Allochthonous metamorphic blocks on the Hebridean passive margin, Scotland

Bluck, B.J., Dempster, T.J. and Rogers, G. (1997) Allochthonous metamorphic blocks on the Hebridean passive margin, Scotland. Journal of the Geological Society, 154, pp. 921-924. (doi: 10.1144/gsjgs.154.6.0921)

Abstract

Radiometric age determinations on syn-orogenic intrusive rocks coupled with evidence from field relationships, indicate that metamorphism and ductile deformation was taking place hi the Scottish metamorphic blocks coeval with extension on the Hebridean foreland. Consequently metamorphic rocks now found east and south of the Moine Thrust are regarded as substantially allochthonous, being located within the region where there was formerly a Cambrian-Early Ordovician passive margin sequence and its attendant oceanic crust. We regard these blocks as displaced terranes which acquired their metamorphic and structural signatures outside of the present Hebridean foreland regime. This may have occurred initially at the tune of megacontinent splitting and later on the destructive margin which was initiated hi Laurentia.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: laurentia; Moine Thrust zone; Caledonian orogeny; allochthons; passive margins
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dempster, Dr Tim and Bluck, Professor Brian
• Authors: Bluck, B.J., Dempster, T.J., and Rogers, G.
• Subjects: Q Science > QE Geology; G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Journal of the Geological Society
• Publisher: Geological Society of London
• ISSN: 0016-7649