Amphibolite Facies Metamorphism Research Articles

Magmatic and metamorphic evolution of the Late Cretaceous Muslim Bagh Ophiolite, western Pakistan: implications for ridge subduction after subduction initiation

ABSTRACT The magmatic and metamorphic evolutions of the Muslim Bagh Ophiolite (MBO) can help understand the relationship among supra-subduction ophiolite, subduction initiation, and the spreading centre in the forearc. Here, we investigated the whole-rock chemistry, mineral composition, P–T conditions, and K–Ar ages of the MBO and its associated units. The whole-rock and magmatic clinopyroxene compositions indicate that the MBO amphibolites and tholeiitic basalts of the underlying Bagh Complex originated in a supra-subduction setting and mid-ocean ridges, respectively. Late Cretaceous oceanic island basalts found in the Bagh Complex and the Bibai Formation occurred in oceans and near the passive continental margin of western India, respectively. Metamorphic Mg-hornblendes in the MBO amphibolites record low-P/T type upper amphibolite-facies metamorphism (2.4–2.9 kbar, 612–690 °C), indicating a > 50 ºC/km geothermal gradient. The K–Ar hornblende and plagioclase ages suggest contemporaneous low-P/T type metamorphism at ca. 78–71 Ma in the MBO formed in a forearc and tholeiitic ridge-related magmatism of ca. 78–77 Ma in the Bagh Complex, indicating a spreading ridge was active during the subduction. Our results, combined with plate kinematic reconstructions of the Neotethys Ocean in the previous studies, suggest that the abnormally high geothermal gradient in the MBO could be due to orthogonal ridge subduction near the triple junction after the ca. 80 Ma subduction initiation in the forearc. It is also likely that the geothermal gradient in the MBO dropped from >50 °C/km at 78–71 Ma, through 35–45 °C/km, to <25 °C/km at approximately 65 Ma due to gradual steepening of the subducting slab, followed by the obduction of the MBO during the Paleocene to Eocene period.

Geochemistry of Mafic Rocks From the Nagrota–Kathindi Section, Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya: A Probable Example of Plume–Lithosphere Interaction

ABSTRACTThe Northwest Himalayan region has a record of several phases of mafic magmatic activity spanning from Precambrian to Cenozoic in a dynamic tectonic setting. Here, we studied detailed petrography and new whole‐rock geochemistry of mafic volcanic and dykes from the Nagrota–Kathindi Section (NKS), Himachal region of the NW Himalaya, to understand the petrogenesis and possible tectonic setting. Both rock types have comparable mineralogical compositions (clinopyroxene + plagioclase + actinolite‐tremolite + chlorite + iron oxides ± hornblende ± epidote ± quartz ± carbonates) overprinted by greenschist to lower amphibolite facies metamorphism. The mafic volcanic and dykes of NKS exhibit subalkaline basalts to basaltic andesites and a typical tholeiite compositional character. The chondrite‐normalized rare earth element pattern exhibits similar LREE‐enrichment and strong HREE‐fractionation, whereas primitive mantle‐normalized multi‐element patterns show pronounced LILE‐enrichment of Rb, Ba, Th, LREE, and HFSE depletion of Nb, K, P, and Ti. The Zr–Y–Nb–Th relationships indicate that both rock types were derived from the plume source, whereas low Nb/La (&lt; 1), similar high large‐ion lithophile element concentrations, and pronounced negative Nb, Zr, P, and Ti anomalies suggest that components other than mantle plume must have been involved in the generation and evolution of both rock types, that is, most likely plume and subcontinental lithosphere mantle (SCLM) interaction. The genesis of parent magma for the NKS volcanic and dykes was derived by 4%–6% and 10%–20% partial melting from the spinel + garnet lherzolite stability field. The majority of the studied samples correspond to spinel + garnet peridotite melting on (Gd/Yb)N versus CaO/Al2O3 diagram, thereby corroborating residual garnet in the mantle restite. All the basalts and dykes from the NK section did erupt/intrude in an intracontinental rift setting based on geochemical discrimination. The key petro‐tectonic processes attributed to the formation of these rocks are as follows: (i) the melting of the ascending plume by adiabatic decompression; (ii) the partial melting of this plume–SCLM source in the melting regime, which produces basaltic magma with a tholeiitic composition; and (iii) the release of heat that provides the thermal condition for melting of SCLM and interaction between upwelling mantle plume and subduction metasomatized SCLM.

