Geothermobarometric Calculations Research Articles

A hydrous sub-arc mantle domain within the northeastern Neo-Tethyan ophiolites: Insights from cumulate hornblendites

Being a part of the large-scale Indus-Tsangpo suture zone ophiolites of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic system, the Neo-Tethyan ophiolites of eastern Arunachal Himalaya, northeast India, are important in understanding the formation and evolution of the Neo-Tethyan lithosphere. This study focuses on the hornblendite dykes occurring within serpentinized peridotites of the Mayodia ophiolites in eastern Arunachal Himalaya, to ascertain the origin and evolution of such hydrous mineral cumulates within the ophiolite complex. Texturally and chemically, the hornblendites contain three types of amphiboles, Amp1 (pargasite), Amp2 (Mg-hornblende), and Amp3 (actinolite). The pargasites occur as large cm-sized phenocrysts and show cumulate textures while Mg-hornblende appears as both intercumulus grains between cumulus pargasites and surrounding partially resorbed clinopyroxene grains. Actinolite occurs along the breakdown zone of pargasite and is associated with other secondary minerals. The hornblendites are characterized by high MgO (~12–20 wt%) and low SiO2 (~42–44 wt%) with depleted light rare earth elements (REE) [(La/Sm)N = 0.29–0.52] and almost flat heavy REE [(Gd/Yb)N) = 0.89–1.11]. Moreover, the samples are characteristically depleted in high field strength elements (Nb, Ta, Ti, Hf) while being enriched in Pb. Geothermobarometric calculations yield high magmatic temperatures of ~950 and ~840 °C for pargasite and Mg-hornblende, respectively, and variable pressures with pargasite having the highest pressures (1.6–1.7 GPa) followed by Mg-hornblende (1.1–1.2 GPa) and finally actinolite (~0.55 GPa). Furthermore, fO2 calculations for the cumulus pargasites revealed highly oxidizing conditions (ΔNNO+2) and water content of parental melts (H2Omelt% = ~14.25 %). Parental melt calculations using whole-rock REE concentrations suggest formation from a hydrous sub-alkaline basaltic melt. Whole-rock initial SrNd isotopic ratios of the hornblendites reveal a primary signature for them, falling in the mantle array in proximity to the high-μ (HIMU) mantle reservoir. All these signatures point towards a magmatic arc affinity for these hornblendites. The host peridotite unit shows highly enriched REE concentrations (ƩREE = 18.13 ppm) with flat REE patterns compared to the other peridotites of the locality, which show depleted signatures. Olivine chemistry of the host peridotite unit depicts primary compositions falling in the mantle array. The olivine-liquid thermometer yields temperatures ~1000 °C, which are much lower than those of peridotites occurring in spreading centers (MOR or back-arc). These evidence suggest that the hornblendites and their host peridotite unit represent an island arc root complex, which further imply the hydrous nature of the Neo-Tethyan sub-arc mantle.

Comparative lithology and alteration mineral chemistry of host rocks at the Seabee Gold Operation, northern Saskatchewan, Canada: Implications for a connected orogenic gold-mineralizing system

The Seabee Gold Operation, located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, hosts the Santoy and Seabee gold deposits, as well as the Fisher property; the latter is an important exploration target. This gold mineralization is hosted in rocks of the Pine Lake greenstone belt that is within the Glennie domain of the larger Paleoproterozoic Trans-Hudson orogen. Mineralization is focused within shear zones, including the Santoy shear system that extends south onto the Fisher property. The role of ore-adjacent intrusions, systematics of gold mineralization, and relationship between the mineralization of the properties are largely undefined. In this study, hydrothermally-altered samples from locations along the Santoy shear system, namely the Santoy 7, Santoy Gap, and the Fisher property, were analyzed to identify and compare the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics related to sulfide-gold mineralization and associated alteration.The altered host rocks primarily comprise upper greenschist to lower amphibolite-grade sheared metabasalt to chlorite-hornblende-biotite ± garnet schist, and intrusive rocks dominated by granodiorite and tonalite. These lithologies are cut by similar quartz vein generations and are associated with similar alteration assemblages and mineralization, including (i) syn-late-D3 “distal” (∼0.4 to 3 m wide) sericite-biotite-chlorite-clinozoisite ± albite, titanite to vein-adjacent coarse-grained diopside-K-feldspar-albite-actinolite ± apatite, titanite calc-silicate alteration, associated with main-stage Py2a, 2b-Cpy2-Po1-Au (syn-late-D3) mineralization; (ii) remobilized, fracture-filling Py3-Po2-Cpy3-Au-BiTel (late-D3) mineralization within the calc-silicate assemblage; and (iii) early colloform Py1a (pre-syn-D3) and intrusion-hosted, inclusion-rich Py1b (pre-D3). Microprobe analyses reveal similar mineralogical trends between Fisher and Santoy alteration minerals typical of orogenic gold systems. Empirical geothermobarometric calculations of gold-associated vein-adjacent and vein-hosted chlorite and biotite exhibit orogenic-style formation conditions (∼320–330 °C, 3 kbar, ∼9 km depth). As such, these analyses suggest that the Fisher property and Santoy Mine Complex underwent inter-connected, multi-stage hydrothermal processes. These stages comprise (i) a potential early introduction of gold into the system closer to the timing of plutonism (Py1b magmatic-hydrothermal; pre-D1) or during the onset of gold mineralization (Py1a; orogenic; late-D2 to early-syn-D3) during the evolution of the Reindeer zone; (ii) orogenic main-stage mineralization (syn-late-D3) concurrent with late- to post- collisional deformation throughout the Reindeer zone; and (iii) remobilization during continuous deformation (late-D3) where elevated cyclical fluid fluxes and higher fracture density at Santoy produced higher-grade mineralization.

