Amphibolite-facies Overprint Research Articles

High-pressure, low-temperature metamorphism preserved in the Indus-Yarlung suture zone of the eastern Himalaya: Overprinting at amphibolite facies and comparison with occurrences in the western Himalaya

Abstract Eclogite and blueschist are important monitors of subduction zone processes and can record complex polymetamorphic histories during the protracted evolution of subduction systems. However, the rarity of such high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic rocks in the Indus-Yarlung suture zone of the Himalaya hinders our understanding of the convergence of India and Asia. Here, we examine high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic rocks from the Milin area of the eastern Indus-Yarlung suture zone. A comprehensive microtextural, mineral chemistry, and phase-equilibrium modeling investigation shows that low-temperature eclogite-facies metapelites with different parageneses (garnet-mica schists) experienced a cold subduction history along a low-thermal gradient, with peak pressures of ~1.6 GPa at ~550 °C. This represents an approximate thermal gradient of ~10 °C km−1. After peak pressure, these rocks underwent a two-step exhumation history with initial exhumation accompanying heating at ~590–600 °C and ~0.8–1.0 Gpa; this was followed by the second stage of exhumation to lower amphibolite-facies conditions. We interpret these low-temperature eclogite-facies metapelites to represent sedimentary rocks that overlaid Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust during subduction. Exhumation paths of high-pressure, low-temperature rocks in the eastern Indus-Yarlung suture zone include an amphibolite-facies overprint, which is absent from high-pressure, low-temperature rocks in the western Indus-Yarlung suture zone. This result is caused by the different timing of exhumation relative to the terminal collision of India and Asia.

Ultra-deep (>5 GPa) subduction of paragneiss and metagranite in the Dabie UHP Terrane, central China: Constraints from zircon inclusions, phase equilibrium modelling and U-Pb geochronology

In the Dabie orogen, central China, the ultrahigh pressure metamorphism (UHPM) was best recorded from meta-mafic and ultramafic rocks occurring as lenses within voluminous amphibolite-facies metafelsic rocks. However, whether or not these metafelsic rocks experienced ultra-deep subduction (>5 GPa) has been rarely quantified because of the rare preservation of peak diagnostic assemblages. In this study, we reconstruct the P-T-t paths for paragneisses and metagranites from the Dabie region to better elucidate their metamorphic evolution based on detailed petrological, mineralogical and Raman micro-spectrometer analysis of zircon inclusion combined with conventional geothermobarometry, phase equilibrium modelling and U-Pb dating. At least three stages of metamorphic evolution are identified for these lithologies. The UHPM is represented by the assemblages of coesite + garnet Ia/Ib + jadeite + phengite + K-feldspar + aragonite for paragneiss and diamond + aragonite + magnesite + phengite + rutile + garnet for metagranite, respectively. The paragneiss experienced peak conditions of 4.5–6.0 GPa/690–720 °C, followed by a decompression heating to 3.5–4.6 GPa/750–850 °C. Also, the diamond + aragonite + magnesite inclusions in zircon from the metagranite provide the first direct mineralogical evidences for ultra-deep subduction. Furthermore, the minimum peak pressure was defined at 5.4 GPa based on pseudosection for metagranite. As a result, this study provides the first mineralogical and modelling evidences of ultra-deep subduction for the metafelsic rocks in the Dabie orogen. The dating results suggest that the UHPM, anatexis and amphibolite-facies overprint occurred at 236 ± 3 Ma, 226 ± 1 Ma and 195 ± 4 Ma, respectively. The estimated average exhumation rate is 5.8–7.2 km/Ma from peak UHP to amphibolite-facies stages. Moreover, a comparison of different collisional orogens suggests that the preservation of UHP minerals in metafelsic rocks strongly depends on exhumation rate.

Late Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal and metamorphic evolution recorded in high-pressure granulites: Evidence from the Xuanhua Complex, northern North China Craton

