Exhumation Channel Research Articles

Repeated Caledonian burial and ultrafast cooling and exhumation of high‐pressure granulite facies rocks from the Blåhø Nappe on the island of Fjørtoft, Western Gneiss Region, Norway

AbstractThe allochthonous Blåhø Nappe in the Nordøyane ultra high pressure (UHP) domain, Western Gneiss Region in Norway, acts as a window to examine geological processes occurring in continent–continent collisional zones, but many aspects regarding its tectonometamorphic evolution remain debated and elusive. In this contribution, an integrated study including major‐ and trace‐element zoning in garnet, phase equilibrium modelling and the simulation of cation diffusion in garnet was conducted on two high‐pressure (HP) granulite facies rocks from the Blåhø Nappe on the island of Fjørtoft. The results shed new light on the complex geodynamic processes that act in continent–continent collisional zones and finally shape collisional orogens. Phengite, biotite, amphibole, zoisite‐allanite and low‐Zr rutile enclosed in garnet likely attest to a prograde eclogite facies metamorphism for the studied rocks. Pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions of ~1.5–1.6 GPa and 615–670°C were retrieved for this stage. An extensive re‐equilibration under peak HP granulite facies conditions of ~1.5 GPa and 925 ± 50°C followed. Subsequently, the rocks were cooled and reburied to eclogite facies conditions of ~1.8–1.9 GPa and 805–825°C. This was followed by a final stage of decompression and cooling to amphibolite facies conditions of ~650–780°C and 0.5–1.0 GPa. Cooling and exhumation rates of >400°C/Ma and >75 km/Ma, respectively, indicating an ultrafast temperature and pressure decrease are estimated for this stage from simulations of cation diffusion in garnet. The anticlockwise P–T path obtained here is relatively complete and compatible with a repeated burial history during the Caledonian orogeny but not with UHP conditions proposed for the Blåhø Nappe. Our model proposes that the rocks later forming the Blåhø Nappe were buried to lower crustal depths of approximately 55 km equating to a geothermal gradient of ~13°C/km during the early Caledonian orogeny. Subsequent heating of these rocks to HP granulite facies conditions was likely driven by slab break‐off and hot mantle upwelling. Baltica underthrusting during the Scandian continent–continent collision cooled and transported the Blåhø Nappe to greater depths. The obtained cooling and exhumation rates indicate ultrafast exhumation, presumably in an exhumation channel.

Evolution of Rift Systems and Their Fault Networks in Response to Surface Processes

AbstractContinental rifting is responsible for the generation of major sedimentary basins, both during rift inception and during the formation of rifted continental margins. Geophysical and field studies revealed that rifts feature complex networks of normal faults but the factors controlling fault network properties and their evolution are still matter of debate. Here, we employ high‐resolution 2D geodynamic models (ASPECT) including two‐way coupling to a surface processes (SP) code (FastScape) to conduct 12 models of major rift types that are exposed to various degrees of erosion and sedimentation. We further present a novel quantitative fault analysis toolbox (Fatbox), which allows us to isolate fault growth patterns, the number of faults, and their length and displacement throughout rift history. Our analysis reveals that rift fault networks may evolve through five major phases: (a) distributed deformation and coalescence, (b) fault system growth, (c) fault system decline and basinward localization, (d) rift migration, and (e) breakup. These phases can be correlated to distinct rifted margin domains. Models of asymmetric rifting suggest rift migration is facilitated through both ductile and brittle deformation within a weak exhumation channel that rotates subhorizontally and remains active at low angles. In sedimentation‐starved settings, this channel satisfies the conditions for serpentinization. We find that SP are not only able to enhance strain localization and to increase fault longevity but that they also reduce the total length of the fault system, prolong rift phases and delay continental breakup.

