea–Verbano Zone (NW Italy) Determined Through in situ U–Pb Dating of Garnet, J. Petrol., 65, egae083, https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egae083, 2024.
Baxter, E. F., Caddick, M. J., and Dragovic, B.: Garnet: a rock-forming mineral petrochronometer, Rev. Mineral Geochem., 83, 469–533, 2017.
Beckman, V. and Möller, C.: Prograde metamorphic zircon formation in gabbroic rocks: The tale of microtextures, J. Metamorph. Geol., 36, 1221–1236, 2018.
Belgrano, T. M. and Diamond, L. W.: Subduction-zone contributions to axial volcanism in the Oman-UAE ophiolite, Lithosphere, 11, 399–411, https://doi.org/10.1130/L1045.1, 2019.
Beno, C. J., Lackey, J. S., Schmitz, M. D., Bowman, J. R., Stearns, M. A., Bartley, J. M., and Fernandez, D. P.: Assessment of natural reference materials for U–Pb geochronology of grossular-andradite garnet, Geostand. Geoanal. Res., 48, 909–925, https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12561, 2024.
Blichert-Toft, J., Chauvel, C., and Albaréde, F.: Separation of Hf and Lu for high-precision isotope analysis of rock samples by magnetic sector-multiple collector ICP-MS, Contrib. Mineral. Petr., 127, 248–260, https://doi.org/10.1007/s004100050278, 1997.
Burisch, M., Gerdes, A., Meinert, L. D., Albert, R., Seifert, T., and Gutzmer, J.: The essence of time – fertile skarn formation in the Variscan Orogenic Belt, Earth Planet Sc. Lett., 519, 165–170, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.05.015, 2019.
Burisch, M., Bussey, S. D., Landon, N., Nasi, C., Kakarieka, A., Gerdes, A., Albert, R., Stein, H. J., Gabites, J. A., Friedman, R. M., and Meinert, L. D.: Timing of magmatism and skarn formation at the Limon, Guajes, and Media Luna gold ± copper skarn deposits at Morelos, Guerrero State, Mexico, Econ. Geol., 118, 695–718, https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.4985, 2023.
Caddick, M. J. and Kohn, M. J.: Garnet: witness to the evolution of destructive plate boundaries, Elements, 9, 427–432, 2013.
Ceccato, A., Behr, W. M., Zappone, A. S., Tavazzani, L., and Giuliani, A.: Structural evolution, exhumation rates, and rheology of the European crust during Alpine collision: Constraints from the Rotondo Granite – Gotthard Nappe, Tectonics, 43, e2023TC008219, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023TC008219, 2024.
Chauvet, F., Dumont, T., and Basile, C.: Structures and timing of Permian rifting in the central Oman Mountains (Saih Hatat), Tectonophysics, 475, 563–574, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2009.07.008, 2009.
Christensen, J. N., Rosenfeld, J. L., and DePaolo, D. J.: Rates of tectonometamorphic processes from Rubidium and Strontium isotopes in garnet, Science, 244, 1465–1469, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.244.4911.1465, 1989.
Corrie, S. L. and Kohn, M.J: Metamorphic history of the central Himalaya, Annapurna region, Nepal, and implications for tectonic models, GSA Bulletin, 123, 1863–1879, https://doi.org/10.1130/B30376.1, 2011.
Cowan, R. J., Searle, M. P., and Waters, D. J. Structure of the metamorphic sole to the Oman Ophiolite, Sumeini Window and Wadi Tayyin: Implications for ophiolite obduction processes, Geol. Soc. London Spec. Publ., 392, 155–175, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP392.8, 2014.
Dempster, T. J., Hay, D. C., Gordon, S. H., and Kelly, N. M.: Micro-zircon: Origin and evolution during metamorphism, J. Metamorph. Geol., 26, 499–507, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1314.2008.00772.x, 2008.
DeWolf, C. P., Zeissler, C. J., Halliday, A. N., Mezger, K., and Essene, E. J.: The role of inclusions in U–Pb and Sm–Nd garnet geochronology: Stepwise dissolution experiments and trace uranium mapping by fission track analysis, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 60, 121–134, 1996.