Archean cratons usually underwent reworked processes during the late Paleoproterozoic orogeny, which may result in multiple tectonothermal records preserved in some high-grade metamorphic rocks; thus, these rocks provide a key opportunity on understanding the tectonic styles during different periods. In this study, we report new petrological, mineral chemical and geochronological data of a suite of newly discovered mafic and felsic metamorphic rocks in the Xuanhua Complex from the northern North China Craton (NCC), revealing the complex metamorphic thermal history and the transition of tectonic regime from the late Neoarchean to the late Paleoproterozoic. The mafic granulite preserves the prograde quartz and clinopyroxene inclusions within garnets (M1), and the peak stage (M2) is recorded by garnet, clinopyroxene, hornblende, plagioclase, quartz and ilmenite. The first retrograde (M3a) and final cooling stages (M3b) are defined by the appearance of orthopyroxene, and the amphibolite-facies overprinting, respectively. The felsic granulite records the similar peak mineral assemblage (M2), but has higher volumes of feldspar and quartz than the mafic granulite. The retrograde stage (M3) is represented by amphibolite-facies assemblage (hornblende ± biotite ± clinopyroxene) and fine-grained intergrowth of hornblende + plagioclase around garnet. Pseudosection modeling and thermobarometry results suggest that both high-pressure (HP) mafic and felsic granulites record clockwise P–T paths, including isothermal decompression and cooling from the peak stage (M2: 10.4–10.8 kbar/830–860 °C and 9.6–11.2 kbar/850–930 °C, respectively) to the retrograde stages (M3a and M3b: 7.5–8.0 kbar/840–870 °C and 7.8–8.2 kbar/650–700 °C, respectively; M3: 7.2–8.6 kbar/670–800 °C). Zircon U–Pb dating shows that the magmatic precursors of these rocks were emplaced at c. 2.5–2.47 Ga. The metamorphic zircons reveal two groups metamorphic ages of c. 2.51–2.45 Ga and c. 1.90–1.85 Ga. The c. 2.51–2.45 Ga ages indicate a late Neoarchean tectonothermal event, and the c. 1.95–1.85 Ga ages are interpreted to represent the Paleoproterozoic HP granulite-facies metamorphism overprinting. The highest positive εHf(t) value of 7.64 and 2.8–2.6 Ga Hf model ages of c. 2.5 Ga magmatic zircons indicate that the c. 2.5 Ga mantle-derived mafic magma and the c. 2.5 Ga partial melting of 2.8–2.6 Ga basaltic juvenile crust generated the protoliths of mafic and felsic granulites, respectively, revealing 2.8–2.6 Ga and 2.5 Ga crustal growth and c. 2.5 Ga crustal reworking in the northern NCC.To sum up, we consider that the late Neoarchean magmatism and coeval metamorphism recorded in our samples are probably resulted from the amalgamation of micro-blocks. The Paleoproterozoic clockwise P–T–t paths with near-isothermal decompression segments and low geothermal gradients (c. 21–26 °C/km) of HP mafic and felsic granulites indicate a rapid post-collisional exhumation process after the significantly crustal thickening, and this long-term orogeny along the TNCO (c. 1.95–1.85 Ga; > 100 Myr) is related to the incorporation of the NCC into the Columbia supercontinent.

Pressure–temperature–time path of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic terranes constrained by zircon petrochronology: A case study of orthogneisses from the northern Sulu belt, China

Reconstruction of pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path of volumetrically-dominant orthogneisses in deeply subducted continental crusts is challenging due to their simple amphibolite-facies mineral assemblages. To provide new insights into this issue, a detailed study of mineral inclusions, trace elements and U-Pb ages within robust zircon containers, together with titanite U-Pb dating and petrology were conducted on ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) orthogneisses from the northern Sulu belt. The following P–T–t conditions of three metamorphic stages were constrained: (i) cathodoluminescence (CL)-grey zircon cores (ca. 238–237 Ma) with flat heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns include garnet, phengite and omphacite that yield estimated P–T conditions of 2.3–2.8 GPa/730–800 °C, corresponding to prograde high-pressure (HP) metamorphism before the UHP peak. (ii) CL-dark zircon mantles (ca. 224 Ma) contain multiphase solid inclusions of plagioclase + K-feldspar + quartz and show extremely low Th/U ratios (≤0.08) and negative Eu anomalies, demonstrating their crystallization from hydrous melt at 2.0–1.8 GPa/890–820 °C during HP eclogite-facies exhumation. In addition, titanite grains are characterized by high LREE contents (1939–5239 ppm), Th/U ratios (0.37–0.81) and crystallization temperatures (830–801 °C), suggesting their peritectic origin. The lower intercept age (220 ± 4 Ma) of titanite is broadly consistent with the ages of the zircon mantles, indicating that they both crystallized from the melt at the same stage. (iii) CL-bright zircon rims (ca. 212–211 Ma) preserve low-pressure mineral inclusions of plagioclase, K-feldspar and quartz, and they show low Th/U ratios (0.03–0.12) and steep HREE patterns with negative Eu anomalies, witnessing amphibolite-facies overprinting at 1.0–0.8 GPa/610–550 °C. Combined with the metamorphic peak conditions of 3.2 GPa/840 °C at ca. 232 Ma constrained by previous studies from the same area, the P–T–t path of the northern Sulu UHP belt is reconstructed. The data reflects two-stage exhumation of this terrane, including an early-stage (5.8 km/m.y.) and a later-stage slower (3.1 km/m.y.) exhumation processes. The faster exhumation during early decompression was probably enhanced by extensive melting activity recorded by the CL-dark zircon mantles from the orthogneisses.

UHP metamorphism, decompression anatexis and retrogression of garnet-bearing metagranite and granitic gneiss from the Dabie orogen during continental collision

