Felsic Granulites Research Articles

Metamorphic P-T paths and zircon U-Pb ages of the intermediate to felsic granulites from the Jianping Complex, the North China Craton:Implications for the Neoarchean tectonic regime

The Jianping Complex (JPC), located at the northwestern margin of the Eastern Block in the North China Craton (NCC), is one of the high-grade complexes that subjected to granulite facies metamorphism. It has been suggested that the JPC at least experienced two phases of Precambrian metamorphism. This study focuses on the late Neoarchean to early Paleoproterozoic metamorphic evolution of the felsic and intermediate granulites with ‘red-eye socket’ texture. Typical peak stage minerals including plagioclase, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and quartz, as well as post-peak growth of garnet, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole and quartz were identified. Phase equilibria modelling for two selected samples was performed using THERMOCALC 3.45. Based on the petrographic observations and the modelling results, anticlockwise P-T paths are recovered for the granulites. Peak stage metamorphic P-T conditions are constrained to be 940–1000 °C/8.0–8.5 kbar, and the post-peak final solidus assemblages were stable at the conditions of 880–900 °C/9.5–10.5 kbar. U-Pb dating of three granulites yields magmatic ages of ~2.50–2.53 Ga and metamorphic ages of ~2.49 Ga, suggesting the short interval between the emplacement and the granulite facies metamorphism. Anticlockwise P-T paths can result from intrusion and underplating of mantle-derived magmas in several potential tectonic settings, among which scenarios of magmatic arc and mantle plume are both possible for the NCC at ~2.5 Ga. Comprehensively considering the lithological, metamorphic, geochronological, and structural characteristics of the Neoarchean basement rocks in the NCC, we favor the mantle plume model in this study. • The intermediate to felsic granulites from the JPC preserved ‘red-eye socket’ texture. • Anticlockwise P-T paths with peak conditions of 940–1000 °C/8.0–8.5 kbar were retrieved. • The timing of the magmatism and metamorphism are ~2.50–2.53 Ga and ~ 2.49 Ga.

Response of trace elements to partial melting of felsic crust at high to ultrahigh temperatures: Implications for granite geochemistry

It is known that partial melting and melt extraction of crustal rocks result in chemical differentiation of the continental crust. But it is unknown how these two processes have affected the composition of granites due to a limited knowledge of trace element behaviors during crustal anatexis. In order to quantify this issue, a combined study of whole-rock and mineral trace elements and mineral modal proportions was conducted for high-temperature (HT) to ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) felsic granulites from the Tongbai orogen in central China. Reconstruction of LREE budgets suggests that LREE mainly reside in monazite in both HT and UHT granulites. As monazite is predicted to be not stable at UHT conditions in the modelling of previous studies, the presence of monazite in the Tongbai UHT granulites suggest that it was not sufficiently dissolved into anatectic melts. Considering monazite mainly occurs as interstitial grains, fast melt-residue separation may be the dominant factor for impeding its dissolution. Calculation of mineral/mineral trace element ratios indicates that K-feldspar has a higher capacity to accommodate Ba and Sr than biotite and plagioclase, with DBaK-feldspar/biotite of 2.5–3.0 and DSrK-feldspar/plagioclase values of 1.4–1.9, and ilmenite can preserve more Nb and Ta than biotite with DNbbiotite/ilmenite values of 0.07–0.1 and DTabiotite/ilmenite values of 0.04–0.05. In addition, partitioning of first row transition elements (FRTE) was constrained in the felsic granulites, with preference of Sc into garnet, and Co, V, Ni, and Cr into biotite. Modelling based on the presently constrained partition coefficients indicates that trace elements show consistent differentiation trends during anatexis of various felsic rocks, with enrichment of Sr, Ba, Nb, Ta and FRTE but depletion of Rb in anatectic restites. The high DNb/Ta values of biotite and ilmenite cause the residues produced by biotite dehydration melting to be commonly of higher Nb/Ta ratios than protoliths, indicating that the residues are potentially high Nb/Ta reservoirs. In contrast, the change of peritectic minerals due to various protolith compositions and melting conditions results in differential responses of Sr, Ba, and FRTE to partial melting, suggesting that these elements may be useful indicators to trace the petrogenetic process of granites. The correlation between Ba and Sc contents or between Sr/Ba and Sc/Co ratios is demonstrated to be a valid index in discriminating melts from metagreywackes and metapelites due to different modes of garnet, orthopyroxene, and K-feldspar in their anatectic residues. Moreover, as the proportions of garnet and orthopyroxene in the residues are significantly influenced by melting pressures, the Sc/Co ratio and Sc content of granites can be used to trace their anatectic depth.

Diversity of origin and geodynamic evolution of the mantle beneath the Variscan Orogen indicating rapid exhumation within subduction-related mélange (Moldanubian Zone, Bohemian Massif)

