Using pluton ages to date regional deformations: Problems with commonly used criteria

Abstract

Research Article| December 01, 1988 Using pluton ages to date regional deformations: Problems with commonly used criteria Scott R. Paterson; Scott R. Paterson 1Earth Science Board, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Othmar T. Tobisch Othmar T. Tobisch 1Earth Science Board, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Scott R. Paterson 1Earth Science Board, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064 Othmar T. Tobisch 1Earth Science Board, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1988) 16 (12): 1108–1111. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1988)016<1108:UPATDR>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 MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Scott R. Paterson, Othmar T. Tobisch; Using pluton ages to date regional deformations: Problems with commonly used criteria. Geology 1988;; 16 (12): 1108–1111. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1988)016<1108:UPATDR>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 Studies of pretectonic plutons in the Foothills terrane, central Sierra Nevada, California, along with a review of studies on syntectonic and post-tectonic plutons, indicate that no single criterion can establish the relative timing of pluton emplacement and regional deformation. Criteria most often used are whether a pluton is deformed, cuts regional structures, or is associated with porphyroblasts that postdate regional structures. However, all three types of plutons may (1) appear deformed or nondeformed, (2) have contacts that appear to cut structures in the wall rocks, and (3) have porphyroblasts in their aureoles that display varied timing relations. The ambiguity of these criteria emphasize the need for careful studies of the structures present throughout the pluton and surrounding wall rock, with particular attention paid to regions where the pluton contact is at high angles to regional structures. Porphyroblast-cleavage relations are an important tool in this regard, but also must be used with caution. 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.