The Precambrian problem in younger orogenic zones: An example from Japan'
We have examined some of the presumed Precambrian basement metamorphic and granitic rocks in Japan, through radiometric dating as well as on field evidence, and have found that mineral ages of about 175 to 250 m.y. are abundant in the Hida area, northwestern part of central Japan, that a number of thrust rocks in southwestern Japan show ages of 400 to 450 m.y., and that the oldest of the measured samples is about or somewhat over 500 m.y. Little evidence is available to support a view that the Pre-Sinian rocks, if ever existent, have remained unaltered under such a polycyclic orogenic zone as that represented by Japan, although remnants of the youngest Precambrian to Early Paleozoic cycle can be detected.