A variable assemblage of ultrabasic rocks along with minor eclogites investigated on a small area of a few km2 (Gföhl unit, Moldanubian Zone of the Bohemian Massif) reflects incorporation of contrasting mantle domains within a subduction-related tectonic mélange during the Variscan orogeny. Based on mineral composition, whole-rock chemistry, isotopic signatures, and pressure-temperature (P–T) estimates, four principal lithological types have been distinguished (1) spinel harzburgite (2) garnet lherzolite (3) spinel websterite and (4) eclogite. Spinel harzburgite, exclusively associated with HT migmatized gneisses, corresponds to the refractory oceanic lithosphere, as demonstrated by whole-rock composition (low Al2O3, CaO), chemistry of spinel (Cr# <0.4) and Al-rich pyroxene (Al2O3 up to 9 wt%). By contrast, garnet lherzolite, predominantly enclosed in HP felsic granulite, represents a fragment of the subcontinental mantle wedge, considering the strong fertile character (high Al2O3, TiO2, Yb) and spinel chemistry (Cr# >0.5). Websterites likely represent products of decompression partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle with a variable input of crustal component, whereas eclogites correspond to HP crystal cumulates from partial melts migrating through the Variscan mantle wedge. Both peridotite protoliths experienced various degrees of secondary refertilization, recorded as a cryptic metasomatic overprint, due to interaction with subduction-related silicate melts, from which numerous websterite and rare eclogite layers crystallized. The secondary mantle refertilization via melt-peridotite reaction is well-documented by decreasing bulk Mg# along with MgO/SiO2, elevated Al2O3/SiO2, TiO2 and FeOtot contents, and isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr338 ~ 0.7051). Moreover, the positive correlation between highly fluid-immobile incompatible trace elements (e.g. Ti, Sc, V, Zr, Yb) and distribution of REE and Li is consistent with the melt refertilization trend.

A detailed and comprehensive TEM, EPMA and Raman characterization of high-metamorphic grade monazites and their U-Th-Pb systematics (the Góry Sowie Block, SW Poland)

Eleven monazite grains, two from a migmatitic gneiss and nine from two felsic granulites from the Góry Sowie Block (SW Poland) were studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), Raman microspectroscopy and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) U-Th-Pb analysis in order to assess processes affecting U-Th-Pb age record. Two monazite grains from the migmatitic gneiss are patchy zoned in BSE imaging and overgrown by allanite, whereas Raman results indicate moderate radiation damage. Monazite in the corresponding TEM foils shows twins and nanoinclusions of fluorapatite, thorianite, goethite, titanite, chlorite and CaSO4. Furthermore, monazite is partially replaced by secondary monazite, forming ca. 100 nm-thick layers, and calcite along grain boundaries. The submicron alterations had little or no effect on the Pb/U and Pb/Th dates, when compared to earlier age constraints on the metamorphism in the studied region. In contrast, monazite from both granulites is homogeneous in eight investigated TEM foils, contains no solid or fluid nanoinclusions or any signs of fluid-induced alterations, with only one exception of a ca. 140 nm-thick crack filled with monazite. The 206Pb/238U and marginally older 208Pb/232Th mean dates pulled for all data show good coherence. However, the 207Pb/235U isotopic record is disturbed due the presence of common Pb within the entire monazite grain in one granulite and in the cores of two monazite grains in the second granulite, where the UPb data of the rims are not compromised and concordant. Due to lack of TEM evidence for fluid-mediated alterations, the age discordance has to be related to addition of common Pb in the monazite lattice or in the micro-cracks. To summarize, the 208Pb/232Th data reveal the most accurate ages, which are consistent with previous geochronological studies in the region. Therefore, the Pb/Th chronometer, which is less compromised by age disturbance compared to Pb/U ages, is recommended for monazite geochronology. Application of the submicron scale investigations using TEM is recommended to evaluate potential presence of the submicron inclusions of Pb-bearing phases or compositional alterations of monazite that can remain unnoticed by using standard microanalytical instruments.

Garnet, zircon, and monazite age and REE signatures in (ultra)high‐temperature and high‐pressure rocks: Examples from the Caledonides and the Pamir

AbstractRare earth element (REE) signatures of high‐U/Pb and high‐Th/Pb accessory minerals are typically used to link their ages to specific petrological processes (‘petrochronology’)—most notably the growth or breakdown of garnet. Although this approach is powerful, gaps in our understandings of REE systematics in high‐grade rocks exist, particularly regarding the degree to which these minerals chemically equilibrate at extreme conditions. To investigate this, we performed comparative chronology and REE analysis of garnet, zircon, and monazite in (1) a fluid‐rich, ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) migmatite from the Western Gneiss Region, Norway, and (2) dry felsic granulite xenoliths from the Pamir, Tajikistan. Zircon and monazite from the hydrous migmatite provided ages of 450–370 Ma and a range of Gd/Yb values across this time span. A Lu‐Hf garnet age of 422 ± 2 Ma coincides with the age at which zircon and monazite exhibit the highest Gd/Yb values, as well as the largest range therein. The degree of dispersion in these values is substantial, especially for monazite. Zircon and monazite in the dry xenoliths provide age clusters between 50 and 11 Ma, recording pulsed growth and recrystallization. The Lu/Hf garnet ages for these samples are 41–38 Ma. The accessory minerals of that age are texturally associated with garnet, yet have the lowest, not the highest, Gd/Yb values. In both cases, there is evidence that co‐genetic garnet and accessory minerals achieved REE equilibrium during growth. However, the age and compositional record of chronometric accessory minerals that were co‐genetic with garnet are distinctly different between the two case examples. In the hydrous migmatite, supply‐limited garnet growth in the presence of fluid phase resulted in strongly zoned garnet and a correspondingly large range in Gd/Yb values among co‐genetic zircon and monazite. The range in Gd/Yb values match among these phases and collectively capture the strong fluctuations in the REE composition of matrix micro‐domains caused by garnet growth. In this case, it is the range in Gd/Yb values, rather than a specific composition that is diagnostic for garnet growth. In the felsic granulites, garnet and accessory minerals growth occurred in a fluid‐limited regime, in which short fluid pulses triggered reactions that had been likely significantly overstepped. The seemingly contradictory pattern of increasing Gd/Yb after garnet growth in these samples is the result of garnet having high Gd/Yb and continued zircon growth forcing further HREE depletion of the matrix with time. The situation that high, rather than low, Gd/Yb values in zircon and monazite indicate equilibrium with garnet may be common in dry granulites and other anhydrous high‐temperature rocks. Our findings provide an improved framework for the reliable identification of the accessory minerals that equilibrated with garnet, even when the REE‐age record of these minerals is complex, dispersed, and seemingly contradictory. In addition, the combined zircon‐, monazite‐, and garnet‐age and REE‐record refines the regional tectonic interpretation of our samples.

