Evidence for underplating in the genesis of the Variscan synorogenic Beja Layered Gabbroic Sequence (Portugal) and related mesocratic rocks

Abstract

The Beja Layered Gabbroic Sequence (LGS) is a mafic, layered synorogenic intrusion that was emplaced at the SW border of the Ossa Morena Zone (OMZ) at ca. 350Ma during the early stages of the Variscan oblique continental collision. The LGS represents the primitive member of the Beja Igneous Complex (BIC), which records part of an important Variscan magmatic event to the north of the SW Iberian suture that led to the formation of several igneous complexes. Although LGS primary magmatic features are well-preserved from post-crystallization tectono-metamorphic events, the magma chamber processes were influenced by the Variscan regional stress field which affected also the development of the magmatic layering and associated foliation.The baric evolution recorded in LGS (from 9 to 4kbar) is compatible with early crustal underplating of juvenile basaltic magma at the Moho. Mild lower crustal contamination resulted in Nb-Ta-Rb-Th depletion and higher REE fractionation compared to MORB. Contamination proceeded mainly by assimilation-fractional-crystallization (AFC) at final level of emplacement.The obtained results suggest that the spatially associated BIC mesocratic rocks are genetically related to LGS, both deriving from an equivalent mantle source. It is proposed that the underplating of basaltic magmas at the lower crust gave rise to a deep crustal hot zone. This allows BIC evolution to be explained as a single, long-lived magmatic event of progressive geochemical and lithological diversification due to the involvement of distinct crustal components. The most important components were incorporated at depth by the reworking of OMZ lower crustal rocks, with the involvement of middle crustal rocks later on, and of upper crustal contamination during the final stages of emplacement.