Concurrent adakitic and non-adakitic Late Miocene-Quaternary magmatism at the Sahand volcano, Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (NW Iran)

The Sahand volcano in NW Iran is characterised by voluminous Late Miocene to Quaternary magmatic activity. Petrographic, mineral chemical, whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope data allowed to identify two rock groups, continuously emplaced from the ancient Paleo-Sahand to the later Neo-Sahand stages. These are represented by abundant evolved rocks, with dacitic to rhyolitic compositions and less common intermediate (andesitic) rocks. Both rock types have the typical LILE-enriched and HFSE-depleted fingerprints of magmas originated from subduction-modified mantle sources, as well as radiogenic Sr- and Pb- (18.8–18.9 206Pb/204Pb, 15.6–15.7 207Pb/204Pb and 38.8–39.2 208Pb/204Pb) isotope compositions. Nevertheless, the evolved rocks have lower 87Sr/86Sr (0.70437–0.70491 vs 0.70494–0.70585) and display an evident high Sr/Y vs Y and high La/Yb vs Yb “adakitic” signature, suggesting derivation from the partial melting of lower continental crust rocks, rather than from the differentiation of the non-adakitic intermediate rocks. The latter would be the derivative melts of magmas generated by the partial melting of lithospheric mantle sources modified by metasomatic fluids released by the subducted Neotethyan oceanic lithosphere. During their ascent and differentiation, these magmas likely provided the heat necessary to induce partial melting of the lower continental crust, eventually producing adakitic evolved magmas. Quantitative models and geothermobarometric calculations suggest that differentiation processes for both rock groups occurred mainly by polybaric fractional crystallisation (in the 29–4 km depth range), possibly coupled with minor assimilation of local crustal rocks.The peculiar style of the Sahand magmatic activity (with both adakitic and non-adakitic products) and its temporal evolution (with an overall increase of the degree of evolution and a decrease of the non-adakitic melts) are somewhat different with respect to those of the coeval neighbouring districts of Saray, Sabalan and Bijar-Qorveh. These can be reconciled within a general model for NW Iran where magmatism is triggered by upwelling of the sub-lithospheric mantle as a consequence of slab break-off (or the opening of a slab tear). The progressive propagation (and subsequent exhaustion) of the thermal pulse and the increasing thickness of the continental crust played a main role in determining both the progressively later inception of active magmatism (from ∼11 to 4.5 Ma) and the change in magma types (from largely variable to adakitic only) at increasing distance from the Iran-Arabia suture.

Relación entre vulcanismo dacítico monogenético y poligenético. Caso de estudio del domo Tapias (<95 ka) y volcán Cerro Machín (<50 ka), Colombia

The Tapias lava dome is located ~5 km SE of the explosive, Cerro Machín polygenetic volcano, both located on the Colombian Central Cordillera. The edifices have been interpreted as generated by the same magmatic system; however, the genetic and temporal relations between both edifices have not been established. In this work, the Tapias dome is studied using petrographic characterizations, mineral-, whole-rock- and isotopic chemistry, geothermobarometric calculations, and a K/Ar radiogenic age, and subsequently it is explored the relationship with the Cerro Machín. The rocks from Tapias dome are porphyritic with phenocrysts of plagioclase (An28-48), amphibole (tschermakite and magnesiohastingsite), biotite, quartz, and Fe-Ti oxides, embedded in a glassy groundmass. Petrographically, two types of amphibole crystals were recognized: type I, which is homogeneous, and type II, which displays different rims. The composition of Tapias is dacitic (SiO2: 66.59 wt.%) with calc-alkaline affinity. Our geothermobarometric calculations indicate that type I amphibole crystallized at 871-874°C, between 10.2 and 10.4 km depth. The core of the type II amphibole crystallized at 852-920°C, between 8.5 and 12.3 km depth, while its rim did it at higher temperatures (880-973°C), but at similar depths (9.1-11.8 km). The K/Ar radiogenic age obtained for the groundmass shows an emplacement age not older than 95 ± 0.05 ka. When comparing the results to the Cerro Machín, it is noted that the mineral and compositional characteristics are nearly identical. These results suggest that indeed both volcanoes share the same magmatic system and are fed by magma hosted between ~9 and ~12 km depth. Moreover, it is proposed that the vent location of both edifices, as well as the time gap between the eruption at Tapias and the beginning of the activity at the Cerro Machín (~50 ka), are the result of crustal deformation caused by the interaction between the Otú-Pericos and Ibagué faults.

