Zircon Behaviour and
the Thermal Histories
of Mountain Chains
Simon L. Harley1, Nigel M. Kelly1 and Andreas Möller2
U
sing the U–Pb geochronology of zircon we can understand the growth
and collapse of mountain chains, both recent and ancient. In the high-
temperature metamorphic rocks that underlie mountain ranges, zircon
may survive from precursor rocks, recrystallize, or grow anew. All these
possibilities must be considered in the interpretation of zircon ages. Micro-
textural characterisation and microanalysis, coupled with considerations of
mineral equilibria and trace element distributions between zircon and neigh-
bouring silicate minerals, provide insights into the factors controlling zircon
modification and growth. Zircon ages do not usually correspond to the peak
of metamorphism but instead provide information on the history of cooling
from high temperatures, including the timing and rates of exhumation of
the deep roots of mountain chains.
KEYWORDS: zircon, ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism, tions within this critical tempera-
hot orogens, trace elements, U–Pb geochronology ture window. FIGURE 1 depicts a
METAMORPHISM AT EXTREME forming, zircon-consuming and zircon-modifying reactions
TEMPERATURES DURING OROGENESIS and processes that are dependent on rock composition,
Thermal-mechanical modelling of collisional orogenic belts pressure and fluid–melt–rock interaction.
such as the Himalayas has highlighted the importance of
the deep crust in the high-temperature deformation that
drives orogenic systems (Jamieson et al. 2004). High-
temperature metamorphic terrains represent the remains of
deep crustal roots (Harley 1998) and are common not only
in Precambrian shields but also in Phanerozoic orogenic
belts. They preserve in their mineral assemblages records of
high- (>800°C) to ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism
(900°C–1100°C) during orogenesis, at pressures equivalent
to crustal depths of only 25–50 kilometres (Harley 1998).
They also preserve evidence, in the form of diagnostic reac-
tion textures between minerals, of a spectrum of post-peak
pressure–temperature (P–T) evolutions. These range from
slow cooling (2–4°C/Myr) over several hundred degrees
while still at deep levels, to maintaining near-constant tem-
peratures in excess of 700°C during rapid (1–5 km/Myr)
exhumation through several tens of kilometres (Harley
1998). Linking these high-temperature P–T evolutions to
time and comparing the resultant P–T–time histories with
model predictions for the evolution of the deep crust in
these ‘hot orogens’ are central to understanding collision
and mountain building and remain major goals in global
tectonics studies.
1
Grant Institute of Earth Science, The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh EH9 3JW, UK
E-mail: simon.harley@ed.ac.uk
2 Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Potsdam
Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24, D-14476 Golm, Germany
ELEMENTS, VOL. 3, PP. 25–30 25
Convoluted zoning in a
largely recrystallized
zircon
ZIRCON DATING OF DEEP
CRUST IN HOT OROGENS
Because of its ubiquity in crustal
rocks and its proven capability in
U–Pb geochronology, zircon can
provide a link between P–T and
time in hot orogens. In high-
temperature (high-T) terrains, signif-
icant parts of the P–T evolutionary
paths lie at temperatures in excess
of 800°C. Zircon is in many cases
the only mineral that can provide
age information that survives
increasing temperatures, residence
at the thermal peak, and immedi-
ate post-peak metamorphic reac-
generic temperature–time evolu-
tion through potential zircon-
There are two main reasons why only zircon can provide
the age information required to define these thermal histo-
ries. First, the temperature window lies above the diffu-
sional closure temperatures of many other geochronologi-
cal systems – many of which are below 700°C – but does not
lie above the diffusional closure temperature of Pb in zircon
(Cherniak and Watson 2000). Hence, systems such as U–Pb
in rutile, Ar–Ar in micas and even Sm–Nd in garnet in gen-
eral record only the later, post-peak cooling history; if cool-
ing is slow (e.g. 3°C/Myr in some terrains), the ‘apparent’
ages provided by these systems may be too young by tens
to hundreds of millions of years. Second, the temperature
window corresponds to the conditions in which partial
melting will occur in many rocks that contain hydrous
minerals like biotite and hornblende (Sawyer 2001). Zircon
commonly crystallizes in such melts, which makes the min-
eral an extremely useful time marker. In many high-T ter-
rains, monazite U–Th–Pb dating can be used in conjunction
with zircon geochronology to constrain the peak to post-
peak history. However, only in cases of initial rapid cooling
associated with fast exhumation does the monazite method
record ages that reflect the timing of peak conditions.
