Metamorphism evolution and isotope dating in the nothern Central Alps

These few pages will give you informations about my thesis in geology (Mineralogy-Geochemistry),a research started in spring 2003, under direction of professor Martin ENGI (see Petrology - Institute of Geological Sciences (Berne)).

Field area is situated in Central Alps (mainly in Switzerland, but also in Italy). The studied zone is situated between Alpe Devero (Goglio, Italy), Nufenen and Lucomagno pathes. An extension in east-north-east direction (region Vals-Vrin) may be considered in the future...

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Studied rocks are particularly sediments deposited during Triassic and Jurassic (quartzitic, dolomitic and phyllitic triassic in the same way as black "Schistes Lustrés" [french] or "Bündnerschiefer" [german]).

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We use geochronological method and determination of rock-forming mineral equilibrium. This chemical equilibrium is highlighted by estimation of pressure-temperature achieved by the rock during buring with the help of TWQ program of Berman (1991).

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To date minerals, methods based on natural decay of radioactive elements hold in mineral network are used. The main method used we will employ (Argon-Argon on micas) is based on decay of potassium in argon. Other geochronological methods will probably be used (for instance, Uranium => Thorium => Led).

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Some pictures explaining you function of Argon gaz extraction line, used for datation of potassium-bearing minerals (for example micas and amphiboles).

Don't be affraid to enter, this is not so complicate!

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Results have not been published yet :o| However, a PDF of my Thesis is available at following addresses:

HIGH quality version (ca. 34 Mo)

LOW quality version (ca. 11 Mo)

You can also check in the download section to get some abstracts