Two types of Precambrian high‐grade metamorphism, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract

Abstract Archaean and Proterozoic granulite facies complexes of Inner Mongolia differ in lithological association, tectonic style, mineral assemblage and metamorphic P–T path. A nearly isobaric cooling path for Archaean high‐grade metamorphic rocks is suggested by reaction textures and geothermobarometry. Early Proterozoic metamorphic rocks show nearly isothermal decompression. Archaean metamorphism may have been caused by magmatic accretion, whereas early Proterozoic metamorphism suggests a major continental thickening event followed by exhumation.