‘Bracketing’ is the traditional approach to using zircon to
date events in high-T terrains (FIG. 1). This method relies on
the ability of zircon formed in one event to survive a second
event such as high-T metamorphism. For example, using
this approach a metamorphic episode can be constrained to
lie between the age of the youngest pre-metamorphic mag-
matic rock and the age of the oldest post-metamorphic
intrusion. Clearly, this method works well when the
F EBRUARY 2007
 FIGURE 1 Schematic temperature (T)–time (∆t) path for a hypo-
thetical high-T terrain formed in the deeper parts of a hot
orogen. The ∆t scale signifies an unquantified time period of the order
of millions of years. (A) indicates the ‘bracketing approach’ to dating
high-T metamorphism. During heating rocks may undergo partial melting,
causing dissolution of finer pre-existing zircon followed by later precip-
itation of new zircon on survivor grains (B). Crystallization of high-T
melts and consequent growth of zircon will generally occur on the post-
peak cooling path at different intervals depending on the water content
of the melt (reflecting aH20) or relations with wall rocks (C, D). New zircon
may also grow as a result of Zr-liberating reactions, for example garnet
(Grt) breakdown or rutile (Rt) decomposition (E), depending on the P–T
path. As the rocks cool below the high-T window, ‘residual’ melts will
crystallize some new zircon (F), and liberated fluids may cause selective
recrystallization of existing zircon (G). Recrystallization of zircon
domains can in principle occur at any stage during metamorphism and
may dominate in the near–peak T region.
‘bracket’ is tight – when pre- and post-metamorphic rocks
are separated by only a short time interval (a few million
years; e.g. Möller et al. 2003). However, it is not useful
when the bracket covers a long time interval, when the
zircon age obtainable from pre-metamorphic rocks is dis-
turbed or ambiguous, or when the geological relationships
themselves are poorly constrained (e.g. where it is not clear
whether the igneous precursor rocks are pre- or syn-
tectonic; Kelly and Harley 2005).
The ‘bracketing’ approach is also limited in that it provides
no information on the details of the high-T metamorphism
itself. Such features may include the onset of melting and
dissolution of zircon; the prograde reaction of zircon and
other accessory minerals during growth of major minerals
such as garnet; the thermal peak; melt segregation and
accumulation, with crystallization of zircon; post-peak sub-
solidus mineral reactions; post-melt fluid incursions; and
the relationships between all of these and episodes of defor-
mation (FIG. 1). Many of these events and their related
processes occur at temperatures above those at which most
other geochronology minerals are stable or at the very least
ELEMENTS
able to record age information. Only zircon, with the possi-
ble exception of monazite, is able to do this. Reliable age
information is crucial for the elucidation of crustal behav-
iour during mountain building, and so it is essential to
understand how zircon behaves and responds to high-T
processes. To do this it is necessary to examine ‘metamor-
phic’ zircon – i.e. zircon that has grown, been recrystallized
or been modified by the physical and chemical processes
that may occur during metamorphism of the deep crust.
WHAT IS ‘METAMORPHIC’
ZIRCON IN A HIGH-T CONTEXT?
The interpretation of zircon age data in high-T terrains is
complex and problematic because of the highly variable
response of previously formed zircon to later metamorphic
events (Vavra et al. 1999; Schaltegger et al. 1999; Kelly and
Harley 2005). Misunderstandings about what constitutes
‘metamorphic’ zircon are related to this complex behaviour.
