The uplift history of the Precambrian crystalline basement of the Jabal J'alan (Sur area)

Abstract

Field relations and geochronological data are used to reconstruct the uplift history of the area. K/Ar cooling ages on biotites date the uplift of the whole complex (metamorphics and plutonics) through the 300°C isotherm at 820 Ma. Sedimentary rocks on top of the crystalline complex in the Northern Jabal J'alan area indicate uplift during Late Proterozoic and Jurassic times. Fission track data on apatite indicate the complex reached the 100°C isotherm during Upper Jurassic times (146 Ma). After Upper Cretaceous denudation of the exposed crystalline rocks, Maastrichtian and Tertiary sediments were deposited. Tertiary burial to depths of 2-3km partially reset the apatite ages. Final uplift of the crystalline block took place in the Upper Oligocene. -Authors