Metamorphism and geochronology of the Foping gneiss dome: Insights into Early Triassic collision of the Qinling Orogen, Central China

The Foping gneiss dome, which outcrops in the narrowest part of the Qinling Orogen, contains high-grade metamorphic rocks that record the collision between the North China Block (NCB) and South China Block (SCB). Herein, petrography, mineral chemistry, phase equilibria modeling and UPb geochronology are used to constrain the collision events responsible for the high-grade metamorphism and exhumation of the Foping gneiss dome. The pelitic and mafic granulites sampled from the dome reveal peak metamorphism at P/T conditions of 6.2–7.4 kbar/ 805–855 °C, and document clockwise P-T-t paths with retrograde metamorphism of amphibolite-facies at 3.4–4.7 kbar/ 605–715 °C. While the pelitic schist from the rim of this dome witnessed peak metamorphism at P/T conditions of 4.9–5.1 kbar/ 590–605 °C and retrograde metamorphism at 3.5–3.7 kbar/ 510–520 °C. UPb dating of zircon and monazite confirm ages of ∼247–240 Ma for peak metamorphism with granulite-facies, ages of ∼208–198 Ma for retrograde metamorphism. The two metamorphic stages may record the transition from crustal thickening to dome exhumation, and the age of peak metamorphism probably marks the timing of the collision between the NCB and SCB along the Qinling Orogen in the Early Triassic. The collision probably terminated in the Late Triassic. The new discovery of the Triassic metamorphic event in the Qinling, combined with previously reported collision event of the Dabie Orogen to the east, supports the idea that the continental collision between the NCB and SCB along the Qinling-Dabie Orogen was synchronous.

Mineral chemistry and geothermobarometry of metasedimentary rocks of Central Menderes Massif, Western Türkiye: Metamorphic evolution and source of metapelitic rocks

The Menderes Massif (MM) is the largest metamorphic massif of Türkiye. This study was carried out to determine the origins, metamorphic conditions and age of garnet-mica schists covering large areas in the Central Menderes Massif (CMM). Detrital zircon dating of a garnet-mica schist derived from a quartzofeldspathic source measured the youngest zircon age to be 450 ± 61 Ma (102 % concordant, Th/U = 0.02) Ma and the oldest zircon age to be 1529 ± 18 Ma (97 % concordant, Th/U = 0.02) Ma. The ƐHf(t) values of the selected zircon grains vary between −27.42 and −3.43, and the 176Lu/177Hf isotope values vary between 0.2820 and 0.2827, and these values are consistent with the values obtained from the orthogneisses and paragneisses of the massif. The presence of five Ordovician zircon grains in garnet-mica schists and the intrusive contact with Triassic granites indicate that the source rock of the schists may have been deposited in the Late Ordovician - Triassic interval. Mineral chemical analyses show that garnets are almandine, biotites are Fe-biotite and white micas are muscovite-phengite in composition, and they are affected by metamorphism (greenschist - lower amphibolite facies) under ∼5 kbar pressure and ∼600 °C temperature conditions. For the first time, rutile UPb dating shows that garnet-mica schists underwent metamorphism 43.1 ± 6.1 Ma ago. PT conditions and metamorphic ages obtained from garnet-mica schists show that the overlying units underwent metamorphism in the greenschist-lower amphibolite facies in the Lutetian (Eocene) period.

The origin and fate of organic carbon in graphite–manganese bearing rocks and implications for the Lomagundi–Jatuli Event

Our study helps to unravel the complexity of the Lomagundi–Jatuli event, the largest and longest positive carbon isotope excursion ever recorded on the Earth’s surface, by providing a unique view of Paleoproterozoic graphitic rocks from the Borborema province of Northeastern Brazil. Through detailed mineralogical, textural, chemical and isotopic analyses, we bring a new perspective that provide support to elevated primary productivity and large-scale organic carbon burial during the Lomagundi–Jatuli event. Graphite crystals with distinctive textural features occur in association with silicate and oxidised manganese ores, manganese quartzites, garnetites, and gneisses. The graphites were crystallised at temperatures up to 634 °C, consistent with amphibolite facies metamorphism, according to Raman thermometry. An average total carbon content of 2.1 wt%, with δ13C values ranging from − 15.0 to − 21.5‰, is indicated by whole-rock geochemistry and carbon isotopic composition, respectively. Based on these results, our study proposes that these graphitic rocks may represent remnants of organic matter, possibly derived from bacterial biomass associated with manganese-rich sediments, preserved under reducing environmental conditions in a redox-stratified marine setting. Biological mediation on the origin of silicates is suggested by the close relationship between reduced manganese silicates and graphite. These constraints indicate that Paleoproterozoic graphite-rich rocks represent an important but overlooked reservoir of organic carbon that was partially degassed during the metamorphism of organic-rich sequences. Overall, this research provides new insights for the enigmatic emergence of the Lomagundi–Jatuli event, highlighting the intricate interplay among organic carbon, manganese-rich rocks and Earth's evolutionary processes during this period.

