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XI.—The Evolution of the Scottish Caledonides in Relation to their Isotopic Age Pattern

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2012

J. F. Dewey  and
R. J. Pankhurst
J. F. Dewey
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Cambridge
R. J. Pankhurst
Affiliation:
Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Oxford.
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Synopsis

Three main stages are recognized in the evolution of the Scottish Caledonian orogen. Firstly, the development of the depositional framework from late Pre-Cambrian to early Ordovician times is outlined, The thick Moine and Dalradian sediments, accumulating on a continental rise, are shown to be equivalent to the shelf sequence of the foreland, and likely correlations are suggested. Secondly, the events comprising the Caledonian deformation and metamorphism of these sediments are reviewed and related to the development of a Benioff zone and coupled oceanic trench along the southern margin of the orogen through the Ballantrae complex. Comparison of stratigraphic and isotopic evidence for the age of these events leads to the conclusion that all major deformation and metamorphism occurred during a relatively short climactic episode 480–510 m.y. ago, within the Arenigian stage of the Ordovician. The third factor in the evolution of the orogen is post-climactic uplift and erosion continuing throughout Upper Ordovician, Silurian and Lower Devonian times. Contours of K–Ar mica ages are presented and related to the geological evidence for this prolonged period of isostatic recovery and thermal adjustment. The style and timing of granitic plutonism, which is closely associated with this third stage, may be indicative of crustal behaviour during uplift rather than continued metamorphism at depth.

Type
Research Article
Information
Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of The Royal Society of Edinburgh , Volume 68 , Issue 11 , 1970 , pp. 361 - 389
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1970

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