Vitrinite reflectance as a possible indicator of metamorphic grade and stratigraphic position of formations: a study of Oligocene metapelites in NE Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
1-2
Pages
223-232
Date Issued
2001
Author(s)
Abstract
A total of 47 samples of Oligocene metapelites collected from the northeastern (NE) Hsuehshan Range, Taiwan, were studied by measuring vitrinite reflectance. The vitrinite reflectance of the three studied stratigraphic units, from top to bottom, are as follows: the Tatungshan Formation: R̄(max)(mean maximum vitrinite reflectance) = 1.35-2.76% and R̄(m)(mean random vitrinite reflectance) = 1.18-2.56%; the Tsuku Formation: R̄(max) = 2.89-3.51% and R̄(m) = 2.37-3.26%; and the Kankou Formation: R̄(max) = 4.06-5.97% and R̄(m) = 3.04-5.07%. Either R̄(max) or R̄(m) changes continuously along the studied geologic sections, and the variation serves well as a metamorphic grade indicator. In the studied area, each stratigraphic formation has its own characteristic vitrinite reflectance value range. It is postulated that, in the future, vitrinite reflectance can also serve as an indicator of stratigraphic position of formations to aid stratigraphic identification and correlation in geologic mappings. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Type
journal article