The metabasites from the Texel Unit (Austroalpine nappe stack): markers of Cretaceous intracontinental subduction and subsequent collision

Abstract Eclogites in the Texel Unit (Austroalpine nappe stack; Eastern Alps, South Tyrol, Italy) represent the westernmost out-crops of the E-W striking Eoalpine High-Pressure Belt (EHB). East of the Tauern Window, the EHB forms part of a Cretaceous intracontinental south-dipping subduction/collision zone. The impetus of this contribution is to extend the geothermo-barometric data of the eclogites from the EHB using conventional geothermobarometry and multi-equilibrium calculations as well as Zr-in-rutile/titanite geothermometry and to put the P-T results of eclogites and amphibolites from the Texel Unit into the geodynamic framework. The investigated samples of this study are from the Spronser- and the Saltaus valleys (S-Tyrol) in the Austroalpine Texel Unit. The Texel Unit is composed mainly of paragneisses with minor intercalations of micaschists, orthogneisses, amphibolites and subordinately eclogites. The amphibolites from the Spronser valley contain the mineral assemblage amphibole + plagioclase + garnet + clinozoisite/epidote + quartz + titanite ± ilmenite ± rutile ± apatite ± calcite. Chemical zoning in plagioclase and amphibole shows two main growth stages: an older P-dominated stage (e.g. albite and barroisite cores) and a younger amphibolite-facies stage. The core of the amphiboles shows barroisite composition, the rim can be chemically classified as hornblende, edenite, tschermakite and pargasite. Geothermobarometric calculations with multi-equilibrium geothermobarometry (THERMOCALC v.3.21) yield temperatures of 600–654°C and pressures of 0.98–1.17 GPa for the same samples. The eclogites from the Saltaus valley contain the peak mineral assemblage omphacite + amphibole + garnet + clinozoisite/epidote + muscovite + quartz + titanite ± ilmenite ± rutile. Thermobarometric calculations, were performed in the system CaO-FeO-MgO-Na2O-Al2O3-FeO-SiO2-H2O with the assemblage clinopyroxene + garnet + amphibole + clinozoisite/epidote + muscovite + quartz ± H2O. The calculations involved an H2O-absent invariant point (mode-1 calculation) as well as two types of average P-T mode-2 calculations. The obtained average P-T H2O-absent mode 1 P-T conditions are 1.89 ± 0.18 GPa and 578 ± 60°C. Using the average P-T mode-2 two types of calculations were done: (1) calculations without amphiboles but with H2O present, which yield mean P-T conditions of 1.95 ± 0.28 GPa and 601 ± 55°C and (2) calculations with amphiboles but without H2O, which yield mean P-T conditions of 1.95 ± 0.26 GPa and 666 ± 77°C. Calculations using THERMOCALC v.3.33 yield similar results with slightly higher pressures of 0.3 GPa. Based on the present geothermobarometric data in conjunction with available mineral ages the eclogites represent the Eoalpine intracontinental subduction stage whereas the amphibolites reflect the subsequent, P-accentuated stage of decompression associated with the subsequent Eoalpine collisional stage.

The Northernmost Volcanoes in South America (Colombia, 5–6°N): The Potentially Active Samaná Monogenetic Volcanic Field

The northernmost volcanism in South America (5–6°N) is defined by the presence of several monogenetic volcanic edifices in Colombia, which have been grouped within the Samaná monogenetic volcanic field. Few volcanoes have been studied so far, but they are recognized as a cluster of volcanoes of intermediate-to-acid composition, formed by both explosive and effusive eruptions. This study aims to 1) characterize four more monogenetic volcanic edifices as part of the Samaná field, 2) highlight the potentially active volcanism in an area previously defined as non-volcanogenic, and 3) give insights into the magmatic evolution of the scarcely studied evolved monogenetic volcanism linked to subduction zones worldwide. To achieve these aims, this study uses petrography, mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry, geochronological analyses, and geothermobarometric calculations. The analyses indicate that the field is formed by at least seven volcanoes with similar composition and that it is long-lived and potentially active. Mineralogically, the erupted products host plagioclase (An26–74) and amphibole (magnesio-hastingsite, tschermakite, and occasionally mangesio-hornblende) as the most abundant phases, although orthopyroxene (enstatite; Wo2–3, En70–76, Fs21–28) and clinopyroxene (diopside and augite; Wo44–45, En41–42, Fs13–15, and Wo42–44, En46–47, Fs10–11) also appear. Less abundant phases such as olivine (Fo81–88), biotite (magnesiobiotite), quartz, and Fe–Ti oxides (Usp4–89 Mag96–11, and Ilm61–92 Hem39–8) were also recognized. Chemically, the volcanoes are of andesitic-to-dacitic composition with calc-alkaline affinity and show similar behavior of LILE, HFSE, and REE, which is typical for magmatism in subduction environments. Ages yield a range between 1.32 ± 0.06 Ma (K/Ar) and 16,919 ± 220 years (14C). The results also indicate that the volcanoes share a common magmatic source that fed the individual eruptions and that the magma differentiation is mainly controlled by processes of fractional crystallization, although evidence of magma recharge processes or magma mixing and assimilation as a minor process are also recognized. Geothermobarometric calculations suggest that the different mineral phases are crystallized between 1,194 and 687 °C and a pressure between 0.88 and 0.19 GPa. This indicates that the aforementioned processes occurred not only at the main magmatic reservoir (∼33–21 km depth) but also at different stagnation zones at shallower levels of the crust (∼7–5 km). Taking this into account, it is shown that the magma evolution of this monogenetic field is more complex than individual batches of magma reaching the surface uninterrupted, as is normally described for monogenetic volcanic fields of more mafic compositions in other tectonic settings.

