Review of radiometric data from the Yukon Crystalline Terrane, Alaska and Yukon Territory

Abstract

The results of more than 20 years of geochronological studies in the Yukon Crystalline Terrane in east-central Alaska and the western Yukon Territory suggest at least six igneous and thermal (metamorphic?) events. Plutonism during Mississippian, Early Jurassic, mid-Cretaceous, Late Cretaceous, and early Tertiary times is indicated. Evidence also indicates that Mississippian, Early Jurassic, late Early Cretaceous, and late Cretaceous thermal (metamorphic?) events have affected parts of the terrane. The western part of the terrane was affected by a significant regional metamorphic event in late Early Cretaceous time, followed by a terrane-wide mid-Cretaceous plutonic event. The pattern of K–Ar ages allows division of the terrane into domains, bounded by northeast-trending lineaments.