Pseudosection Calculations Research Articles

Insights into the North Patagonian Massif Lower Crust: Petrology and Microstructure of Granulite Xenoliths

Abstract The continental lower crust constitutes a key zone for understanding the mantle–crust magmatic and mechanical transfers, but its study is hampered by the paucity of lower crust samples. Here, we characterise the petrological, geochemical and petrophysical processes structuring the lower crust of the North Patagonian Massif (NPM; Argentina) using a suite of representative mafic granulite and websterite xenoliths. These xenoliths were entrained by alkaline lavas from five volcanic centres that erupted between the Oligocene and Pleistocene. Electron microprobe and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICPMS) were used to obtain in situ geochemical data on the minerals, while microstructural data were obtained by Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD). Both granulites and websterites display a granoblastic texture and sometimes a weak inherited magmatic layering. Mafic granulite xenoliths show a plagioclase + clinopyroxene ± orthopyroxene assemblage commonly associated with spinel or titanomagnetite. Websterite xenoliths show an association of clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + spinel, along with accessory plagioclase. Mafic granulites and websterites have SiO2 contents ranging from 44 to 53 wt %, while their Mg# varies from 53 to 79. Clinopyroxenes are characterised by weak convex upward chondrite-normalised Rare Earth Elements - REE patterns (Light-REE </<< Mid-REE > Heavy-REE) which are similar to clinopyroxene phenocrysts and megacrysts from intra-plate basalts. Calculated liquid in equilibrium with clinopyroxene have similar REE patterns to those found in Cenozoic basalts from the NPM, suggesting that the xenolith suite represents evidence for underplating processes, possibly related to one of the magmatic events that have occurred in the NPM since the Permo-Trias. Mafic granulites and websterites show a weak mineral shape preferred orientation and an associated weak Crystal Preferred Orientation (CPO) related to the magmatic layering. Recorded plastic deformation is associated with the activation of both (100)[001] and (001)[100] slip systems in clinopyroxene, (100)[001] in orthopyroxene and (010)[001] in plagioclase. However, the activation of slip systems is generally not correlated with CPO in granulites, suggesting that the lower crust underwent subsolidus equilibration and weak plastic deformation in an inactive tectonic context, thereby preserving an inherited magmatic layering. Two-pyroxene (Fe–Mg) thermometer and pseudosection calculations define P–T conditions of the main paragenesis at 760°C to 1120°C and 7.2 to 10.3 kbar, which allows to define the Cenozoic geotherm of the NPM crust at 30°C/km and to reconsider the petrologic Moho depth at ca. 40 km.

P-T evolution of HP migmatitic paragneiss from the Beni Bousera metamorphic unit (internal Rif, Northern Morocco) constrained by phase equilibria modelling and melt reintegration

ABSTRACT The high-pressure (HP) migmatitic paragneiss of the Beni Bousera metamorphic unit (BBMU) from the Beni Bousera Massif underwent granulite-facies metamorphism. They mainly consist of garnet, biotite, kyanite, sillimanite, cordierite, spinel, quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, rutile, ilmenite and graphite. These minerals form a sequence of metamorphic assemblages corresponding to five metamorphic events (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5). The first three events correspond to a latest Carboniferous-earliest Permian metamorphic evolution, while the last two are retrograde and Alpine in age. The p-T conditions of these metamorphic events were estimated using pseudosection calculations in the MnNCKFMASTHO system. Following prograde stage conditions of 9.3–10.9 kbar and 630–665°C (M1 stage), the p-T evolution culminates in melting of the paragneiss which occurred mainly at HP conditions, within the kyanite stability field, at 11.8–14.2 kbar and 820–845°C (M2 pressure-peak); anatexis then continued at high to medium pressure (HMP), within the sillimanite stability field, at 9.9–11 Kbar and 840–860°C (M3 thermal-peak), accompanied by the production of very small proportions of melt. The prograde p-T segment of the inferred clockwise path is characterized by a pressurization related to a post-Variscan collisional event triggered by the closure of the Paleotethys Ocean, and is followed by the exhumation of the granulitic unit to mid-crustal depth, with slight coeval heating. The retrograde Alpine evolution is coeval with the final exhumation of the migmatitic paragneiss and underlying peridotites during back-arc extension related to the westward retreat of the Alpine subduction. It occurred under sub-solidus conditions from 9.5–10.7 kbar and 818–848°C (M4) to 4.9–5.85 kbar and 710–785°C (M5) and corresponds to a near-isothermal and strongly decompressive metamorphic evolution (ΔP ≈ 5 Kbar).

