Rb–Sr Geochronology of the Hida metamorphic belt, Japan

Abstract

Rb–Sr whole-rock and mineral isochron ages have been determined for metamorphic and granitic rocks of the Hida metamorphic belt. The results indicate that an extensive metamorphic event together with plutonic activity took place within the belt during the latest Paleozoic – early Mesozoic period. The older ages of 220–250 m.y. represent an earlier phase of the metamorphism, whereas the younger ages of 170–180 m.y. represent a later phase. The Funatsu granitic rocks yielded a whole-rock isochron age of 176 m.y. with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7056. This age is believed to indicate the time of original emplacement, and the rocks are considered to represent late-kinematic intrusion in the Hida belt.Some information on the middle Paleozoic metamorphism in the Hida Mountains was obtained from the isochron study. The whole-rock isochron age of 412 m.y. for the metamorphic rocks of the Fujibashi area may be considered, although not confirmed, to indicate the time of older metamorphism. The Omi Schist of the Circum–Hida crystalline schist belt, which belongs to the glaucophanitic type of metamorphism, gave a mineral isochron age of 350 m.y. thereby providing evidence of mid-Paleozoic metamorphism.The initial 87Sr/88Sr ratios for the whole-rock samples of the Hida metamorphic belt are found to be generally low, i.e. 0.705–0.708. This is especially so for the metamorphic rocks from the northern part of the belt where the lowest values were found.