Timescales of faulting through calcite geochronology: A review

Calcite is a common mineral precipitated within upper crustal fault zones and associated fractures, forming veins, cements coatings. It has the potential to be dated using several radioisotopic systems if parent/daughter isotope abundances are suitable for currently available analytical techniques. U-Pb dating can most readily achieved in-situ laser ablation technique, which led rapid growth area in of calcite. The ability constrain timing slip hinges critically on confidently link calcite precipitation movement and/or spatially temporally fracture opening requires careful microstructural petrographic documentation. We discuss varying reliability different fill types make these links, demonstrate that crack-seal-slip fills with faults unambiguously linking phases slip. Previous applications U-Th methods natural examples at range temporal spatial scales reviewed, particular their implications timescales faulting rates fracture-filling. then highlight main limitations method, provide brief commentary future directions.