Duretz, T., Agard, P., Yamato, P., Ducassou, C., Burov, E. B., and Gerya, T. V.: Thermo-mechanical modeling of the obduction process based on the Oman Ophiolite case, Gondwana Res., 32, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2015.02.002, 2016.
El-Shazly, A. E.-D., Coleman, R. G., and Liou, J. G.: Eclogites and blueschists from Northeastern Oman: petrology and P-T evolution, J. Petrol., 31, 629–666, https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/31.3.629, 1990.
El-Shazly, A. K.: Are pressures for blueschists and eclogites overestimated? The case from NE Oman, Lithos, 56, 231–264, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-4937(00)00050-5, 2001.
El-Shazly, A. K. and Lanphere, M. A.: Two high-pressure metamorphic events in NE Oman: Evidence from 40Ar
El-Shazly, A. K., Bröcker, M., Hacker, B., and Calvert, A.: Formation and exhumation of blueschists and eclogites from NE Oman: New perspectives from Rb–Sr and 40Ar
Garber, J. M., Rioux, M., Searle, M. P., Kylander-Clark, A. R. C., Hacker, B. R., Vervoort, J., Warren, C. J., and Smye, A. J.: Dating continental subduction beneath the Samail Ophiolite: garnet, zircon, and rutile petrochronology of the As Sifah eclogites, NE Oman, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 126, e2021JB022715, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB022715, 2021.
Gerdes, A. and Zeh, A.: Combined U–Pb and Hf isotope LA-(MC-) ICP-MS analyses of detrital zircons: Comparison with SHRIMP and new constraints for the provenance and age of an Amorican metasediment in Central Germany, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 239, 47–61, 2006.
Gerdes, A. and Zeh, A.: Zircon formation versus zircon alteration – new insights from combined U–Pb and Lu–Hf in situ LA-ICP-MS analyses, and consequences for the interpretation of Archean zircon from the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt, Chem. Geol., 261, 230–243, 2009.
Ghent, E. D. and Stout, M. Z.: Metamorphism at the base of the Samail Ophiolite, southeastern Oman Mountains, J. Geophys. Res., 86, 2557–2571, https://doi.org/10.1029/JB086iB04p02557, 1981.
Gibson, H. D., Carr, S. D., Brown, R. L., and Hamilton, M. A.: Correlations between chemical and age domains in monazite, and metamorphic reactions involving major pelitic phases: an integration of ID-TIMS and SHRIMP geochronology with Y–Th–U X-ray mapping, Chem. Geol., 211, 237–260, 2004.
Gnos, E: Peak metamorphic conditions of garnet amphibolites beneath the Semail ophiolite: Implications for an inverted pressure gradient, Int. Geol. Rev., 40, 281–304, https://doi.org/10.1080/00206819809465210, 1998.
Goffé, B., Michard, A., Kienast, J. R., and Le Mer, O.: A case of obduction-related high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphism in upper crustal nappes, Arabian continental margin, Oman: P–T paths and kinematic interpretation, Tectonophysics, 151, 363–386, https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(88)90253-3, 1988.
Gray, D. R., Hand, M., Mawby, J., Armstrong, R. A., Miller, J. M., and Gregory, R. T.: Sm–Nd and Zircon U–Pb ages from garnet-bearing eclogites, NE Oman: Constraints on High-P metamorphism, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 222, 407–422, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2004.03.016, 2004a.
Gray, D. R., Miller, J. M., Foster, D. A., and Gregory, R. T.: Transition from subduction- to exhumation-related fabrics in glaucophane-bearing eclogites, Oman: Evidence from relative fabric chronology and 40Ar
Gray, D. R., Gregory, R. T., Armstrong, R. A., Richards, I. J., and Miller, J. M.: Age and stratigraphic relationships of structurally deepest level rocks, Oman Mountains: U/Pb SHRIMP evidence for late carboniferous neotethys rifting, J. Geol., 113, 611–626, https://doi.org/10.1086/449325, 2005.
Goscombe, B., Foster, D. A., Gray, D. R., Kelsey, D., and Wade, B.: Metamorphic response within different subduction–obduction settings preserved on the NE Arabian margin, Gondwana Res., 83, 298–371, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2020.02.002, 2020.