Metamorphosed granitic rocks are commonly volumetrically dominant in continental collisional terranes, which are crucial targets for resolving the metamorphic evolution of deeply subducted continental crust. However, their metamorphic processes in ultrahigh pressure (UHP) belts are often poorly understood, because they are commonly intensely retrogressed and presently dominated by amphibolite-facies minerals with very rare petrological evidences of UHP metamorphism. It is known that, in these lithologies, zircon can potentially preserve evidence of the UHP history; therefore, the P-T-t path of metafelsic rocks may be estimated using a multidisciplinary approach which combines zircon microanalysis with phase equilibria modelling. In the central Dabie UHP metamorphic zone (CDZ) (China), two types of metamorphosed garnet-bearing granitic rocks, i.e. metagranite and granitic gneiss, whose massive vs. gneissic structure reflects a different degree of deformation, are closely associated with eclogites. Opposite to the eclogites, their detailed metamorphic evolution is poorly understood. In this study, a three-stage metamorphic evolution is reconstructed for these lithologies, based on field observation, bulk-rock elemental geochemistry, sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe zircon UPb dating, Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis of zircon inclusion, mineral chemistry, conventional thermobarometry and phase equilibria modelling. The first UHP stage is represented by the assemblage coesite-rutile-garnet-phengite preserved in the metamorphic domains of zircon and by garnet core in the matrix, revealing minimum peak pressures of 44 kbar and 30 kbar for granitic gneiss and metagranite, respectively, at 231 ± 4 Ma. The second stage is represented by anatexis at 18–20 kbar, 725–870 °C and 222 ± 3 Ma, evidenced by leucosomes at the outcrop scale and by quartzofeldspathic films with low dihedral angles, melt inclusions preserved in peritectic garnet and quartz/K-feldspar/plagioclase- garnet intergrowth at the micro-scale. The third stage is represented by amphibolite-facies overprint at 590–700 °C, 9–14 kbar, at 214–219 Ma, recorded by biotite-plagioclase-quartz symplectites developed at the expenses of phengite, re-equilibration of the peritectic garnet rim, and amphibole-quartz (biotite-titanite) inclusions in zircon overgrowth rims. The resulting P-T-t path overlaps with previous results estimated from other CDZ UHP rocks. Besides, the protoliths of both metagranite and granitic gneiss were emplaced during the mid-Neoproterozoic (683–786 Ma) period, as already documented throughout the Dabie orogen. Compared with previously published data for meta-granitic rocks in the CDZ, the weakly deformed metagranite does not appear to represent low-grade metamorphic rocks. Instead, this study (i) suggests that the two groups of lithologies experienced a coeval metamorphic evolution; (ii) reconstructs a multistage P-T-t history based on zircon microanalysis and pseudosections; (iii) reveals that anatexis, retrogression and deformation facilitate the elimination of (U)HP mineralogical records of metagranitoids. Overall, these results provide new constraints on the metamorphic evolution and exhumation processes of deeply subducted granitic rocks during continental collision.

Eclogite in the East Kunlun Orogen, northwestern China: A record of the Neoproterozoic breakup of Rodinia and early Paleozoic continental subduction

An early Paleozoic eclogite belt extends discontinuously for ∼500 km in the East Kunlun Orogen, northwestern China, which provides insight into the evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. However, the nature and age of the eclogite protoliths and subsequent metamorphism are unclear. Here, we report mineral chemical, zircon, and titanite geochronological; whole-rock major and trace elemental; and Sr-Nd isotopic data for eclogites from the Xiarihamu area in the western East Kunlun Orogen. At a minimum, these eclogites underwent peak eclogite-facies metamorphism at 27−28 kbar and 630−650 °C, post-peak decompression, and retrograde amphibolite-facies overprinting. Geochemically, eclogites have characteristics typical of enriched mid-oceanic-ridge basalts and oceanic-island basalts. Inherited magmatic zircon cores yielded a protolith age of 828 Ma, and metamorphic zircons yielded peak and post-peak decompression ages of 443 Ma and 422 Ma, respectively. A titanite U-Pb age of 413 Ma constrains the timing of later amphibolite-facies overprinting. The protoliths of the Xiarihamu eclogites were the products of continental rift-related basaltic magmatism, which was generated during the initial breakup of Rodinia. The protoliths experienced eclogite-facies metamorphism in a continental subduction/collisional setting during the early Paleozoic. The formation of the Xiarihamu eclogites suggests that the Proto-Tethys Ocean had closed by 443 Ma. Given the spatio-temporal relationship between the Xiarihamu magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposit and the eclogites studied, the former may have formed in a post-collisional extensional setting. The eclogites and magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposit from the Xiarihamu area jointly reveal the evolution of the East Kunlun Orogen from Neoproterozoic supercontinent breakup to early Paleozoic tectonic transitions from collisional convergence to post-collisional extension.

Timing and tectonic significance of Paleozoic magmatism in the Sakar unit of the Sakar-Strandzha Zone, SE Bulgaria

ABSTRACTPalaeozoic granitoids and meta-granitoids dominate the metamorphic basement of the Sakar unit of the Sakar-Strandzha Zone (SASTZ) in southeast Bulgaria. In this article, we present new whole-rock geochemical data and U–Pb zircon geochronology for the Sakar unit granitoids. The igneous minerals and textures are preserved, except the meta-granitoids that experienced a weak amphibolite-facies overprint. Geochemistry reveals compositions of peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline I- to S-type granitoids of volcanic arc origin. A major group of LILE-LREE-enriched granitoids and meta-granitoids and a single HFSE-HREE-enriched meta-granitoid are distinguished. U–Pb geochronology has yielded crystallization ages between 305 and 295 Ma for the major group granitoids and a ca. 462 Ma crystallization age of HFSE-HREE-enriched meta-granitoid. Late Palaeozoic granitoids of the Sakar unit show similar compositions and a similar tectonic setting when compared to other granitoids of the SASTZ, confirming a uniform region-wide tectono-magmatic event. As the Late Carboniferous-Permian magmatic arc components extend across the SASTZ, they trace the time-correspondent active continental margin along the Eurasian plate during subduction of the Palaeotethys oceanic lithosphere. The late Palaeozoic Eurasian active continental margin magmatic arc evolution of the SASTZ can be extended into the Serbo-Macedonian-Rhodope zones to the west, where time equivalent meta-granitoids support the same geodynamic context.

