Hercynian tectono-thermal evolution associated with crustal extension and exhumation of the Lora del Río metamorphic core complex (Ossa-Morena zone, Iberian Massif, SW Spain)

Abstract

The Lora del Rio metamorphic core complex corresponds to the lowermost, high-grade block below a Hercynian extensional shear zone. A peculiarity of this sector is that exhumation of the metamorphic core was the result of the activity of two low-angle, approximately perpendicular shear zones: the main and the secondary shear zones, both of which are separating three structural levels with distinct tectonometamorphic imprints. The Lora del Rio metamorphic core underwent rapid exhumation due to the combined action of both extensional shear zones. The Hueznar unit, which represents the median block, shows a complex evolution whereby the highest metamorphism occurs in relation to the secondary extensional structure, although most structures appear to be controlled by the main extensional shear zone. Metamorphism and deformation within the upper block (Los Miradores unit) are controlled by the underlying units. Recognition in the Ossa-Morena zone of extensional deformation processes (dated at 340 Ma), spatially and temporally related with the convergent deformations, can help in the establishment of comparisons and correlations with other sectors of the European Hercynian foldbelt.