Evaluating Geochemical Signatures and Tectonic Implications of Calcite Veins within the Champlain Valley

U-Pb dating of calcite veins in faults and fractures of the Champlain Valley has returned surprisingly young ages ranging from the Cretaceous to the Mio-Pliocene. This work is part of a larger body of evidence suggesting... [ view full abstract ]

U-Pb dating of calcite veins in faults and fractures of the Champlain Valley has returned surprisingly young ages ranging from the Cretaceous to the Mio-Pliocene. This work is part of a larger body of evidence suggesting post-rift rejuvenation of eastern North America. However, it remains unclear whether all the veins record primary fracturing events or whether some may result from recrystallization events. This study thus focuses on trace elemental mapping of calcite veins using LA-ICMPS to identify distinct domains of calcite growth. Specifically, trace elemental mapping is used as a tool to analyze U-Pb dated calcite vein samples to ascertain and characterize different generations of calcite based on geochemical and textural differences in the calcite compositions. Developing this new technique of trace element mapping with calcite samples will allow comparison of geochemical signatures with data on successful laser shot placement for U-Pb dating. This should help to define vein characteristics that are suitable for this dating method and potentially distinguish different generations of brittle deformation within the Champlain Valley.