Multiple metamorphic events in the Palaeozoic Mérida Andes basement, Venezuela: insights from U–Pb geochronology and Hf–Nd isotope systematics

ABSTRACTThe metamorphic basement of the Mérida Andes in western Venezuela is constituted of paragneiss, orthogneiss, amphibolite, and metagranitoid of the Iglesias Complex. In this paper, U–Pb zircon geochronology, Lu–Hf, and Sm–Nd isotope systematics of these rocks are presented. Biotite-garnet orthogneiss protoliths intruded paragneiss at ~487 Ma, during Barrovian metamorphism (M1) that reached anatexis at ~467 Ma. Paragneiss and orthogneiss were later intruded by mafic to intermediate lower-crust and mantle-derived magmas (now hornblende orthogneiss and amphibolite) in a back-arc setting at ~460–455 Ma. A new compressional setting led to high-grade metamorphism (M2) at ~450 Ma, followed by decompression melting at ~430–420 Ma (M3). Finally, an upper greenschist- to amphibolite-facies overprint in the complex occurred at ~230 Ma (M4). Ordovician and Late Triassic metagranitoids are probably syn-tectonic to metamorphism M2 and M4, respectively. The Iglesias Complex has several similarities to rocks of the same age in other crustal fragments adjacent to northwest Gondwana, such as the Santander Massif in Colombia, and the Maya block and the Acatlán Complex in southern Mexico and Central America. Both, the early Palaeozoic and the early Mesozoic tectonothermal events, are related to active continental arcs broadly recognized as the Famatinian orogeny and the Proto-Andean Permo-Triassic arc, respectively. No exposures of Rodinia-type basement were found, but isotope systematics suggest that such basement is probably buried underneath the Mérida Andes.

High‐pressure metamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone): Constraints from phase equilibria modelling coupled with Lu‐Hf and U‐Pb geochronology

AbstractAs is common in suture zones, widespread high‐pressure rocks in the Caribbean region reached eclogite facies conditions close to ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism. Besides eclogite lenses, abundant metapelitic rocks in the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone) also preserve evidence for high‐pressure metamorphism. A comprehensive petrological and geochronological study was undertaken to constrain the tectonometamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from this area in central Guatemala. The integration of field and petrological data allows the reconstruction of a previously unknown segment of the prograde P–T path and shows that these contrasting rock types share a common high‐pressure evolution. An early stage of high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphism at 18–20 kbar and 530–580°C is indicated by garnet core compositions as well as the nature and composition of mineral inclusions in garnet, including kyanite–jadeite–paragonite in an eclogite, and chloritoid–paragonite–rutile in a pelitic schist. Peak high‐pressure conditions are constrained at 23–25 kbar and 620–690°C by combining mineral assemblages, isopleth thermobarometry and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry. A garnet/whole‐rock Lu‐Hf date of 101.8 ± 3.1 Ma in the kyanite‐bearing eclogite indicates the timing of final garnet growth at eclogite facies conditions, while a Lu‐Hf date of 95.5 ± 2.1 Ma in the pelitic schist reflects the average age of garnet growth spanning from an early eclogite facies evolution to a final amphibolite facies stage. Concordant U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS zircon data from the pelitic schist, in contrast, yield a mean age of 74.0 ± 0.5 Ma, which is equivalent to a U‐Pb monazite lower‐intercept age of 73.6 ± 2.0 Ma in the same sample, and comparable within errors with a less precise U‐Pb lower‐intercept age of 80 ± 13 Ma obtained in post‐eclogitic titanite from the kyanite‐bearing eclogite. These U‐Pb metamorphic ages are interpreted as dating an amphibolite facies overprint. Protolith U‐Pb zircon ages of 167.1 ± 4.2 Ma and 424.6 ± 5.0 Ma from two eclogite samples reveal that mafic precursors in the Chuacús complex originated in multiple tectonotemporal settings from the Silurian to Jurassic. The integration of petrological and geochronological data suggests that subduction of the continental margin of the North American plate (Chuacús complex) beneath the Greater Antilles arc occurred during an Albian‐Cenomanian pre‐collisional stage, and that a subsequent Campanian collisional stage is probably responsible of the amphibolite facies overprint and late syncollisional exhumation.

Diopside, apatite, and rutile in an ultrahigh pressure impure marble from the Dabie Shan, eastern China: A record of eclogite-facies metasomatism during exhumation