Mantle source characteristics of the late Neoproterozoic post-collisional gabbroic intrusion of Wadi Abu Hadieda, north Arabian-Nubian Shield, Egypt

This article presents geochemical and mineralogical data for the Neoproterozoic Abu Hadieda mafic intrusion (AHMI), which exposed at the boundary between the northern and central domains of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, to study its magma source and petrogenesis. Field relations indicate that the AHMI is younger than the syn-tectonic tonalite-granodiorite, but older than post-collisional monzogranite and alkali feldspar granite. The AHMI is neither deformed nor metamorphosed and keep the primary texture and mineralogy indicating a post-collisional setting. It consists mainly of medium to high-K calk-alkaline pyroxene-hornblende gabbro with minor diorite. The low Mg# (32–41) values of the gabbro are typical of young post-collisional mafic intrusion in the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS). Geothermobarometric calculations suggest that the pyroxene-hornblende gabbro was crystallized at relatively high pressure (0.6 GPa) and temperature (800–915 °C). The samples show a general enrichment in LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Sr, Ba, K) relative to HREEs and HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, Hf, Ti, Zr). The chemical and mineralogical signatures are consistent with evolution of the AHMI from emplacement of a primitive partial melt derived from a lithospheric mantle source that had previously been metasomatized, in an early stage of ANS evolution, by subduction-related melts. Remobilization and melting of this lithospheric source occurred in a post orogenic setting, likely driven by crustal thinning and extension.

Identification of UHT Granulites in the Pan-African Dahomeyide Suture Zone in SE Ghana: Implications for Evolution of Collisional Orogens

AbstractThis study presents the petrology, geochemistry, U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf and oxygen isotope compositions of Adaklu mafic granulites (ADMGs), from the Pan-African Dahomeyide suture zone in southeastern Ghana. The ADMGs show mafic precursor with low-K tholeiitic affinity. They display convex rare earth and trace elements characteristics without any obvious anomalies of Eu, Ti, Nb and Ta. The geochemical characteristics of ADMGs mimic those of N-MORB. Zircon U–Pb dating on the ADMGs reveals granulite facies metamorphic ages of ca. 595–602 Ma. However, a few zircons yield relatively older apparent 206Pb/238U ages of ca. 620 Ma, representing prograde metamorphic age. ADMGs preserve mean zircon εHf (t) values of +7.0 to +9.7 and δ18O values of 6.1–8.0‰. Based on petrographic observations, geothermobarometric calculations using conventional thermobarometry, mineral equilibria modeling, Ti-in-zircon and Zr-in-rutile thermometers reveal peak granulite facies P–T conditions of 0.95–1.2 GPa/940–1000°C, and retrograde amphibolite facies conditions of 0.83–0.93 GPa/575–710°C. The prograde metamorphic stage is inferred to be amphibolite or eclogite facies metamorphism. Hence, a clockwise a P–T–t path is proposed for the ADMGs. The overall results indicate that ADMGs are ultra-high temperature (UHT) granulites, and the protolith is altered oceanic crust consumed during the Pan-African collisional events. Asthenospheric upwelling induced by lithospheric delamination in the earliest extension of the thickened orogen, or by slab break-off in the background of collision may have provided the additional heat for UHT granulite facies metamorphism.

Pre-eruptive PTX fluid-conditions of the Afyon Volcanic Complex (Western Anatolia, Turkey): Studies of natural rocks and phase equilibria experiments

This study is trying to understand the pre-eruptive magma storage and crystallization conditions of the Middle Miocene aged, silica-saturated trachytic rocks of the Afyon Volcanic Complex (AVC) in Western Anatolia, Turkey. Those rocks can be divided by their high K2O, K2O/Na2O ratio and Mg# into two groups, namely the intermediate-potassic (IPG) and the ultrapotassic (UPG). Here we are comparing calculated pressure (P) - temperature (T) conditions derived from geothermobarometric calculations of natural samples with results of high-pressure, high-temperature phase equilibria experiments. IPG samples are richer in silica (57–64 wt% SiO2), whereas UPG samples show intermediate SiO2 contents of 56–58 wt%. UPG are having high K2O contents (˃9 wt%), K2O/Na2O ratios (˃10 wt%) and Mg# values (75–77). IPG phenocrysts comprise plagioclase + biotite + amphibole + clinopyroxene ± orthopyroxene ± sanidine ± phlogopite and oxides, while UPG mineralogical assemblage consists of amphibole + phlogopite + clinopyroxene + olivine + sanidine and oxides. IPG and UPG are enriched in Large-Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE), and both have negative anomalies in Nb, Sr, Zr and Ti elements. Additionally, IPG shows positive anomalies in Pb. Both IPG and UPG display enrichment in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE), while IPG shows a more significant negative anomaly in Eu when compared to UPG. Plagioclase fractionation may play a role in magma generation. In IPG samples Ni and Cr values range between (3.3–18.8 ppm) and (2.6–27.8 ppm), respectively; whereas UPG samples have (119.1–120.7 ppm) Ni and (212.1–219.9 ppm) Cr. Dy/Yb ratios of IPG and UPG are higher than 2 and may indicate that garnet was present in the source. Geothermobarometric calculations for natural IPG clinopyroxene-melt pairs imply higher PT conditions (Dogan-Kulahci et al., 2015), while in this study high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) phase equilibria experiments recreated the natural mineral assemblage at 2–4 kbar, 6–9 km and c. 900 °C. New plagioclase-melt calculations have confirmed lower mean magma storage temperatures, which are closer to the experimental results but still slightly elevated. Thus, trace element results of the natural rocks and experimental data may imply that a deep garnet-bearing magma source mixed with shallower magmas (IPG) was feeding the volcanic eruption.

