Lu–Hf, Sm–Nd, and U–Pb isotopic coupling and decoupling in apatite

Abstract

Apatite is a useful geochronological tool due to its common occurrence and incorporation of a variety of radioactive parent isotopes during crystallisation. However, an understanding of the geological conditions recorded by each of these isotopic systems in apatite is necessary for their effective application to geological problems. In this study, U–Pb, Sm–Nd, and Lu–Hf dates for apatite grains from samples of ∼3.0 Ga TTG gneisses in the Akia terrane of the North Atlantic Craton (south-western Greenland) were obtained in order to better understand the conditions under which isotopic re-equilibration in apatite is achieved. This isotopic data records at least two thermotectonic events subsequent to the initial magmatic crystallisation of these rocks. Whereas the Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd isotopic systems in these apatites record a regional high temperature metamorphic event at ∼2.7 Ga, the U–Pb system records a milder thermal event at ∼1.7 Ga. This decoupling of the U–Pb from the Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf systems in apatite reflects a difference in closure temperature. The regional thermal effects of the ∼1.7 Ga Nagssugtoqidian orogeny in adjacent parts of the North Atlantic Craton resulted in partial to complete reequilibration of the U–Pb systems in apatite across the Akia terrane but were insufficient to cause open system behaviour of Sm–Nd or Lu–Hf. The indistinguishable apatite Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf ages produced in each analysed sample suggest that these systems are similarly susceptible to isotopic re-equilibration. The older ages produced by the Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf systems relative to U–Pb in apatite demonstrate that the former are more robust and thus more likely to faithfully record high temperature events than the U–Pb system.