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Th and U in sedimentary rocks: crustal evolution and sedimentary recycling

Abstract

Thorium and uranium abundances in sedimentary rocks increase at the Archean–Proterozoic boundary, in response to an episodic change in the composition of the upper continental crust. Uranium decreases and Th/U increases during post-Archean time due to significant recycling of sedimentary rocks.

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McLennan, S., Taylor, S. Th and U in sedimentary rocks: crustal evolution and sedimentary recycling. Nature 285, 621–624 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/285621a0

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