Metamorphic gabbro and basalt in ophiolitic and continental nappes of the Zermatt region (Western Alps)

The composition of meta-gabbro and meta-basalt occurring abundant and widespread in all nappes of the nappe stack exposed in the Zermatt region of the Western Alp shows distinct patterns related to the geodynamic origin of metamorphic basic rocks. Eclogitic meta-basalts of the ophiolitic Zermatt-Saas Unit (ZSU) show enriched MORB signatures. The meta-basalts (eclogites) of the continental fragment of the Theodul Glacier Unit (TGU) derive from pre-Alpine metamorphic continental intraplate basalts. Meta-basalts (eclogites) from the continental basement of the Siviez-Mischabel nappe (SMN) derive from MORB thus a genetic relation to the TGU eclogites can be excluded. All basic igneous rocks experienced post-magmatic alteration by fluid-rock interaction ranging from processes at the seafloor, in the shallow crust, during subduction zone hydration, in the exhumation channel and late Alpine regional metamorphisms. The consequences of these alteration processes can be identified at various levels in the rock composition data. It was found that the REE data are little affected by fluid-rock alteration. Some trace elements, notably Cs, Rb, and Ba are typically massively altered relative to igneous compositions in all three groups of meta-basalts. Generally, meta-basalts from the TGU and the SMN preserved the features of the original composition whilst the ZSU meta-volcanic rocks experienced massive alteration. For the ZSU meta-volcanic rocks it is evident that Zr was gained and Y lost during high-pressure fluid-rock interaction indicating a mobile behavior of the two elements during HP-metamorphism in contrast to their behavior in hydrothermal near-surface fluid-rock interaction.

Crustal exhumation and depocenter migration from the Alpine orogenic margin towards the Pannonian extensional back-arc basin controlled by inheritance

The formation and deformation history of back-arc basins play a critical role in understanding the tectonics of plate interactions. Furthermore, opening of extensional back-arc basins during the overall convergence between Africa and Europe is a fundamental process in the overall tectonic evolution of the Mediterranean and adjacent areas. In this frame, Miocene tectonic evolution of the western Pannonian Basin of Central Europe and its connection to inherited Cretaceous structures of the Eastern Alpine nappes are presented. Revision of published and addition of new structural and thermochronological data, as well as seismic profiles from the western Pannonian Basin is complemented by high-resolution thermo-mechanical numerical modeling in order to propose a new physically consistent tectono-sedimentary model for the basin evolution. The onset of extension is dated as ~25–23 Ma, and higher rates are inferred between 19 and 15 Ma at the south-western part of the area (Pohorje, Kozjak Domes, Murska Sobota Ridge, and Mura-Zala Basin). Rift initiation involved the exhumation of the middle part of the Austroalpine nappe pile along low-angle detachment faults and mylonite zones. The Miocene low-angle shear zones could reactivate major Cretaceous thrust boundaries, the exhumation channel of ultra-high-pressure rocks of the Pohorje Dome, or Late Cretaceous extensional structures. Miocene extension was associated with granodiorite and dacite intrusions between 18.64 and 15 Ma. The Pohorje pluton intruded at variable depth from ~4 to 16–18 km and experienced ductile stretching, westward tilting, and asymmetric exhumation of its eastern side. Terrestrial early Miocene (Ottnangian to Karpatian, 19–17.25 Ma) syn-rift depositional environment in supradetachment basins evolved to near-shore and bathyal one by the middle Miocene (Badenian, 15.97–12.8 Ma). Deformation subsequently migrated eastwards to the western part of the Transdanubian Range (Keszthely Hills) and to newly formed grabens. In this formerly emerged terrestrial area active faulting started at 15–14.5 Ma and continued through the late Miocene almost continuously up to ~8 Ma but basically terminated in the Mura-Zala Basin by ~15 Ma (early Badenian). These observations suggest a ~200 km shift of active faulting, basin formation, and related syn-tectonic sedimentation from the SW (Pohorje and Mura-Zala Basin) toward the Pannonian Basin center. Building on the above described observational and modeling data makes the Pannonian Basin an ideal natural laboratory for understanding the coupling between deep Earth and surface processes.

Garnet-Rich Veins in an Ultrabasic Amphibolite from NE Sardinia, Italy: An Example of Vein Mineralogical Re-Equilibration during the Exhumation of a Granulite Terrane

A complex system of mono- and polymineralic centimeter-thick veins occurs within the ultrabasic amphibolites of Montigiu Nieddu hill in northeastern Sardinia, and they are filled with garnet, amphibole, chlorite, and epidote. Some garnet-rich veins are margined by an amphibole layer at the interface with the host rock and/or show replacement of epidote concentrated in the vein core. Together with homogeneous matrix garnet (Grt1), millimetric, euhedral, and strongly zoned garnet porphyroblasts occur within these veins. The estimated pressure–temperature conditions (P = 1.0–1.7 GPa, T = 650–750 °C) for the formation of Grt1 match the metamorphic peak and early exhumation derived previously for the host rocks and confirm that the garnet veins also formed under high-pressure (HP) conditions. The igneous protolith of the host rocks experienced HP metamorphism in a subduction zone and underwent exhumation in an exhumation channel. The vein system in the ultrabasic amphibolites formed by cyclic hydrofracturing as rapid and transient events such as crack-seal veining. The growth of multiple vein-filling mineral assemblages indicates the formation of separate vein-producing cycles.