Microstructural and metamorphic evolution of the Carrancas Klippe, interference zone of the Neoproterozoic southern Brasilia and Ribeira orogens, SE Brazil

The Carrancas Klippe is the basal structure of a nappe system, at the southwestern edge of the São Francisco Craton, in the southern part of the Southern Brasília Orogen. The klippe comprises three metasedimentary units: from base to top, 1) a micaceous quartzite (São Tomé das Letras Unit), 2) chloritoid phyllite grading to staurolite schist with quartzite and gray phyllite intercalations (Campestre Unit), and 3) biotite schist (Santo Antônio Unit), all belonging to the Neoproterozoic Andrelândia Group. This paper describes the results of detailed mapping, structural and metamorphic analyses, including microtectonics, mineral chemistry and related geothermobarometry, and Sm–Nd dating of garnet. Deformational structures were grouped into three sets, D1, D2 and D3. D1 generated thrusting to the east-southeast with associated stretching lineation and tight recumbent folds. D2 produced tight to close asymmetrical folds with axial planes dipping to the SSW, S and SE, and subhorizontal axes. Steep north-south trending axial planes and shallow fold axes characterize open D3 folds and crenulations. In the northwestern part of the klippe garnet chloritoid phyllites formed during upper greenschist facies metamorphism of D1 age with syn-D1 snowball garnet. Towards the southeast the phyllites grade into amphibolite facies schists with syn-D2 garnet and staurolite. Geothermobarometric calculations based on mineral chemical compositions resulted in the following average values for D1 equilibria: 470 ± 45 °C and 12.3 ± 1 kbar. For D2 the following average values were calculated: 580 ± 35 °C and 8.4 ± 1.4 kbar. An age of 562 ± 24 Ma was obtained by Sm–Nd dating of D2 garnet growth. In conclusion, D1 is characterized by east to southeastward thrusting, including the emplacement of the klippe, related to the Southern Brasília Orogen tectonics, at upper greenschist facies conditions with relatively high pressures. During D2, the direction of tectonic transport changed to north, under greenschist facies conditions in the northwest and medium pressure amphibolite facies conditions in the southeast, producing staurolite and kyanite isograds that cut the klippe structure. This phase is attributed to the NNW-SSE shortening in the Ribeira Orogen. D3 reflects late E-W shortening also recorded in major NE-SW dextral shear zones under upper greenschist facies conditions with lower pressures.

Magmatic activity period and estimation of P-T metamorphic conditions of pre-collisional opx-metatonalite from Araçuaí-Ribeira orogens boundary, SE Brazil

The southern region of the Espírito Santo State is located in the Araçuaí-Ribeira Orogen System (AROS) limit, where neoproterozoic orthoderived rocks undergone metamorphism at high-grade condition exhibiting partial melting and deformation features. This study focuses on the Pre-collisional Opx-granitoids Unit that shows varied proportions of orthopyroxene and garnet. Petrographic, geochemical, geothermobarometric and U-Pb in zircon studies were carried out. We distinguished two mineral assemblages: (i) consisting of plagioclase, quartz, biotite, amphibole, orthopyroxene and ilmenite; and (ii) with plagioclase, quartz, orthoclase, biotite, amphibole, garnet and ilmenite. The former is related to the opx-metatonalite protolith and the latter to metamorphic paragenesis. The geochemical analyses of the Pre-collisional Opx-granitoids Unit reveal an arc-related environment, similar to the Rio Doce and Rio Negro - Serra da Prata Arcs defined in the Araçuaí and Ribeira orogens, respectively. The temperature conditions obtained for assemblage (ii) were 670–860 °C (granulite facies) and pressure from 5.24 to 10.2 kbar. Four different intervals of concordant ages were yielded in the studied samples. The oldest age of 716 Ma is interpreted as related to the pluton emplacement (E1). The ages of 604 Ma and 595 Ma are associated with the same magmatic event (E2), and the magmatic age of 586 Ma (E3) indicates another magma injection event. The age of 574 Ma (E4) is related to a high-grade metamorphic event whose P-T conditions were obtained in assemblage (ii) from geothermobarometric calculations. These results confirm the extension of Rio Doce magmatic arc toward the south and establish a connection between Araçuaí and Ribeira orogens.

Extensional magmatism in a continental collision zone,Tafresh area, western central Iran: structural, geochemical and mineralogical considerations

The Tafresh area, located on the middle part of Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc, is a suitable area for considering the effects of tectonic structures on development of the volcanic facies in the magmatic provinces. The main structure in the area is a dextral fault (so called Rahjerd Fault) that has produced the local extensional basins and also the parallel dyke swarms (or feeder dykes) on its both sides. So, the pyroclastic deposits, basaltic-andesitic lava flows, parallel dyke swarms were appeared by explosive subaqueous and then effusive subaerial eruptions and eventually a dioritic stock intruded in the volcanic pile. Petrologically, the magmatic rocks are belonged to the calcalkaline suite that had been changed and evolved in the magma chambers of local extensional basins in a collisional tectonic setting. The mineral chemistry and geochemical modeling as well as the coexistence of different mineral paragenesis of plagioclases (An47-72 and An17-37), pyroxenes (diopside and pigeonite) and amphiboles (magnesiohastingsite and magnesiohornblende) reveal that the AFC process is a dominant process in the magma chamber. Also, according to geothermobarometric calculations, the investigated volcanic rocks of the area could be grouped into two types: one type with higher P-T (>6Kbar and about 900 °C) including Eocene pigeonite-magnesiohastingsite bearing andesites (PHA) and Miocene andesites and other with lower P-T (1-4 Kbar and 600- 800 °C) including the Eocene diopside-magnesiohornblende bearing andesites (DHA) and the dioritic stock.