Guilmette, C., Smit, M. A., van Hinsbergen, D. J. J., Gürer, D., Corfu, F., Charette, B., Maffione, M., Rabeau, O., Savard, D.: Forced subduction initiation recorded in the sole and crust of the Semail Ophiolite of Oman, Nat. Geosci., 11, 688–695, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-018-0209-2, 2018.
Hacker, B. R. and Mosenfelder, J. L.: Metamorphism and deformation along the emplacement thrust of the Samail ophiolite, Oman, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 144, 435–451, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0012-821x(96)00186-0, 1996.
Hacker, B. R., Mosenfelder, J. L., and Gnos, E.: Rapid emplacement of the Oman ophiolite: Thermal and geochronologic constraints, Tectonics, 15, 1230–1247, https://doi.org/10.1029/96tc01973, 1996.
Hansman, R. J., Ring, U., Scharf, A., Glodny, J., and Wan, B.: Structural architecture and Late Cretaceous exhumation history of the Saih Hatat Dome (Oman), a review based on existing data and semi-restorable cross-sections, Earth Sci. Rev., 217, 103595, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103595, 2021.
Hay, D. C. and Dempster, T. J.: Zircon behaviour during low-temperature metamorphism, J. Petrol., 50, 571–589, https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egp011, 2009.
Hollinetz, M. S., Schneider, D. A., McFarlane, C. R. M., Huet, B., Rantitsch, G., and Grasemann, B.: Bulk inclusion micro-zircon U–Pb geochronology: A new tool to date low-grade metamorphism, J. Metamorph. Geol., 40, 207–227, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12624, 2022.
Horstwood, M. S. A., Košler, J., Gehrels, G., Jackson, S. E., McLean, N. M., Paton, C., Pearson, N. J., Sircombe, K., Sylvester, P., Vermeesch, P., Bowring, J. F., Condon, D. J., and Schoene, B.: Community-derived standards for LA-ICP-MS U–(Th–)Pb geochronology—uncertainty propagation, age interpretation and data reporting, Geostand. Geoanal. Res., 40, 311–332, 2016.
Ishikawa, T., Nagaishi, K., and Umino, S.: Boninitic volcanism in the Oman ophiolite: Implications for thermal condition during transition from spreading ridge to arc, Geology, 30, 899–902, https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2002)030<0899:BVITOO>2.0.CO;2, 2002.
Jochum, K. P., Stoll, B., Herwig, K., Willbold, M., Hofmann, A. W., Amini, M., Aarburg, S., Abouchami, W., Hellebrand, E., Mocek, B., Raczek, I., Stracke, A., Alard, O., Bouman, C., Becker, S., Dücking, M., Brätz, H., Klemd, R., de Bruin, D., Canil, D., Cornell, D., de Hoog, C.-J., Dalpé, C., Danyushevsky, L., Eisenhauer, A., Gao, Y., Snow, J. E., Groschopf, N., Günther, D., Latkoczy, C., Guillong, M., Hauri, E. H., Höfer, H. E., Lahaye, Y., Horz, K., Jacob, D. E., Kasemann, S. A., Kent, A. J. R., Ludwig, T., Zack, T., Mason, P. R. D., Meixner, A., Rosner, M., Misawa, K., Nash, B. P., Pfänder, J., Premo, W. R., Sun, W. D., Tiepolo, M., Vannucci, R., Vennemann, T., Wayne, D., and Woodhead, J. D.: MPI-DING reference glasses for in situ microanalysis: New reference values for element concentrations and isotope ratios, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 7, Q02008, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005GC001060, 2006.
Jochum, K. P., Weis, U., Stoll, B., Kuzmin, D., Yang, Q., Raczek, L., Jacob, D. E., Stracke, A., Birbaum, K., Frick, D. A., Günther, D., and Enzwiler, J.: Determination of reference values for NISTSRM 610-617 glasses following ISO guidelines, Geostand. Geoanal. Res., 35, 397–429, 2011.
Kelley, S.: Excess argon in K–Ar and Ar–Ar geochronology, Chem. Geol., 188, 1–22, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(02)00064-5, 2002.
