Deformation and metamorphism at the South-margin of the Alps, East of Bellinzona, Switzerland

Abstract

Deformation and metamorphism of rock series at the South-margin of the Alps, E of Bellinzona, are studied. Magmatic relics and metamorphic Minerals and rock types of the Tonalite and of the Augengneiss of Melirolo are examined. These bodies are regarded as of magmatic origin. Zoning of plagioclase is ascribed to rise of melts and cooling under loss of volatiles. Subvolcanic dykes branch off the Augengneiss into the Tonale Series. The magmatics are late-alpine and intruded into the Southerly cover plate on top of the subduction zone. The cover plate was still cold and unaffected by alpine deformation during this intrusion. Later deformation and heating of cover plate and magmatics is late-alpine. The Tonalite-deformation was quantified by a study of xenolith-deformation. The Tonalite was flattened to 1/20 of its original width. We extrapolate this flattening to the Southerly steep zone, now 5 km broad. We conclude that this zone was 100 km wide befor late-alpine flattening. This deformation occurred during the higher T part of lepontine heat-rise. A maximum T of ca 580 ‡C and pH20 5–6 kbar is reached after the main deformation. Considerable stretching upward buried the niveau of intrusion, formerly shallow, under 15–20 km of rocks. The Tonale Series suffered 3-fold rotational refolding under subsiding T after the main deformation. An early-alpine subduction eclogite was found imbricated into the Tonale Series. It still contains parts of the subduction paragenesis preserved or pseudomorphosed and relics of subduction preferred orientation. Under late-alpine deformation it is changed into amphibolite. This proves continuation of subduction from Val Sesia to our area and further E. The magmatics are interpreted as subduction-magmatites. They cannot be derived as partial melts from the subducted slice which underlies the Tonale Series, from which the eclogite was imbricated into the Tonale Series during late-alpine movements.Voll has found a more Northerly subduction zone (Adula Nappe, Misox Zone). This may have reached our area in sufficient depth to produce partial melts before late-alpine flattening of the marginal zone. Last movements at the Insubric Line formed blastomylonites at 300 ‡C indicating vertical movements. In our area lepontine garnet-staurolite-kyanite-schists abut directly against the Insubric line and the Seealpen. Lower T areas towards the S are cut off by the Insubric Line.