Petrography and mineral chemistry of an ultrahigh pressure (UHP) impure marble from the Dabie Shan, eastern China, was studied using cathodoluminescence color imagery, X-ray mapping, electron microprobe analytics, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and phase equilibrium calculations. Diopside in the marble shows two generations of fluid-altered zones, which contain more Na, Al, Fe, Ti, Sr, Y, REE, and transition metal elements (TMEs: Sc, V, Co, Ni, Zn) and less Mg, Ca, and K compared to the original diopside. Apatite contains oriented monazite inclusions and high Cl contents (1.2–2.5wt%) with negative Eu anomalies (EuN/EuN⁎=2EuN/(SmN+GdN)=0.61–0.68). Rutile in the matrix displays fluid-mediated microstructures and becomes depleted in Zr and Fe compared to rutile inclusions in dolomite and diopside. All these microstructural and geochemical features are demonstrated to be caused by eclogite-facies metasomatism during exhumation of the marble. Two Na-Al-Fe-rich aqueous fluids have been involved in the metasomatism in tandem, as indicated by the two fluid-altered diopside zones and their major element compositional differences compared to the original diopside. Based on available partition coefficients of trace elements between clinopyroxene and aqueous fluid, both metasomatic fluids were calculated to display enrichments in LILE (Cs, Rb, B, Pb, Sr, Li) and LREE and depletions in HFSE (Th, U, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf), HREE, and TME (V, Cr, Ni). A recently-determined Cl-OH exchange coefficient for apatite-aqueous fluid was applied to the high-Cl apatite and indicates a high chlorinity (≥30wt%) for one (or both) of the metasomatic fluids. Either the decompression breakdown of peak hydrous minerals (such as lawsonite) in coexisting eclogite and/or paragneiss or the dehydration of the subducted oceanic crust before the collision between the Yangtze and North China blocks may have given rise to such metasomatic fluids. This study implies that pervasive external fluid-rock interaction during exhumation, before the amphibolite-facies overprint, is much more common than previously thought in the Dabie-Sulu UHP rocks. Moreover, important constraints are provided on the fluid nature and behavior in subduction zones.

Eclogite-, amphibolite- and blueschist-facies rocks from Diego de Almagro Island (Patagonia): Episodic accretion and thermal evolution of the Chilean subduction interface during the Cretaceous

Few localities in the Patagonian Andes expose remnants of the Mesozoic Chilean paleo-accretionary complex. We focus on the Diego de Almagro Island high-pressure/low-temperature (HP/LT) Complex, a pluri-kilometer thick sequence comprising metavolcanic rocks with oceanic affinities and metasedimentary rocks. In this study, the deepest segments of the Chilean subduction interface in Patagonia are characterized for the first time. Despite its apparent homogeneity, the complex is actually composed of two tectonic units with distinct ages of metamorphism and thermal evolution: the garnet amphibolite (GA) and the underlying blueschist (BS) units.The GA unit mafic rocks exhibit epidote, phengite, titanite, rutile, chloritoid and paragonite inclusions in prograde garnet I, diopside + albite intergrows replacing omphacite inclusions in garnet II, and relict omphacite (XJd45) included in edenitic-pargasitic amphiboles. Thermobarometric results show that these rocks were buried along a relatively cold prograde path (c. 11°C/km) and reached eclogite-facies near peak pressure conditions (c. 550–600°C, 1.6 GPa). The GA unit underwent a pervasive stage of amphibolitization during decompression at c. 1.3 GPa. Field and petrological observations, together with multi-mineral Rb-Sr dating, indicate that amphibolitization of the GA unit took place along the subduction interface at c. 120Ma in a slightly warmer subduction regime (c. 13–14°C/km), in agreeement with the formation of coetanoeus amphibolites at c. 35km. The underlying BS unit (i) yields four consistent Rb-Sr deformation ages of c. 80Ma, i.e. 40Ma younger than the overlying rocks from the GA unit; (ii) exhibits slightly cooler peak metamorphic conditions (c. 520–550°C, 1.6 GPa) indicating burial along a prograde path of c. 10°C/km (iii) does not show amphibolite-facies overprint as seen in the GA unit. After a long residence time under amphibolite-facies conditions, the amphibolitized rocks of the GA unit partly recrystallized during blueschist-facies deformation at around 80Ma, as shown by silica-richer rims around phengite and glaucophane overgrowths around hornblende.These new results: (i) shed light on the dynamics of the deep Chilean paleo-accretionary wedge, (ii) reveal that the GA unit underwent two stages of exhumation, likely juxtaposed with the BS unit near 40km depth, and (iii) suggest that the subduction thermal gradient on Diego de Almagro Island fluctuated between c. 10–11°C/km and 13–14°C/km during Cretaceous times.

Kiosk domain, Central Gneiss Belt, Grenville Province, Ontario: A Labradorian palimpsest preserved in the ductile deep crust

