Isotopic constraints on crustal architecture and Permo-Triassic tectonics in New Guinea: Possible links wih eastern Australia

Abstract

New U-Pb zircon ages and Sr-Nd isotopic data for Triassic igneous and metomorphic rocks from northern New Guinea help constrain models of the evolution of Australia's northern and eastern margin. These data provide further evidence for an Early to Late Triassic volcanic arc in northern New Guinea, interpreted to have been part of a continuous magmatic belt along the Gondwana margin, through South America, Antarctica, New Zealand, the New England Fold Belt, New Guinea and into southeast Asia. The Early to Late Triassic volcanic arc in northern New Guinea intrudes high-grade metamorphic rocks probably resulting from Late Permian to Early Triassic (ca 260-240 Ma) orogenesis, as recorded in the ..