PhD: Tectono-metamorphic Evolution of the Eastern Alps

My current research interests focus on several interrelated strands, which combine to address both the temporal and spatial scales of processes driving production and reworking of continental crust. Field-based observations provide the motivation for much of my research.

Research Interests:

Metamorphic evolution of exhumed crust

Understanding the fundamental processes driving orogenesis hinges critically on deciphering P-T trajectories of buried and subsequently exhumed crustal units. Such rocks are exposed within the crystalline cores of mountain belts. I am interested in the comparison of predicted P-T-X relations of deeply subducted (>60 km) continental and oceanic crust, calculated using the phase equilibria program- THERMOCALC, with observed mineral parageneses. 

Deformed eclogite from the Tauern window, Austria

Radiogenic isotope geochronology 

High precision radioisotope geochronology of accessory phases present within metamorphic rocks allows the calculation of rates of burial and exhumation. I am interested in the development and application of the U-Th-Pb system to a range of different petrochronometers including monazite, rutile, zircon and allanite. Recent work at the NERC Isotope Geoscience Laboratory (NIGL) with Randy Parrish, has focused on characterizing a new and improved allanite standard - crucial to the calculation of prograde metamorphic rates. Additionally, 49Ar-39Ar geochronology is a very powerful tool for interpreting the thermal evolution of an orogen. In collaboration with Clare Warren (Open University), we have recently shown that excess Ar is pervasive throughout high-grade Penninic units of the Eastern Alps.

Thermal evolution of tectonically thickened crust

The advent of high precision radiometric dating techniques has revealed that profound questions surround the mechanisms of heat transfer responsible for regional metamorphism of continental lithosphere. My interests lie in the numerical and analytical modeling of the thermal evolution of regional metamorphic terrains. Specifically, reconciling the results of simple thermal models with natural datasets from the Eastern Alps shows that Alpine Barrovian metamorphism cannot be accounted for solely by overthrusting as previously thought. This work benefits from collaboration with Mark Caddick (ETHZ).

 

Publications:

Smye,A.J., Greenwood, L., and Holland, T.J.B., 2010. Garnet-chloritoid-kyanite assemblages: Eclogite facies indicators of subduction constraints in orogenic belts; Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2010-28, 753-768.

Smye,A.J., St-Onge, M.R., and Waters, D.J., 2009. Contrasting metamorphic pressure-temperature histories within the Trans-Hudson Orogen's hinterland, southwest Baffin Island, Nunavut; Geological Survey of Canada, Current Research 2009-6, 18 p.

Selected Conference Presentations

Smye,A.J., Bickle, M.J., Parrish, R., Holland, T.J.B., Condon, D., Horstwood, M., and Cottle, J. 2010. Rapid Formation and Exhumation of Eclogites in the Eastern Alps. Goldschmidt 2010, A974.
Smye,A.J., Bickle, M.J., Parrish, R., Holland, T.J.B., Condon, D., Horstwood, M., and Cottle, J. 2010. Rapid subduction and exhumation of eclogites in the Eastern Alps. Metamorphic Studies Group, Research in Progress Meeting.
Smye,A.J., Greenwood, L. and Holland, T.J.B. 2009. Garnet-chloritoid-kyanite parageneses: a key constraint on subduction dynamics. AGU Fall Meeting abstract V43D-2295.
Smye,A.J., Holland, T.J.B. and Bickle, M.J. 2008. The timing of eclogite facies metamorphism in the Eastern Alps, Austria. AGU Fall Meeting abstract T41B-1967.


Publications: 2006-Present

Last updated on 31-Oct-10 13:41