Detrital zircon U-Pb ages and source of the late Palaeocene Thanet Formation, Kent, SE England

The sources of the Paleocene London Basin marine to fluviodeltaic sandstones are currently unclear. High analysis number detrital zircon U-Pb age investigation an early-mid Thanetian sand from East Kent, reveals a large spread peaks indicative range primary sources. In particular, strong Ediacaran peak is associated with Cadomian Orogeny, while secondary represent Caledonian and various Mesoproterozoic Archean orogenies. near absence grains Variscan orogeny refutes southerly or southwesterly source Cornubia Armorica, points Avalonian origin for major component material. Furthermore, relatively well expressed components most likely require significant additional Laurentian input. Comparison published data shows that both Devonian Old Red Sandstone northwesterly (Avalonia-Laurentia) derived Namurian-Westphalian Pennine show similarities sand. This pattern consistent derivation material via SE draining proto-Thames River system was initiated in due uplift western northwestern Britain. river would have incised eroded cover potentially also basement mid north Wales England. However, possibility contribution directly longshore drift cannot be excluded by data, extent which sediment signatures Paleogene sands variable geographically over time remains