Crystallochemical indexes and geothermobarometric calculations as a multiproxy approach to P-T condition of the low-grade metamorphism: The case of the San Luis Formation, Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina

In this work, crystallochemical indexes and geothermobarometric calculations are used together to estimate the P-T condition in low-grade metamorphic units of the San Luis Formation from Sierra de San Luis (Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina). Phyllites and slates from this formation record at least two episodes of white mica (Wm) and chlorite (Chl) growth associated with main D1-S1 (Wm2-Chl1) and local D2-S2 (Wm3-Chl2) stages. Mean KICIS values of 0.30 (Western Belt) and 0.23 Δ°2θ (Eastern Belt) were determined for the <2 μm fraction. Moreover, since the average grain size of the Wm2 exceeds 10 μm, KICIS values were also measured for the 10–20 μm fraction ranging between 0.22 and 0.24 Δ°2θ for both belts. For those fractions, the KICIS values indicate epizone conditions, associated with temperatures higher than 300 °C. These values are comparable to temperatures obtained from chlorite thermometers, 316°–416 °C in Western Belt and 261°-403 °C in the Eastern Belt. Pressure values for D1 stage constrained from chlorite – white mica – quartz – H2O equilibrium are 2.5–5.1 kbar in the Western Belt, and at 3.3–4.7 kbar in Eastern Belt. The pressures are consistent with white mica b parameter values measured in samples from Western Belt (9.006 to 9.025 Å) and Eastern Belt (9.003 to 9.020 Å), linked to intermediate thermal gradients (25–35 °C/km).The identification of increasing P-T condition paths in low-grade metasedimentary successions is not easy in the absence of higher grade rocks; in these situations, a systematic sampling and analysis of dozens of samples must be carried out. The very good correlation between crystallochemical index values (Kübler index and white mica b parameter) and thermobarometric calculations (empirical and semi-empirical chlorite thermometers and thermobarometry for chlorite – white mica – quartz – H2O equilibrium) presented in this work argues in favor of the development of a multiproxy study strategy in this type of low-grade metasedimentary successions that involve: (1) a systematic sampling of metapelite levels for X-ray diffraction study (mineralogical and crystallochemical indexes with a rapid implementation allowing a dense systematic sampling); (2) the recognition of variations in the P-T conditions from KI and b parameter values and the consequent selection of metapelitic samples for analyzing mineral chemistry and thermobarometric calculations. In order to facilitate these calculations, a user-friendly spreadsheet for crystallochemical indexes and chlorite thermometry calculations is also provided.

Fluid-induced transition from banded kyanite- to bimineralic eclogite and implications for the evolution of cratons

Heterogeneous, modally banded kyanite-bearing and bimineralic eclogites from the lithospheric mantle, collected at the Roberts Victor Diamond mine (South Africa), show a reaction texture in which kyanite is consumed. Geothermobarometric calculations using measured mineral compositions in Perple_X allowed the construction of a P-T path showing a steep, cool prograde metamorphic gradient of 2°C/km to reach peak conditions of 5.8GPa and 890°C for the kyanite eclogite. The kyanite-out reaction formed bimineralic eclogite and is probably an integral part of the mineralogical evolution of most archetypal bimineralic eclogites at Roberts Victor and potentially elsewhere. The kyanite-out reaction occured at close to peak pressure (5.3GPa) and was associated with a rise in temperature to 1380°C. Mass balance calculations show that upon breakdown, the kyanite component is fully accommodated in garnet and omphacite via a reaction system with low water fugacity that required restricted fluid influx from metasomatic sources. The δ18O values of garnets are consistently higher than normal mantle values. Each sample has its characteristic trend of δ18O variance between garnets in the kyanite-bearing sections and those in the bimineralic parts covering a range between 5.1‰ and 6.8‰. No systematic change in O-isotope signature exists across the sample population. Differences in garnet trace element signatures between differing lithologies in the eclogites are significant. Grossular-rich garnets coexisting with kyanite have strong positive Eu-anomalies and low Gd/Yb ratios, while more pyrope-rich garnets in the bimineralic sections have lost their positive Eu-anomaly, have higher Gd/Yb ratios and generally higher heavy rare earth element contents. Garnets in the original kyanite-bearing portions thus reflect the provenance of the rocks as metamorphosed gabbros/troctolites. The kyanite-out reaction was most likely triggered by a heating event in the subcratonic lithosphere. As kyanite contains around 100ppm of H2O it is suggested that the kyanite-out reaction, once initiated by heating and restricted metasomatic influx, was promoted by the release of water contained in the kyanite. The steep (high-P low-T) prograde P-T path defining rapid compression at low heating rates is atypical for subduction transport of eclogites into the lithospheric mantle. Such a trajectory is best explained in a model where strong lateral compression forces eclogites downward to higher pressures, supporting models of cratonic lithosphere formation by lateral collision and compression.

