SHRIMP geochronological analysis
The Ladakh Batholith in the region that could have sourced the granite pebble was sampled. Locations were at Khardung La granite (LAD06-23: N 34° 16’ 41.64”; E 77° 36’ 19.49”) and the Chang La granite (LAD06-27: N 34° 04’ 06.12”; E 77° 56’ 33.12”) and are approximately 50km apart.
These two granite samples were analysed using SHRIMP U/Pb geochronology with ages being from the cores of zircons: the Khardung La granite giving an age of 56.8 ±0.5 Ma and Chang La granite giving an age of 58.0 ±0.5 Ma (White et al. 2011). The Khardung La granite correlates well with the 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 55.7 ±0.3 Ma, while the Chang La age correlates with the 40Ar/39Ar age range where the interpretation of a range between 55.7 ±0.3 Ma and 61.1 ±0.3 Ma is suggested.