Garnet is a key mineral to constrain magmatic and metamorphic processes in the Earth’s interior. Recent progress in the study of garnet has shown that some garnet can be dated by the U-Pb method. This is a new and exciting tool to date high grade metamorphic and magmatic rocks. However, only a few garnets contain enough U for dating. Another new development is the use of Zr-contents in garnet as a measure for the temperature of formation. While this is established for granulite facies garnets, the calibration for amphibolite facies conditions is less robust. .
The aim of this project is to investigate garnets from igneous, pegmatitic and migmatitic rocks from the Central Alps. The Zr contents of garnet will be systematically evaluated and linked to the determined formation temperatures of the rocks to establish the Zr content of garnet at the onset of melting and to improve the calibration of the Zr-in-garnet thermometer. Partial melts can be enriched in U, leading to garnet that can be dated. Where possible, we aim to date the onset of partial melting by U-P chronology to determine key events in the Alpine orogeny. .
The project will include detailed microscopy, electron microprobe and laser ablation mass spectrometry analyses.
Advisors: Prof. Jörg Hermann, Prof. Daniela Rubatto
University: BE