Metamorphic evolution and SIMS U-Pb geochronology of the Qingshigou area, Dunhuang block, NW China: Tectonic implications of the southernmost Central Asian orogenic belt

Garnet-bearing mafic granulite and amphibolite exposed as lenses, boudins, or interlayers within metasediments in the Qingshigou area, Dunhuang block, southernmost Central Asian orogenic belt, record important information for understanding the tectono-metamorphic evolution of subduction and collision zones in the southern Central Asian orogenic belt during the mid-Paleozoic. Three stages of metamorphic assemblages (M1, M2, M3) are recognized in the high- and medium-pressure mafic granulite and amphibolite. In the high-pressure mafic granulite, the prograde assemblage (M1) is represented by inclusion minerals (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz) preserved in garnet porphyroblasts; the metamorphic peak assemblage (M2) is characterized by garnet porphyroblasts and matrix minerals (garnet + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz ± zircon ± titanite); and the retrograde assemblage (M3) is marked by coronitic symplectite (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz ± magnetite) rimming the garnet porphyroblasts. In the medium-pressure mafic granulite, the prograde assemblage (M1) of hornblende + plagioclase + quartz is included in the garnet porphyroblasts; the peak assemblage (M2) consists of garnet + orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz ± zircon ± titanite (M2) in the matrix; and the retrograde assemblage (M3) of hornblende + orthopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz (M3) surrounds the garnet porphyroblasts. In the amphibolite, the prograde assemblage (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz + ilmenite) is preserved as inclusions in garnet (M1); the peak assemblage (M2) is composed of garnet + hornblende + plagioclase + quartz ± zircon ± titanite; and the retrograde assemblage (M3), consisting of hornblende + biotite + plagioclase + quartz + epidote + magnetite, rings the garnet porphyroblasts. Geothermobarometric calculations suggest that the metamorphic pressure-temperature paths pass from 568 °C and 8.8 kbar through 607 °C and 10.6 kbar and 861 °C and 16.9 kbar and finally to 598 °C and 4.4 kbar for the high-pressure mafic granulite; from 756 °C and 9.0 kbar through 750–874 °C and 9.3–11.6 kbar to 675 °C and 4.7 kbar for the medium-pressure mafic granulite; and from 686 °C and 7.6 kbar through 715–766 °C and 10.6–11.2 kbar to 671 °C and 5.6 kbar for the amphibolite, and the paths show clockwise pressure-temperature loops typical of an orogenic process. The metamorphic peak of the high-pressure mafic granulite lies in the eclogite facies, which is indicative of a subduction zone environment. High-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb dating of metamorphic zircon indicates that the metamorphism occurred in the Early Silurian (ca. 430 Ma) and lasted for at least 65 m.y. This study reveals a possible southward subduction history of a branch of the Paleo–Asian Ocean, the Liuyuan Ocean, from the Silurian to Late Devonian, which may be an important event in the accretionary history of the Central Asian orogenic belt.

Thermobarometry of metamorphosed pseudotachylyte and associated mylonite: Constraints on dynamic Co-seismic rupture depth attending Caledonian extension, North Norway

The exhumed post-Caledonian Eidsfjord and Fiskfjord extensional shear zones of northern Norway exhibit evidence of coseismic rupture propagating into the ductile crust as evidenced by the presence of mylonitic and metamorphosed pseudotachylyte. Geothermobarometric calculations on garnet-bearing mineral assemblages in mylonitic gneisses associated with mylonitic pseudotachylyte and in metamorphosed pseudotachylyte permit determination of the depth and ambient temperature of seismogenic low-angle ductile extension. Average pressures from Eidsfjord (570±115MPa at ca. 650°C) and Fiskfjord (1120±220MPa at ca. 650°C) correspond to faulting depths of 21±4km and 41±9km, respectively. The Fiskfjord results agree with previous thermobarometric calculations on mylonitic Cpx+Grt-bearing pseudotachylyte at Fiskfjord. The calculated depths are 5–25km below the depth of the standard seismogenic zone. These results demonstrate that low angle normal faults may cut through a large portion of continental crust. This occurrence of mylonitic pseudotachylyte in an extensional crustal setting is most easily explained by dynamic downward rupture into the ductile regime and/or unusually high shear stresses to account for coseismic rupture at such depths, implying a direct connection with a seismogenic normal fault in the upper crust.

Electron microprobe Th-U-Pb monazite dating and metamorphic evolution of the Acaiaca Granulite Complex, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Acaiaca Complex (AC) is located in southeastern Minas Gerais state, and comprises felsic, mafic, ultramafic, and aluminous granulites as well as lower grade gneisses and mylonites. The complex is distributed over an area ofca. 36 km by 6 km, surrounded by amphibolite facies gneisses of the Mantiqueira Complex (MC). The discrepancy in the metamorphic grade between both complexes led to the present study aiming to understand the metamorphic history of the AC by means of geothermobarometric calculations and electron microprobe Th-U-Pb monazite dating. Estimates of the metamorphic conditions of the granulites based on conventional geothermobarometry and THERMOCALC resulted in temperatures around 800 oC and pressures between of 5.0 and 9.9 kbar and a retrometamorphic path characterized by near-isobaric cooling. Part of the granulites was affected by anatexis. The melting of felsic granulites resulted in the generation of pegmatites and two aluminous lithotypes. These are: i) garnet-sillimanite granulite with euhedral plagioclase and cordierite that show straight faces against quartz, and is the crystallization product of an anatectic melt, and ii) garnet-kyanite-cordierite granulite, which is probably the restite of anatexis, as indicated by textures and high magnesium contents. Th-U-Pb monazite geochronology of two granulite samples resulted in a metamorphic age around 2060 Ma, which is similar to the age of the MC registered in the literature. The similar Paleoproterozoic metamorphic ages of both complexes lead to the conclusion that the Acaiaca Complex may be the high grade metamorphic unit geochronologically related to the lower grade Mantiqueira Complex.

