Finding the hidden orogeny – The Proterozoic polymetamorphic history of northern New Mexico
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Abstract
Pressure–temperature–time-deformation histories provide key constraints on orogenic processes but can be affected by later overprinting. This is exemplified in the Proterozoic orogenic belts of southwestern Laurentia where competing tectonic models involve either a single progressive Mesoproterozoic event, the Picuris orogeny, or a polyorogenic history that also includes the ~1.65 Ga Mazatzal orogeny. We address this controversy with structural analysis and petrochronology in the type locality of the Picuris orogeny. Xenotime and monazite domains associated with the greenschist-facies axial planar fabric of early F1 folds yield 1644 ± 11 Ma (xenotime) and 1641 ± 15 Ma (monazite) ages and 450°C–482°C temperatures recording metamorphism and shortening associated with the Mazatzal orogeny. This Palaeoproterozoic greenschist-facies assemblage was overprinted by higher grade, protracted (1470–1350 Ma) tectonism that included the Picuris orogeny. Our results document the complex polyphase crustal assembly of Laurentia and highlight how petrochronology can effectively see through higher grade overprints to identify a more complete orogenic evolution.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Finding the hidden orogeny – The Proterozoic polymetamorphic history of northern New Mexico |
| Series title | Terra Nova |
| DOI | 10.1111/ter.12778 |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Publication Date | May 05, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 304 |
| Last page | 315 |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |