Isotopic Analysis At Valles Caldera - Redondo Geothermal Area (Phillips, 2004)

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Exploration Activity: Isotopic Analysis At Valles Caldera - Redondo Geothermal Area (Phillips, 2004)

Exploration Activity Details
Location	Valles Caldera - Redondo Geothermal Area
Exploration Technique	Isotopic Analysis- Rock
Activity Date	- 2004
Usefulness	useful regional reconnaissance
DOE-funding	Unknown

 

Exploration Basis

The study was undertaken to refine understanding of the post-collapse history of the Valles caldera. The study utilized 40Ar/39Ar age dating to investigate the maximum time window of resurgence and rate of uplift of Redondo Peak; the timing of eruption of the Deer Canyon and Redondo Creek ryholites, and how these eruption ages relate to changes in the magma chamber prior to and during resurgence; and the ages of several megabreccia blocks within the Valles caldera.

 

Notes

Samples were screened based on petrographic relations between different mineral phases, electron microprobe backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, and their major and trace element geochemistry in order to identify ideal phenocryst for 40Ar/39Ar age dating. Representative samples were selected from pre- and post-resurgence volcanic units to refine the age of eruption of the Valles caldera and to better understand the timing of post-eruption volcanism. Megabreccia blocks were also sampled to better constrain the age of deformation within the caldera.

 

References

• Erin H. Phillips (2004) Collapse and Resurgence of the Valles Caldera, Jemez Mtns, NM- 40Ar/39Ar Ages of Megabreccia Blocks and Age Constraints on Timing and Duration of Resurgence