The Cerro Uyarani Metamorphic Complex on the Bolivian Altiplano: New constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Central Andean basement between ∼1.8 and 1.0 Ga

The Cerro Uyarani Metamorphic Complex (CUMC) in Bolivia provides a record of complex Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic tectono-magmatic evolution, as revealed through U–Pb isotopic analysis of zircon from three litho-domains (DI – DIII). The Paleoproterozoic crystalline basement was subject to two stages of Mesoproterozoic reworking. This detailed study of zircon textures and geochronology, including determination of first Hf-isotope data, from felsic granulites, banded granulites and amphibolites reveals a first Paleoproterozoic event at 1.81–1.74 Ga in magmatic and some metamorphic zircon cores, with zircon ϵHfT values of +6.3 to −0.2. A subsequent Mesoproterozoic event can be divided into 2 cycles: a first one at 1.19–1.17 Ga is reflected by recrystallized rims and cores of zircon with ϵHfT values of −6.8 to −3.6. This cycle is here associated with migmatization of the basement, during which the Paleoproterozoic crust was differentiated into DI-leucosome rich migmatite, DII-leucosome rich migmatite, DIII – our best proxy of Paleoproterozoic crust, melanosome, and paleosome. The second cycle at ∼1.1–1.0 Ga is recorded in metamorphic rims and by newly grown metamorphic zircon with ϵHfT values of −15.1 to −2.6. This event was responsible for the transformation of the CUMC migmatitic basement into granulite facies rocks. We interpret that the CUMC was part of the southernmost portion of the Arequipa terrane from, at least, ∼1.74 Ga and that it then became attached to the Paraguá terrane and Amazon craton at 1.19–1.17 Ga. This collision generated migmatites, and then, with the arrival of Laurentia passing through the Arequipa terrane front (with CUMC at the Arequipa terrane), the conditions of metamorphism were raised to granulite facies. A younger event of lower metamorphic grade and likely associated with fluid-driven alteration is recognized in the partial retrograde transformation of mafic granulites into amphibolites. Our new U–Pb and εHfT data indicate that the Paleo-to Mesoproterozoic history of the CUMC is, thus, similar to that of the Arequipa terrane, Rio Apa terrane, the SW Amazon craton, and other Grenville-age inliers; but it was distinct from the evolution of the Sierra de Maz and Pie de Palo of the hypothetical MARA craton.

Time‐Lapse Record of an Earthquake in the Dry Felsic Lower Continental Crust Preserved in a Pseudotachylyte‐Bearing Fault

AbstractThe mechanisms of earthquake rupture in lower continental crust, below the usual frictional‐viscous transition, remain uncertain. In addressing this problem, the study of pseudotachylyte (quenched frictional melt produced during seismic fault slip) and related structures from deeply exhumed rocks can provide direct observational constraints. A felsic granulite from the Musgrave Ranges (central Australia) exceptionally preserves pristine microstructures spatially related to a pseudotachylyte. This sample remained dry, without introduction of hydrous fluids, during pseudotachylyte development and subsequent exhumation. It was therefore unaffected by alteration and metamorphic re‐equilibration. Fractures in the damage zone developed asymmetrically to either side of the pseudotachylyte and are marked by new, randomly oriented quartz, feldspar, and garnet grains. Pulverization of garnet occurred locally between intersecting fractures with powder injected into dilatant fractures in a quartz inclusion within the garnet host. Injection of pulverized material can explain the growth of new, compositionally different minerals (quartz, feldspar, kyanite, ilmenite, magnetite, and rutile) along dilatant fractures developed in a short‐lived seismic event. The pseudotachylyte contains only clasts of quartz, suggesting an unusually high melting temperature. The sequentially developed microstructures provide a time‐lapse record of thermomechanical processes during a single earthquake event, including initial rupture propagation with associated off‐fault damage and local pulverization during very dynamic fluctuations in the local stress field; frictional heating and eventual melting during fault slip; flow and injection of melt; and rapid solidification (quenching) and crystallization of new minerals. This occurred under lower continental crustal conditions of ca. 650°C and 1.2 GPa about 550 Myrs ago.