Evolution of a gneiss in the Seve nappe complex of central Sweden – Hints at an early Caledonian, medium-pressure metamorphism

Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism has recently been reported from various crustal rocks in the Seve nappe complex (SNC) in which microdiamonds were found. We studied a gneiss from the Åreskutan Nappe in central Sweden. This nappe of the SNC was recently interpreted to have experienced UHP metamorphism. The studied medium-grained and well foliated gneiss contains quartz, biotite, garnet, K-feldspar, plagioclase, and potassic white mica with accessory kyanite, sillimanite, rutile, ilmenite, and monazite. Pressure (P) – temperature (T) pseudosections were mainly used to decipher the metamorphic evolution of the gneiss. According to polyphase inclusions such as biotite + chlorite + potassic white mica in the garnet core, the prograde P-T conditions were approximately 600 °C and 8–8.5 kbar. An isobaric heating to 700 °C followed, constrained by homogenous garnet with XCa = 0.03 and XMg = 0.295, the highest Si content of 3.15 per formula unit in potassic white mica, and Zr-in-rutile thermometry. A late migmatitic stage occurred at about 725 °C and 6.5 kbar. U-Th-Pb dating of monazite, included in garnet, with the electron microprobe yielded two populations at 463 ± 12(2σ) Ma (Y2O3 > 2.0 wt%) and 458 ± 7(2σ) Ma (Y2O3 < 0.5 wt%) that were assigned to the prograde evolution before and during/after garnet growth. A matrix population gave 448 ± 12(2σ) Ma (Y2O3 < 0.5 wt%) which we relate to the late migmatitic stage. We hypothesize that the studied rock experienced prograde metamorphism in the uppermost portion of a downgoing continental plate (Baltoscandia) by thrusting under an island arc/microcontinent. Afterwards, the rock was exhumed by mass flow in an exhumation channel during the early Caledonian orogeny.

Tectonic implications of P-T paths derived for garnet-bearing felsic gneisses from the Dabie and Sulu ultrahigh pressure terranes, east-central China

Felsic gneisses usually represent the vast majority of rocks in high-pressure (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes, but the derivation of metamorphic pressure-temperature (P-T) paths for these rocks have been rarely undertaken. We studied a felsic paragneiss with the mineral assemblage of plagioclase, quartz, phengite, biotite, garnet, epidote, K-feldspar, and rutile from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling main hole (depth: 775 m), located in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China, by analyzing minerals with the electron microprobe and computing P-T pseudosections with PERPLE_X. Garnet includes phengite, feldspar, quartz, and rutile and retains a Ca-rich core (XCa = 0.42). Towards the rim Ca contents decrease (XCa = 0.36) and Fe and Mg contents increase. This zoning points to a prograde P-T path at pressures lower than 1.3 GPa. In combination with Zr-in-rutile thermometry and garnet volume isopleths in the P-T pseudosection, peak P-T conditions of ca. 1.2 GPa and 610 °C were constrained which are below the wet granite solidus. K-feldspar formation at the expense of phengite indicates a nearly isothermal decompression accompanied by late fluid infiltration. A similar P-T path was additionally derived for a published felsic orthogneiss from the Dabie UHP terrane using P-T pseudosections. The prograde P-T paths obtained in this study imply that not all felsic gneisses from the Dabie and Sulu UHP terranes underwent UHP metamorphism. This is explained by tectonic juxtaposition of various felsic gneisses from different depths in an exhumation channel.

