Processing and interpretation of U-Pb and Lu-Hf data of zircon crystals from metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks, advised by Prof. Dr. Chris Hawkesworth at the university of st. Andrews, Scotland

Abstract

Zircon is the most used mineral in studies of metasedimentary rocks provenance because of its resistance to intemperism, diagenesis and metamorphism. Nowadays, studies of the U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic system are the main tools used in such studies, because the first separates crystal populations by age and the second yields information about crustal and mantle contributions.Prof. Dr. Hawkesworth and his research group are among the main researchers of the world that work with U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic signature in detrital zircon crystals. They have many published papers in several important geological journals. Therefore, a research internship with Prof. Dr. Hawkesworth will be an important contribution to the development of this PhD project. The internship will be focused on the processing of raw U-Pb and Lu-Hf data obtained in metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks which constitute the front of the Southern Brasilia Orogen. Interpretation of the results and their connection with the regional geology will result in diverse scientific papers that will be submitted to international geological journals. (AU)