Early Precambrian Crustal Evolution in the Irkut Block (Sharyzhalgai Uplift, Southwestern Siberian Craton): Synthesis of U–Pb, Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd Isotope Data

Abstract —The paper presents a synthesis of zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf and whole-rock Sm–Nd isotope data from main early Precambrian (3.40 to 1.85 Ga) metamorphic and magmatic units of the Irkut block (Sharyzhalgai uplift, southwestern Siberian craton). The Archean complexes consist of relict Paleoarchean (3.4 Ga) melanocratic granulites and predominant Neoarchean mafic and felsic granulites (2.70–2.66 Ga), paragneisses (≤2.75 Ga), and gneissic granites (2.54 Ga). The Paleoproterozoic complexes include paragneisses (1.95–1.85 Ga), granitoids and charnockites (1.86–1.84 Ga), as well as mafic intrusions and dikes (1.86 Ga). Few detrital zircons with Hf model ages of ≥3.6 Ga mark the Eoarchean onset of crustal growth in the Irkut block. Isotopic data record two major stages of crustal growth in early Precambrian evolution of the Irkut block: Paleoarchean (3.6–3.4 Ga) and Neoarchean (~2.7–2.66 Ga). The Paleoarchean crustal growth was most likely associated with plume magmatism fed from depleted and primitive mantle sources. The spatial distribution of Paleoarchean crust is traceable in isotopic signatures of magmatic and detrital zircons from most of Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic units. The Neoarchean crustal growth from a depleted mantle source was due to subduction magmatism. Moderate crustal growth occurred in the Paleoproterozoic from 2.30 to 1.85 Ga. At the turn of 1.86–1.85 Ga, mafic magmas and products of their fractionation formed from both depleted and enriched sources under postcollisional extension; the latter sources were the subcontinental lithospheric mantle formed during Neoarchean subduction. Three major stages of crustal recycling have been established: Mesoarchean (~3.0 Ga), Neoarchean (~2.55 Ga), and Paleoproterozoic (1.86–1.85 Ga), which are characterized by near-coeval intracrustal melting and metamorphism. The recycling during the ~2.55 Ga and 1.86–1.85 Ga events apparently occurred in a collisional setting. The 2.7 Ga subduction-related felsic magmas also formed through the recycling of the Paleo-Mesoarchean crust. The hypothesized scenario for the geological evolution of the Irkut block is the dominant vertical growth and crustal recycling for about two billion years. Available isotope data record similar major crustal growth in the Paleoarchean and growth combined with recycling during the Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic events in both the southwestern and northern and central parts of the Siberian craton. The Irkut block in the southwest differed in a long and continuous recycling during the Mesoarchean and pronounced Neoarchean crustal growth.

Ultrahigh-temperature granulite-facies metamorphism and exhumation of deep crust in a migmatite dome during late- to post-orogenic collapse and extension in the central Adirondack Highlands (New York, USA)

AbstractThis study combines field observations, mineral and whole-rock geochemistry, phase equilibrium modeling, and U-Pb sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon geochronology to investigate sillimanite-bearing felsic migmatites exposed on Ledge Mountain in the central Adirondack Highlands (New York, USA), part of an extensive belt of mid-crustal rocks comprising the hinterland of the Mesoproterozoic Grenville orogen. Phase equilibrium modeling suggests minimum peak metamorphic conditions of 960–1025 °C and 11–12.5 kbar during the Ottawan orogeny—significantly higher pressure-temperature conditions than previously determined—followed by a period of near-isothermal decompression, then isobaric cooling. Petrography reveals abundant melt-related microstructures, and pseudosection models show the presence of at least ~15%–30% melt during buoyancy-driven exhumation and decompression. New zircon data document late Ottawan (re)crystallization at ca. 1047 ± 5 to 1035 ± 2 Ma following ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism and anatexis on the retrograde cooling path. Inherited zircon cores give a mean date of 1136 ± 5 Ma, which suggests derivation of these felsic granulites by partial melting of older igneous rocks. The ferroan, anhydrous character of the granulites is similar to that of the ca. 1050 Ma Lyon Mountain Granite and consistent with origin in a late- to post-Ottawan extensional environment. We present a model for development of a late Ottawan migmatitic gneiss dome in the central Adirondacks that exhumed deep crustal rocks including the Snowy Mountain and Oregon anorthosite massifs with UHT Ledge Mountain migmatites. Recognition of deep crustal meta-plutonic rocks recording UHT metamorphism in a migmatite gneiss dome has significant implications for crustal behavior in this formerly thickened orogen.

Building a continental arc section: Constraints from Paleozoic granulite-facies metamorphism, anatexis, and magmatism in the northern margin of the Qilian Block, northern Tibet Plateau

AbstractContinental arcs in active continental margins (especially deep-seated arc magmatism, anatexis, and metamorphism) can be extremely significant in evaluating continent building processes. In this contribution, a Paleozoic continental arc section is constructed based on coeval granulite-facies metamorphism, anatexis, and magmatism on the northern margin of the Qilian Block, which record two significant episodes of continental crust growth. The deeper layer of the lower crust mainly consists of medium-high pressure mafic and felsic granulites, with apparent peak pressure-temperature conditions of 11–13 kbar and 800–950 °C, corresponding to crustal depths of ~35–45 km. The high-pressure mafic granulite and local garnet-cumulate represent mafic residues via dehydration melting involving breakdown of amphibole with anatectic garnet growth. Zircon U-Pb geochronology indicates that these high-grade metamorphic rocks experienced peak granulite-facies metamorphism at ca. 450 Ma. In the upper layer of the lower crust, the most abundant rocks are preexisting garnet-bearing metasedimentary rocks, orthogneiss, and local garnet amphibolite, which experienced medium-pressure amphibolite-facies to granulite-facies metamorphism at depths of 20–30 km at ca. 450 Ma. These metasedimentary rocks and orthogneiss have also experienced partial melting involving mica and rare amphibole at 457–453 Ma. The shallow to mid-crust is primarily composed of diorite-granodiorite batholiths and volcanic cover with multiple origin, which were intruded during 500–450 Ma, recording long-term crustal growth and differentiation episode. As a whole, two episodes of continental crust growth were depicted in the continental arc section on the northern margin of the Qilian Block, including: (a) the first episode is documented in a lithological assemblage composing of coeval mafic-intermediate intrusive and volcanic rocks derived from partial melting of modified lithospheric mantle and subducted oceanic crust during southward subduction of the North Qilian Ocean at 500–480 Ma; (b) the second episode is recorded in mafic rocks derived from partial melting of modified lithospheric mantle during transition from oceanic subduction to initial collision at 460–450 Ma.