Kohn, M. J., Corrie, S. L., and Markley, C.: The fall and rise of metamorphic zircon, Am. Mineral., 100, 897–908, 2015.
Kotowski, A. J., Cloos, M., Stockli, D. F., and Orent, E. B.: Structural and thermal evolution of an infant subduction shear zone: Insights from sub-ophiolite metamorphic rocks recovered from Oman Drilling Project Site BT-1B, J. Geophys. Res., 126, e2021JB021702, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB021702, 2021.
Kusano, Y., Umino, S., Shinjo, R., Ikei, A., Adachi, Y., Miyashita, S., and Arai, S.: Contribution of slab-derived fluid and sedimentary melt in the incipient arc magmas with development of the paleo-arc in the Oman ophiolite, Chem. Geol., 449, 206–225, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.12.012, 2017.
Lima, S. M., Corfu, F., Neiva, A. M. R., and Ramos, J. M. F.: U–Pb ID-TIMS dating applied to U-rich inclusions in garnet, Am. Mineral., 97, 800–806, https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2012.3930, 2012.
Ludwig, K. R.: User's manual for Isoplot Version 3.75–5.14: a geochronological toolkit for Microsoft Excel, Berkeley Geochron. Center Special Pub., 5, 1–72, 2012.
Mann, A. and Hanna, S. S.: The tectonic evolution of pre-Permian rocks, Central and Southeastern Oman Mountains, Geol. Soc. London Spec. Publ., 49, 307–325, https://doi.org/10.1144/gsl.sp.1992.049.01.19, 1990.
Mark, C., O'Sullivan, G., Glorie, S., Simpson, A., Andò, S., Barbarano, M., Stutenbecker, L., Daly, S. J., and Gilbert, S.: Detrital garnet geochronology by in situ U–Pb and Lu–Hf analysis: a case study from the European Alps, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 128, e2023JF007244, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JF007244, 2023.
Massonne, H.-J., Opitz, J., Theye, T., and Nasir, S.: Evolution of a very deeply subducted metasediment from As Sifah, northeastern coast of Oman, Lithos, 156, 171–185, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2012.11.009, 2013.
Mattinson, J. M.: Revolution and Evolution: 100 years of U–Pb geochronology, Elements, 9, 53–57, https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.9.1.53, 2013.
Mezger, K., Hanson, G. N., and Bohlen, S. R.: U–Pb systematics of garnet: dating the growth of garnet in the late Archean Pikwitonei granulite domain at Cauchon and Natawahunan Lakes, Manitoba, Canada, Contrib. Mineral. Petr., 101, 136–148, 1989.
Miller, J. M., Gregory, R. T., Gray, D. R., and Foster, D. A.: Geological and geochronological constraints on the exhumation of a high-pressure metamorphic terrane, Oman, Geol. Soc. London Spec. Publ., 154, 241–260, https://doi.org/10.1144/gsl.sp.1999.154.01.11, 1999.
Miller, J. M., Gray, D. R., and Gregory, R. T.: Geometry and significance of internal windows and regional isoclinal folds in northeast Saih Hatat, Sultanate of Oman, J. Struct. Geol., 24, 359–386, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0191-8141(01)00061-X, 2002.
Millonig, L. J., Albert, R., Gerdes, A., Avigad, D., and Dietsch, C.: Exploring laser ablation U–Pb dating of regional metamorphic garnet – The Straits Schist, Connecticut, USA, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 552, 116589, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116589, 2020.
Montigny, R., Le Mer, O., Thuizat, R., and Whitechurch, H.: K–Ar and Ar study of metamorphic rocks associated with the Oman ophiolite: Tectonic implications, Tectonophysics, 151, 345–362, https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(88)90252-1, 1988.
Nesheim, T. O., Vervoort, J. D., McClelland, W. C., Gilotti, J. A., and Lang, H. M.: Mesoproterozoic syntectonic garnet within Belt Supergroup metamorphic tectonites: Evidence of Grenville-age metamorphism and deformation along northwest Laurentia, Lithos, 134–135, 91–107, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2011.12.008, 2012.
Nicolas, A., Boudier, F., Ildefonse, B., and Ball, E.: Accretion of Oman and the United Arab Emirates ophiolite – Discussion of a new structural ma, Marine Geophys. Res., 21, 147–180, https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1026769727917, 2000.
