Prolonged grain boundary sliding in naturally deformed calcite marble at the middle crustal level

Abstract

It is generally accepted that grain boundary sliding (GBS) is the dominant deformation mechanism in fine-grained strain localization zones. However, the lifetime of GBS during deformation in monomineralic rocks is hotly debated, as grain growth may inhibit the operation of GBS. In this contribution, recrystallized matrix grains in calcite marbles from the Jinzhou detachment fault zone at the middle crustal level, Liaodong Peninsula, Northeast China, show clear evidence of GBS, e.g., 1) fine grains with sizes of 5–30 μm, nearly equant grain shapes and slightly curved grain boundaries, 2) rare evidence for intracrystalline deformation, 3) existence of four-grain junctions and aligned straight grain boundaries, and 4) weak crystallographic preferred orientations. The existence of high misorientation zones along the margins of the matrix grains, especially at their triple junctions, and differences in cathodoluminescence (CL) characteristics between rims and cores of the grains indicate simultaneous accommodation of GBS by dislocation motion and grain boundary diffusion. The different CL characteristics between rims and cores of calcite matrix grains and the presence of calcite-filled cracks imply fluid activity during deformation. Fluids could dramatically enhance GBS by promoting dislocation motion and grain boundary diffusion. Additionally, the nucleation of fine grains by dynamic recrystallization and cavitation-sealing processes during GBS guaranteed the maintenance of GBS. At the same time, the occurrence of micropores and the existence of second phases also inhibit grain growth. These features make GBS the dominant deformation mechanism in naturally deformed marbles in the middle-upper crust.