The thermotectonic evolution of a Proterozoic, low pressure, granulite dome, West Uusimaa, SW Finland

Abstract

Three fold generations have been recognized in Svecofennian rocks (±1,800 Ma) from West Uusimaa, SW Finland. The first one (F1) might be related to thrusting and imbrication tectonics at plate collision contacts. The main generation (F2) is due to a N-S horizontal crustal shortening, which created at first E-W trending upright folds in the whole region and later tightened these F2 folds in the western part of the belt, whereas conjugate shear zones and tectonic lenses of competent rock bodies developed in the eastern part. Simultaneously the metamorphic conditions rose from amphibolite- to granulite-facies in this eastern part, which is known as the West Uusimaa Complex. The amphibolite- to granulite-facies transition zone along the western boundary of the granulite-facies complex is studied in detail. A number of prograde mineral reactions are telescoped in this transition zone: the breakdown of biotite and amphibole to ortho- ±clino-pyroxene in metaigneous rocks, the appearance of garnet in cordierite-bearing metapelites and the appearance of scapolite in calcareous rocks. Distinct mineralogical changes also occur in this zone which cross cuts all major structures and rock units and are only affected by late-F3 folding (open, disharmonic folds with approximately N-S trending axial planes) and young shear zones, associated with pseudotachylite generation. The absence of any evidence of block faulting and tilting of the crust that could be associated with the granulite complex suggests that the whole region represents one crustal level.