High-pressure serpentinites, a trap-and-release system controlled by metamorphic conditions: Example from the Piedmont zone of the western Alps

Abstract

We provide new insights into the geochemistry of serpentinites from the Alpine orogenic wedge representing a paleo-subduction zone. These serpentinites are derived from similar oceanic protoliths, but they have experienced different metamorphic conditions related to three different structural levels of the paleo-subduction zone ((1) obducted: Chenaillet ophiolite, (2) accretionary wedge: Queyras Schistes lustrés complex and (3) serpentinite channel: Monviso ophiolite). Metamorphism undergone by these three units is well defined, increasing eastward from sub-greenschist to eclogite facies conditions, and allows us to examine trace element behavior from the oceanic ridge environment to subduction. Serpentinites first record moderate trace element enrichment due to seawater interaction resulting in the replacement of olivine and pyroxene by chrysotile and lizardite below 300°C. In the sediment-dominated accretionary wedge, serpentinites are strongly enriched in fluid-mobile-elements (B, Li, As, Sb, and Cs) and act as a trapping system following the metamorphic gradient (from 300 to 390°C) up to total replacement of the lizardite/chrysotile assemblage by antigorite. Under higher temperature conditions (T>390°C), no enrichment was observed, and some fluid-mobile elements were released (B, Li, Cs, and Sr). Moreover, in the serpentinite channel (T>460°C), most of the fluid-mobile elements are absent due to the scarcity of metasediments which prevent geochemical exchange between metasediments and serpentinites. This is also due to the onset of antigorite breakdown and the release of fluid-mobile elements. Thus, we emphasize that the geochemistry of Alpine serpentinites is strongly dependent on (1) the grade of metamorphism and (2) the ability of metasediments to supply fluid-mobile elements. We conclude that serpentinites act as a trap-and-release system for fluid-mobile elements in a subduction context.