Metamorphic Indicators for Collision, Extension, and Shear Zone Geodynamic Settings of the Earth’s Crust

Abstract

An effective method for identifying the tectonic-magmatic causes of metamorphism is the reconstruction and analysis of P–T–t paths, which can be used to develop a model of rock evolution with time in the “pressure–temperature–time” coordinates. This approach is most widely used in interpreting the development of orogens with a polycyclic history, where different types of metamorphism are combined in contrasting geodynamic settings. The progress in this direction in recent years is due to the improvement of the instrumental base, precision methods for the study of matter – in situ local microanalysis and dating of zonal metamorphic minerals, and the computing apparatus of geothermobarometric procedures using multi-equilibria. The article discusses these issues on the example of geological complexes of various geodynamic nature, which are typical for different types of metamorphism. Reaction microtextures, chemical zoning in minerals, geochronological dating as well as the trajectory of the Р-Т paths provide evidence for the polymetamorphic history. A generalized P-T diagram was built using data on well-studied metamorphic complexes, which are characterized by the simultaneous presence of prograde and retrograde segments of a P-T path. Diagnostic P-T-t paths characteristic of rocks formed in zones of active tectogenesis—under collision, extension and in shear zones of the earth’s crust—have been established. This paper discusses some of the ambiguous interpretations of P-T-t paths in areas with simultaneous manifestation of different metamorphic processes, which requires further research.