Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism in the Western Gneiss Region of the Norwegian Caledonides

Abstract

The distribution and characterization of UHP rocks within the Western Gneiss Region (WGR) of the Norwegian Caledonides is reviewed. While recent studies have documented a significantly increased number of eclogite localities preserving mineralogical evidence for Scandian-aged UHP metamorphism, much uncertainty remains over the regional extent of any UHP province because of the widespread overprinting by retrograde amphibolite-facies assemblages (especially in the dominant gneisses) during exhumation of the terrain. Based on current observations, the UHP metamorphic province may be limited to a northwest region of only∼4000 km2, although an enigmatic mixed zone of HP (quartz-stable) and UHP (coesite-stable) eclogites extends a minimum of 5 km farther south and east in the Outer Nordfjord area. Quantitative P-T evaluation of key mineral reaction equilibria for eclogites sampled across the WGR indicates an overall regional trend of increased T and P to the northwest. This is consistent with Baltic plate rocks in the northwestern part of the WGR having been subducted to greatest depths during the Scandian plate collision. The distribution of garnet peridotites within the WGR and their significance to understanding the nature, location, and timing of crust-mantle interaction within a major continental-plate subduction zone also is briefly considered.