Deformation within the Cycladic subduction–exhumation channel: new insights from the enigmatic Makrotantalo nappe (Andros, Aegean)

New detailed geological/structural mapping coupled with microstructural investigations and amphibole chemistry analyses are used to elucidate the enigmatic tectonic evolution of the Makrotantalo nappe on northern Andros (Aegean region). On the basis of the new geological map, we re-evaluate the structural position of samples with previously published metamorphic ages to show that the Makrotantalo nappe has been affected by the early Eocene high-pressure (HP) metamorphism. Therefore, the Makrotantalo nappe is an integral part of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit (CBU). The early, main ductile deformation phase recognized in the mapped area, is associated with the emplacement of the Makrotantalo nappe over the North Cyclades nappe at deep subduction levels during early Eocene. The subsequent deformation phase occurred at the middle Eocene–Oligocene synchronous with the decompression of blueschist rocks from the stability field of glaucophane to that of actinolite. During this phase, the nappe pile was folded by map-scale folds, which were locally transposed by ductile shear zones. These shear zones were related with NE-directed oblique thrusting and, locally, either restacked the nappe pile or reworked the early nappe contact. Our results in combination with previous studies in the northern Cyclades show that the top-to-the-NE shearing was dominant at a large part of the CBU during exhumation. Opposite, SW-directed shearing was restricted at the upper structural levels of the CBU. We suggest that the observed spatial variation in shear sense is compatible with NE- rather than SW-directed ductile extrusion of the CBU.

Anticlockwise P-T evolution of amphibolites from NE Sardinia, Italy: Geodynamic implications for the tectonic evolution of the Variscan Corsica-Sardinia block

In the Migmatite Complex from NE Sardinia, a large lensoid body of coarse-grained, dark-green amphibolite with a schistose to weakly massive aspect crops out. Within this amphibolite centimetre-sized layers locally occur which contain millimetric porphyroblastic garnet. We investigated the amphibolite and the layers applying microstructural analyses and thermodynamic modelling in the NCKFMASH+Ti + Mn system in order to reconstruct the pressure-temperature (P-T) metamorphic evolution. The amphibolite underwent a burial path, recorded by the compositional zoning of garnet, that started at pressures of 0.8 GPa and showed only a slight increase in temperature leading to peak P-T conditions. The garnet rim records peak P-T conditions of 1.3–1.4 GPa at 690–740 °C. As the early exhumation of the amphibolites occurred already at lower temperatures than the burial, an anticlockwise P-T path results which is in contrast to the typical clockwise P-T paths reported for several high-pressure metamorphic rocks from NE Sardinia. We interpret the anti-clockwise path by the location of the studied rocks in the lowermost part of the upper plate and their burial to depths of around 45 km during the Variscan continental collision between Laurussia and Gondwana. This process could have affected some rock slices of the upper plate only owing to tectonic erosion by the downgoing plate. The subsequent uplift occurred in an exhumation channel where these slices were continuously cooled by the upper portion of the lower continental plate.

Two Tertiary metamorphic events recognized in high‐pressure metapelites of the Nevado‐Filábride Complex (Betic Cordillera, S Spain)

AbstractTwo phengite–garnet‐bearing metapelites from the Nevado‐Filábride Complex, Betic Cordillera, one from the Ragua unit (sample 23085) and the other (sample 23098) from the Calar Alto unit, were studied in detail to elucidate their metamorphic evolution. We calculated various P–T pseudosections for different O2 and H2O‐CO2 contents and Fe3+/Fe2+ ratios with PERPLE_X . On the basis of the compositions of the garnet core and the highest Si content in potassic white mica, different peak pressures of 12.7 ± 0.7 kbar at 525 ± 10°C (23085) and 17.4 ± 1.2 kbar at 526 ± 17°C (23098) resulted (errors refer to an estimated 1σ range). The suggested clockwise P–T loop was followed in both cases by another loop caused by a reheating process. On the basis of garnet rim compositions, peak temperatures of 596 ± 10°C at 10.7 ± 1.4 kbar (23085) and 629 ± 11°C at 8.5 ± 0.7 kbar (23098) resulted, supported by Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry (23085: 591 ± 11°C; 23098: 607 ± 10°C). In situ dating of monazite (23085) with the electron microprobe yielded ages between c. 48 and 14 Ma. On the basis of the monazite composition and histogram analysis, two age populations with mean ages of 40.2 ± 1.7 (1σ) and 24.1 ± 0.8 Ma could be defined. Low Y2O3 contents (&lt;0.6 wt%) in monazite point to its formation after initial growth of garnet. The older generation was therefore assigned to the formation of the garnet core and the early P–T loop. The younger monazite population was related to the late P–T loop. A geodynamic scenario is hypothesized that assigns the Eocene metamorphism to subduction of a continental margin to depths of 50–65 km, followed by exhumation in an exhumation channel accompanied by mixing of slices of different rock types including mantle rocks. This process ended with stacking of such slices causing reheating of the studied rocks in the Early Miocene. The noted time gap of c. 15 Ma between subduction and nappe stacking is similar to the continent–continent collisional orogeny of the Himalaya.