Tectonic evolution of the Early Paleozoic proto-East Asian continental margin: Inference from Paleozoic metamorphic rocks in the South Kitakami belt, northeast Japan

To constrain the incipient Pacific-type orogeny and tectonic processes in the Early Paleozoic proto-East Asian continental margin, the Motai–Matsugadaira–Yamagami (MMY) metamorphic rocks in the South Kitakami belt, northeast Japan were investigated. They are divided into two different types: amphibolite-facies rocks associated with serpentinite and blueschist-facies rocks associated with pelitic and psammitic schists. Three geochemical groups are identified from the MMY metamorphic rocks. Groups 1 and 2 resemble geochemical characteristics of mid-ocean ridge basalt and continental arc rocks, respectively. Group 3 exhibits considerable depletion of highly incompatible elements, which is caused by the high degree of partial melting of a hot mantle plume. The zircon U–Pb ages of Group 1 indicate that the protoliths experienced amphibolite-facies metamorphism soon after their formation in the Early Ordovician. Group 2 exhibits a coeval zircon U–Pb age with Group 1. The age distribution of detrital zircons in the MMY psammitic schists shows a peak of 500–400 Ma, the presence of Archean to Neoproterozoic zircons, and the youngest Late Devonian zircon. The following model is proposed for the tectonic evolution of the proto-East Asian continental margin: (1) the formation of an arc in the eastern margin of the South China craton in the Cambrian to Ordovician; (2) the subduction of a spreading axis and an oceanic plateau at the same time as the continental arc formation; (3) the consumption and subduction of arc materials by tectonic erosion; and (4) the formation of the Carboniferous accretionary complex and high-pressure metamorphic rocks under steady oceanic plate subduction. The proposed tectonic evolution model may also be applicable to equivalent Early Paleozoic rocks in southwest Japan.

A rapid transition from subduction to Barrovian metamorphism: geochronology of mafic–ultramafic relicts of oceanic crust in the Central Alps, Switzerland

Relicts of subducted oceanic lithosphere provide key information for the tectonic reconstructions of convergent margins. In the Central Alps, such relicts occur as isolated mafic–ultramafic lenses within the migmatites of the southern Adula nappe and Cima-Lunga unit. Analysis of the major-, minor-, and accessory minerals of these ophiolitic relicts, combined with zircon and rutile U–Pb ages and zircon oxygen isotopes, allows the reconstruction of different stages of their complex evolution. The mafic–ultramafic suite in Valle di Moleno consists of chlorite-harzburgites associated with metarodingites and retrogressed eclogites. Relic omphacite and kyanite in retrogressed eclogites provide evidence for subduction-related metamorphism. Increasing XPrp in the garnet mantle towards the rim documents heating during high-pressure metamorphism up to 800–850 °C. Polyphase inclusions and chemical zoning in garnet suggest fluid-assisted melting during high-pressure metamorphism dated at 31.0 ± 0.9 Ma. In Val Cama, chlorite-harzburgites, metarodingites and calcsilicate-metasediments occur. Detrital zircon ages in the metasediment suggest a Mesozoic deposition. The metarodingite-metaperidotite-metasediment association and the low δ18O signatures of zircon (δ18O 3.0–3.7‰), inherited from seafloor metasomatism of the protoliths, show that the rocks are derived from former altered oceanic crust. Amphibolite facies metamorphism related to the Central Alps Barrovian evolution in Val Cama occurred at 28.8 ± 1.5 Ma. The combined data from Moleno and Cama indicate a rapid transition (~ 2 Ma) from subduction to collisional metamorphism with corresponding exhumation rates of 3–6 cm/year. Fast exhumation tectonics may have been favored by slab break-off or slab extraction. U–Pb dating of rutile from both localities yields ages of ~ 20 Ma, suggesting that these rocks remained at amphibolite-facies conditions for about 10 Ma and underwent a second fast exhumation of 3 cm/year associated with vertical movements along the Insubric line.

Pulsating orogenesis and Neoproterozoic crustal architecture in the western part of Aravalli-Delhi Mobile belt, India: new evidence from structural, metamorphic, and U-Pb zircon geochronological data

ABSTRACT Structural, metamorphic, and geochronological study of the Delhi Supergroup rocks near the western margin of the Aravalli-Delhi Mobile Belt (ADMB) elucidate the Neoproterozoic tectonics of the South Delhi Fold Belt (SDFB) and its implication for the evolution of the Greater Indian Landmass (GIL). In this study, we establish three deformational events in the SDFB. While the D1 event produced isoclinal, reclined F1 folds synchronous with prograde amphibolite facies metamorphism (~5 kbar, 650°C), D2 formed outcrop to map-scale upright F2 folds. D3 comprised ‘partitioned transpression’ along two subvertical shear zones. Oblique dextral-reverse movement (D3a) along one shear zone formed an outcrop-scale positive flower structure, while sinistral-reverse movement along the other rotated and steepened the hinges of the F2 folds (D3b). U-Pb zircon dating of post-tectonic (post-D2, but pre-D3) and syntectonic (syn-D3) granite intrusives suggests >844 Ma age for D2 and ca. 820 Ma for D3. An older magmatic event (ca. 990 Ma) is recorded from sheared pink granites (pre- to syn-D1 intrusion). We suggest that the amalgamation of the ADMB and the Marwar Craton was initiated by the Grenville-age (ca. 1000 Ma) subduction-collision, while the younger events (ca. 844 Ma and 820 Ma) mark the final stitching of the ADMB – Marwar Craton along the Phulad-Ranakpur palaeo-suture zone to form the GIL. The distribution of early (ca. 1000–900 Ma) and late (ca. 800–700 Ma) Tonian magmatic and metamorphic ages in the SDFB suggest that the final growth of the GIL took place through multiple stages of oblique collision in a pulsating orogenesis through the Early Neoproterozoic.