Norris, A. and Danyushevsky, L.: Towards estimating the complete uncertainty budget of quantified results measured by LA-ICP-MS, Goldschmidt abstracts, Boston, 2018.
O'Sullivan, G. J., Hoare, B. C., Mark, C., Drakou, F., and Tomlinson, E. L.: Uranium-lead geochronology applied to pyrope garnet with very low concentrations of uranium, Geol. Mag., 160, 1010–1019, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756823000122, 2023.
Paton, C., Hellstrom, J., Paul, B., Woodhead, J., and Hergt, J.: Iolite: Freeware for the visualisation and processing of mass spectrometric data, J. Anal. Atom. Spectrom., 26, 2508–2518, 2011.
Pearce, J. A., Alabaster, T., Shelton, A. W., and Searle, M. P., The Oman ophiolite as a cretaceous arc-basin complex: Evidence and implications, Philos. T. R. Soc. A, 300, 299–317, 1981.
Pearce, N. J. G., Perkins, W. T., Westgate, J. A., Gorton, M. P., Jackson, S. E., Neal, C. R., and Chenery, S. P.: A Compilation of New and Published Major and Trace Element Data for NIST SRM 610 and NIST SRM 612 Glass Reference Materials, Geostandard Newslett., 21, 115–144, 1997.
Peillod, A., Patten, C. G. C., Drüppel, K., Beranoaguirre, A., Zeh, A., Gudelius, D., Hector, S., Majka, J., Kleine-Marschall, B. I., Karlson, A., Gerdes, A., and Kolb, J.: Disruption of a high-pressure unit during exhumation: Example of the Cycladic Blueschist unit (Thera, Ios and Naxos islands, Greece), J. Metamorph. Geol., 42, 225–255, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12753, 2024.
Pollington, A. D. and Baxter, E. F.: High resolution Sm–Nd garnet geochronology reveals the uneven pace of tectonometamorphic processes, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 293, 63–71, 2010.
Pyle, J. M. and Spear, F. S.: Yttrium zoning in garnet: coupling of major and accessory phases during metamorphic reactions, Geol. Mat. Res., 1, 1–49, 1999.
Pyle, J. M. and Spear, F. S.: Four generations of accessory-phase growth in low-pressure migmatites from SW New Hampshire, Am. Min., 88, 338–351, 2003.
Ring, U., Glodny, J., Hansman, R., Scharf, A., Mattern, F., Callegari, I., van Hinsbergen, D. J. J., Willner, A., and Hong, Y.: The Samail subduction zone dilemma: Geochronology of high-pressure rocks from the Saih Hatat window, Oman, reveals juxtaposition of two subduction zones with contrasting thermal histories, Earth Sci. Rev., 250, 104711, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2024.104711, 2024.
Rioux, M., Bowring, S. A., Kelemen, P. B., Gordon, S., Dudás, F., and Miller, R.: Rapid crustal accretion and magma assimilation in the Oman- U. A. E. ophiolite: High precision U–Pb zircon geochronology of the gabbroic crust, J. Geophys. Res., 117, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JB009273, 2012.
Rioux, M., Bowring, S. A., Kelemen, P., Gordon, S., Miller, R., and Dudás, F.: Tectonic development of the Samail ophiolite: High-precision U–Pb zircon geochronology and Sm–Nd isotopic constraints on crustal growth and emplacement, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 118, 2085–2101, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrb.50139, 2013.
Rioux, M., Garber, J., Bauer, A., Bowring, S., Searle, M., Kelemen, P., and Hacker, B.: Synchronous formation of the metamorphic sole and igneous crust of the Semail ophiolite: New constraints on the tectonic evolution during ophiolite formation from high-precision U–Pb zircon geochronology, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 451, 185–195, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.06.051, 2016.
Rioux, M., Benoit, M., Amri, I., Ceuleneer, G., Garber, J. M., Searle, M., and Leal, K.: The origin of felsic intrusions within the mantle section of the Samail ophiolite: Geochemical evidence for three distinct mixing and fractionation trends, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 126, e2020JB020760, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JB020760, 2021.
