δ18O and yttrium zoning in garnet: time markers for fluid flow?

Abstract

AbstractThe relative timing of two discrete pulses of metamorphic fluid flow is constrained based on chemical zoning in several garnet crystals from Kvaløya, Troms, northern Norway. The garnet crystals measured 1–2 cm in diameter and were contained within c. 1.6 Ga, staurolite grade metasediments. Major element zoning indicates that garnet grew under normal prograde conditions in the garnet and/or staurolite zones.Timing constraints are based on comparisons between major and trace element chemical zoning, oxygen isotope (δ18O) zoning and deformational (inclusion trail) zoning in one of the garnet. We interpret at least two pulses of metamorphic fluid flow. The first pulse occurred during the syn‐tectonic growth interval. The δ18O zoning was reversed relative to ‘normal’ prograde zoning and the δ18O maximum was located within the syn‐tectonic growth zone, displaced 3–4 mm from the garnet core. The fluid might have been sourced in neighbouring calcareous pelites and may also have caused formation of an Y ring. The second (and subsequent) pulse(s) occurred during/after the post‐tectonic growth interval. δ18O was locally increased at the garnet rim, particularly where the rim was sheared. The incomplete rim was also enriched in calcium. Transport of oxygen and calcium by metamorphic fluids is well documented. Transport of Y is both problematic and poorly understood, but might have been facilitated by complexing with F and/or CO2.