High radiogenic heat–producing granites and metamorphism—An example from the western Mount Isa inlier, Australia

Research Article| August 01, 1999 High radiogenic heat–producing granites and metamorphism—An example from the western Mount Isa inlier, Australia Sandra McLaren; Sandra McLaren 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mike Sandiford; Mike Sandiford 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Martin Hand Martin Hand 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Sandra McLaren 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia Mike Sandiford 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia Martin Hand 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1999) 27 (8): 679–682. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027<0679:HRHPGA>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Sandra McLaren, Mike Sandiford, Martin Hand; High radiogenic heat–producing granites and metamorphism—An example from the western Mount Isa inlier, Australia. Geology 1999;; 27 (8): 679–682. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027<0679:HRHPGA>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The origins of metamorphism (∼600 °C and 3–4 kbar) in the western Mount Isa inlier, Australia, remain controversial for a number of reasons. (1) No synmetamorphic intrusive bodies can be recognized; (2) high temperatures appear to be sustained for periods >100 m.y.; and (3) metamorphism follows an extended phase of thermal subsidence. We show that the burial of granite batholiths enriched in radiogenic elements beneath the thick insulating sedimentary succession of the Mount Isa Group (deposited in response to repeated rift-sag cycles) was capable of generating steep upper crustal thermal gradients immediately prior to the Isan orogeny. These gradients are appropriate to peak metamorphic conditions, such that the ensuing Isan orogeny required no significant additional heat input. This result is significant in that it may provide a mechanism for understanding the origins of high-temperature metamorphism in other terranes where the involvement of transient heating is not obvious. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.