Silurian ocean island basalt magmatism and Devonian−Carboniferous polymetamorphism: 100 million years in the Western Blue Ridge, USA

The tectonic configuration and evolution of southern Appalachian orogenic episodes are constrained, to a large extent, by knowledge of the timing and environment of pre- or syn-orogenic sediment deposition along with their subsequent thermal and deformational histories. The orogenic events that gave rise to regional folding and Barrovian metamorphism of the Western Blue Ridge (WBR) terrane are a classic example. We present new U-Pb and 40Ar-39Ar results bearing on the timing of magmatism and subsequent metamorphism of the Marble Hill Hornblende Schist (MHHS) of the WBR (southeastern USA). The schist is a key marker unit in the Murphy synclinorium, a central structure in the tectonic configuration of the WBR. The MMHS originated as basaltic volcanics overlying the Murphy Marble at the base of the Mineral Bluff Group. Ocean island basalt geochemistry and a zircon U-Pb age of ca. 437 Ma for the MHHS is consistent with plume-related volcanism in a Silurian remnant ocean basin of the Iapetus Ocean. Hornblende 40Ar-39Ar and rutile U-Pb ages for the MHHS are ca. 380−340 Ma and ca. 320 Ma, respectively, and record subsequent amphibolite facies metamorphism during Devonian Acadian orogeny and the deformation through regional folding and thrusting during the Carboniferous Alleghanian orogeny. The new age constraints for the MHHS require that “isograds” mapped in the region of the Murphy Belt are actually polymetamorphic mineral distributions that developed at least in part through post-Silurian tectonic events.

LA-ICP-MS Analyses of Sulfides from Gold-Bearing Zones at the Perron Deposit, Abitibi Belt, Canada: Implications for Gold Remobilization through Metamorphism from Volcanogenic Mineralizations to Orogenic Quartz–Carbonate Veins

The Perron deposit, located in the northern part of the Archean Abitibi belt, bears some of the highest gold-grade mineralization for orogenic-vein-type deposits worldwide (High-Grade Zone: HGZ). More than 13 gold-bearing zones with different sulfide assemblages, hydrothermal alterations, and gold grades have been recently outlined, and they range from volcanogenic to orogenic in origin. In addition, seven zones are hosted in a restricted volume of ~1 km3, which is called the Eastern Gold Zone. Pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite—each from a different gold-bearing zone—were analyzed with LA-ICP-MS to decipher their genetic links, mineralizing processes, and temperature of formation. The temperatures calculated with the sphalerite GGIMFis thermometer range from 348 to 398 °C. All gold-bearing zones recorded volcanogenic hydrothermal inputs at different intensities, manifested by pyrrhotite. Pyrite was late-metamorphic and related to the orogenic gold system induced by the contact metamorphism of amphibolite facies. The pyrrhotite grains had very homogeneous trace element signatures in all zones, which is a characteristic of metamorphic recrystallization, exhibiting a loss of mobile elements (Au, Te, Bi, Tl, Sn, W, In) but high concentrations of Ni, Co, and As. Conversely, the pyrite was systematically enriched with all elements depleted from pyrrhotite, bearing five specific signatures of element enrichments: W, Tl, Sn, In-Cd-Zn, and Bi-Te-Au. For gold-rich zones (e.g., the HGZ), gold was linked to the Bi-Te-Au signature of pyrite, with Bi enrichment occurring at up to 72,000 times the background level in Archean shale pyrite. It was concluded that gold was transported, at least in part, as Bi-Te melts in the previously documented non-aqueous orogenic fluids, hence accounting for the very-high-grade gold content of the HGZ. Genetically, the metamorphism of primary gold-bearing volcanogenic mineralizations was the main source of gold during the overprinting of amphibolite (600 °C) in a metamorphically induced orogenic mineralizing event. A strong volcanogenic pre-enrichment is considered the main factor accounting for the gold endowment of the Eastern Gold Zone.