Several microscale physical and chemical processes can
form or modify zircon in the metamorphic environment,
producing what is broadly, and somewhat misleadingly,
referred to as ‘metamorphic’ zircon. Local-scale processes
that cause zircon growth in the high-T metamorphic regime
include subsolidus metamorphic reactions involving Zr-
bearing silicates and other accessory minerals (Fraser et al.
1997; Degeling et al. 2001; Möller et al. 2003) and partial
melting and melt crystallization (e.g. Roberts and Finger
1997; Vavra et al. 1999; Schaltegger et al. 1999; Rubatto
2002; Hokada and Harley 2004). Pre-existing zircon can also
be partially to completely transformed or modified in situ
(Pidgeon 1992; Schaltegger et al. 1999; Ashwal et al. 1999;
Hoskin and Black 2000), potentially undergoing fine-scale
coupled dissolution–reprecipitation (Vavra et al. 1999; Car-
son et al. 2002a; Geisler et al. 2007 this issue) in response to
interactions with fluids and melts. Zircon with initial
growth zones rich in U and Th may be subject to recovery,
26 F EBRUARY 2007
via diffusion–reaction processes, of domains that have suf-
fered radiation damage (Geisler et al. 2007) in order to dis-
sipate strain effects (Hartmann et al. 1997; Schaltegger et al.
1999; Vavra et al. 1999). Pb loss related to this last process
may yield zircon U–Pb spot ‘ages’ that bear no relation to
the geological events associated with orogenesis.
As several processes are involved in the production of
‘metamorphic’ zircon, the interpretation of zircon U–Pb
ages in high-T terrains in terms of the timing and character
of events requires detailed textural analysis coupled with in
situ microanalysis to detect indicative chemical signatures
(Vavra et al. 1996, 1999; Schaltegger et al. 1999; Hoskin and
Black 2000; Rubatto 2002; Whitehouse and Platt 2003;
Kelly and Harley 2005). The key to evaluating and utilising
zircon U–Pb ages to define P–T–time evolutionary paths in
deep crust lies in distinguishing the cause of zircon growth
from among the processes noted above, in relating growth
to the specific reactions that form zircon, and in independ-
ently documenting the conditions under which fluids
access the rocks to promote late-stage zircon alteration and
dissolution–reprecipitation. The criteria applied in making
these interpretations include the textures of the zircon
grains and their relations with other minerals, as well as a
range of chemical signatures, such as the Th/U ratio, the Ti
content, and – most importantly – the rare earth element
(REE) patterns in zircon, in comparison to those in the host
and neighbouring metamorphic minerals.
A D
B E
C F
FIGURE 2 Zircon formed during high-temperature metamorphism
may exhibit a wide range of morphologies and internal
zoning features. ‘Soccerball’ zircon (A), which may display planar and
sector zoning when imaged by scanning electron microscope (B), is
common in high-T rocks. Similar zoning patterns are also found in zircon
known to have crystallized from partial melt (C), and this new growth
ELEMENTS
ZIRCON TEXTURES AND HIGH-T PROCESSES
FIGURE 2 illustrates zircon textures formed by high-T
processes. High-T ‘metamorphic’ zircon has been described
as being equant and with a ‘soccerball’ or ‘multi-faceted’
habit (FIGS. 2A, B); it reportedly displays little or no oscillatory
zoning but shows planar banding or sector zoning (FIGS. 2B,
C, D; e.g. Vavra et al. 1996, 1999; Schaltegger et al. 1999;
Hoskin and Black 2000; Kelly and Harley 2005). While these
features are common, it is not always obvious whether they
have been produced through new zircon growth or by
recrystallization. For example, in some instances, the presence
of a ghost-like relic of oscillatory zoning in otherwise
unzoned zircon rims demonstrates that in situ replacement
or recrystallization rather than new growth has occurred
(Hoskin and Black 2000) and cautions against a simple
interpretation of the U–Pb age of such a zircon domain.