The Kiosk domain is a thrust sheet within a multi-component Grenvillian thrust stack, the polycyclic (evidence for pre-Grenvillian orogeny present) Bonfield-Kiosk–Algonquin stack. The stack is overlain to east and west by thrust sheets of predominantly monocyclic gneiss and uplifted along a ramp of Archean parautochthonous rocks. Central to the thrust stack, the Kiosk domain contains a homoclinal southeast-inclined core locally preserving granulite facies assemblages. Predominantly amphibolite facies shear zones, bounding and within the stack, and southeast trending folds overprint the margins of the core fabric. Finally, the Kiosk basal shear zone is locally reworked by extension. Monzonitic orthogneiss in Kiosk domain contain zircon with cores indicating protolith ages of ca. 1640Ma, and dark mantles yield an age of migmatization (and possibly of granulite facies) of ca. 1450Ma. However, metadiabase dykes containing granulite assemblages cut the ca. 1450Ma leucosome and share a southeast trending LS fabric with the country rock of the homoclinal core suggesting the possibility of an early Grenvillian, granulite event. Dating the amphibolite facies overprint is generally challenging, thin zircon rims yielding ages with large errors suggest an Ottawan (ca. 1090–1030Ma) age for stacking, consistent with a 1078±28Ma age for a shear zone which cuts the internal fabric of the stack. The Kiosk domain thus preserves successively younger Grenvillian events from core to rim interpreted to represent early thickening (homoclinal core LS fabric), retrogression-related softening (pegmatites), nappe flow (marginal shears and folds), and post convergence extension (localised shearing).The record of Paleo- early Mesoproterozoic igneous-metamorphic history preserved in the Kiosk core is complemented by detrital zircon data from a quartzite member of a metasedimentary assemblage. The detrital zircon display an age concentration spanning ca. 1500–2000Ma with a Penokean (ca. 1850Ma) maximum. Pre-Labradorian components of the age spectrum are similar to published spectra from the Penokean Upper Animikie sediments from the Lake Superior region and may represent reworking of these during early Pinwarian deposition on the Labradorian basement. We speculate that the Kiosk metasediments, metamorphosed at high grade with their hosts at ca. 1459Ma represent a pre-or early-Pinwarian back-arc (age of youngest detrital grain, ca. 1500Ma) in Labradorian crust inverted in the Pinwarian Orogeny and consistent with A-type plutonism of this age present in the Central Gneiss Belt and interpreted to have been emplaced in extended back-arc crust. The Kiosk domain is thus established as a Labradorian member of the peri-Laurentian Great Paleoproterozoic Accretionary Orogen (Condie, 2013), having received detritus from other members of the accretionary orogen as well as Laurentia.

Behaviour of geochronometers and timing of metamorphic reactions during deformation at lower crustal conditions: phase equilibrium modelling and U–Pb dating of zircon, monazite, rutile and titanite from the Kalak Nappe Complex, northern Norway

AbstractThis study investigates the behaviour of the geochronometers zircon, monazite, rutile and titanite in polyphase lower crustal rocks of the Kalak Nappe Complex, northern Norway. A pressure–temperature–time–deformation path is constructed by combining microstructural observations with P–T conditions derived from phase equilibrium modelling and U–Pb dating. The following tectonometamorphic evolution is deduced: A subvertical S1 fabric formed at ~730–775 °C and ~6.3–9.8 kbar, above the wet solidus in the sillimanite and kyanite stability fields. The event is dated at 702 ± 5 Ma by high‐U zircon in a leucosome. Monazite grains that grew in the S1 fabric show surprisingly little variation in chemical composition compared to a large spread in (concordant) U–Pb dates from c. 800 to 600 Ma. This age spread could either represent protracted growth of monazite during high‐grade metamorphism, or represent partially reset ages due to high‐T diffusion. Both cases imply that elevated temperatures of >600 °C persisted for over c. 200 Ma, indicating relatively static conditions at lower crustal levels for most of the Neoproterozoic. The S1 fabric was overprinted by a subhorizontal S2 fabric, which formed at ~600–660 °C and ~10–12 kbar. Rutile that originally grew during the S1‐forming event lost its Zr‐in‐rutile and U–Pb signatures during the S2‐forming event. It records Zr‐in‐rutile temperatures of 550–660 °C and Caledonian ages of 440–420 Ma. Titanite grew at the expense of rutile at slightly lower temperatures of ~550 °C during ongoing S2 deformation; U–Pb ages of c. 440–430 Ma date its crystallization, giving a minimum estimate for the age of Caledonian metamorphism and the duration of Caledonian shearing. This study shows that (i) monazite can have a large spread in U–Pb dates despite a homogeneous composition; (ii) rutile may lose its Zr‐in‐rutile and U–Pb signature during an amphibolite facies overprint; and (iii) titanite may record crystallization ages during retrograde shearing. Therefore, in order to correctly interpret U–Pb ages from different geochronometers in a polyphase deformation and reaction history, they are ideally combined with microstructural observations and phase equilibrium modelling to derive a complete P–T–t–d path.

Petrology, geochemistry and tectonic significance of serpentinized ultramafic rocks from the South Arm of Sulawesi, Indonesia

Serpentinized ultramafic rocks occur in two separate basement complexes in the South Arm of Sulawesi, the Bantimala and Barru Blocks. We present petrographic, mineral chemical and geochemical data for these rocks, and interpret them in terms of petrogenesis and tectonic setting. The rocks of both blocks show strong serpentinization of original anhydrous silicates. The Bantimala ultramafics consist mainly of peridotite (harzburgite and dunite) and clinopyroxenite, with lenses of podiform chromitite. Metamorphism is evidenced by the occurrence of amphibolite-facies tremolite schist. In contrast, the Barru ultramafics consist of harzburgite peridotite and podiform chromitite, which also show an amphibolite-facies overprint that in this case may be related to intrusion by a large dacite/granodiorite body. Whole-rock trace element analyses and spinel compositions show that the Barru harzburgite is depleted relative to primitive mantle, and has had some melt extracted. In contrast, the Bantimala dunite, harzburgite and clinopyroxenite are cumulates. Both are derived from a supra-subduction zone environment, and were obducted during the closure of small back-arc basins. If there has been no rotation of the blocks, then the Bantimala ultramafics were emplaced from an ENE direction, while the Barru ultramafics were emplaced from the WNW. The ultramafic suites from these two blocks are juxtaposed with metamorphic assemblages, which were later intruded by younger volcanics, particularly in the Barru Block.