Suturing of the Archean Bastar craton with the Eastern Ghats Province to form the Greater Indian Landmass: Insights from geochemistry, U-Pb geochronology and phase equilibria modelling

The contact between the Archean Bastar craton (BC) and Proterozoic Eastern Ghats Province (EGP), central India, is marked by a suture zone termed Terrane Boundary Shear Zone (TBSZ). BC in this area is largely composed of hornblende-biotite granite with some mafic dykes. Rocks in the TBSZ include quartzofeldspathic (leptynite) gneiss, garnet-orthopyroxene-bearing granitoid, mafic granulites (Group A of cratonic affinity, and Group B of EGP affinity), Mg-Al granulite and an isolated exposure of orthopyroxene-bearing gneiss. Detailed geochemical analysis shows remarkable similarity between Hbl-Bt granite and Grt-Opx-bearing granitoid, with A-type affinity, and between mafic dykes and Group A mafic granulites. However, the Opx-bearing gneiss is geochemically distinct having I-type affinity, similar to TTG gneisses described from BC. Metamorphic phase equilibria analysis and trace element modelling shows that (i) melting of Opx-bearing gneiss would produce a ferroan granitic melt resembling the Hbl-Bt granite, (ii) metamorphism at appropriate P-T conditions would convert the granite to Grt-Opx-bearing granitoid and the mafic dyke to Group A mafic granulite. U-Pb geochronology of zircon constrains emplacement ages of the magmatic precursors of Opx-bearing gneiss and Grt-Opx-bearing granitoid as ca. 2.73 and ca. 2.5 Ga, respectively. These rocks were subjected to an early granulite facies metamorphism, followed by an amphibolite facies metamorphism, shearing and hydrous fluid flux. Geochronological data shows that the latter event took place at ca. 0.52 Ga, while the earlier granulite facies event can only be tentatively suggested to be of late Stenian/Tonian age. Collating all the evidence (including published geophysical and geochronological data), we suggest that the initial collision between BC and EGP took place during late Stenian/Tonian time as a consequence of formation of the Greater Indian Landmass, a part of Rodinia supercontinent. The TBSZ, probably initiated due to the late Stenian/Tonian collision, was reactivated and reworked tectonothermally at ca. 0.52 Ga, caused by far field stress effect of the Kuunga orogeny, which was strong enough to obliterate most of the imprints of the late Stenian/Tonian orogeny.

The chromitites of the Herbeira massif (Cabo Ortegal Complex, Spain) revisited

The ultramafic rocks of the Herbeira Massif in the Cabo Ortegal Complex (NW Iberia) host chromitite bodies. The textural and compositional study of the host rocks and the chromitites classified them into: (1) Type-I chromitites, forming massive pods of intermediate-Cr chromite (Cr# = 0.60–0.66) within dunites; and (2) Type-II chromitites forming semi-massive horizons of high-Cr chromite (Cr# = 0.75–0.82) interlayered with dunites and pyroxenites. Minor and trace elements (Ga, Ti, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn, V and Sc) contents in the unaltered chromite cores from both types show patterns very similar to fore-arc chromitites, mimicked by the host dunites and pyroxenites. Calculated parental melt compositions suggest that Type-I chromitites crystallized from a melt akin to fore-arc basalt (FAB), while Type-II chromitites originated from a boninite-like parental melt. Both melts are characteristic of a fore-arc setting affected by extension during rollback subduction and have been related to the development of a Cambrian-Ordovician arc. These chromitites are extremely enriched in platinum-group elements (PGE), with bulk-rock PGE contents between 2,460 and 3,600 ppb. Also, the host dunites and pyroxenites exhibit high PGE contents (167 and 324 ppb, respectively), which are higher than those from the primitive mantle and global ophiolitic mantle peridotites. The PGE enrichment is expressed in positively-sloped chondrite-normalized PGE patterns, characterized by an enrichment in Pd-group PGE (PPGE: Rh, Pt and Pd) over the Ir-group PGE (IPGE: Os, Ir and Ru) and abundant platinum-group minerals (PGM) dominated by Rh-Pt-Pd phases (i.e. Rh-Ir-Pt-bearing arsenides and sulfarsenides, Pt-Ir-Pd-base-metal-bearing alloys, and Pt-Pd-bearing sulfides). The PGM assemblage is associated with base-metal sulfides (mostly pentlandite and chalcopyrite) and occurs at the edges of chromite or embedded within the interstitial (serpentinized) silicate groundmass. Their origin has been linked to direct crystallization from a S-As-rich melt(s), segregated by immiscibility from evolved volatile-rich small volume melts during subduction. At c. 380 Ma, retrograde amphibolite-facies metamorphism occurred during the exhumation of the HP-HT rocks of the Capelada Unit, which affected chromitites and their host rocks but preserved the primary composition of chromite cores of the chromitites. This event contributed to local remobilization of PGE as suggested by the negative slope between Pt and Pd and high Pt/Pd ratios in the studied chromitites, and host dunites and pyroxenites. In addition, it promoted the alteration of primary PGM assemblage and the formation of secondary PGM. Nanoscale observations made by focused ion beam high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (FIB/HRTEM) analysis of a composite grain of Rh-bearing arsenide with PGE-base-metal bearing alloys suggest the mobilization and accumulation of small nanoparticles of PGE and base-metals that precipitated from metamorphic fluids forming PGE-alloys. Finally, we offer a comparison of the Cabo Ortegal chromitites with other ophiolitic chromitites involved in the Variscan orogeny, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Polish Sudetes. The studied Cabo Ortegal chromitites are similar to the Variscan chromitites documented in the Bragança (northern Portugal) and Kraubath (Styria, Austria) ophiolitic massifs.