Rioux, M., Garber, J. M., Searle, M., Crowley, J. L., Stevens, S., Schmitz, M., Kylander-Clark, A. R. C., Leal, K., Ambrose, T., and Smye, A. J.: The temporal evolution of subduction initiation in the Samail ophiolite: high-precision U–Pb zircon petrochronology of the metamorphic sole, J. Metamorph. Geol., 41, 817–847, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12719, 2023.
Robertson, A. H. F.: Upper cretaceous muti formation: Transition of a Mesozoic carbonate platform to a foreland basin in the Oman Mountains, Sedimentology, 34, 1123–1142, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.1987.tb00596.x, 1987.
Rubatto, D.: Zircon trace element geochemistry: partitioning with garnet and the link between U–Pb ages and metamorphism, Chem. Geol., 184, 123–138, 2002.
Schannor, M., Lana, C., Nicoli, G., Cutts, K., Buick, I., Gerdes, A., and Hecht, L.: Reconstructing the metamorphic evolution of the Araçuaí orogen (SE Brazil) using in situ U–Pb garnet dating and P–T modelling, J. Metamorph. Geol., 39, 1145–1171, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12605, 2021.
Scherer, E. E., Cameron, K. L., and Blichert-Toft, J.: Lu–Hf garnet geochronology: Closure temperature relative to the Sm–Nd system and the effects of trace mineral inclusions, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 64, 3413–3432, 2000.
Searle, M. P. and Cox, J.: Subduction zone metamorphism during formation and emplacement of the Semail ophiolite in the Oman Mountains, Geol. Mag., 139, 241–255, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756802006532, 2002.
Searle, M. P., Waters, D. J., Martin, H. N., and Rex, D. C.: Structure and metamorphism of blueschist-eclogite facies rocks from the northeastern Oman Mountains, J. Geol. Soc., 151, 555–576, https://doi.org/10.1144/gsjgs.151.3.0555, 1994.
Searle, M. P., Warren, C. J., Waters, D. J., and Parrish, R. R.: Structural evolution, metamorphism and restoration of the Arabian continental margin, Saih Hatat region, Oman Mountains, J. Struct. Geol., 26, 451–473, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2003.08.005, 2004.
Seman, S., Stockli, D. F., and McLean, N. M.: U–Pb geochronology of grossular-andradite garnet, Chem. Geol., 460, 106–116, 2017.
Shu, Q., Beranoaguirre, A., Albert, R., Millonig, L. J., Walters, J. B., Marschall, H. R., Gerdes, A., Hoefer, H. E., Hezel, D., and Brey, G. P.: Multi-stage ultrahigh temperature metamorphism in the lower crust of the Kaapvaal craton recorded by U–Pb ages of garnet, Contrib. Mineral. Petr., 179, 49, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-024-02121-4, 2024.
Simpson, A., Gilbert, S., Tamblyn, R., Hand, M., Spandler, C., Gillespie, J., Nixon, A., and Glorie, S.: In-situ Lu–Hf geochronology of garnet, apatite and xenotime by LA ICP MS/MS, Chem. Geol.,577, 120299, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120299, 2021.
Soret, M., Agard, P., Dubacq, B., Plunder, A., and Yamato, P.: Petrological evidence for stepwise accretion of metamorphic soles during subduction infancy (Semail ophiolite, Oman and UAE), J. Metamorph. Geol., 35, 1051–1080, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12267, 2017.
Smye, A. J., Warren, C. J., and Bickle, M. J.: The signature of devolatisation: Extraneous 40Ar systematics in high-pressure metamorphic rocks, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 113, 94–112, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2013.03.018, 2013.
Tamblyn, R., Hand, M., Simpson, A., Gilbert, S., Wade, B., and Glorie, S.: In situ laser ablation Lu–Hf geochronology of garnet across the Western Gneiss Region: campaign-style dating of metamorphism, J. Geol. Soc., 179, 1–16, https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2021-094, 2022.
Tera, F. and Wasserburg, G. J.: U–Th–Pb systematics in three Apollo 14 basalts and the problem of initial Pb in lunar rocks, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 14, 281–304, 1972.