Influence of mid-crustal rheology on the deformation behavior of continental crust in the continental subduction zone

Although the presence of low-viscosity middle crustal layer in the continental crust has been detected by both geophysical and geochemical studies, its influence on the deformation behavior of continental crust during subduction remains poorly investigated. To illustrate the crustal deformation associated with layered crust during continental subduction, we conducted a suite of 2-D thermo-mechanical numerical studies with visco-brittle/plastic rheology based on finite-differences and marker-in-cell techniques. In the experiments, we established a three-layer crustal model with a quartz-rich middle crustal layer embedded between the upper and lower continental crust. Results show that the middle crustal layer determines the amount of the accreted upper crust, maximum subduction depth, and exhumation path of the subducted upper crust. By varying the initial effective viscosity and thickness of the middle crustal layer, the further effects can be summarized as: (1) a rheologically weaker and/or thicker middle crustal layer results in a larger percentage of the upper crust detaching from the underlying slab and accreting at the trench zone, thereby leading to more serious crustal deformation. The rest of the upper crust only subducts into the depths of high pressure (HP) conditions, causing the absence of ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks; (2) a rheologically stronger and/or thinner middle crustal layer favors the stable subduction of the continental crust, dragging the upper crust to a maximum depth of ∼100 km and forming UHP rocks; (3) the middle crustal layer flows in a ductile way and acts as an exhumation channel for the HP-UHP rocks in both situations. In addition, the higher convergence velocity decreases the amount of subducted upper crust. A detailed comparison of our modeling results with the Himalayan collisional belt are conducted. Our work suggests that the presence of low-viscosity middle crustal layer may be another possible mechanism for absence of UHP rocks in the southern Tibet.

Anticlockwise pressure–temperature paths record Variscan upper‐plate exhumation: Example from micaschists of the Porto Vecchio region, Corsica

ABSTRACTTo better understand the evolution of deep‐seated crust of the Variscan orogen in the Sardinia‐Corsica region, we studied garnet‐bearing micaschists which were sampled 3 km east and 15 km northeast of Porto Vecchio, south‐eastern Corsica. After a careful investigation of the textural relations and compositions of minerals, especially of zoned garnet, a P–T path was reconstructed using contoured P–T pseudosections. U–Th–Pb dating of monazite in the micaschists was undertaken with the electron microprobe. The micaschists from both localities were formed along similar anticlockwise P–T paths. The prograde branch of these paths starts at 3 kbar close to 600°C in the P–T field of sillimanite and reaches peak conditions at 7 kbar and 600 (15 km NE of Porto Vecchio) to 630°C (3 km E of Porto Vecchio). The metamorphism at peak P–T conditions happened c. 340 Ma based on low‐Y (&lt;0.65 wt% Y2O3) monazite. Ages of monazite with high‐Y contents (&gt;2 wt% Y2O3), which probably have formed before garnet, scatter around 362 Ma. The retrograde branch of the P–T paths passes through 4 kbar at ~550°C. We conclude that the micaschists belong to a common metasedimentary sequence, which extends over the Porto Vecchio region and is separated from other metamorphic rock sequences in the north and the south by major tectonic boundaries. This sequence had experienced peak pressures which are lower than those determined for metamorphic rocks, such as micaschist and gneiss, from north‐eastern Sardinia. At present, we favour a continent–continent collisional scenario with the studied metasedimentary sequence buried during the collisional event as part of the upper plate. The contemporaneous high‐P metamorphic rocks from NE Sardinia were part of the upper portion of the lower plate. The addressed rocks from both plates were exhumed in an exhumation channel.