Petrology and crustal evolution of the Tartarugal Grande Granulitic Complex - Northeastern Amazonian Craton

The Tartarugal Grande Complex (TGC) is an association of high-grade metamorphic rocks with Archean and Paleoproterozoic protoliths, located at the border of the Archean Amapá and Rhyacian Lourenço domains, in southeastern Guiana Shield, northeast of the Amazonian Craton. It consists of felsic granulites, and aluminous leucogneisses and rare mafic granulites. Both granulites and gneisses are affected by thrust and transcurrent shear zones along NW-SE trend. Migmatization with quartz-feldspathic neosomes, with or without orthopyroxene, and garnet-rich neosomes are present in felsic granulites and leucogneisses, respectively. The gneisses have high silica contents and are peraluminous due to the presence of biotite, garnet, and cordierite, indicating the derivation from metasedimentary sequences. The felsic granulites have medium to high silica content and geochemical signature of calc-alkaline magmatic arc series. The mafic granulites are small bodies embedded in the felsic granulites and leucogneisses. They display geochemical affinities with tholeiitic series and represent ancient diabase dykes. The metamorphic paragenesis in the granulite facies is represented by Pl-antiperhtite + Qtz + Mc-mesoperthite + Opx + Cpx + Bt ± Hbl (enderbitic granulite), Pl-antiperhtite + Qtz + Mc-mesoperthite + Opx ± Bt (charnoenderbitic granulite); Mc-mesoperthite + Qtz + Pl + Opx + Bt (charnockitic granulite), Pl (An60)+Opx + Cpx ± Hbl ± Grt (mafic granulite), and Qtz + Mc + Pl ± Bt ± Grt ± Crd (leucogneiss). The presence of orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and hornblende in equilibrium in the granulites allows estimating temperatures at 800° ± 20 °C. In addition, non-extensive anatexis under anhydrous conditions produced charnockitic neosomes in the granulites and garnet-bearing leucogranite neossomes in the paragneisses. The presence of cordierite in leucogneisses indicates low-medium pressure conditions around 6–7 kbar. The partial or total replacement of pyroxenes by hornblende and/or biotite, garnet by biotite, clinopyroxene by titanite, and myrmekite intergrowths, indicate retrometamorphism and cooling during exhumation to higher crustal levels. The U–Pb LA-ICP-MS dating on zircon from a charnoenderbitic granulite yielded an age of 2082 ± 5 Ma for the crystallization of the igneous protolith of the granulites. Metamorphic zircons from an enderbitic granulite yielded a U–Pb LA-ICP-MS age of 2045 ± 14 Ma, which corresponds to the high-grade metamorphic episode that has affected the region at the end of the Rhyacian. The age of the protoliths is not constrained but 207Pb/206Pb dates at 2.57–2.70 Ga indicated inherited crystals and/or xenocrystals from Archean source. In agreement with previous works, we conclude that the TGC consists of calcium-alkaline magmatic rocks and pelitic sedimentary sequences formed during the development of a Rhyacian magmatic arc at the edge of the Archean Amapá Block. This was followed by a thermo-tectonic event at the end of Rhyacian, around 2.05 Ga, under high-grade conditions reaching the granulite facies, with restricted anatexis. Records of the tectonic exhumation of these terranes were defined by partial disequilibrium of some mineral phases in amphibolite facies. This Late-Rhyacian thermo-tectonic event is contemporaneous to the ultra-high temperature metamorphism (2.09–2.03 Ga) of the Bakhuis Granulite Belt in Suriname. The thermal differences between these two high-grade metamorphic terrenes may be related to the different crustal levels where they settled. Late-Rhyacian asthenospheric upwelling by crustal stretching during oblique continental collision seems to be the more plausible scenario as previously proposed, even if a slab break-off scenario cannot be ruled out.

Zircon and monazite U-Pb ages of the Mashan Complex of the Jiamusi Block of NE China: a link to Gondwana?

ABSTRACT The tectonic affinities of the microcontinents in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt of NE China, particularly the Jiamusi Block, have been hotly debated in the last decade. The Mashan Complex, which is the oldest exposed basement of the Jiamusi Block and consists of khondalitic rocks (felsic granulite, marble, and graphite schist) and orthogneisses, is the key geological unit to look into the tectonic affinity of the Jiamusi Block. In this study, we carried out LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating on zircon and monazite minerals from the granitic gneisses in the Mashan Complex, to constrain the affinity of the Jiamusi Block. Magmatic zircons from two granitic gneisses yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 517 ± 7 Ma and 527 ± 4 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as the protolith ages. These age data verify a late Pan-African magmatic event in the Jiamusi Block. Metamorphic zircons from one granitic gneiss gave a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 510 ± 3 Ma, which constrained the metamorphic time of the Mashan Complex. This metamorphic age is further supported by monazite dating results – the monazites from three granitic gneiss samples yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 489 ± 3 Ma, 498 ± 3 Ma, and 500 ± 3 Ma, respectively, which represented the metamorphic recrystallization ages of these monazites. These data consistently indicate a regional metamorphic event immediately after the late Pan-African magmatism in the Jiamusi Block. Our new data, combined with previously published late Pan-African geochronological data from the Jiamusi Block, support that the Jiamusi Block has an affinity to the Gondwana.