Formation of Gold Mineralization under Amphibolite Facies Metamorphism: Ykan Deposit (Baikal–Patom Belt)

Formation of Gold Mineralization under Amphibolite Facies Metamorphism: Ykan Deposit (Baikal–Patom Belt)

Laser ablation (in situ) Lu-Hf geochronology of epidote group minerals

Epidote group minerals, including allanite, clinozoisite and epidote are common in a range of metamorphic, igneous and hydrothermal systems, and are stable across a wide range of pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions. These minerals can incorporate substantial amounts of rare earth elements (REEs) during their crystallisation, making them potential candidates for Lu–Hf geochronology to provide age constraints on various geological processes. Here we report on a first exploration into the feasibility of in situ Lu–Hf geochronology for epidote group minerals from various geological settings and compare the results with age constraints from other geochronometers. Magmatic allanite samples from pegmatites and monzogranites in the Greenland anorthosite complex, Coompana Province and Qingling Orogen provided dates consistent with magmatic events spanning from c. 2660 to 1171 Ma. In the Qingling pegmatites, a younger phase of hydrothermal allanite was dated at c. 215 Ma, consistent with the timing of regional REE mineralisation. Allanite from the Yambah Shear Zone, Strangways Metamorphic Complex, yielded Lu–Hf age of c. 430 Ma. It predates the garnet and apatite growth at c. 380 Ma, suggesting the Lu–Hf system can be preserved in allanite during prograde amphibolite-facies metamorphism. Additionally, Lu–Hf dates for hydrothermal clinozoisite and epidote are consistent with the timing of hydrothermal alteration and mineralisation in a range of settings, demonstrating the utility of the technique for mineral exploration. Despite the current lack of matrix-matched reference materials, the successful application of laser ablation Lu–Hf geochronology to epidote group minerals offers valuable geochronological insights into various geological processes that can be difficult to access through other geochronometers.

Fluid–Melt–Rock Interaction during the Transition from Magmatism to HT-UHT-Granulite- and Amphibolite-Facies Metamorphism in the Ediacaran Adrar–Suttuf Metamafic Complex, NW Margin of the West African Craton (Southern Morocco)

Abstract Underplated mafic intrusions ponded at the base of the lower continental crust in extensional settings can experience ultra-high-temperature (UHT) granulite-facies metamorphism during tens of My due to slow cooling rates. These intrusions are also the source of heat and carbonic fluids for regional high-temperature (HT) granulite-facies metamorphism in the continental crust. This work analyses the fluid–melt–rock interaction processes that occurred during the magmatic to HT-UHT-granulite- and amphibolite-facies metamorphic evolution of high-grade mafic rocks from the Eastern Ediacaran Adrar–Suttuf Metamafic Complex (EASMC) of the Oulad Dlim Massif (West African Craton Margin, Southern Morocco). P–T conditions were determined using Ti-in-amphibole thermometry, two-pyroxene and amphibole–plagioclase thermobarometry, and phase diagram calculations. The thermobarometric study reveals the presence of tectonically juxtaposed lower- and mid-crustal blocks in EASMC that experienced decompression-cooling paths from, respectively, UHT and HT granulite-facies conditions at ca. 1.2 ± 0.28 GPa and 975 ± 50°C, and ca. 0.82 ± 0.15 GPa and 894 ± 50°C, to amphibole-facies conditions at ca. 0.28 ± 0.28 GPa and 787 ± 45°C (precision reported for the calibrations at 1 s level). An age for the magmatic to UHT granulite-facies metamorphic transition of 604 Ma was constrained from published SHRIMP Th–U–Pb zircon ages of the igneous protoliths. An amphibole 40Ar–39Ar cooling age of 499 ± 8 Ma (precision at 2 s level) was obtained for the lower-crustal blocks. Amphibole 40Ar–39Ar closure temperatures of 520–555°C were obtained for an age range of 604–499 Ma and an average constant cooling rate of 4.2°C/My, suggesting that the lower-crustal blocks cooled down to the greenschist–amphibolite facies transition in ca. 100 My. During the high-temperature stage, interstitial hydrous melts assisted textural maturation of the rock matrix and caused incongruent dissolution melting of olivine and pyroxenes, and, probably, development of An-rich spikes at the grain rims of plagioclase, and local segregation of pargasite into veins. Subsequent infiltration of reactive hydrous metamorphic fluids along mineral grain boundaries during cooling down to amphibolite-facies conditions promoted mineral replacements by coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanisms and metasomatism. Ubiquitous dolomite grains, with, in some cases, evidence for significant textural maturation, appear in the granoblastic aggregates of the high-grade mafic rocks. However, calculated phase relationships reveal that dolomite could not coexist with H2O–CO2 fluids at HT-UHT granulite- and low-medium P amphibolite-facies conditions. Therefore, it is proposed that it may have been generated from another CO2-bearing phase, such as an immiscible carbonatitic melt exsolved from the parental mafic magma, and preserved during cooling due to the prevalence of fluid-absent conditions in the granoblastic matrix containing dolomite. The lower-crustal mafic intrusions from EASMC can represent an example of a source of heat for granulitisation of the mid crust, but a sink for carbon due to the apparent stability of dolomite under fluid-absent conditions.

