P–T paths in the Handöl area, central Scandinavia: record of Caledonian accretion of outboard rocks to the Baltoscandian margin

Abstract

The Seve–Köli Nappe Complex is widespread in the Scandinavian Caledonides and is composed of units representing parts of the Baltoscandian margin (Seve Nappes) now overlain by magmatic–sedimentary rocks (Köli Nappes) derived from west of this margin. The metamorphic evolution of Köli and Seve units has been studied in the Handöl area, central Scandinavian Caledonides, where a fragmented ophiolite with cover sequence in the lower Köli units is thrust over the higher grade Seve units. Thermobarometry constrains metamorphic conditions to 490–570° C/950–600 MPa, with a slight downwards increase in grade, for the lower Köli (Bunnerviken lens), 520–620° C/1000–600 MPa for the upper Seve (Täljstensvalen Complex), 630–740° C/750–650 MPa for the middle Seve (Snasahögarna Nappe) and 480–600° C/1150–1000 MPa for the lower Seve (Blåhammarfjället Nappe). P–T paths during garnet growth have been constructed for all units, except the highest grade middle Seve. These paths record heating at the base of the Köli and cooling in the underlying Seve units. Pressure increase during garnet growth is indicated for all units leading to anticlockwise P–T paths in the Seve. The results imply thermal convergence with time for all units and spatial convergence in metamorphic grade in the Köli. It is suggested that the contrasting metamorphic histories on either side of the Seve–Köli boundary resulted from the emplacement of relatively colder Köli rocks on top of relatively hotter Seve rocks and that emplacement of structurally higher units contributed to the increase in pressure.