Structural Evolution, Exhumation Rates, and Rheology of the European Crust During Alpine Collision: Constraints From the Rotondo Granite—Gotthard Nappe

AbstractThe rheology of crystalline units controls the large‐scale deformation geometry and dynamics of collisional orogens. Defining a time‐constrained rheological evolution of such units may help unravel the details of collisional dynamics. Here, we integrate field analysis, pseudosection calculations and in situ garnet U–Pb and mica Rb–Sr geochronology to define the structural and rheological evolution of the Rotondo granite (Gotthard nappe, Central Alps). We identify a sequence of four (D1–D4) deformation stages. Pre‐collisional D1 brittle faults developed before Alpine peak metamorphism, which occurred at 34–20 Ma (U–Pb garnet ages) at 590 ± 25°C and 0.9 ± 0.1 GPa. The reactivation of D1 structures controlled the rheological evolution, from D2 reverse mylonitic shearing at amphibolite facies (520 ± 40°C and 0.8 ± 0.1 GPa) at 18–20 Ma (white mica Rb–Sr ages), to strike‐slip, brittle‐ductile shearing at greenschist‐facies D3 (395 ± 25°C and 0.4 ± 0.1 GPa) at 14–15 Ma (white mica and biotite Rb–Sr ages), and then to D4 strike‐slip faulting at shallow conditions. Although highly misoriented for the Alpine collisional stress orientation, D1 brittle structures controlled the localization of D2 ductile mylonites accommodating fast (∼3 mm/yr) exhumation rates due to their weak shear strength (<10 MPa). This structural and rheological evolution is common across External Crystalline Massifs (e.g., Aar, Mont Blanc), suggesting that the European upper crust was extremely weak during Alpine collision, its strength controlled by weak ductile shear zones localized on pre‐collisional deformation structures, that in turn controlled localized exhumation at the scale of the orogen.

Metamorphosed Plagiogranite Veins In Salma Eclogites, Belomorian Eclogite Province

The Salma subduction eclogites of the Meso-Neoarchean Belomorian Eclogite Province have compositions of N-MORB oceanic crust protoliths and contain felsic veins of plagiogranite compositions. Felsic veins consist of metamorphic minerals sush as garnet, quartz and kyanite, the earliest high-pressure inclusion of phengite and zoisite in garnet. Veins have geochemistry characteristics that are typical for island arc granites or adakites. They are compositionally comparable with eclogite-bearing tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) gneisses, modern adakite, and Archaean andesite association of the Vedlozero–Segozero greenstone belt. The origin of these felsic veins can be represented as a product of melting of fluid-modified oceanic mafic slab at PT-conditions of eclogite metamorphism.Geothermometry and pseudosection calculations of metamorphic conditions in felsic veins, for eclogitic mineral assemblage of pyropic garnet, kyanite, high-silica phengite and quartz gave high pressures conditions (ca. 16–22 kbar) at relatively low temperatures (ca. 600–650 °C); for secondary decompression plagioclase ± biotite coronas between quartz, kyanite and garnet gave 14–11 kbar at 650–700 °C. This estimate corresponds “warm” subduction, which is most consistent with the parameters of the modern subduction of the base of the Cascadia plate . Mineral assemblages in eclogites, that included the felsic veins, give 15–11 kbar at 750–700 °C. Thermodynamic modelling indicates that the eclogites hosting the felsic veins did not reach partial melting conditions under the estimated PT conditions: exposure temperatures to the mafic rocks must have been significantly higher. A probable explanation for high-pressure parageneses in felsic veins may be the formation of plagiogranites as a result of the melting of the mafic slab under higher temperature and pressure conditions than were measured in this work. Thus, the high-pressure paragenesis of garnet, phengite, zoisite, and kyanite reflects the path of rock exhumation through eclogitic conditions.Zircon from the felsic veins gave several Archean and Paleoproterozoic ages ∼ 2.87, 2.78, ∼2.70 and, ∼1.9 Ga. The oldest age gave the fluid-modified oceanic zircon (∼2.9 Ga) from Fe-Ti eclogites directly near the veins. The oldest igneous zircons in the veins are represented by a population with the age of ∼ 2.87 Ga and correspond to the igneous age of some TTG gneisses, which do not contradict a hypothesis of the plagiogranite formation during the melting of the mafic slab in the subduction zone. A Neoarchean zircon population of ∼ 2.78 Ga is often present in eclogitized mafic rocks and surrounding TTG gneisses which can be associated both with the formation of TTG gneiss protoliths in the subduction zone (?) and with the recrystallization of older zircon as a result of fluid or thermal impact. The ɛHf of the older population (∼2.87 Ga) is + 3 to + 4, indicating a juvenile origin; the ∼ 2.78 Ga population has similar Hf-isotope compositions, suggesting that their ages reflect resetting (non-zero Pb loss) of the older zircons. The Sm-Nd model TDM ages of Grt-Ky veins have Meso-Neoarchean values (3.0–2.75 Ga) with positive εNd = 1.8–3.8 that may indicate a juvenile nature of sources of the plagiogranite melt. The eclogitized rocks of the Belomorian province generally underwent the granulite facies overprint at ∼ 2.74–2.64 Ga ago that is coincides with the age of granulite facies metamorphism of regional and global rank. The Paleoproterozoic evolution of the Salma eclogites and the East European Craton as a whole: at 2.5–2.4 Ga and 2.0–1.9 Ga with formation of the Lapland–Mid-Russia–South Baltia intracontinental and Svecofennian accretionary orogens was terminated in Paleoproterozoic time at ∼ 1.87–1.7 Ga. These age values correspond to closure of Pb-Pb and Sm-Nd isotopic systems of rock-forming metamorphic minerals of the felsic veins.