Selective metasomatism of ultramafic cumulates within Archean supracrustal sequences

The Neoarchean Storø Supracrustal Belt in SW Greenland comprises a sequence of mature quartzite, metapelite, amphibolite, and ultramafic rocks that underwent amphibolite facies metamorphism during the amalgamation of the Mesoarchean Akia Terrane and the Eoarchean Færingehavn Terrane. In this belt, tourmaline is found in a transition zone between ultramafic and metapelitic rocks, but also occurs as orbicules within the ultramafic rocks. These tourmaline orbicules hosted by ultramafic rocks are reported for the first time in the North Atlantic craton, thus indicating a unique formation mechanism. We conducted a comprehensive examination of the petrology, whole-rock and mineral chemistry, and oxygen isotope compositions from borehole samples in the Storø Supracrustal Belt, to elucidate the metasomatic events associated with the formation of the orbicular tourmalines. The Storø ultramafic rocks have high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, with low abundances of REE and HFSE, and preserve a typical cumulate texture. These features are similar to those of ultramafic cumulates found in other Archean supracrustal belts, suggesting a cumulate origin for the Storø ultramafic rocks. Furthermore, the morphology and composition of the tourmaline orbicules within these cumulates indicate that they originated from melts with high boron and high water concentrations that infiltrated the ultramafic rocks. The main factor influencing the morphology of the tourmaline orbicules is the silicification of the ultramafic rocks, driven by their lower chemical potential of SiO2 compared to the surrounding rocks. This silicification process, in combination with compositional variations of cumulates during fractional crystallization, has contributed to the geochemical diversity observed in Archean ultramafic rocks. Thus, it is crucial to understand the effects of such selective metasomatism on Archean ultramafic rocks, as this will facilitate the extraction of original information preserved in the early rock record.

Basal erosion during the initiation of continental deep subduction in the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt (NW China): Constraints from geochemistry and geochronology on eclogites and gneisses in the Chachahe unit

Subduction erosion is thought to be a common process in active continental margins that removes upper-plate material and transfers it to the subduction channel. The North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt of NW China was formed by subduction of the Qaidam Block beneath the Quanji Block in the early Paleozoic. In this study, we found gneisses and eclogites in the Chachahe unit of the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt that recorded 2.39−2.28 Ga magmatism and 1.93−1.87 Ga amphibolite-facies metamorphism prior to the early Paleozoic (452−439 Ma) eclogite-facies metamorphism. The Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal history recorded by these gneisses and eclogites is distinct from that of the Qaidam Block but similar to that of the Quanji Block. The rock assemblages, field occurrences, geochemical characteristics, and zircon Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of these rocks closely resemble those of gneisses and enclosed mafic enclaves in the Delingha Complex in the basement of the Quanji Block and the mafic dikes intruded within it. This evidence clearly illustrates that the protoliths of gneisses and eclogites in the Chachahe unit were from the basement of the upper Quanji Block rather than the subducted Qaidam Block. Further considering the spatial location of the Chachahe unit, as well as similarities in early Paleozoic metamorphic ages, peak metamorphic conditions, and clockwise P-T paths between rocks in the Chachahe unit and those that originated from the Qaidam Block, we propose that the bottom basement of the Quanji Block was scraped off by basal erosion during the initiation of continental subduction, transported to mantle depth, and then exhumed with other slices from the subducted slab.

High-grade metamorphism of banded iron formations: the role of saline fluids in promoting the growth of pyroxene and garnet reaction textures along magnetite-quartz grain boundaries

