Tectonic studies of the eastern United States have revealed that the region has formed due the collision of large crustal scale fragments in Paleozoic time. An essential aspect to understanding this global process is the determination of the time of collision and the conditions under which such an amalgamation took place. The Bronson Hill Anticlinorium of western New Hampshire is thought to represent one these crustal-scale fragments. Coupling field studies with laboratory analysis, this project will determine the pressure-temperature time history of rocks of the Bronson Hill area. Results will have important implications for the development of New England as well as establishing temperature and pressure constraints for continental collision processes.