High-pressure, halogen-bearing melt preserved in ultrahigh-temperature felsic granulites of the Central Maine Terrane, Connecticut (U.S.A.)

Abstract Inclusions of relic high-pressure melts provide crucial information on the fate of crustal rocks in the deep roots of orogens during collision and crustal thickening, including at extreme temperature conditions exceeding 1000 °C. However, discoveries of high-pressure melt inclusions are still a relative rarity among case studies of inclusions in metamorphic minerals. Here we present the results of experimental and microchemical investigations of nanogranitoids in garnets from the felsic granulites of the Central Maine Terrane (Connecticut, U.S.A.). Their successful experimental re-homogenization at ~2 GPa confirms that they originally were trapped portions of deep melts and makes them the first direct evidence of high pressure during peak metamorphism and melting for these felsic granulites. The trapped melt has a hydrous, granitic, and peraluminous character typical of crustal melts from metapelites. This melt is higher in mafic components (FeO and MgO) than most of the nanogranitoids investigated previously, likely the result of the extreme melting temperatures—well above 1000 °C. This is the first natural evidence of the positive correlation between temperature and mafic character of the melt; a trend previously supported only by experimental evidence. Moreover, it poses a severe caveat against the common assumption that partial melts from metasediments at depth are always leucogranitic in composition. NanoSIMS measurement on re-homogenized inclusions show significant amounts of CO2, Cl, and F. Halogen abundance in the melt is considered to be a proxy for the presence of brines (strongly saline fluids) at depth. Brines are known to shift the melting temperatures of the system toward higher values and may have been responsible for delaying melt production via biotite dehydration melting until these rocks reached extreme temperatures of more than 1000 °C, rather than 800–850 °C as commonly observed for these reactions.

Implication of 40Ar/39Ar–petrochronology in the Buracão orogenic gold deposit for tectonic and low-temperature evolution of the northern Brasília Fold Belt, Brazil

The 40Ar/39Ar ages (muscovite and biotite) and P-T estimations presented here allow us to reconstruct the Pressure–Temperature–time (P–T–t) path from the metamorphic peak to the generation of the orogenic Au (As, Bi, Ag) mineralization in the Buracão area. The application of software-based pseudosections for bulk phyllite composition allows us to better recognize three main stages in the P-T-t path. Rocks from the study area evolved from (i) syn-D1a greenschist metamorphic peak (T = 480–550 °C and P < 4.0 kbar) attained at ca. 538–530 Ma during the W-E shortening related to local D1 deformational stage, which is regionally reported in the external domain of the northern Brasilia Fold Belt. These younger ages, compared to those of mafic and felsic granulites from the northernmost internal domain west of the study area (ca. 610–570 Ma), indicate that the metamorphic peak in the external domain was attained after the internal domain. The (ii) syn-D1b barren type I quartz vein formation (T = 510–260 °C and P < 4.0 kbar) at ca. 531–525 Ma; and (iii) syn-D2a ore-bearing type II quartz vein formation and gold mineralization (T = 345–285 °C and P = 2.7–1.6 kbar) at ca. 522–515 Ma suggest that low temperature may represent cooling P-T conditions of the peripheral supracrustal cover. Moreover, the diachronicity between the local metamorphic peak and the gold mineralization (22 M.y.) is consistent with the structural relationship between gold veins and post-metamorphic peak D2a high deformation zones, which may have acted as fluid corridors through the metasedimentary pile. These features are coherent with the time span observed in several orogenic gold deposits worldwide, especially those associated with high-angle transpressive shear zones developed in the late stages of orogeny. The combination of the Ar–Ar petrochronology with previous published fluid reconstruction and tectonic data suggests metal-rich fluid percolated along regional shear zones through the Traíras Formation under post-metamorphic peak conditions. This regional tectonic and chronology might be useful for geodynamical reconstruction and as a prospection guide in poorly studied orogenic gold of the area.

Deep subduction and exhumation of micro-continents in the Proto-Tethys realm: Evidence from metamorphism of HP-UHT rocks in the North Qinling Orogen, central China

The North Qinling Orogen in central China contains a typical continental high- and ultrahigh-pressure (HP-UHP) metamorphic belt, but its metamorphic evolution remains controversial. We report a combined investigation on petrology, geochronology and phase modelling for felsic granulite (samples SN1504 & SN1517) and garnet clinopyroxenite (sample SN1505) from the Songshugou area. Four stages of metamorphic evolution are constrained: (i) A possible prograde from HP amphibolite facies to peak UHP eclogite facies stage (~3–8 GPa/700–1080 °C) recorded by the chemical zoning of garnet core and mantle in sample SN1504 and also the presence of supersilicic titanite in sample SN1505. (ii) A post-peak decompression evolution is recorded by the formation of coronary garnet and plagioclase around kyanite in sample SN1504 and high-Ti amphibole and plagioclase in sample SN1505, including the evolution from eclogite facies to HP–ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions of 1.3–2.2 GPa/900–980 °C for sample SN1504 and 1.0–2.1 GPa/960–1010 °C for SN1505, respectively. (iii) Further decompression is revealed from the growth of corundum + spinel in local domains in sample SN1504, suggesting a low-pressure (LP) condition of ~0.8 GPa/950 °C. (iv) A subsequent cooling evolution is recorded by thin films of K-feldspar + quartz + biotite in sample SN1504 and low-Ti amphibole in sample SN1505, indicative of melt crystallization towards the solidus with conditions of 830–770 °C/0.55–0.8 GPa and 880–820 °C/0.8–0.9 GPa, respectively. Zircon and monazite U-Pb dating yields three metamorphic ages of c. 521 Ma, c. 503 Ma and c. 500–480 Ma, which are interpreted to represent the prograde HP amphibolite facies stage, the peak eclogite facies stage and the late cooling stage, respectively. The metamorphic P–T–t path suggests a complete history of deep continental subduction to depths of >90–250 km, followed by rapid exhumation to crustal depths for the Qinling micro-continent during the early Proto-Tethys evolution.

