The timing of sedimentation and Buchan metamorphism in the Grampian Terrane in Scotland from <sup>40</sup>Ar/<sup>39</sup>Ar apparent age spectra Iona R. Stenhouse Marnie A. Forster Gordon S. Lister 10.6084/m9.figshare.3453653.v1 https://geolsoc.figshare.com/articles/dataset/The_timing_of_sedimentation_and_Buchan_metamorphism_in_the_Grampian_Terrane_in_Scotland_from_sup_40_sup_Ar_sup_39_sup_Ar_apparent_age_spectra/3453653 <p>New <sup>40</sup>Ar/<sup>39</sup>Ar geochronological data from the Buchan and Barrovian metamorphic sequences on the NE coast of Scotland have been obtained from <em>in vacuo</em> step-heating experiments conducted on white mica extracted from seven samples. The results confirm the synchronous formation of the Barrovian and Buchan metamorphic sequences, with the <sup>40</sup>Ar/<sup>39</sup>Ar apparent age spectra obtained for samples of andalusite grade and higher recording a range of ages between 470.4 ± 1.8 and 464.6 ± 1.3 Ma. These ages are close to the accepted age for peak metamorphism during the Grampian Orogeny, <em>c.</em> 470 Ma, whereas <sup>40</sup>Ar/<sup>39</sup>Ar apparent age spectra of white mica from the lower grade cordierite zone near Banff preserve pre-Grampian detrital ages. In these spectra an age of <em>c.</em> 560 Ma is recorded. This indicates that a tectonothermal event occurred at <em>c.</em> 560 Ma and may provide further insight into the timing of sedimentation. These samples also preserve evidence of ages older than 750 Ma. </p> 2016-06-21 11:35:03 grade cordierite zone NE Ma age spectra Ar Geology