APATITE FISSION-TRACK DATA FROM SOUTHEAST IRELAND - IMPLICATIONS FOR POST-VARISCAN BURIAL HISTORY

The results of a reconnaissance apatite fission track study from south east Ireland are compared with modelled ages and length distributions predicted using both traditional thermal histories and the thermal his tory indicated by the fission track age and length data. All samples h ave experienced total annealing during the Variscan orogeny. There is strong evidence for significant post-Variscan, pre-Mid Jurassic heatin g and cooling. The modelling also recognizes a third thermal event sub sequent to 100 Ma. The implications of these results are examined in t erms of the timing and extent of subsidence and inversion along the no rthern margin of the North Celtic Sea Basin.