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K-Ar geochronology of the Survey Pass, Ambler River and Eastern Baird Mountains quadrangles, southwestern Brooks Range, Alaska

Open-File Report 78-254
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr78254

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Abstract

We report 76 previously unpublished K-Ar mineral ages from 47 metamorphic and igneous rocks in the southwestern Brooks Range. The pattern of radiometric ages is complex, reflecting the complex geologic history of this area. Local and regional radiometric evidence suggests that the southern Brooks Range schist belt has, at least in part, undergone a late Precambrian metamorphism and that the parent sedimentary and igneous rocks for the metamorphic rocks dated as late Precambrian are at least this old (Precambrian Z). This schist terrane experienced a major thermal event in mid-Cretaceous time, causing widespread resetting of nearly all K-Ar mica ages. A series of apparent ages intermediate between late Precambrian and mid-Cretaceous are interpreted as indicating varying amounts of partial argon loss from older rocks during the Cretaceous event. The schist belt is characterized by dominant metasediments and subordinate metabasites and metafelsites. Blueschists occur within the schist belt from the Chandalar quadrangle westward to the Baird Mountains quadrangle, but geologic evidence does not support the existence of a fossil subduction zone.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title K-Ar geochronology of the Survey Pass, Ambler River and Eastern Baird Mountains quadrangles, southwestern Brooks Range, Alaska
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 78-254
DOI 10.3133/ofr78254
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description Report: 41 p.; 3 Plates: 30.18 × 22.68 inches or smaller
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Survey Pass, Ambler River, and eastern Baird Mountains quadrangles
Scale 250000
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