Long‐term thermal consequences of the redistribution of heat‐producing elements associated with large‐scale granitic complexes

Crustal thermal regimes are sensitive to both the amount and distribution of heat producing elements (HPEs). Since a significant proportion of the crustal complement of HPEs is contained within granites, granite generation and emplacement should lead to significant long‐term changes in the thermal structure of the crust. Using HPE concentrations appropriate to representative Australian Proterozoic granites we show that granite segregation leads to changes in the temperature field of the crust of up to c. 50 °C, producing long‐term cooling in the source regions and heating at emplacement levels, relative to the pre‐granite conductive thermal regime. Because of the intimate connection between thermal regime and lithospheric strength, granite‐assisted redistribution of HPEs is likely to be fundamental to cratonisation.