Tectonic slices of greenschist – epidote blueschist – epidote amphibole schist – garnet epidote amphibole schist from the Nagaland ophiolite complex, NE India: a look into their metamorphic and tectonic evolution

ABSTRACT Tectonic slices of greenschist – epidote blueschist – epidote amphibole schist – garnet epidote amphibole schist are exposed in the northern part of the NOC. Metamorphic P-T conditions and P-T paths of the garnet epidote amphibole schist and epidote blueschist were determined with the help of pseudosection calculations in the MnNCKFMASHTO system using the software Perple_X. The garnet epidote amphibole schist records a pre-peak metamorphic stage at ~12 kbar and ~360°C in the lawsonite blueschist facies field. Lawsonite and glaucophane are not preserved in the rock and are attributed to progressive metamorphic reactions during prograde metamorphism. The peak metamorphic stage is constrained at ~14 kbar and ~570°C in the hornblende eclogite facies field. Post-peak metamorphism shows slight cooling and decompression from ~550°C and ~13 kbar, possibly down to ~350°C and ~7 kbar in the greenschist facies field. These three metamorphic stages reveal a clockwise metamorphic P-T path of evolution for the garnet epidote amphibole schist. The geotherm at metamorphic peak P-T condition is ~12.5°C/km, which is hotter by ~350°C compared to thermal models of mature subduction zones but shows good agreement with models of warm subduction zones. Therefore, the low geothermal gradient of ~8°C/km during the prograde metamorphism possibly reflects the subduction of cold Neo-Tethyan ocean crust when the temperature conditions of the subduction zone were still warm. The epidote blueschist shows peak metamorphism at ~10 kbar and 380°C with a clockwise P-T path. It indicates metamorphism at a more mature stage of subduction. Buoyancy-driven exhumation along the subduction channel due to the serpentinization of the upper mantle wedge played a vital role in the detachment and exhumation of the tectonic slivers of metamorphic rocks from different depth sections in the northern margin of the NOC.

Mesoarchaean peridotite-norite cumulates of SW Greenland – The Miaggoq ultramafic complex

Several studies focused on the ultramafic bodies of the Archaean continental crust in southern Greenland in order to gain information on early Earth petrogenetic, metamorphic and metasomatic processes. This research provides the first petrological dataset of the Miaggoq Ultramafic Complex (∼1 km2) in the Akia terrane, with a minimum age of 2997 ± 15 Ma. It comprises ultramafic (dunite, peridotite) and mafic (orthopyroxenite, norite) rocks along with chromitites and provides a window into Mesoarchaean mantle compositions. Field observations, such as chromitite bands, mineral layering, and orthopyroxenite oikocrysts in peridotites coupled with chemical analysis displaying high abundance of chromites in the dunitic rocks and high forsterite contents (Mg# 91 to 92.5) of the olivines, all point to a layered cumulate origin for the Miaggoq body. Pseudosection calculations along with geothermometry estimations reveal peak metamorphic conditions of 850–1100 °C at pressures of 0.7–1.25 GPa under anhydrous conditions followed by a possible metamorphic overprint at 650–800 °C and 0.7 GPa with relatively dry melting (0.025–0.125 wt% H2O). MELTS fractional crystallization coupled with cumulate modelling approximated the compositional trends with conditions on ∼3 kbar with 1 wt% H2O. This research concludes that the Miaggoq body represents a layered cumulate complex that was derived by large degrees of partial melting of the mantle with possible assimilation (synonymous with contamination) of basalts in the crust. Overall, this study provides complementary data for the Mesoarchaean cumulate bodies of the Akia Terrane and their petrological processes.

Barrovian metamorphism in nominally lowermost Alpujarride Complex units: tectonic implications for the development of the orogenic wedge in the Western Mediterranean