A tectonized ultramafic-mafic-pelitic package in Stockbridge, Vermont: Metamorphism resulting from subduction and exhumation

A tectonized ultramafic-mafic-pelitic package southwest of the Burgess Branch Fault Zone in the Rowe/Prospect Rock slice in Stockbridge, Vermont preserves Taconian subduction zone metamorphism. The polydeformed package consists of carbonatized and chloritized serpentinite lozenges that are faulted between graphitic phyllite and an intercalated zone of mafic greenstones and pelitic schists that retain primarily Taconian structures. Amphiboles zoned chemically in greenstones display decreases in PL (NaM4) and TK (AlVI + Fe3+ + 2Ti + Cr) from cores to rims. Pseudosection and amphibole isopleth calculations show that different greenstone bodies experienced peak subduction zone metamorphism at different depths between ∼19 and 32 Km (0.55–0.95 GPa) and/or at different temperatures between ∼425 and 500 °C. Barroisite and winchite cores preserve the highest pressure and lowest temperature peak metamorphism, which is interpreted as lower blueschist facies. All greenstones followed decompression cooling paths to lower greenschist facies where actinolite rims grew. Assembly of the ultramafic-mafic-pelitic package probably occurred in a Taconian exhumation channel containing mantle serpentinite, oceanic crust, and clastic rocks of the Laurentian margin and Iapetan Ocean basin.

Tertiary high-pressure metamorphism recorded in andalusite-bearing mica-schist, southern Pirin Mts., SW Bulgaria

A garnet-bearing schist, rich in white mica, was sampled from the southern Pirin Mountains, western margin of the Rhodope Metamorphic Complex, near the Popovi-Livadi pass and investigated with the electron microprobe. Garnet grains of mm-size commonly display an inclusion-rich core, which is relatively poor in Ca (Alm 0.67 Gr 0.03 Py 0.10 Sp 0.20 ). Following resorption of the core, a garnet mantle with significant zonation developed (inner mantle: Alm 0.65 Gr 0.25 Py 0.05 Sp 0.05 ; outer mantle: Alm 0.76 Gr 0.13 -Py 0.09 Sp 0.02 ). Following another resorption event, the garnet rim (Alm 0.715 Gr 0.09 Py 0.125 Sp 0.07 ) formed. At the same time and later, plagioclase, biotite, clusters of unoriented muscovite (Si around 6.2 per double formula unit = pdfu), and porphyroblasts of andalusite crystallized. Earlier potassic white mica, occurring as a core of oriented flakes, preserves Si contents up to 6.6 pdfu. On the basis of contoured P–T pseudosections, the P–T evolution of the studied rock was reconstructed: (1) the garnet core represents a low- P granulite or high- T amphibolite stage; (2) the mantle domain and the Si contents in phengite reflect peak- P conditions of 16 kbar at 500 °C and a subsequent exhumation to conditions of 10 kbar and 565 °C; (3) slight heating occurred at 6.5 kbar to produce the garnet rim. Analysed monazite can be subdivided into high-Y (>1.3 wt.% Y 2 O 3 ), intermediate-, and low-Y ( 2 O 3 ) populations. The high-Y population, which probably formed prior to high-pressure (HP) garnet, yielded an age of 45.8 ± 5.8 (2σ) Ma. Monazite of the low-Y population, which is also enclosed in the outer garnet mantle, gave an age of 42.1 ± 5.2 Ma. It is concluded that the deduced HP metamorphism is an Early Eocene event related to the deep burial of rocks by continent-continent collision and their exhumation in the exhumation channel. The late low- P heating event included formation of andalusite during retrogression, which is interpreted to have been caused by emplacement of the nearby Teshovo granite at 31 Ma.

Pressure–temperature estimates of the blueschists from the Kopina Mt., northern Bohemian Massif, Poland – constraints on subduction of the Saxothuringian continental margin

The blueschist occurrence at the Kopina Mt. is situated at the eastern margin of the Karkonosze–Izera Massif in the West Sudetes of the northern Bohemian Massif. Metabasic rocks with continental crust affinity occur as lenses within the prevailing metasediments. The metabasites consist mainly of garnet, blue amphibole, epidote, chlorite-I, titanite, hematite and quartz forming the high-pressure assemblage. Synkinematic garnet exhibits prograde zoning, a feature allowing for assessment of the prograde course of the pressure–temperature ( P–T ) path. Phase equilibrium modelling has been used to estimate prograde and peak metamorphic conditions. Based on the P–T pseudosections, calculated in the system Na 2 O–CaO–K 2 O–FeO–MgO–MnO–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 –H 2 O–TiO 2 –O 2 (NCKFMMnASHTO), the garnet + glaucophane + epidote + chlorite + white mica(?) + Fe oxide + quartz ± titanite assemblage was formed between 12–15 kbar and 480–520 °C. These results are based on garnet and Na-amphibole compositional isopleths. Garnet shows a prograde zoning expressed by the rapid rim-ward decrease of spessartine, moderate increase of almandine and as light increase of other components. It is inferred here that white mica must have decomposed to secondary albite–chlorite-II–K-feldspar. The obtained results point to the formation of the Kopina blueschists along a low-temperature P–T gradient of 8–10 °C/km, typical of rocks from a subduction–exhumation channel. We postulate that the Kopina blueschists were formed in a subduction system developed along the eastern termination of the Saxothuringian Ocean and operating beneath the Tepla–Barrandian upper plate. When combined with previous data on continental crust affinity for the protolith, our results demonstrate a derivation of the Kopina blueschists from subducted part of the Saxothuringian margin.

