Zircon behaviour and the thermal histories of mountain chains

Using the U-Pb geochronology of zircon we can understand the growth of and collapse of mountain chains, both recent and ancient. In the high-temperature metamorphic rocks that underlie mountain ranges, zircon may survive from precursor rocks, recrystallize, or grow anew. All these possibilities must be considered in the interpretation of zircon ages. Microtextural characterisation and microanalysis, coupled with considerations of mineral equilibria and trace element distributions between zircon and neighbouring silicate minerals, provide insights into the factors c modification and growth. Zircon ages do not usually corresponding metamorphism but instead provide information on the from high temperatures, including the timing and rates of e he deep roots of mountain chains. on ages.