ABSTRACT The sedimentary successions of the Permian-Triassic rifting related to the Alpine Tethys in the easternmost Lower Alpujarride units (Internal Betic Zone, south Spain) host shallow-intrusive basic bodies of Mesozoic age. These gabbroic bodies experienced low-grade Alpine metamorphic overprint, singularly recorded in three outcrops nearby Alicante city in southeast Spain: Callosa and Orihuela Ranges and Nueva Tabarca Island. Overall, the metabasic bodies still preserve magmatic ophitic/subophitic texture and relicts of magmatic augite and ferropargasite-ferroedenite-edenite and kaersutite. In contrast, metamorphic minerals include magnesioriebeckite, actinolite, albite, stilpnomelane, phengite, and chlorite. Major and trace element geochemical data suggest crystallization of the igneous protoliths from subalkaline (tholeiitic) to alkaline within-plate (continental) basaltic magmas slightly enriched in incompatible elements. These magmas with E-MORB geochemical affinity very likely intruded at shallow crustal levels in an extensional-synrift-geodynamic setting related to the breakoff of Pangea in the region. Pressure-Temperature (P-T) conditions estimated by average P-T method and pseudosection calculations suggest metamorphic peak at ca. 6 kbar at 340°C consistent with burial metamorphism down to ca. 18 km depth with intermediate thermal gradients of ca. 18°C/km. These conditions are different to the typical subduction-related blueschist facies conditions of the Lower Alpujarride units and suggest, instead, a collisional (Barrovian) event. This can be explained by a late-stage accretion of the studied units after the main subduction-related event, pointing to the dispersion of the corresponding Lower Alpujarride sections along the margin in different palaeogeographic positions before deformation and movement to their actual structural position. The metamorphic correlation of the studied units with the accreted passive margin of South Iberia (Subbetic zone) is also discussed.

A new activity model for Fe\u2013Mg\u2013Al biotites: II\u2014Applications in the K2O\u2013FeO\u2013MgO\u2013Al2O3\u2013SiO2\u2013H2O (KFMASH) system

The new biotite activity model and standard-state thermodynamic properties of Ann, Phl, and Eas presented in part-I were used to make pseudosections of bulk compositions representing experimental Fe–Mg exchange equilibria and (model) pelitic bulk rock compositions in the system K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (KFMASH), using mainly the software Perple_X. These pseudosection calculations (termed ‘our calculation(s)’ in the following) were compared to analogous ones performed with the solution model of biotite and thermodynamic data cited in White et al. (J Metamorph Geol 32:261–286, 2014, 10.1111/jmg.12071), termed ‘W14 calculation’. Our calculations with the experimental bulk composition used by Zhou (Ti–Mg–Fe biotites: formation, substitution, and thermodynamic properties at 650 to 900 °C and 1.1 Kb with fO2 defined by the CH4–graphite buffer. PhD thesis, State University of New York, 1994) in his experimental study of the Fe–Mg exchange between biotite (Bt) and olivine (Ol) confirm that biotite had no or only minimal octahedral Al (AlVI) in these experiments. The experimental data of Ferry and Spear (—FS78, Contrib Mineral Petrol 66:113–117, 1978, 10.1007/BF00372150) on the Fe–Mg distribution between biotite and garnet (Grt) are well reproduced by our calculations. The computed composition of biotite (XFe) in equilibrium with garnet of Alm90Py10 composition and the resulting lnKD values as a function of temperature are in good agreement with the experimental brackets. An analogous W14 calculation on the same Fe-rich bulk composition predicts too high XFeBt in order of 0.1 mol fraction. The AlVI contents of biotite of about 0.3–0.45 apfu, as measured by Gessman et al. (Am Mineral 82:1225–1240, 1997, 10.2138/am-1997-11-1218) in similar biotite–garnet exchange experiments performed with Alm80Py20 and Alm70Py30 garnets, are well reproduced by our, as well as by W14 calculations. The extent of Tschermak substitution in biotite in the FS78 experiments, which had Fe-richer bulk compositions, has not been measured. Comparing the FS78 biotites with the ones from Gessman et al. (Am Mineral 82:1225–1240, 1997, 10.2138/am-1997-11-1218), it is very likely that the biotites reported in FS78 contained AlVI in the same order of ca. 0.3–0.4 apfu. A T–XFe (= molar FeO/(FeO + MgO) pseudosection demonstrates the bulk composition dependence of lnKD of the Mg/FeGrt/Bt exchange reaction in high-variance fields. Further comparisons, demonstrating the application of the new biotite solution model in the KFMASH system, are presented in pseudosections constructed for an average model pelite, as well as for a natural high-T/low-P and a natural high-P metapelite. The pseudosections show that biotite according to our biotite model breaks down at lower temperatures and pressures than predicted from the W14 biotite model in the KFMASH system. This means that KFMASH biotite can break down before the wet solidus is reached, which can explain the existence of dry high-T/low-P metapelites. At higher pressures, biotite according to our calculations breaks down at lower pressures than computed with the W14 biotite model. Before biotite breaks down, however, its AlVI content based on our calculations could potentially be used for pseudosection barometry, similarly as the Si-in-phengite barometer. These trends need to be confirmed by a future extension of our model which incorporates Ti, Fe3+ and a di–tri-octahedral substitution.

