Buddycurrawa Volcanics Geochronology and Alteration Study

Geochronology data constrains the extrusion of the Buddycurrawa Volcanics to the late Paleoproterozoic, between approximately 1662 and 1631 million years ago. The dataset, published by Geoscience Australia researchers in 2020, identifies potassic alteration and evidence of a shallow-marine hydrothermal system. It provides new stratigraphic correlations and insights into regional base metal mineral potential.

Use Cases

• Correlate volcanic stratigraphy using SHRIMP U-Pb zircon and in situ laser Rb-Sr glauconite age data.
• Model regional hydrothermal fluid flow events using laser Rb-Sr dating on matrix secondary microcline (ca. 1612–1323 Ma).
• Assess base metal mineral system potential by analyzing data on vertical siliceous pipes ('white smokers') and pervasive potassic alteration.

Strengths

• Provides precise maximum (ca. 1662 Ma) and minimum (ca. 1631 Ma) extrusion ages for the volcanic sequence.
• Documents multiple dating methods (SHRIMP U-Pb, laser Rb-Sr) on different minerals (zircon, glauconite, microcline).
• Links volcanic units to regional hydrothermal events and mineralisation episodes in the Mount Isa Province.

Limitations

• Data is presented in a PDF report, limiting direct computational analysis without extraction.
• Sample size and specific geographic coordinates for sampling sites are not detailed in the provided description.
• The dataset focuses on a single volcanic sequence, requiring integration with other regional data for broader analysis.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, published in the 'Exploring for the Future: Extended Abstracts' (2020).

Collection Method

Field geology, SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating, in situ laser Rb-Sr dating on glauconite and microcline.

Time Range

Late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1662 to 1631 Ma for extrusion; ca. 1612–1323 Ma for alteration).

Freshness

null

Geography

Benmara region, northwestern Mount Drummond 1:250 000 map sheet, South Nicholson region, Northern Territory, Australia.