Application of U-Th-Pb Phosphate Geochronology to Young Orogenic Gold Deposits: New Age Constraints on the Formation of the Grass Valley Gold District, Sierra Nevada Foothills Province, California

The Grass Valley orogenic gold district in the Sierra Nevada foothills province, central California, the largest historic gold producer of the North American Cordillera, comprises both steeply dipping E-W veins located along lithologic contacts in accreted ca. 300 and 200 Ma oceanic rocks and shallowly dipping N-S veins hosted by the Grass Valley granodiorite; the latter have yielded about 70% of the 13 million ounces of historic lode gold production in the district. The oceanic host rocks were accreted to the western margin of North America between 200 and 170 Ma, metamorphosed to greenschist and amphibolite facies, and uplifted between 175 and 160 Ma. Large-scale magmatism in the Sierra Nevada occurred between 170 to 140 Ma and 120 to 80 Ma, with the Grass Valley granodiorite being emplaced during the older episode of magmatism. Uranium-lead isotope dating of hydrothermal xenotime yielded the first absolute age of 162 ± 5 Ma for the economically more significant N-S veins. The vein-hosted xenotime, as well as associated monazite, are unequivocally of hydrothermal origin as indicated by textural and chemical characteristics, including grain shape, lack of truncated growth banding, lack of an Eu anomaly, and low U and Th concentrations. Furthermore, the crack-seal texture of the veins, with abundant wall-rock slivers, suggests their formation as a result of episodic fluid flow possibly related to reoccurring seismic events, rather than a period of fluid exsolution from an evolving magma. The N-S veins are temporally distinct from a younger 153 to 151 Ma gold event that was previously reported for the E-W veins. Overlapping U-Pb zircon (159.9 ± 2.2 Ma) and 40Ar/39Ar biotite and hornblende (159.7 ± 0.6–161.9 ± 1.4 Ma) ages and geothermobarometric calculations indicate that the Grass Valley granodiorite was emplaced at ca. 160 Ma at elevated temperatures (~800°C) within approximately 3 km of the paleosurface and rapidly cooled to the ambient temperature of the surrounding country rocks (<300°C). The age of the granodiorite is indistinguishable from that of the N-S veins, as recorded by the U-Pb age of xenotime in those veins. Consequently, the N-S veins must have formed between 162 and 157 Ma, the maximum permissive age of magma emplacement and the youngest permissive xenotime U-Pb age, respectively, during an E- to ENE-directed compressional regime. The geochemistry of the Grass Valley granodiorite is consistent with it being the product of arc magmatism. It served as a receptive host for mineralization, but it is has no direct genetic relationship to gold mineralization. Initial uplift of the intrusive mass correlates with the initial voluminous fluid flow event and vein formation at depths of no greater than 3 km. The E-W gold-bearing veins hosted within greenschist-facies country rocks adjacent to the intrusion formed during a second hydrothermal event 5 to 10 million years later than the magmatism and were contemporaneous with a shift to transtensional deformation denoted by sinistral strike-slip faulting.

High grade metamorphism in the Bundelkhand massif and its implications on Mesoarchean crustal evolution in central India

The Bundelkhand Gneissic Complex (BnGC) in the central part of the Bundelkhand massif preserves a supracrustal unit which includes pelitic (garnet–cordierite–sillimanite gneiss, garnet–sillimanite gneiss, biotite gneiss and garnet–biotite gneiss) and mafic (hornblende–biotite gneiss and garnetiferous amphibolite) rocks. Granulite facies metamorphism of the complex initiated with breaking down of biotite to produce garnet and cordierite in the pelitic gneisses. Geothermobarometric calculations indicate metamorphic conditions of 720°C/6.2 kbar, followed by a retrograde (687°C/4.9 kbar) to very late retrograde stages of metamorphism (579°C/4.4 kbar) which is supported by the formation of late cordierite around garnet. The P–T conditions and textural relations of the garnet–cordierite-bearing gneiss suggest a retrograde cooling path of metamorphism.

Garnet growth in frictional melts of the Ivrea Zone (Italy)

Pseudotachylytes, coseismic frictional melts, have formed in metagabbro and within a kinzigitic shear zone of the Ivrea Zone (Italy). In both rock types, amoeboid garnet has crystallized in the pseudotachylyte matrix, locally as a rim overgrown on pre-existing garnet clasts. This new garnet has been previously used to constrain the frictional melt formation in such rocks by applying geothermo-barometric calculations. Here we present a complete microstructural, textural and compositional characterization, by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam tomography, electron backscatter diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. The garnet in pseudotachylyte exhibits subtle major element compositional and microstructural differences between the core and the overgrown rim. This suggests that the new garnet formed by rapid epitactic overgrowth on clasts of relic host rock garnet, during frictional melt cooling and solidification.