Collaborative Research: SGER: Triple-dating (Pb-FT-He) of Antarctic Detritus and the Origin of the Gamburtsev Mountains

These mountains are considered the nucleation point for Antarctica's largest ice sheets; however, being of indeterminate age, they may postdate ice sheet formation. As well, their formation could reflect tectonic events during the breakup of Gondwana.

The project studies GSM-derived detrital zircon and apatite crystals from Prydz Bay obtained by the Ocean Drilling Program. Analytical work includes triple-dating thermochronometry by U/Pb, fission track, and (U/Th)/He methods. The combined technique offers insight into both high and low temperature processes, and is potentially sensitive to both the orogenic events and the subsequent cooling and exhumation due to erosion.