Timing of UHP exhumation and rock fabric development in gneiss domes containing the world's youngest eclogite Facies rocks, southeastern Papua New Guinea

AbstractThe youngest known ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) rocks in the world occur in the Woodlark Rift of southeastern Papua New Guinea. Since their crystallization in the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene, these eclogite facies rocks have been rapidly exhumed from mantle depths to the surface and today they remain in the still‐active geodynamic setting that caused this exhumation. For this reason, the rocks provide an excellent opportunity to study rates and processes of (U)HP exhumation. We present New Rb–Sr results from 12 rock samples from eclogite‐bearing gneiss domes in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands, and use those results to examine the time lag between (U)HP metamorphism and later ductile thinning, penetrative fabric development and accompanying metamorphic retrogression at amphibolite facies conditions during their exhumation. A Rb–Sr age for a sample of mafic eclogite (with no preserved coesite) from the core zone of the Mailolo gneiss dome (Fergusson Island) provides a new estimate of the timing of HP metamorphism (5.6 ± 1.6 Ma). The strongly deformed quartzofeldspathic and granitic gneisses (90–95% by volume) that enclose variably retrogressed relict blocks of mafic eclogite (5–10% by volume) yield Rb–Sr isochron ages from 4.4 to 2.4 Ma. For the UHP‐bearing gneisses of Mailolo dome, previously published U–Pb ages on zircon and our Rb–Sr isochron ages are consistent with a mean time lag of 2.2 ± 1.5 Ma (~95% c.i.) for passage of the rock between eclogite and amphibolite facies conditions. New thermobarometric data indicate that the main syn‐exhumational foliation developed at amphibolite facies conditions of 630–665 °C and 12.1–14.4 kbar. These pressure estimates indicate that the lower crust of the Woodlark Rift was unusually thick (>40 km) at the time of the amphibolite facies overprint, possibly as a result of accumulation and underplating of UHP‐derived material from below. Our data imply a minimum unroofing rate of 10 ± 7 mm year−1 (~95% c.i.) for the (U)HP body from minimum HP depths (73 ± 7 km) to lower crustal depths. This minimum unroofing rate reinforces previous inferences that the exhumation from the mantle to the surface of the gneiss domes in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands took place at plate tectonic rates. On the basis of previous structural studies and the new thermobarometry, we attribute the high (cm year−1) exhumation to diapiric ascent of the partially molten terrane from mantle depths, with a secondary contribution from pure shear thinning of the terrane after its arrival in the crust.

Magnetic fabric in amphibolized eclogites and serpentinized ultramafites in the Mariánské Lázně Complex (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic): Product of exhumation-driven retrogression?

The largest body of metabasic rocks in the Bohemian Massif, the Mariánské Lázně Complex (MLC), represents an Early Paleozoic ophiolite complex, which experienced poly-metamorphic evolution with an early high-pressure amphibolite, followed by eclogite and subsequent amphibolite facies overprint. This study aims to investigate the fabric relationships among the rock bodies and to analyze the deformation–recrystallization history of the MLC using the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS).Magnetic susceptibility of the MLC rocks varies according to the presence of para- and ferromagnetic minerals as well as according to the primary lithologies. In weakly magnetic rocks (Km<1×10−3 [SI]), the main carrier of susceptibility is paramagnetic mafic silicates, amphibole and biotite in amphibolites, clinopyroxene and garnet in eclogites, olivine and serpentine minerals in serpentinized ultramafite, and amphibole in gabbro. In highly magnetic rocks (Km≫1×10−3), ferromagnetic minerals, such as magnetite, titanomagnetite, general Fe–Ti oxides, and subordinately also pyrrhotite can play an important role.The results of AMS indicate that the orientation of magnetic minerals in most rocks is related to the last exhumation and retrogression event that occurred in amphibolite facies conditions. However, there are some well preserved eclogites possessing the magnetic fabrics that are at least partially related to prograde or peak PT conditions during metamorphism. In addition, massive metagabbros that suffered only weak deformation partially preserve the intrusive magnetic fabrics.

Metamorphic reaction rates at ∼650–800 °C from diffusion of niobium in rutile

The ability to quantify the rates at which metamorphic reactions occur is critical to assessing the extent to which equilibrium is achieved and maintained in a variety of dynamic settings. Here we investigate the kinetics of rutile replacement by titanite during amphibolite-facies overprinting of eclogite, garnet amphibolite and anorthosite from Catalina Island, CA, the Tromsø Nappe, Norway, the North Qaidam terrane, China, and the Guichicovi Complex, Mexico. Trace element concentration profiles across rutile rimmed by titanite, as determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), reveal Nb zoning in rutile that we interpret as the result of Nb back-diffusion from the rutile–titanite boundary. We present new field-based reaction rates calculated from grain boundary velocities, which in turn were calculated using a 1-D diffusion model for Nb back-diffusion into rutile during titanite replacement over the temperature range 670–770°C. Our data are consistent with or slightly faster than previous estimates of field-based reaction rates for regional metamorphism, and extend the temperature and compositional range over which regional metamorphic reaction rates are known.