Metamorphic and geochronological evolution of Paleoproterozoic high-pressure ultra-high-temperature pelitic granulite, Chicheng, northern Trans-North China Orogen

Three half-meter-wide pelitic granulite interlayers are found within mafic, intermediate, and felsic granulites in Chicheng of the Trans-North China Orogen, they help to understand the assembly of the Eastern and Western blocks of the the North China Craton (NCC). Detailed petrological study shows that all have identical high-pressure mineral assemblages of garnet + kyanite + K-feldspar + plagioclase + quartz + rutile. Inclusions of mesoperthite in garnet indicate the former presence of ternary feldspar at peak conditions, which, in the matrix, have recrystallized. Kyanite is commonly surrounded by a narrow corona or chain of small garnets, enveloped by a zone of plagioclase and an outermost rim of potassium feldspar. Phase equilibria modeling using THERMOCALC yiels a peak metamorphic pressure of 1.6 GPa at 880 °C (M2a) and a peak temperature of 950 °C at 1.5 GPa (M2b). The ternary feldspar thermometer also indicates a peak temperature of 900–950 °C. The pelitic and mafic granulites exhibit the same peak metamorphic pressure, while the pelitic granulites show a 150 °C higher peak metamorphic temperature than the interlayered mafic granulites of 750–790 °C. Absence of sillimanite in the Chicheng pelitic granulite and orthopyroxene in the mafic granulite indicates a fast exhumation process of cooling, which is different from other high pressure rocks from the Trans-North China Orogen. Analysis of metamorphic monazite and zircon yields concordant SIMS U–Pb ages of ca. 1.91 Ga. This study suggests that the Chicheng HP granulite terrane was subjected to fast tectonic exhumation after the collision that occurred at ca. 1.91 Ga. The results provide a reliable metamorphic record for the final collisiion of the Paleoproterozoic Trans-North China Orogen in the NCC.

On the origin of high-pressure mafic granulite in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogen

The Himalayan orogen, resulting from the Early Cenozoic collision of the Indian and Asian plates, is an ideal vehicle to study active orogenic processes and test geodynamic models of how the crust responds to collisional orogeny. This paper focused on migmatitic high-pressure (HP) mafic granulite and associated leucosome from the Greater Himalayan Crystallines (GHC) in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) in order to understand the conditions and timescales over which high-grade rocks and partial melts were produced during the Himalayan orogeny. Combining with previous study results from the Western and Central Himalayas and Trans-Himalayan magmatic arc, we obtained the following conclusions: (1) The mafic granulites from the EHS underwent HP and high-temperature (HT) granulite facies metamorphism and partial melting, with peak metamorphic conditions of 15–17 kbar and 820–880 °C. The GHC, at least its western part of the EHS, underwent coherent HP granulite-facies metamorphism. (2) The HP mafic granulites experienced long-lived dehydration melting of amphibole from ~40 Ma to ~20 Ma during prograde metamorphism and generated up to ~16 vol% partial melt. The variable degrees of dehydration melting of the HP mafic, pelitic and felsic granulites in the EHS generated voluminous granitic melts with distinct compositions, and provided the source for the Himalayan granites. (3) Peak metamorphic pressure of the GHC gradually decreases, whereas the metamorphic temperature progressively increases from the Western to Eastern Himalayas. This indicates that the Indian continental crust deeply subducted into the mantle in the Western Himalaya after the Indo-Asia collision, whereas the Indian crust underthrusted or relaminated beneath the Asian continental crust, and formed the thickened lower crust in the Central and Eastern Himalayas and Gangdese arc. (4) The melts derived from the underthrusted Indian crust probably resulted in isotopic compositional enrichment of the Early Cenozoic mantle- and juvenile crust-derived magmatic rocks of the Gangdese arc.

