Early Paleozoic Tectonothermal Evolution of the Khan-Khukhay Metamorphic Complex (Northern Mongolia)

Abstract

A reconstruction of metamorphic stages of Moren and Erzin metamorphic Complexes in the Khan-Khuhay block of Nothern Mongolia presented in the paper. Based on it a general geodynamic history of Sangilen terrain of Tuva-Mongolia Massif discussed. Reconstructed “clock-wise” P-T trend demonstrated two stage of metamorphism, the first of which is due to collision metamorphism with P-T parameters of 9 kbar, 740°C, the second one is due to regional magmatic episode with P-T parameters of 6-7 kbar, 860–880°C. Geochemical and petrological peculiarities of rocks in the Khan-Khuhay block demonstrates resemblance with metamorphic block of Western Sangilen in South-East Tuva. In the first time quartz monzodiorite intrusive bodies founded within Khan-Khuhay block. Their geochemical peculiarities are similar to Ordovician gabbro-monzodiorite intrusives of Western Sangilen. Quartz monzodiorite intrusives of Khan-Khuhay are likely a small apophysis of a deep-crust intermediate magma chamber and can present probable thermal source of metamorphic stage M2 in the Khan-Khuhay block. Numerical thermo-mechanical model of metamorphism in the Khan-Khuhay block explain heating in the thickening crust during collision due to higher radiogenic heat source of 1.52 μW/m3. Using computer modeling was show that the P-T parameters of second metamorphic stage can realize only by means of magmatic heat from monzodiorite intrusion. Reconstruction of P-T parameters using mineral thermobarometry, similarity of geochemical characteristics, as well as the results of thermomechanical modeling allow us to conclude that the Erzin and Moren complexes have undergone a joint tectono-metamorphic evolution.