Meso-Cenozoic deformation history of Thailand; insights from calcite
U-Pb geochronology
Abstract
Given the general absence of suitable direct dating methods, the timing
of low-temperature crustal deformation is usually established by
indirect methods (such as apatite fission track (AFT) thermochronology),
and through relative field-based relationships. U-Pb dating of calcite
in tectonic veins represents a recently developed method to directly
date brittle deformation. Here, we apply this method to tectonic calcite
veins in large scale fault zones in central and western Thailand, in an
attempt to shed new light on the regional upper crustal deformation
history. U-Pb calcite dates demonstrate tectonic activity at
~216-209 Ma in the Khao Kwang Fold and Thrust Belt
associated with the Indosinian stage 2 collision between the Sibumasu
and the Indochina Blocks. Brittle deformation along the Three Pagodas
Fault Zone has a protracted history, with calcite dates from a single
locality at ~45 Ma and ~23 Ma.
Petrographic techniques such as reflected light and charge contrast
imaging, combined with LA-ICP-MS elemental mapping, are used to relate
the U-Pb dates with the paragenesis of the calcite veins in relation to
phases of brittle faulting and associated fluid-flow. The veins are
interpreted to have formed during multiple hydraulic fracturing events
along single fault planes, and exhibit contrasting trace elemental
signatures implying fluids with contrasting chemistries have infiltrated
the vein arrays during different brittle deformation events. The results
from this study advance knowledge on the multi-phase deformation history
of Thailand and illustrate the application of combined U-Pb dating and
trace element mapping in calcite to unravel complex upper crustal
tectonic histories.