Deformation mechanisms of antigorite serpentinite at subduction zone conditions determined from experimentally and naturally deformed rocks

We performed deformation-DIA experiments on antigorite serpentinite at pressures of 1–3.5 GPa and temperatures of between 400 and 650 °C, bracketing the stability of antigorite under subduction zone conditions. For each set of pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions, we conducted two runs at strain rates of 5×10−5 and 1×10−4 s−1. We complemented our study with a sample deformed in a Griggs-type apparatus at 1 GPa and 400 °C (Chernak and Hirth, 2010), and with natural samples from Cuba and the Alps deformed under blueschist/eclogitic conditions. Optical and transmission electron microscopies were used for microstructural characterization and determination of deformation mechanisms. Our observations on experimentally deformed antigorite prior to breakdown show that deformation is dominated by cataclastic flow with observable but minor contribution of plastic deformation (microkinking and (001) gliding mainly expressed by stacking disorder mainly). In contrast, in naturally deformed samples, plastic deformation structures are dominant (stacking disorder, kinking, pressure solution), with minor but also perceptible contribution of brittle deformation. When dehydration occurs in experiments, plasticity increases and is coupled to local embrittlement that we attribute to antigorite dehydration. In dehydrating samples collected in the Alps, embrittlement is also observed suggesting that dehydration may contribute to intermediate-depth seismicity. Our results thus show that semibrittle deformation operates within and above the stability field of antigorite. However, the plastic deformation recorded by naturally deformed samples was likely acquired at low strain rates. We also document that the corrugated structure of antigorite controls the strain accommodation mechanisms under subduction conditions, with preferred inter- and intra-grain cracking along (001) and gliding along both a and b. We also show that antigorite rheology in subduction zones is partly controlled by the presence of fluids, which can percolate within the exhumation channel via deformation-induced interconnected porosity.

Regional flow perturbation folding within an exhumation channel: A case study from the Cycladic Blueschists

Kilometre-scale cylindrical folds and associated parasitic folds that trend at small angles to the transport lineation are analysed along a 100-km-long transport-normal segment of the Cycladic Blueschists in an attempt to reconstruct the 3D structural architecture within an exhumation channel. Reversals in the polarity of both fold vergence and the hinge/lineation obliquity occur in a flow-normal direction, defining transport-parallel culmination and depression surfaces that root downwards onto an underlying detachment. Fold patterns generated around culmination and depression surfaces support models of flow-perturbation folding where folds initiate at small angles or sub-parallel to transport in response to wrench-dominated differential shearing. Successive culmination and depression surfaces are separated from one another by along strike distances of ∼20 km, although atypical fold geometries developed in the flanks of major culmination and depressions follow their own patterns, revealing that smaller perturbations occur within the larger scheme. Major culminations are interpreted to reflect regions of surging flow marked by increased velocity during exhumation, whilst the opposite is true for depressions. This behaviour implies that on a regional scale, differential shear varies laterally in an irregular-sinusoidal manner defining areas of relative high and relative low displacement within the exhumation channel.