Metamorphosed banded iron formation (BIF) in granulite-amphibolite facies, tonalitic orthogneisses from a series of locations in the Kolli Massif of southern India are described and analysed with regard to their lithologies, whole rock chemistry, mineral reaction textures, and mineral chemistry. On the basis of their mineral reaction textures along magnetite-quartz grain boundaries these BIFs are grouped according to their predominant silicate mineralogy: 1) amphibole; 2) orthopyroxene; 3) orthopyroxene–clinopyroxene; 4) orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene-garnet; 5) clinopyroxene-garnet-plagioclase; and 6) Fe-Mg silicates are absent. Two-pyroxene and garnet-pyroxene Fe-Mg exchange thermometry, coupled with thermodynamic pseudo-section modelling of whole rock data from one of the magnetite-quartz-orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene-bearing lithologies, indicates that the magnetite-quartz-orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene-garnet assemblages formed at ~900 to 1200 MPa and 750 to 900 °C under relatively low H2O activities. Magnetite-quartz-orthopyroxene reaction textures were experimentally replicated at 800 and 900 °C and 1000 MPa in a synthetic BIF using isolated magnetite grains in a quartz matrix to which was added a hypersaline Mg- and Al-bearing fluid (approximately 1% by mass), which permeated along all the grain boundaries. The fact that Fe-Mg silicate reaction textures did not form in one of the BIF samples, which had experienced the same P-T conditions as the other BIF samples, suggests that, unless a BIF initially incorporated Mg, Al, and Ca during formation with or was infiltrated from the surrounding rocks by Mg-, Al-, and Ca-bearing saline fluids, these silicate minerals could not and would not have formed from the inherent magnetite and quartz during granulite-facies and amphibolite-facies metamorphism.

Multistage mineralizing episodes of the Proterozoic world-class Volta Grande gold deposit, Amazonian Craton, northern Brazil: Implications for the Bacajá Domain metallogenesis

The easternmost region of the Amazonian Craton in northern Brazil has been the focus of several mining exploration surveys, which led to the identification of the world-class Volta Grande gold deposit (∼6.0 Moz@1.02 g/t). The deposit is inserted in the Bacajá Domain (2.24–2.0 Ga), and part of the mineralization occurs in Proterozoic mylonite, gneiss, and associated metamafic rocks that underwent greenschist to amphibolite-facies metamorphism. Electrum (Au–Ag) occurs as grains in cm-sized quartz high-grade veins and veinlets (up to 34.1 g/t in some rock intervals) that follow the mylonitic foliation and are associated with pervasive carbonate alteration, synchronous with the dynamic metamorphism. Disseminated electrum grains, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, tellurides, and galena occur associated with potassic, argillic, propylitic, and silicic alteration types mainly in fracture-controlled or pervasive styles. These geological features as a whole suggest an orogenic high-tonnage orogenic gold system. Isotropic core samples along a stratigraphic profile reveal late andesite, dacite, rhyodacite, and rhyolite lava flows and dikes and plutonic rocks such as quartz monzonite, granodiorite, monzodiorite, and subordinate microgranite crosscutting the older metamorphic rocks. These rocks reveal potassic, propylitic, argillic, silicic, and sericitic alteration types. Electrum grains, possibly related to boiling deposition, occur along cm-sized quartz, calcite, and adularia high-grade veins (up to 29.5 g/t in some rock intervals) with chalcopyrite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, tetradymite, and tellurobismuthite. Such mineralogy is compatible with a low-sulfidation epithermal system. Data integration points to at least two distinct mineralizing events leading to the Volta Grande gold deposit – orogenic gold and low-sulfidation epithermal – which explains such large-tonnage and high-grade ore accumulation. It configures a new exploration guide for the Bacajá Domain of the Amazonian Craton, attested by other worldwide regions with similar metamorphic, magmatic, and hydrothermal alteration characteristics.

Provenance of Detrital Rutiles from the Triassic–Jurassic Sandstones in Franz Josef Land (Barents Sea Region, Russian High Arctic): U-Pb Ages and Trace Element Geochemistry

Provenance study plays an important role in paleogeographic and tectonic reconstructions. Detrital zircons are commonly used to identify sediment provenance; however, a wide range of detrital zircon ages in clastic rock often represent a fingerprint of reworked older terrigenous successions rather than ages of magmatism and metamorphism in the provenance area. This study focuses on the provenance of detrital rutile grains in the Triassic–Jurassic sandstones from Franz Josef Land and shows the importance of multiproxy approaches for provenance studies. Trace element data demonstrate that most rutile grains were sourced from metapelitic rocks, with a subordinate population having a metamafic origin. The Zr-in-rutile thermometer and U-Pb geochronology suggest that detrital rutile grains were predominantly derived from rocks that underwent amphibolite facies metamorphism during the Paleozoic era, with a predominance of the Carboniferous–Permian ages. Therefore, we suggest that the provenance area for the studied sandstones on Franz Josef Land has a similar geological history to the Taimyr region and Severnaya Zemlya archipelago. We propose that this crustal domain extends across the Kara Sea and forms the basement to the north and east of FJL, representing a proximal provenance for the studied Mesozoic terrigenous rocks. This domain experienced both Middle–Late Ordovician and Carboniferous–Permian metamorphism. The comparison of U-Pb dating and the geochemistry of rutile, U-Th/He, and U-Pb dating of zircons showed that detrital rutiles are the powerful toll in provenance restoration and can give additional constrains when a provenance area locates within collisional-convergent settings.