Deserpentinization in Subduction Zones as a Source of Oxidation in Arcs: a Reality Check

AbstractPrevious studies have concluded that dehydration of serpentinites in subduction zones produces oxidizing fluids that are the cause of oxidized arc magmas. Here, observations of natural samples and settings are combined with thermodynamic models to explore some of the factors that complicate interpretation of the observations that form the basis of this conclusion. These factors include the variability of serpentinite protoliths, the roles of carbon and sulfur in serpentinite evolution, variability in serpentinization in different tectonic settings, changes in the bulk compositions of ultramafic rocks during serpentinization, fundamental differences between serpentinization and deserpentinization, and the absence of precise geothermobarometers for ultramafic rocks. The capacity of serpentinite-derived fluids to oxidize sub-arc magma is also examined. These fluids can transport redox budget as carbon-, sulfur-, and iron-bearing species. Iron- and carbon-bearing species might be present in sufficient concentrations to transport redox budget deep within subduction zones, but are not viable transporters of redox budget at the temperatures of antigorite breakdown, which produces the largest proportion of fluid released by serpentinite dehydration. Sulfur-bearing species can carry significant redox budget, and calculations using the Deep Earth Water (DEW) model show that these species might be stable during antigorite breakdown. However, oxygen fugacities of ∼ΔFMQ + 3 (where FMQ refers to the fayalite–magnetite–quartz buffer, and ΔFMQ is log fO2 – log fO2, FMQ), which is close to, or above, the hematite–magnetite buffer at the conditions of interest, are required to stabilize oxidized sulfur-bearing species. Pseudosection calculations indicate that these conditions might be attained at the conditions of antigorite breakdown if the starting serpentinites are sufficiently oxidized, but further work is required to assess the variability of serpentinite protoliths, metamorphic pressures and temperatures, and to confirm the relative positions of the mineral buffers with relation to changes in fluid speciation.

Can mineral equilibrium modelling provide additional details on metamorphism of the Barberton garnet amphibolites?

AbstractThe Stolzburg domain to the south of the Barberton Greenstone Belt preserves evidence for a 3.23 Ga subduction–collision tectonic event. Garnet amphibolite greenstone remnants have previously yielded conventional thermobarometric P-T estimates of 12 to 15 kbar at 600 to 650°C, 8 to 11 kbar at 650 to 700°C and 7.5 to 8.5 kbar at 560 to 640°C from, respectively, the Inyoni shear zone along the western margin of the Stolzburg domain, the central part of the domain and from the Tjakastad schist belt on the boundary with the main body of the Barberton Greenstone Belt. Pseudosection calculations constrain the stability conditions of the peak metamorphic assemblages at the three localities to be 10 kbar at 675 to 690°C, ~10 kbar at 700°C and ~7 and 10 kbar at 660°C respectively. Although it is possible that the peak metamorphic assemblages may be displaced to somewhat lower conditions if Mn is considered in the calculations, these estimates are generally in good agreement with existing estimates, and confirm that the Stolzburg domain exposes an intact mid- to lower-crustal section that was metamorphosed in a relatively cool environment at 3.23 Ga. Our results do not support previously documented higher-pressure conditions, and we contend that the mineral assemblages used to derive these estimates can equally reflect the conditions determined here. The presence of albite-epidote inclusion assemblages in garnet indicates that the likely prograde path involved a component of heating at depth, which is typical of subduction–collision environments and markedly different from the heating–burial paths expected for sinking greenstones in a vertical tectonic model.

The metamorphic PT history of Precambrian Belomorian eclogites (Shirokaya Salma), Russia

AbstractThis petrological study details representative well‐preserved and partly retrogressed eclogite samples from the Shirokaya Salma locality in the Belomorian Province (Russia) to resolve ambiguity in the PT evolution of one of the oldest eclogite occurrences on Earth. Based on microstructures, eclogite and granulite facies mineral assemblages comprise omphacite, garnet (interior), quartz, rutile±phengite and diopside, garnet (modified rim), plagioclase, orthopyroxene, amphibole, quartz, rutile/ilmenite±melt respectively. Omphacite and Na‐bearing diopside feature breakdown textures with multiple oriented quartz–amphibole and orthopyroxene lamellae, while diopside forms symplectite with plagioclase. Garnet often exhibits a particular compositional annulus in both major and trace elements (Y+REE). We interpret the high‐Ca and inclusion‐rich garnet (core) with outwards Grs decrease and Prp increase as relict of prograde growth. The mantle‐rim domain of garnet, containing omphacite, diopside, plagioclase and rutile formed during eclogitization. Compositionally homogeneous garnet porphyroblasts are most likely outcomes of high‐T modifications. A progressive zonation of Y+REE from core to rim in several garnets is related to resorption at high temperatures. Both geothermometric and pseudosection calculations reveal a typical orogenic clockwise trajectory for the studied eclogites, and their metamorphic PT path includes a possible pre‐eclogitic stage (M0) at <630°C, ~16–19 kbar, a peak eclogite facies stage (M1) at 19–21 kbar, 670–750°C, a granulite facies overprint (stage M2) from 14–16 kbar, 830–870°C (M2a) to 10–11 kbar, 880–910°C (M2b), and retrogression to <9–11 kbar, <650–680°C (stage M3). It agrees well with our previous estimates for other Salma eclogites with Palaeoproterozoic ages.

Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphism and Tectonic Evolution of Southwestern Tianshan Orogenic Belt, China: A Comprehensive Review

AbstractRecently, a huge ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt of oceanic‐type has been recognized in southwestern (SW) Tianshan, China. Petrological studies show that the UHP metamorphic rocks of SW Tianshan orogenic belt include mafic eclogites and blueschists, pelitic garnet phengite schists, marbles and serpentinites. The well‐preserved coesite inclusions were commonly found in eclogites, garnet phengite schists and marbles. Ti‐clinohumite and Ti‐chondrodite have been identified in UHP metamorphic serpentinites. Based on the PT pseudosection calculation and combined U‐Pb zircon dating, the P‐T‐t path has been outlined as four stages: cold subduction to UHP conditions before∼320 Ma whose peak ultrahigh pressure is about 30 kbar at 500 °C, heating decompression from the Pmax to the Tmax stage before 305 Ma whose peak temperature is about 600 °C at 22 kbar, then the early cold exhumation from amphibolite eclogite facies to epidote‐amphibolite facies metamorphism before 220 Ma and the last tectonic exhumation from epidote amphibolite facies to greenschist facies metamorphism. Combining with the syn‐subduction arc‐like 333‐326 Ma granitic rocks and 280‐260 Ma S‐type granites in the coeval low‐pressure and high‐temperature (LP‐HT) metamorphic belt, the tectonic evolution of Tianshan UHP metamorphic belt during late Cambrian to early Triassic has been proposed in this paper.

Granulites record the tectonic evolution from collisional thickening to extensional thinning of the Tongbai orogen in central China

AbstractA combined study of petrology and geochemistry was carried out for granulites from the Tongbai orogen in central China. The results reveal the tectonic evolution from collisional thickening to extensional thinning of the lithosphere at the convergent plate boundary. Petrographic observations, zircon U–Pb dating, and pseudosection calculations indicate that the granulites underwent four metamorphic stages, which are categorized into two cycles. The first cycle occurred at 490–450 Ma and involves high‐P (HP) metamorphism (M1) at 785–815°C and 10–14 kbar followed by decompressional heating to 840–880°C and 8–9 kbar for medium‐pressure granulite facies metamorphism (M2), defining a clockwise P–T path. The high pressure is indicated by the occurrence of inclusions of rutile+kyanite+K‐feldspar in the garnet mantle. The second cycle occurred at c. 440 Ma and shows an anticlockwise P–T path with continuous heating to ultrahigh‐temperature (UHT) metamorphism (M3) at 890–980°C and 9–11 kbar, followed by decompressional cooling to 740–880°C and 7–9 kbar (M4) till 405 Ma. The HP metamorphism is synchronous with the ultrahigh‐pressure eclogite facies metamorphism in the Qinling orogen, indicating its relevance to the continental collision in the Cambrian. The UHT metamorphism took place at reduced pressures, indicating thinning of the collision‐thickened orogenic lithosphere. Therefore, the Tongbai orogen was initially thickened by the collisional orogeny and then thinned, possibly as a result of foundering of the orogenic root. Such tectonic evolution may be common in collisional orogens where compression during continental collision switched to extension during continental rifting.

Geochemical Evidence for Hydration and Dehydration of Crustal Rocks During Continental Rifting

AbstractTo understand the temporal sequence of geological processes such as magmatism, water‐rock interaction, and metamorphism in fossil continental rifts, a combined study of petrography, mineral geochemistry, in situ garnet O isotopes, in situ zircon U‐Pb ages and O isotopes, and pseudosection calculations was conducted for metagranites from a Neoproterozoic continental rift generated during the Rodinia breakup. The results provide insights into the operation of hydration and dehydration during continental rifting. In the metagranites from the northern margin of South China, three types of garnet (Garnet‐I to ‐III) are distinguished. They were sequentially produced by hydrothermal alteration, metamorphic dehydration, and fluid metasomatism. All of these garnets show negative δ18O values of −19.3‰ to −14.5‰, in contrast to mantle‐like δ18O values for magmatic zircon. The extremely negative δ18O values of hydrothermal Garnet‐I require infiltration of the continental deglacial meltwater during the continental rifting, and before that zircon crystallized from normal δ18O magmas. Once the rocks were hydrothermally altered, the extreme 18O depletion was retained in all later products such as metamorphic Garnet‐II and metasomatic Garnet‐III. Pseudosection calculations indicate that the metamorphic dehydration occurred at 1.0–3.0 kbar and 630–690 °C during a reheating stage, corresponding to high thermal gradients of >60 °C/km. The high‐temperature/low‐pressure metamorphic rocks produced by such high thermal gradients are indicative of the continental rift setting. The mineral geochemistry records not only the temporal sequence of rift magmatism, water‐rock interaction, and rift metamorphism but also the evolution of temperature and water action in the crust during the continental rifting.

Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphism and Tectonic Evolution of Southwestern Tianshan Orogenic Belt, China: A Comprehensive Review

AbstractRecently, a huge ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt of oceanic‐type has been recognized in southwestern (SW) Tianshan, China. Petrological studies show that the UHP metamorphic rocks of SW Tianshan orogenic belt include mafic eclogites and blueschists, felsic garnet phengite schists, marbles and serpentinites. The well‐preserved coesite inclusions were commonly found in eclogites, garnet phengite schists and marbles. Ti‐clinohumite and Ti‐chondrodite have been identified in UHP metamorphic serpentinites. Based on the PT pseudosection calculation and combined U‐Pb zircon dating, the P‐T‐t path has been outlined as four stages: cold subduction to UHP conditions before ∼320 Ma whose peak ultrahigh pressure is about 30 kbar at 500oC, heating decompression from the Pmax to the Tmax stage before 305 Ma whose peak temperature is about 600oC at 22kbar, then the early cold exhumation from amphibolite eclogite facies to epidote‐amphibolite facies metamorphism characterized by ITD PT path before 220 Ma and the last tectonic exhumation from epidote amphibolite facies to greenschist facies metamorphism. Combining with the syn‐subduction arc‐like 333‐326 Ma granitic rocks and 280‐260 Ma S‐type granites in the coeval low‐pressure and high‐temperature (LP‐HT) metamorphic belt, the tectonic evolution of Tianshan UHP metamorphic belt during late Cambrian to early Triassic has been proposed.

Ultrahigh pressure metamorphism and tectonic evolution of southwestern Tianshan orogenic belt, China: a comprehensive review

Abstract Recently, a huge ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt of oceanic type has been recognized in SW Tianshan, China. Petrological studies show that the UHP metamorphic rocks of SW Tianshan orogenic belt include mafic eclogites and blueschists, pelitic garnet phengite schists, marbles and serpentinites. The well-preserved coesite inclusions are commonly found in eclogites, garnet phengite schists and marbles. Ti-clinohumite and Ti-chondrodite have been identified in UHP metamorphic serpentinites. Based on the P–T pseudosection calculation and combined U–Pb zircon dating, the P–T–t path has been outlined as four stages: cold subduction to UHP conditions before c. 320 Ma whose peak ultrahigh pressure is about 30 kbar at 500°C; heating decompression from the P max to the T max stage before 305 Ma whose peak temperature is about 600°C at 22 kbar; then the early cold exhumation from amphibolite eclogite facies to epidote-amphibolite facies metamorphism before 220 Ma; and the last tectonic exhumation from epidote amphibolite facies to greenschist facies metamorphism. Combining with the syn-subduction arc-like 333–326 Ma granitic rocks and 280–260 Ma S-type granites in the coeval low-pressure and high-temperature metamorphic belt, the tectonic evolution of Tianshan UHP metamorphic belt during late Cambrian to early Triassic has been proposed in this paper.

New P-T-X conditions for the formation of gem tsavorite garnet in the Voi area (southwestern Kenya)

Tsavorite nodules-bearing deposits from southwestern Kenya are located in the Kurase Group, a metasedimentary unit of the Neoproterozoic Metamorphic Mozambique Belt. This unit is composed of graphitic paragneisses intercalated with metacarbonates and metaevaporites, surrounded by migmatites. The rocks underwent high grade metamorphism at 615–600 Ma. The main goal of this work is to link tsavorite formation to the metamorphic evolution of the Kurase Group. The new thermobarometric data indicate widespread granulite facies conditions at 800 ± 50 °C and 10 ± 1 kbar, with no significant difference between the tsavorite-bearing metasediments and the surrounding migmatitic gneisses. Pseudosection calculation for a tsavorite-bearing metasediment indicates that tsavorite grew close to peak-T conditions at around 800 °C. The tsavorite-bearing formations have not melted extensively despite the high-grade metamorphism, in contrast with the surrounding migmatites. The lack of partial melting is probably due to an enrichment in vanadium, chromium and titanium in the protoliths that have increased the stability field of micas toward high-T. We suggest that the primary source of V and Cr was the evaporite-bearing mudstones. Crystallisation of high grade V and Cr rich tsavorite occurred in a closed system with little or no strain, in the presence of molten salts and H2S-S8 fluids.

