Phanerozoic denudation history of the mount isa inlier, northern australia: Response of a proterozoic mobile belt to intraplate tectonics

Abstract

The lack of preserved Phanerozoic units within the Proterozoic Mount Isa Inlier of northern Australia renders it difficult to determine its Phanerozoic tectonic history. However, thermo-chronological methods provide a means for assessing this problem. Apatite fission-track data from the central and southern parts of the Inlier reveal periods of post-early Carboniferous accelerated cooling. Apatite fission-track ages vary from 235 to 390 Ma and corresponding mean track lengths range from 11.76 to 13.55 microns. These results record a protracted cooling history below about 110 ± 10° C. The earlier period of cooling revealed by the data occurred during middle Carboniferous time. The event resul..