Generation of granitic plutons during Crustal orogenesis: An example from the Eastern Ghats granulite belt

Abstract

Stock-like granite plutons in the Eastern Ghats belt and their host granulites exhibit similar solid state fabric. Both mineralogically and chemically these plutons are peraluminous and granitic in composition with S-type granite affinities. The granite plutons are product of a variety of mica dehydration melting reactions, as evident from their (1) compositional plots in the (FeO + MgO) — Na2O.Al2O3 — K2O.Al2O3 (MNK) pseudoternary diagram and (2) trace element contents. Muscovite and/or biotite breakdown reaction with or without plagioclase are the characteristic melting reactions. Restitic signature is evident in the host metapelitic granulites, locally known as khondalites (Qtz-Kfs-Grt-Sil-Fe-Ti oxides-bearing gneisses). The compositional variability of the associated khondalites can be a result of (1) original compositional variation and (2) they represent different stages of restites. Trace element monitoring following restite separation model suggests that these granite plutons are largely saturated equilibrium melts. The granites are chemically discriminated as syn-collisional. The plutons could also be the product of segregation during the regional exhumation of the Eastern Ghats terrain.