Tual, L., Smit, M. A., Cutts, J., Kooijman, E., Kielman-Schmitt, M., Majka, J., and Foulds, I.: Rapid, paced metamorphism of blueschists (Syros, Greece) from laser-based zoned Lu–Hf garnet chronology and LA-ICPMS trace element mapping, Chem. Geol., 30, 121003, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2022.121003, 2022.
van Breeman, O. and Hawkesworth, C. J.: Sm–Nd isotopic study of garnets and their metamorphic host rocks, T. Roy. Soc. Edin.-Earth, 71, 97–102, 1980.
Wafforn, S., Seman, S., Kyle, J. R., Stockli, D., Leys, C., Sonbait, D., and Cloos, M.: Andradite garnet U–Pb geochronology of the Big Gossan Skarn, Ertsberg-Grasberg mining district, Indonesia, Econ. Geol., 113, 769–778, https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.2018.4569, 2018.
Walters, J. B.: MinPlot: A mineral formula recalculation and plotting program for electron probe microanalysis, Mineralogia, 53, 51–66, https://doi.org/10.2478/mipo-2022-0005, 2022.
Walters, J. B. and Gies, N. B.: MinPlotX: A powerful tool for formula recalculation, visualization, and comparison of large mineral compositional datasets, Mineralogia, 56, 13–22, https://doi.org/10.2478/mipo-2025-0003, 2025.
Warr, L. N.: IMA-CNMNC approved mineral symbols, Mineral. Mag., 85, 291–320, https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2021.43, 2021.
Warren, C., Parrish, R., Waters, D., and Searle, M.: Dating the geologic history of Oman's Semail ophiolite: Insights from U–Pb geochronology, Contrib. Mineral. Petr., 150, 403–422, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-005-0028-5, 2005.
Warren, C. J.: Continental subduction beneath the Semail ophiolite, Oman: constraints from U–Pb geochronology and metamorphic modelling, PhD thesis, University of Oxford, England, 2004.
Warren, C. J. and Miller, J. M.: Structural and stratigraphic controls on the origin and tectonic history of a subducted continental margin, Oman. J. Struct. Geol., 29, 541–558, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2006.10.006, 2007.
Warren, C. J. and Waters, D. J.: Oxidized eclogites and garnet-blueschists from Oman: P–T path modelling in the NCFMASHO system, J. Metamorph. Geol., 24, 783–802, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1314.2006.00668.x, 2006.
Warren, C. J., Parrish, R. R., Searle, M. P., and Waters, D. J.: Dating the subduction of the Arabian continental margin beneath the Semail ophiolite, Oman, Geology, 31, 889–892, https://doi.org/10.1130/g19666.1, 2003.
Warren, C. J., Sherlock, S. C., and Kelley, S. P.: Interpreting high-pressure phengite 40Ar
Yakymchuk, C.: Prograde zircon growth in migmatites, J. Metamorph. Geol., 41, 719–743, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12715, 2023.
Yang, Y.-H., Wu, F.-U., Yang, J.-H., Mitchell, R. H., Zhao, Z.-F., Xie, L.-W., Huang, C., Ma, Q., Yang, M., and Zhao, H.: U–Pb age determination of schorlomite garnet by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, J. Anal. Atom. Spectrom., 33, 231–239, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7JA00315C, 2018.
Zuccari, C., Vignaroli, G., Callegari, I., Nestola, F., Novella., D., Giuntoli, F., Guillong, M., and Viola, G.: Forming and preserving aragonite in shear zones: First report of blueschist facies metamorphism in the Jabal Akhdar Dome, Oman Mountains, Geology, 51, 454–459, https://doi.org/10.1130/G51079.1, 2023.
Short summary
Garnet U–Pb dating is useful for dating geologic events. However, contamination by U-rich minerals included in garnet is a risk. Inclusions are often spotted by high-U spikes or large errors in the age. We dated garnets in metamorphic rocks and calculated ages 10–15 Myr older than expected, reflecting contamination by the mineral zircon. We provide recommendations for identifying contamination and suggest that the bulk dating of zircon inclusions in garnet may also provide valuable information.
Garnet U–Pb dating is useful for dating geologic events. However, contamination by U-rich...
