High spatial resolution ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of pseudotachylites: geochronological evidence for multiple phases of faulting within basement gneisses of the Outer Hebrides (UK)

Pseudotachylites within the Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic basement of the Lewisian Gneiss Complex have been analysed using the high spatial resolution ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar UV laserprobe technique. It has been possible to measure ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age and ‘apparent' age variations that would be beyond resolution by lower spatial resolution or bulk ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating methods. We report a range of complexities including significantly younger narrow (<1 mm) margins on much older pseudotachylite veins, and heterogeneous excess argon contamination. We also report pseudotachylite veins of varying magnitudes that have been subject to later thermal reheating, whereby there is a relationship between vein thickness and extent of argon loss. In spite of these it is still possible to determine geologically meaningful ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages for pseudotachylite-forming events. In Lewis the c. 1900 Ma event may relate to early stages of Laxfordian reworking. In Barra and South Uist a 1300–1200 Ma event is recorded, whereas in Barra, South and North Uist a second event is recorded at c. 700 Ma, which is likely to be associated with NW- and west-directed thrusting, and could represent far-field effects of tectonic events recorded at this time east of the Moine Thrust in NW Scotland.