Vavra et al. (1996) have related the style of zircon growth to
the rate of growth and to roughness criteria. They consider
that equant or ‘soccerball’ zircon grows during prograde
high-T anatexis, at different times in different rock compo-
sitions depending on the melting reactions intersected. Dis-
solution of very fine zircon into the melt is followed by zircon
growth on surviving cores (Vavra et al. 1999). On the other
hand, Schaltegger et al. (1999) attributed sector-zoned ‘soc-
cerball’ zircon to high-T subsolidus growth, whereas planar-
zoned overgrowths and acicular grains form during melt
crystallization. ‘Soccerball’ zircon has now been described
G
H
I
can be extensive, forming on older zircon that has been preserved
through high-T metamorphic events, such as the core in (D), or as
xenocrysts in partial melts (E). Recrystallization may affect only outer
domains (F), propagating as fronts through the zircon (G), or transgress
the grain in a process probably driven by dissolution and regrowth
along a fracture (H). In extreme cases ‘convoluted’ zoning may develop (I).
27 F EBRUARY 2007
from several ultrahigh-temperature terrains and in many
cases has been interpreted to have grown from partial melts
(e.g. Kelly and Harley 2005).
In situ modification of zircon under high-T conditions may
range from the complete transgression of older zones by
sharp fronts or compositional zones visible under cathodo-
luminescence (CL) or backscattered electron imagery, to
partial modification in which former oscillatory zones, now
‘ghost-like’ or ‘bleached,’ are still visible but blurred (Pid-
geon 1992; Vavra et al. 1999; Schaltegger et al. 1999; Hoskin
and Black 2000; Corfu et al. 2003). Concepts relevant to the
interpretation of such features are discussed in more detail
by Geisler et al. (2007). From the perspective of U–Pb
geochronology, this variability leads to ambiguity: a spread
in zircon U–Pb data along or near a concordia curve may
result if some memory of the initial zircon composition is
preserved and if the ‘recrystallization’ is only partially effective
in expelling Pb and Th on the microscale (Hoskin and Black
2000). This variable modification of zircon, caused by pre-
and post-peak high-T reactions, deformation and/or fluid
ingress, is probably responsible for the 20–100-million-year
scatter in apparent ages recorded in weakly zoned ‘rim’ zircon
data from several granulite terrains (e.g. Corfu et al. 1994;
Ashwal et al. 1999; Kelly and Harley 2005).
Late-stage fluid ingress has also been implicated in modifying
zircon microtextures in high-T rocks. Vavra et al. (1999)
attributed the preferential replacement or recrystallization
of zones with high Th and U contents within zircon and the
surface-controlled replacement of interior domains by
lobate transgressive zones (FIG. 2G) to fluid ingress and
leaching (FIG. 2H; e.g. Ashwal et al. 1999). It is likely that
fluid-activated dissolution of zircon accompanied by its
reprecipitation is an important process controlling this
behaviour, as advocated by Geisler et al. (2007).
Th/U – AN UNRELIABLE SIGNATURE
OF METAMORPHIC ZIRCON
Th/U ratios have become a commonly employed criterion
for distinguishing zircon formation in magmatic, metamor-
phic and hydrothermal environments. For example, a Th/U
value of less than 0.1 has been widely cited as a discriminant
of metamorphic zircon (e.g. Rubatto 2002).
To evaluate this interpretation, it is useful to consider the
factors controlling the Th/U ratio in zircon. The concentra-
tions of Th and U in zircon are primarily influenced by factors
such as element availability within a reaction environment
and partitioning behaviour of Th and U between zircon and
co-existing minerals, melts and fluids. For example, the
prior or concurrent growth of a mineral such as monazite,
in which Th is a major structural constituent, may result in
zircon with a low Th concentration and therefore a low
Th/U ratio. In contrast, a zircon crystallizing from a partial
melt prior to the crystallization of monazite may have a
higher Th concentration and therefore a moderate to high
Th/U ratio.