Recovering P–T–t paths from ultra-high temperature (UHT) felsic orthogneiss: An example from the Southern Brasília Orogen, Brazil

Mineral assemblages that are diagnostic of ultrahigh-temperature (>900 °C) metamorphism are generally restricted to Mg- and Al-rich rocks. However, in many metamorphic terrains such compositions do not occur, and the rocks are dominated by orthogneisses that typically contain high-variance mineral assemblages that are not diagnostic of particular pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions. Here we use whole-rock and mineral chemistry, thermodynamic phase equilibrium modelling, and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic data to constrain the P–T–time history of granulites from the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe of the Southern Brasília Orogen. These rocks occur as part of a stack of Neoproterozoic nappes that were assembled during the formation of West Gondwana. Based on phase equilibrium modelling, the peak assemblage in a garnet-bearing felsic granulite (ortho- and clinopyroxene, garnet, K-feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, ilmenite, and silicate melt) records pressures of around 11.5 kbar and temperatures of ~1000 °C, consistent with the high-Al content of orthopyroxene. The retrograde path records a small decrease in pressure to 9 kbar marked by orthopyroxene replacing garnet and the exsolution of magnetite from ilmenite followed by near-isobaric cooling that led to the development of coronas of hornblende around pyroxene due to crystallization of the last vestiges of melt. Zircon cores yielding U–Pb ages of ca. 625 Ma are interpreted as dating close-to-peak conditions during high-temperature metamorphism. In one sample, zircon rims and ‘soccer ball’ zircon neoblasts both have high U contents and yield ages of ca. 615 Ma, interpreted to mark the onset of melt crystallization. In two other samples, low-U rims and ‘soccer ball’ zircons grains yield ages of ca. 600–595 Ma, interpreted to date the end of melt crystallization. These data reveal a protracted regional metamorphic event in which the lower crust remained at granulite-facies conditions for at least 30 Myr during collision and assembly of West Gondwana.

Chicheng high-pressure granulites record the paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution in the northern North China Craton

High-pressure (HP) mafic granulites are widely distributed along the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), and they provide important insights into the timing and tectonic processes involved in the formation of the TNCO. We discovered three types of HP granulite, including mafic, intermediate, and felsic granulites, exposed in Chicheng area, in the northern segment of the TNCO. Their mineral assemblages of prograde, peak, and post-peak metamorphic stages were identified based on petrographic investigations. SIMS U-Pb zircon analyses yielded an upper intercept age of 2547 ± 38 Ma and a lower intercept age of 1916 ± 100 Ma for one HP mafic granulite and a discordant 207Pb/206Pb age of 2479 Ma with a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 1905 ± 9 Ma for the other HP mafic granulite. For the HP intermediate granulite, an upper intercept age of 2544 ± 20 Ma was obtained. The HP felsic granulite yielded an upper intercept age of 2524 ± 23 Ma and a concordant 207Pb/206Pb age of 1906–1907 Ma. These results reveal that the protoliths of HP granulites were formed at ~ 2.5–2.55 Ga and underwent high pressure granulite facies metamorphism at ~ 1.9 Ga. The elevated Hf isotopic compositions of the metamorphic zircons from two granulite samples indicate that metamorphic fluids that have high 176Hf/ 177Hf ratios but low 176Lu/177Hf ratios were involved in their metamorphism. The low 18O isotopic features of the zircons from the intermediate granulite suggest alteration by δ18O-depleted seawater or meteoric fluids at high temperatures. By integrating geochronological data from previous studies, we infer that the formation of the TNCO may have begun as early as ~ 1.9 Ga and lasted until ~ 1.8 Ga, supporting the hypothesis that it was formed by a long-lived tectono-metamorphic event

Partial melting of granodiorite: insights from ediacaran granulite-facies metamorphism in Southern Brazil

AbstractIn the Southern Ribeira Belt (Brazil), the Itatins Complex, composed of ortho- and para-derived migmatites record granulite facies metamorphism. Our work focuses on the ortho-derived migmatite, which displays features indicative of partial melting ranging from in-situ melting (cm-thick lenses and veins) to accumulations of melt as leucosomes and patches of diatexite. The unit comprises a biotite felsic granulite (metagranodiorite) with a residual neosome and a leucocratic neosome, generally referred to as leucosome. Phase equilibria modelling using a modified bulk composition from the geochemical standard JG-1 (granodiorite) was carried out to evaluate whether a protolith of granodiorite bulk composition could produce the mineral assemblages observed in the residual neosome and the compositions of melt and residue produced by the partial melting. Isopleth thermobarometry of plagioclase, biotite and orthopyroxene points to P-T conditions of 0.7–1.0 GPa and 845–872 ºC. The modified granodiorite bulk composition generated just 10 mol % melt at these conditions, far lower than the amount estimated from outcrops (around 32 %). A T-XH2O pseudosection shows that increasing H2O content enhances the fertility of the bulk composition and it can become capable of producing melt volumes similar to that observed in outcrop. The melt compositions determined for partial melting of the modified granodiorite bulk composition in open- and closed-systems using THERMOCALC are granitic, and peraluminous. The melts have SiO2 contents between 52.02 mol % and 77.27 mol. % and show XFe values of 0.68 and 0.86. In K2O vs. Na2O+CaO, K2O vs. XFe and K2O-(FeO+MgO)-(Na2O+CaO) space natural samples (5 from the residual neosome and 2 from leucosome) from the Itatins Complex plot in the direction of the trends for melt and residue compositions obtained from modelling of the modified granodiorite bulk composition. The differences between modeled compositions and real rocks are interpreted to result from the interaction of melt with its residual counterpart. Chondrite normalized REE patterns from the residual neosome shows considerably greater depletion of HREE than geochemical standard JG-1 (granodiorite), and the two analyzed leucosomes show lower HREE contents. Zircon rims have REE patterns interpreted to indicate metamorphic recrystallization. U-Pb zircon Concordia ages indicate that the protolith formed during the Paleoproterozoic (2137 Ma) but that metamorphic recrystallization is Neoproterozoic (between 632 and 601 Ma). The metamorphic age pre-dates the intense granitic magmatism that affected the Southern Ribeira Belt between 600 and 570 Ma.