Formation of Amphibole and Clinozoisite-Epidote in Eclogite owing to Fluid Infiltration during Exhumation in a Subduction Channel

Two eclogites, one from the southern Dabie Shan, China, and the other from the western Erzgebirge, Germany, were studied because of amphibole and clinozoisite^epidote formation either as typical porphyroblasts or as oriented fine-grained matrix minerals. A nearly isobaric prograde path was derived for the eclogite from the Erzgebirge, mainly on the basis of garnet zonation and the reconstruction of P^T pseudosections in the system SiO2^TiO2^ Al2O3^MgO^MnO^FeO^CaO^Na2O^K2O^H2O^O2. Peak P^T conditions were 2·8 GPa and 6708C. The retrograde path shows significant cooling during pressure release. In contrast, the Dabie Shan eclogite contains sparse Mg-rich garnet cores pointing to a granulite stage. Subsequently, peak-pressure conditions of 3·5^4·0 GPa were reached at 6208C, followed by a retrograde path that was initially nearly isothermal and then similar to that of the Erzgebirge eclogite. Most of the amphibole and clinozoisite^ epidote grew during early retrogression in the pressure interval 1·8^2·3 GPa (Erzgebirge) or 2·4^2·7 GPa (Dabie Shan) owing to infiltration of hydrous fluids amounting to 1wt % and 0·5 wt % H2O, respectively. As a result of this hydration omphacite was partially decomposed, but the remaining omphacite demonstrates that infiltration of H2O essentially ceased at 1·8 GPa (Erzgebirge) or 2·4 GPa (Dabie Shan). The fluid infiltration and hence the growth of amphibole and clinozoisite^epidote is proposed to have occurred in a deep-seated subduction channel during ascent of eclogitic material. Subsequently, the eclogites were captured between colliding continental plates and further exhumed in an exhumation channel.

Blueschist-facies metamorphism in the Kaczawa Mountains (Sudetes, SW Poland) of the Central-European Variscides: P-T constraints from a jadeite-bearing metatrachyte

AbstractSodic pyroxene is reported from an Ordovician metatrachyte of the Kaczawa Mountains, SW Poland. Its composition ranges from Jd0.98Ae0.02 to Jd0.15Ae0.85. Relict jadeite and phengite (up to 3.75 Si atoms per fomula unit) belong to the peak-pressure assemblage of an early HP-LT event. Later greenschist-facies stages are represented by riebeckite, biotite, chlorite, low-Si potassic white mica and actinolite. P-T pseudosections calculated for the range 200–450°C, 3–13 kbar allow evaluation of the conditions of formation of jadeite in the metatrachyte and derivaton of a P-T path. Considering the position of prograde, peak and retrograde metamorphic assemblages and respective mineral compositions, we can derive the following equilibration stages: 8.5±0.5 kbar, 270±20°C for the pressure maximum, 6.0±1.0 kbar, 310±20°C for the temperature maximum and 3.5±0.5 kbar, 280±20°C as well as &lt;3.5 kbar, &lt;280°C for the retrograde stages.The metamorphic gradient for the peak-pressure is estimated at ∼10°C/km, which is typical of a subduction setting involving subducted continental crust, in particular of an exhumation channel within a collision zone of a microplate. Based on earlier structural observations, the ESE-oriented subduction in the NE Bohemian Massif was confined with WNW thrusting and followed by extension and ESE backward normal faulting during Devonian–Early Carboniferous times.

Exhumation of the Dabie UHP Terrane, China

Exhumation of deeply buried ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes remains a puzzle in understanding lithospheric dynamic process. New evidence that constrains the exhumation process of the Dabie UHP terrane includes the following. (1) Structural data record the architecture of the Dabie UHP terrane. Three slices are recognized—i.e., from top to bottom, the Susong blueschist slice, the Huangzhen-Huangweihe (HH) HP slice, and the Jinheqiao-Shuanghe-Bixiling (JSB) UHP slice. These slices have been stacked and domed. (2) Geophysical data depict two offsets in the Moho. Offset-I separates the Dabie UHP terrane from the North China craton, and has served as a subduction channel, as well as an exhumation channel. Offset-II, separating the Dabie UHP terrane from the foreland belt, developed due to geodynamic regime reorganization. (3) Geochronological data reveal that the HP slice was exhumed earlier that the UHP slice. A northward-younging exhumation polarity is implied, with younger exhumation age closer to the exhumation channel. These pieces of evidence point to a multistage exhumation process. The Yangtze craton collided with and subducted beneath the North China craton at the very beginning of Triassic time. By 230 Ma, the Susong blueschist slice and the southern end of the HH HP slice had arrived at a middle-crustal level, while its northern part was still at mantle depth. Such processes continued until the JSB UHP slice was exhumed to mid-crustal levels at 210 Ma. After geodynamic regime reorganization during 210—180 Ma, continuing compression of the Yangtze craton and underthrusting along offset-II in the Moho caused the dome structure, and eventually brought the UHP rocks to the Earth's surface.