The use of Th/U ratios has been re-evaluated recently in the
light of textural observations and other chemical criteria
(e.g. Möller et al. 2003). Although many ‘metamorphic’ zircon
domains do have low Th/U values (<0.1; e.g. Schaltegger et
al. 1999; Hoskin and Black 2000; Rubatto et al. 2001;
Rubatto 2002), there also are numerous cases where meta-
morphic zircon may have Th/U values greater than 0.1 or
values that are highly variable. High Th/U ratios have been
recorded in recrystallized zircon (e.g. Pidgeon, 1992; Vavra
et al., 1999), but also in zircon grown during high-T meta-
morphism (Th/U > 0.15 and up to 3.2; Carson et al. 2002b;
Kelly and Harley 2005). Möller et al. (2003) showed that
ELEMENTS
Th/U ratios in recrystallized and newly grown metamorphic
zircon were unchanged in comparison to their magmatic
zircon precursors (and never less than 0.1), with some sig-
nificantly higher. In addition, Schaltegger et al. (1999),
Harley et al. (2001) and Hokada and Harley (2004) have
reported high Th/U values for zircon from demonstrably
syn-metamorphic, high-T anatectic melts.
Finally, very low Th/U (<0.02) zircon domains may be asso-
ciated with late-stage mineral–fluid interactions at temper-
atures well below those of the high-T metamorphic event
(Vavra et al. 1999; Harley et al. 2001; Carson et al. 2002a).
Given this fact and the evidence for variable and high Th/U
‘metamorphic’ zircon grains described above, Th/U values
can only be used with caution and in concert with other,
more integrative, chemical criteria to assess the origin of zircon
within its textural context.
ZIRCON–MINERAL TRACE ELEMENT
DISTRIBUTIONS AND DATING OF
HIGH-T EVENTS
Zircon grown or recrystallized contemporaneously with
high-T garnet exhibits flat heavy rare earth element (HREE)
patterns and strong depletion in Eu in chondrite-nor-
malised diagrams (see also Rubatto and Hermann 2007 this
issue). Therefore, the most promising chemical method
being developed for evaluating the metamorphic character
and timing of zircon growth is the determination of the
equilibrium distribution of REE between zircon and coexisting
metamorphic minerals. However, this method must be
applied with some caution, as existing experimental data at
appropriate P–T conditions do not enable refinement of
trace element distribution models (van Westrenen et al.
1999). The lack of available experimental data is com-
pounded by the fact that existing empirical estimates of dis-
tribution coefficients [DREE(Zrc/Grt)] for the HREE show
order of magnitude differences among high-T and high-P
rocks (FIG. 3). While disequilibrium is likely to be a significant
factor in producing these differences in cases where
strongly zoned or variable zircon and/or garnet have been
used (Schaltegger et al. 1999; Rubatto 2002; Whitehouse
and Platt 2003), some of the range in DREE(Zrc/Grt) values
may be real, reflecting dependence on either pressure or the
major element composition of garnet (Rubatto 2002).
There is growing confidence that the equilibrium distribution
of REE between zircon and Ca-poor Fe–Mg garnet at high
temperature results in DHREE(Zrc/Grt) values near unity, or
slightly favouring garnet (Harley et al. 2001; Whitehouse
and Platt 2003; Hokada and Harley 2004). The DREE(Zrc/Grt)
signatures can be used not only to test for equilibrium
between dated zircon domains and metamorphic garnet
formed in peak high-T assemblages, but also to define tim-
ing of zircon growth in relation to garnet and to evaluate
the trace element mobility in post-peak reaction textures.
Two examples illustrating the richness of event–time and
temperature–time information on hot orogens that can be
obtained from zircon through this approach are considered
in the following paragraphs.