New age constraints for the geodynamic evolution of the Sistan Suture Zone, eastern Iran

The Sistan Suture Zone (SSZ) in eastern Iran extends as a N–S trending belt over more than 700km along the border area between Iran and Afghanistan. The SSZ formed as a result of eastward-directed subduction of a Neotethyan ocean basin beneath the Afghan block and includes a tectonic mélange consisting of disrupted meta-ophiolitic rocks within a low-grade matrix of ultramafic, mafic and pelitic schists. Some mélange blocks were affected by eclogite-, blueschist- and/or epidote amphibolite-facies P–T conditions. Understanding of the petrological and geochronological record of these rocks plays a key role in unravelling the geodynamic evolution of the SSZ. The main aim of the present study was to assess the geological significance of previously published 40Ar/39Ar ages (c. 116–139Ma) which have not provided robust age constraints for geodynamic reconstructions on a regional scale. For this purpose, samples were collected within a NNW–SSE trending belt spanning a distance of c. 120km that exposes the major occurrences of high-pressure/low temperature rocks and epidote amphibolites.Multi-point RbSr mineral isochrons indicate a regional consistent pattern with ages ranging between c. 83 and c. 87Ma for eight samples representing different metamorphic grade and widely separated locations (weighted mean=85.7±0.8Ma). Additional 40Ar/39Ar dating for five of these samples yielded in most cases ages that are identical to the RbSr results within analytical uncertainty. For one sample the 40Ar/39Ar age of 81.3±1.3Ma is about 3myr younger than the corresponding RbSr age. A still younger RbSr age of 78.9±0.5Ma was determined for a retrograde epidote-biotite assemblage in an overprinted domain of an eclogite. Ion probe UPb zircon ages for two eclogites and two meta-acidic rocks from the mélange yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 87.3±1.4Ma, 86.1±1.5Ma, 88.7±1.4Ma and 87.2±1.2Ma, respectively. The results of this study do not support previous interpretations suggesting >125Ma high-pressure/low-temperature metamorphism and amphibolite-facies overprinting, but instead document the importance of Late Cretaceous subduction zone processes for the geodynamic evolution of the SSZ.

Metamorphic rocks seek meaningful cooling rate: Interpreting 40Ar/39Ar ages in an exhumed ultra-high pressure terrane

40Ar/39Ar dating of metamorphic white mica is commonly used to elucidate the timing of cooling and/or exhumation of metamorphic terranes. In theory, so long as the dated mineral originally crystallised above its closure temperature, the yielded 40Ar/39Ar ages should not vary significantly within or between samples, and should vary only due to grain size (~3Ma variation depending on the estimated cooling rate). Infra-red laser single grain fusion and ultra-violet laser spot muscovite and/or phengite data from mafic eclogite bodies and their host gneisses in the Nordfjord region of the Western Gneiss Complex (WGC), Norway, show that the ages yielded both within and between white micas from the same mafic eclogite sample vary by up to 284Ma. Ages yielded within the same pelitic gneiss sample vary by up to 28Ma. Overall the 40Ar/39Ar phengite dates from mafic eclogites range from ~750 to 440Ma and are significantly older than the previously reported 405–400Ma U–Pb zircon age constraining peak metamorphism in the Nordfjord WGC. The felsic host gneiss samples, which recrystalised during a post-peak, exhumation-related, amphibolite-facies overprint, yield single grain fusion and laser spot 40Ar/39Ar white mica dates spanning ~420 to 385Ma, encompassing previous estimates of the timing of the entire metamorphic cycle. These data suggest that Ar is heterogeneously distributed both within grains and between grains on the cm to sub-mm scale in all samples, and imply restricted Ar transport and inefficient removal during the metamorphic cycle. Open system (zero grain boundary Ar concentration) behaviour is an inherent assumption in the commonly applied closure temperature formulation, but unless this can be demonstrated, linking 40Ar/39Ar ages to temperature is no longer trivial. The high spatial and chronological precision afforded by UV laser ablation mean that intra-grain Ar concentration distributions may be used to assess open vs. closed system behaviour. The data presented here suggest that open system behaviour cannot be assumed in metamorphic systems, even those in which the pressure, temperature and time conditions in theory allow for efficient diffusion during the metamorphic cycle. High spatial resolution 40Ar/39Ar data and robust comparison with numerical models of open system behaviour provide the greatest future potential for unravelling the complexities of metamorphic exhumation timescales.

Neoproterozoic granulites from the northeastern margin of the Tarim Craton: Petrology, zircon U–Pb ages and implications for the Rodinia assembly

We report the discovery of a suite of Neoproterozoic granulite facies rocks from the vicinity of the Boston Lake area at the northeastern margin of the Tarim Craton. Mineral parageneses show that these rocks witnessed peak granulite facies metamorphism followed by retrograde amphibolite facies overprinting. Pressure–temperature computations of the Grt–Opx granulites yield ca. 810°C and 1.0GPa, falling in the lower domain of high-pressure granulite-facies P–T field. Most of the zircons in our samples display core–rim textures with metamorphic overgrowths on detrital cores. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating on the zircon cores yields three major age populations at ca. 0.9–1.0Ga, 1.8–2.0Ga and 2.4–2.6Ga, suggesting the composite sources for the protolith sedimentary rocks. The metamorphic zircons from different samples record a narrow age range between 790 and 820Ma, marking the timing of high grade metamorphism. This is the first report of Neoproterozoic high-grade metamorphic event from the northeastern margin of the Tarim Craton. Our results could suggest either a major collisional event associated with the assembly of the Tarim Craton within the supercontinent Rodinia, or an Andean-type orogeny at the periphery of the Rodinia supercontinent.