A powerful methodology for studying crustal evolution and evaluating the metallogenic potential of terranes

    TerraneChron®, a methodology for terrane evaluation currently unique to CCFS/GEMOC, requires the integration of data from three instruments (electron microprobe, LAM-ICPMS and LAM-MC-ICPMS) and delivers fast, cost-effective information on the tectonic history of regional terranes. The unique extensive database (over 31,600 zircon U-Pb and Hf-isotope analyses) in the Macquarie Geoanalysis laboratory allows unparalleled contextual information in the interpretations and reports provided to industry.

    What is TerraneChron®?

    • U-Pb ages, with precision equivalent to SHRIMP
    • Hf isotopes trace magma sources (crustal vs juvenile mantle input)
    • Trace elements identify parental rock types of detrital zircons

    What kind of samples?

    • Regional heavy-mineral sampling (modern drainages: terrane analysis)
    • Sedimentary rocks (basin analysis)
    • Igneous rocks (dating, specialised genetic studies)

     

    Applications

     


      Supported by NCRIS investment into the AuScope Earth Composition & Evolution (ECE) component


 

Remote sensing with detrital samples

•  Based on zircon analyses

•  Efficient and cost-effective

•  Identifies regional tectonic events

•  Dates magmatic episodes

•  Fingerprints crustal reworking and       mantle input (fertility)