ZIRCON GROWTH AND
THE DYNAMIC HIGH-T MELTING REGIME
Partial melting followed by melt segregation, accumulation,
transfer and extraction are important processes during high-T
metamorphism deep within hot orogens. Because zircon is
soluble in partial melts, these processes may lead to zirco-
nium redistribution during metamorphism through partial
dissolution of pre-existing zircon and subsequent zircon
growth during melt crystallization or reaction with wall rocks
(Roberts and Finger 1997; Hokada and Harley 2004). Zircon
28 F EBRUARY 2007

Contrasting examples of element distribution data (DREE =
FIGURE 3
distribution coefficient) for the heavy rare earth elements
(Eu to Lu), estimated from empirical studies of zircon (Zrc) and garnet
(Grt) in high-T rocks. A zircon that crystallized in equilibrium with garnet
would have D values close to 1. Red circle: Harley et al. 2001; blue
square: Rubatto 2002; yellow triangle: Whitehouse and Platt 2003; UHT:
ultrahigh temperature.
may grow in equilibrium with a high-T melt during the pro-
grade melting phase (Vavra et al. 1999; B in FIG. 1) and at
various times during post-peak cooling and exhumation
depending on the water content of the melt, residence
times and the character of wall rocks with which transported
melt comes into contact (Harley 2004; C and D in FIG. 1).
Hokada and Harley (2004) attributed the growth of textu-
rally polyphase zircon grains to melt injection followed by
equilibration with the wall rock during post-peak melt crys-
tallization. This occurred at extreme temperature conditions
of >900°C and over a maximum time interval of 25 million
years. The key to this interpretation is the zircon and garnet
trace element information. Texturally later, sector-zoned
and unzoned mantles and rims on zircon grains in crystallized
partial melts have chondrite-normalised HREE patterns flatter
than those of the earlier zircon grains. Garnets in the wall-
rock gneiss have flat HREE patterns and show a remarkable
decrease in Zr close to their rims, coupled with a slight
decrease in overall HREE, but an increase in Yb as compared
to Gd. These chemical changes suggest that the invasive
melt initially precipitated zircon that was out of equilib-
rium with the host garnet gneiss, but then equilibrated with
the wall rock and, in doing so, depleted Zr and HREE in the
reacting host-rock garnet. Critically, REE data in zircon
outer zones and garnet rims conform to the equilibrium
DREE(Zrc/Grt) pattern proposed by Harley et al. (2001) and
shown in FIGURE 3.
ZIRCON GROWTH AND RECRYSTALLIZATION
ALONG P–T–TIME PATHS: REACTION TEXTURES
Establishing the links between zircon growth, recrystalliza-
tion and specific P–T conditions along high-temperature
P–T paths requires in situ documentation of zircon zoning
features and morphology in relation to the petrographic
evidence for subsolidus mineral reactions involving other
silicate phases (e.g. garnet, pyroxene, cordierite, opaque
minerals; Fraser et al. 1997; Degeling et al. 2001; White-
house and Platt 2003). Assigning zircon ages to specific
reactions, and hence temperature intervals (E in FIG. 1), is
well illustrated in the study of the Rogaland metamorphic
complex (SW Norway) by Möller et al. (2003).
ELEMENTS
Möller et al. (2003) established that a ~1000 Ma regional
metamorphic event in the Rogaland basement was over-
printed by ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism associated
with the emplacement of anorthosite and related igneous
intrusions at ~930 Ma. However, their zircon U–Pb age data,
obtained from zircon rims and overgrowths, define an age
‘smear’ between 950 Ma and 900 Ma along concordia – a
range too large to be consistent with a single thermal peak
associated with intrusion of the anorthosite.
