First U–Pb LA-ICP-MS zircon ages assessed from a volcano-sedimentary complex of the mid-European Variscides (Pennsylvanian, Flöha Basin, SE Germany)

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Frank Löcse - , Mineral Cabinet St. Egidien (Author)
  • Ulf Linnemann - , Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (Author)
  • Gitta Schneider - , Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (Author)
  • Mathias Merbitz - , Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science (Author)
  • Ronny Rößler - , Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science (Author)

Abstract

Nine radiometric ages constrained by U–Pb isotopes from magmatic zircon grains are provided for different volcanic rocks from the Flöha Basin and its surroundings. For most of them, this is the first reliable data to correlate with the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. Measurements were obtained with LA-ICP-MS and revealed middle Pennsylvanian ages (311–308 Ma) allowing first consistent correlation to other Variscan volcano-sedimentary basins of the Saxo-Thuringian and Teplá Barrandian zones. The Obermühlbach Volcano, formerly considered to be early Permian in age, is shown to be of middle Pennsylvanian age. In contrast, the dykes from Metzdorf village and Oederan have shown to be not Pennsylvanian, but rather of early Permian age. Biostratigraphic data obtained from the Flöha Formation macroflora coincide with the new isotopic evidence which encompasses a likely time span from the middle to late Bolsovian (Westphalian C) up to the Bolsovian–Asturian boundary. The results not only yield a modified picture of the Flöha Formation and their intercalated pyroclastics. As new insights challenge previous geological mapping they contribute to the understanding of the complex volcano-tectonic processes in the type area of the Saxo-Thuringian zone of the European Variscides.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)713-733
Number of pages21
JournalInternational journal of earth sciences
Volume108
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 8 Mar 2019
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Flöha Basin, Pyroclastic rock, Saxo-Thuringian Zone, Stratigraphy, U–Pb LA-ICP-MS zircon ages, Variscides