Timing of high-pressure metamorphic events in the Bulgarian Rhodopes from Lu–Hf garnet geochronology

Abstract

Within the Mediterranean realm, the Rhodopes represent a nappe stack of oceanic and continental fragments assembled along the Eurasian continental margin during the Alpine orogeny. The timing of the high-pressure (HP) metamorphism has long been ambiguous, lacking detailed geochronological and geochemical control on subduction-exhumation and nappe stacking processes. Here we apply the Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd chronometers to a suite of representative eclogite samples covering two different key units of the Rhodopean nappe stack: (1) the Kimi Complex (Upper Allochthon) and (2) the Middle Allochthon. In addition to geochronology, we also determined whole rock Hf and Nd isotope compositions as well as major and trace element concentrations in order to constrain the nature of the eclogite protoliths. Two HP metamorphic events were revealed by Lu–Hf geochronology: (1) a Lower Cretaceous event in the Upper Allochthon (126.0 ± 1.7 Ma) and (2) an Eocene event in the Middle Allochthon (44.6 ± 0.7 Ma; 43.5 ± 0.4 Ma; 42.8 ± 0.5 Ma), at conditions of ca. 700°C/20–25 kbar. Our new data provide direct evidence for multiple subduction events in the Rhodopes. Exhumation and subsequent thrusting of the Middle Allochthon on the Lower Allochthon can be narrowed down to the time span between 42 and 34 Ma. In a broader tectonic context, the Eocene ages for the HP metamorphism support the view that the Rhodopes represent a large-scale tectonic window, exposing the deepest nappe units of the Hellenides.