Mineral equilibrium modelling and calculated chemical potential relations of reaction textures in the ultrahigh‐temperature In Ouzzal terrane (In Hihaou area, Western Hoggar, Algeria)

AbstractMg–Al‐rich orthopyroxene–sillimanite‐bearing granulites from In Hihaou, In Ouzzal terrane, NW Hoggar were previously determined to have experienced ultrahigh‐temperature metamorphism at 1,050°C and 10 kbar. Multilayer corona and symplectite reaction textures that pervasively replace peak metamorphic porphyroblasts were interpreted to have formed during near‐isothermal decompression. Pseudosection calculations using new and realistic activity–composition models give estimates of 900 ± 20°C and 8 ± 0.5 kbar for the reaction texture assemblage. Calculated chemical potential relations show that reaction textures formed due to very minor decompression from peak conditions, when the removal of intracrystalline melt led to the development of local equilibrium domains around garnet and sillimanite porphyroblasts. The growth of initial monomineralic coronas further isolated the porphyroblasts from the matrix, leading to the later development of the symplectites. These results indicate that the derivation and interpretation of UHT conditions using the occurrence of diagnostic assemblages on classic petrogenetic grids can overestimate temperature and/or pressure conditions. Similarly, the interpretation of reaction textures to derive retrograde conditions and P–T paths without considering their spatial development is unlikely to be reliable, as textures do not typically form in this way or routinely record this information.

Evidence for regional metamorphism in a continental rift during the Rodinia breakup

Continental rifts are tectonic zones where substantial material and heat can be transferred from the asthenospheric mantle into the crust. Because of their high thermal gradients, they were hypothesized as a setting for regional high-temperature (HT)/low-pressure (LP) metamorphism. However, the cited example is located in an intracontinental setting, where not only the compressional regime was prominent during collisional orogeny but also the envisaged continental rift failed to run into rupture. This led to ambiguous identification of the continental rift in intraplate regions and thus rejection of this hypothesis. In the present study, we identify for the first time typical HT/LP metamorphic rocks that show the occurrence of both andalusite and sillimanite in a Neoproterozoic continental rift zone. Andalusite O isotopes confirm the continental rift setting, and comparison with zircon O isotopes supports the metamorphic origin of aluminosilicates. Pseudosection calculations indicate that the HT/LP metamorphism occurred at 1.0–3.5 kbar and 560–660 °C. U-Pb dating of metamorphic titanite yields ages of ca. 750 Ma for the HT/LP metamorphism, consistent with the peak age of Rodinia breakup. Premetamorphic protoliths show bimodal lithochemistry and arc-like geochemical signatures, suggesting that they are rift magmatic rocks. These rocks would be produced during the development of continental rifting on a Grenvillian accretionary orogen that formed due to the Rodinia assembly. The continental rifting is coupled with stretching of the thinned orogenic lithosphere, accounting for the high heat flow from the asthenospheric mantle into the upper crust for the HT/LP metamorphism at shallow depths. Heat flow estimates from crustal Th, U and K contents are significantly lower than that from peak mineral assemblages, indicating that the anomalously high heat flow from the asthenospheric mantle did occur in the continental rift. Therefore, continental rifts are an important site for high thermal gradients and thus for regional HT/LP metamorphism.

Poly-phase metamorphism of garnet-bearing mafic granulite from the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica: P-T path, U-Pb ages and tectonic implications

A rare garnet-bearing mafic granulite boulder has recently been identified from the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica, with the development of two-stage decompression textures. Detailed petrographic study and P-T estimates suggest three distinct metamorphic stages: (1) peak ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) stage (M1) represented by coarse-grained garnet-orthopyroxene-bearing porphyroblastic assemblage, with P-T conditions of ∼9.3 kbar and 900–950 °C; (2) post-peak decompression stage I (M2) represented by relatively coarse-grained orthopyroxene-plagioclase-ilmenite-bearing corona assemblage, with P-T conditions of 7.2–7.6 kbar and 810–830 °C; and (3) post-peak decompression stage II (M3) represented by fine-grained orthopyroxene-plagioclase-ilmenite-bearing symplectite assemblage on garnets and along garnet cracks, with P-T conditions of 6.2–6.9 kbar and 730–770 °C. Combined with P-T pseudosection calculation in the NCKFMASHTO system, these P-T data define a clockwise P-T path with post-peak two-stage decompression accompanied by important cooling. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age dating results show two weighted mean ages of 927 ± 13 Ma and 547 ± 30 Ma, suggesting that M1 UHT stage occurred in the early Neoproterozoic Rayner orogeny (990–900 Ma), whereas M2–M3 stages occurred during the early Palaeozoic Pan-African tectonic event (550–500 Ma). The peak P-T conditions, post-peak two-stage decompression P-T path and age data resemble those of the early Neoproterozoic garnet-bearing mafic granulite on Søstrene Island. It is inferred that the mafic granulite boulder may have been derived from the bedrock under inland ice sheet of the Larsemann Hills. Thus, the early Neoproterozoic metamorphism (M1) may reflect crustal thickening followed by post-orogenic extension likely associated with the assembly of Rodinia continent, while the overprinting of early Palaeozoic metamorphism (M2–M3) may reflect an extensive intra-continental reworking.