One of the fundamental goals of tectonic research is to age date the formation of geologic structures and associated deformation fabrics. This project will attempt to apply the argon dating technique to a mylonite, whose age is tightly constrained by independent means. The work involves laser microprobe 40Ar/39Ar age determinations and standard electron microprobe and TEM methods. Results are expected to provide a better understanding of the way in which structural defect development and recrystalization associated with mylonitization affects Argon loss mechanisms in deformed rocks. Such information is required to develop a reliable and useful geochronometric method for mylonite events.
