9805073 Armstrong Thermochronologic data from a number of techniques has the ability of defining the times given rock samples went through a set of mineral closure temperatures. These data, with a number of assumptions, are used to interpret parameters such as uplift rates, tilting and erosion. However, many of these interpretations are controversial due to ambiguities in the assumptions used in the inversion. This project will approach this problem by developing a detailed thermal model to simulate exhumation across active normal faults, that will produce temperature-time paths for rocks at actual sample sites in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Results should indicate how transient, non-horizontal closure temperature isotherms should be used to interpret thermochronologic data. A successful outcome should produce rules for improved interpretation of fission track and other thermochronologic data.