In situ microanalysis of Rogaland zircon grains and detailed
petrographic examination of their textural contexts (Möller
et al. 2003; FIG. 4) indicate the presence of two texturally
defined and discrete groups at ~927 Ma and ~908 Ma, thus
explaining the zircon U–Pb ‘smear.’ The older group con-
sists of zircon rims intergrown with or included within
minerals grown during the ultrahigh-temperature event
(FIG. 4). Texturally later zircon rims that define the younger
age group occur outside these high-T minerals but are over-
grown by lower-T coronas and symplectites, thereby con-
straining the maximum age of the corona-forming reactions
to be ~908 Ma. Combining the age data with thermobaro-
metric constraints on the mineral assemblages leads to an
integrated cooling rate within the aureole of 8 ± 2°C/Myr,
from 880°C to 680°C, over some 25 million years. The slow
cooling and longevity of this thermal anomaly, deduced
from detailed zircon information, prompted Möller et al.
(2003) to suggest that the UHT event reflects a deeper-
seated thermal perturbation, perhaps produced by the con-
vective removal of lithosphere.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ‘END GAME’:
LATE FLUID INGRESS
Late-stage fluid ingress, recorded by zircon in transgressive
and lobate textures (Vavra et al. 1999; Harley et al. 2001;
Carson et al. 2002a), is likely to be important in resetting
zircon U–Pb ages in metamorphic terrains as they are
exhumed and cool to temperatures below the high-T
window (FIG. 1).
A C
B D
FIGURE 4 A major step forward in age determination using zircon is
the ability to analyse grains in situ within their petrologi-
cal context. This figure shows that by drilling a small disc from a pol-
ished thin section, delicate intergrowths and overgrowths of zircon have
been preserved; these features would normally be lost during the stan-
dard method of crushing rocks to obtain grain separates. (A) Transmit-
ted light photomicrograph, (B) Secondary electron image, showing ion
microprobe analysis pits. The larger and deeper pits are analysis sites for
trace elements and the smaller shallow pits are U-Pb analysis sites, anno-
tated with concordia ages (C) Backscattered electron image, (D)
Cathodoluminescence image.Scale bars are 50 microns. Fsp: feldspar;
mag: magnetite; Grt: garnet; Zrc: zircon.
29 F EBRUARY 2007
When a terrain cools down towards the lower limit of the CONCLUDING REMARKS
high-T window, any melts that have not been extracted
The combination of in situ zircon U–Pb geochronology
from it will crystallize (F IN FIG. 1; Sawyer 2001; Harley
with detailed microtextural and trace element analysis of
2004). This will almost inevitably lead, at temperatures in
zircon within its petrographic context, coupled with meta-
the range 750–650°C, to the production of fluid that will
morphic mineral equilibria modelling, is the optimal
interact with and partially hydrate the previously equili-
approach to defining the thermal histories of high-T terrains.
brated high-T mineral assemblages. The quantity of such
This approach is being refined as more experimental and
fluid will be determined by how much melt has been
empirical data become available. New trace element ther-
retained. Hydration reactions associated with final melt
mometers based on zircon, such as Ti in zircon and Zr in
crystallization and release of water may promote the growth
other minerals (e.g. Watson et al. 2006) will, when integrated
of new zircon rims if zirconium is released through the
into the combined in situ approach, undoubtedly lead to
breakdown of high-T minerals, e.g. garnet and rutile break-
more detailed temperature–time records of deep crustal
ing down to biotite and sillimanite (G IN FIG. 1). Channelled
rocks and so further improve our understanding of the
along microfractures, the fluids may also attack pre-existing
dynamics of hot orogens.
zircon, recrystallizing susceptible zones (FIG. 2H; Vavra et al.
1999), leaching trace elements from zircon surfaces (Carson
et al. 2002a) and resetting the U–Pb systematics. Under- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
standing and evaluating the significance of the processes in We thank Joe Pyle, Fernando Corfu and Ian Parsons for
which melt and fluid affect zircon is central to the inter- their perceptive and careful reviews. We thank Urs Schaltegger
pretation of the age of high-T terrains (e.g. Napier Complex: for kindly providing us with the image used in FIG. 2A. This
Carson et al. 2002b; Harley 2004; Kelly and Harley 2005). work was supported by the UK Natural Environment
Research Council. .

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