Quantifying the Phanerozoic thermal evolution and long-term stability of cratonic lithosphere using integrated low temperature thermochronology [ 2002-01-01 - 2006-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Andrew J W Gleadow (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Barry Kohn (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Roderick Brown (Chief Investigator) ,  Mr Kirk Osadetz (Partner Investigator)

Brief description Quantifying the Phanerozoic thermal evolution and long-term stability of cratonic lithosphere using integrated low temperature thermochronology. The Earth's most ancient crustal regions (i.e. cratons) are thought to have remained remarkably stable since their formation >2.5 billion years ago. This project will re-evaluate this paradigm by applying low temperature thermochronology by the fission track and (U-Th)/He methods to three key cratons, to detect and quantify previously unknown episodes of significant cooling and denudation (i.e. low-level instability) which are invisible to other analytical techniques. The outcomes will open a new research avenue in these terrains, which host some of the world's most valuable mineral resources, underlie important petroleum basins and are potential long-term repositories for radioactive waste.

Funding Amount $525,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal