Qaidam Ultrahigh-pressure Metamorphic Belt Research Articles

Basal erosion during the initiation of continental deep subduction in the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt (NW China): Constraints from geochemistry and geochronology on eclogites and gneisses in the Chachahe unit

Abstract Subduction erosion is thought to be a common process in active continental margins that removes upper-plate material and transfers it to the subduction channel. The North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt of NW China was formed by subduction of the Qaidam Block beneath the Quanji Block in the early Paleozoic. In this study, we found gneisses and eclogites in the Chachahe unit of the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt that recorded 2.39–2.28 Ga magmatism and 1.93–1.87 Ga amphibolite-facies metamorphism prior to the early Paleozoic (452–439 Ma) eclogite-facies metamorphism. The Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal history recorded by these gneisses and eclogites is distinct from that of the Qaidam Block but similar to that of the Quanji Block. The rock assemblages, field occurrences, geochemical characteristics, and zircon Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of these rocks closely resemble those of gneisses and enclosed mafic enclaves in the Delingha Complex in the basement of the Quanji Block and the mafic dikes intruded within it. This evidence clearly illustrates that the protoliths of gneisses and eclogites in the Chachahe unit were from the basement of the upper Quanji Block rather than the subducted Qaidam Block. Further considering the spatial location of the Chachahe unit, as well as similarities in early Paleozoic metamorphic ages, peak metamorphic conditions, and clockwise P-T paths between rocks in the Chachahe unit and those that originated from the Qaidam Block, we propose that the bottom basement of the Quanji Block was scraped off by basal erosion during the initiation of continental subduction, transported to mantle depth, and then exhumed with other slices from the subducted slab.

The transition from oceanic to continental subduction and collision: A case study of the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, northern Tibetan Plateau

The transition from oceanic to continental subduction and collision: A case study of the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, northern Tibetan Plateau

Protolith origin of eclogites from the North Qaidam UHP metamorphic Belt, NW China: Implications for the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent

The North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt (NQUB) is distinguished by the widespread distribution of eclogites. However, the protolith nature of these eclogites remains controversial. This study reports new zircon LA-ICP-MS U–Pb ages and whole-rock geochemistry as well as Sr–Nd isotopic data on the Yuka and Dulan eclogites in the NQUB. Zircon U–Pb dating results of these eclogites indicate that the protolith and metamorphic ages are 831–809 Ma and 439–433 Ma. Based on distinct geochemical features, the samples can be classified into high-Ti/Y type (Group 1) and low-Ti/Y type (Group 2 and Group 3). The Group 1 eclogite protoliths are geochemically similar to oceanic island basalts (OIB) and likely originated from garnet-spinel peridotite mantle sources. The protoliths of Group 2 eclogites have a similar mantle source to those of the Group 1 protoliths, but experienced a higher degree of fractional crystallization and crustal contamination. The Group 3 eclogites have N-MORB-like affinity, and may be derived from shallower mantle sources in the spinel stability field. The differences in mantle sources of enriched (Group 1 and Group 2) and depleted (Group 3) eclogite protoliths can be ascribed to varying extents of mixing between enriched plume and depleted MORB-type mantle components at various melting depths. Our results suggest that the Neoproterozoic protoliths of eclogites in the NQUB belonged to a part of widespread Neoproterozoic rift-related mafic magmatism in the Altun-Qilian-Kunlun Orogenic Belt. These rocks could be the products of mantle plume activities that caused the breakup of Rodinia. Most Neoproterozoic mafic rocks in the NQUB experienced early Paleozoic HP/UHP metamorphism.

Hydrothermal systems with radiogenic Sr in the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, NE Tibetan Plateau and implications for regional dissolved Sr budget

Hydrothermal systems, including hot springs and hydrothermal calcite, are common features of orogenic belts. The hot springs and hydrothermal calcite in the Himalayas are characterized by radiogenic Sr related to metamorphic processes. Such metamorphism-driven processes have contributed significant amounts of radiogenic Sr to rivers and groundwater, which has affected the evolution of global seawater 87Sr/86Sr during the Cenozoic. However, whether such hydrothermal systems with highly radiogenic Sr occur in other continental collisional belts with intense metamorphism remains unknown, which hinders a better understanding of regional and global Sr cycles. Compiled 87Sr/86Sr ratios in surface water around the Tibetan Plateau show that the Qilian-North Qaidam region displays a higher 87Sr/86Sr ratio than other regions, except for the Himalayas. Here, we report 87Sr/86Sr ratios of a hydrothermal system on the northern margin of the early Paleozoic North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, NE Tibetan Plateau. The high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.757–0.734) of the hot spring water and the acetic acid leachates of the surrounding rocks (gneiss and schist) with other isotopic tracers (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, lithium, and boron isotopes) indicate that 1) Sr was exchanged during metamorphism between carbonate and silicate phases in crustal rocks and the high 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the hot spring water was acquired from a deep water-rock reaction process; and 2) hydrothermal systems around the Qilian-North Qaidam region operate like those in the Himalayas. Mass balance calculations indicate that the metamorphism-forced hydrothermal system plays a key role in delivering radiogenic Sr to rivers and lakes and yielding higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios in surface water around the Qilian Shan region than in the surrounding areas. The reactivated early Paleozoic Qilian orogenic belts with ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism caused by the India-Asia collision have significantly impacted the regional water 87Sr/86Sr ratio, suggesting that the reactivated old orogenic belts with intense metamorphic processes formed by continental subduction/collision can play a pivotal role in regulating past seawater 87Sr/86Sr evolution.

Short-lived intra-oceanic arc-trench system in the North Qaidam belt (NW China) reveals complex evolution of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean

Abstract Recognition of any intra-oceanic arc-trench system (IOAS) could provide invaluable information on the tectonic framework and geodynamic evolution of the vanished ocean basin. The Tanjianshan Complex and mafic-ultramafic rocks along the North Qaidam ultra-high pressure metamorphic belt in NW China record the subduction process of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean. Four lithotectonic units, including island arc, ophiolite, forearc basin, and accretionary complex, are recognized based on detailed field investigation. They rest on the northern margin of the Qaidam block and occur as allochthons in fault contact with underlying high-grade metamorphic rocks. The ophiolite unit mainly consists of ultramafic rocks, 527–506 Ma gabbro, 515–506 Ma plagiogranite, dolerite, and massive lava. High-Cr spinels in serpentinite, dolerite with forearc basalt affinity, and boninitic lava collectively indicate a forearc setting. The accretionary complex, exposed to the south of the ophiolite complex and island arc, is highly disrupted and contains repeated slices of basalt, 495–486 Ma tuff, chert, limestone, and mélange. Tuffs with positive zircon εHf(t) values indicate derivation from a nearby juvenile island arc. These lithotectonic units, as well as the back-arc basin, are interpreted to constitute a Cambrian IOAS that formed during the northward subduction of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean. Combined with regional geology, we propose a new geodynamic model involving short-lived Mariana-type subduction and prolonged Andean-type subduction to account for the complex evolution of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean. The reconstruction of a relatively complete IOAS from the North Qaidam belt not only reveals a systematic evolution of intra-oceanic subduction but also advances our understanding of the subduction and accretion history of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean.

Two stages of crust-mantle interaction during oceanic subduction to continental collision: Insights from mafic-ultramafic complexes in the North Qaidam orogen

Subducted sedimentary rocks contribute to different reservoirs in the mantle, which results in crust-mantle interaction; however, the metasomatic processes involved in this sedimentary contribution to the mantle still remain poorly understood. Chromite is a robust mineral and together with its inclusions, occurring in orogenic peridotite, it is an important candidate for decoding both the petrogenetic and tectonic settings as well as crust-mantle interaction. This study presents an integrated petrological and geochemical study of the chromitite-bearing Luofengpo mafic-ultramafic complex (CLMC) in the North Qaidam orogen, China. The CLMC consists of amphibole pyroxenite, serpentinized peridotite, and serpentinized pyroxenite. Electron probe micro-analysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the studied chromite grains display compositional zoning with the cores preserving primary igneous compositions. Chromitites with high Cr#(100*Cr/(Cr+Al)) signatures are enriched in IPGE (Os, Ir, and Ru) and depleted in PPGE (Rh, Pt, and Pd) indicating that they formed in the supra-subduction zone mantle wedge. Core compositions of chromite grains indicate that the parental melts of the chromitites were similar to typical boninitic melts, formed in a forearc setting related to subduction initiation. Petrographic, geochronological, and mineralogical analyses suggest that the CLMC underwent at least two stages of crust-mantle interaction. The first stage (metasomatic agent) occurred at 483.1 ± 3.5 Ma. The metasomatic agent was a hydrous melt derived from a mixed source of carbonates and sediments, subducted with the south Qilian oceanic slab. The second stage (metasomatic fluids) occurred at 434.2 ± 2.1 Ma and the metasomatic fluids originated from subduction and exhumation of the deeply subducted continental crust. These results suggest that the CLMC represents a supra-subduction zone mantle wedge slice, metasomatized by at least two stages of subduction crustal fluids during the transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision in the North Qaidam ultrahigh pressure metamorphic belt.

Analysis of electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) mapping of geological materials: precautions for reliably collecting and interpreting data on petro-fabric and seismic anisotropy

Automated electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) data yield abundant information on the lattice-preferred orientations (LPOs) and deformation microstructures and mechanisms of minerals in a rock, which aid in our understanding of the tectonic conditions and history of a region. Additionally, this information allows us to interpret seismic anisotropies in the crust and mantle. However, great care must be taken in the collection and production of crystallographic orientation data via automated EBSD to more precisely interpret LPOs, deformation microstructures, and seismic anisotropies because petro-fabrics can be different depending on sampling methods such as all-points-per-grain (whole) data and one-point-per-grain (one orientation per grain) data. Here, we report a detailed comparison of the crystallographic orientation data produced using both all-points-per-grain and one-point-per-grain techniques to analyze eclogites from the Yuka terrane in the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt of northwestern China. By comparing eclogite crystallographic orientations between different sampling methods, we found that there was no marked difference in the LPOs, fabric strengths (J-index and M-index), and seismic anisotropies for relatively small mineral grains (e.g., garnet and omphacite). However, there were large differences in the LPOs, fabric strengths, and seismic anisotropies of relatively large minerals grains (e.g., amphibole). This result can be attributed to the acquisition method of crystallographic orientation data, which can influence the LPO, fabric strength, and seismic anisotropy of minerals and rocks. Therefore, the pole figures of minerals should be constructed from one point per grain data in order to avoid the oversampling of large grains for samples with highly heterogenous grain size distributions, as well as to permit the comparison of crystallographic orientations obtained using different tools and in other studies.

Evolution of serpentinite from seafloor hydration to subduction zone metamorphism: Petrology and geochemistry of serpentinite from the ultrahigh pressure North Qaidam orogen in northern Tibet

Serpentinite from the North Qaidam ultrahigh pressure metamorphic belt in northern Tibet is studied to provide insight into petro-geochemical evolution of serpentinite from seafloor hydration to subduction zone metamorphism. The North Qaidam serpentinite can be divided into undeformed lizardite serpentinite that was not severely overprinted during subduction and deformed antigorite serpentinite that was well recrystallized during subduction. Petrological and geochemical analyses demonstrate that the serpentinite was originally melt-percolated refractory abyssal harzburgite. Considering the local geodynamic setting, it is inferred that the serpentinite probably originated from the oceanic lithosphere that subducted before continental subduction. Relatively uniform low δ18O (4.0‰–4.5‰) of the antigorite serpentinite indicates high temperature hydrothermal alteration of protolith harzburgite by seawater. In contrast, much lower δ18O (0.6‰–2.7‰) of the lizardite serpentinite is ascribed to exchange with meteoric water at the Earth’s surface. Relict serpentinization textures are well preserved in the lizardite serpentinite, with reactions of olivine to lizardite and magnetite, pyroxenes to talc, tremolite, and lizardite, and spinel to chromite and chlorite. The replacement of lizardite by antigorite during subduction mostly initiates along grain boundaries and interconnecting veinlets, implying fluid-assisted transformation of lizardite into antigorite. Partial decomposition of antigorite produces magnesian secondary olivine in the antigorite serpentinite, while direct breakdown of metastable lizardite generates ferroan secondary olivine in the lizardite serpentinite. The serpentinite is enriched in fluid-mobile elements, with U primarily accumulated during seafloor alteration and alkalis notably introduced by sedimentary fluids at bending faults or in accretionary wedge. Infiltration by fluids equilibrated with sediments is also supported by highly elevated 87Sr/86Sr of the serpentinite. Moreover, 87Sr/86Sr of the antigorite serpentinite (0.710649–0.713996) is higher than that of the lizardite serpentinite (0.707184–0.708502), which implies more intense interaction of sedimentary fluids with the former than the latter. However, the lizardite serpentinite contains more alkalis and less U than the antigorite serpentinite, which indicates that large proportions of alkalis were lost during partial dehydration of serpentinite, while U was not released.

Metamorphic Evolution and Tectonic Implications of the Granulitized Eclogites from the Luliangshan Terrane in the North Qaidam Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphic Belt, NW China: New Constraints from Phase Equilibrium Modeling

The granulitized eclogites from the Luliangshan terrane of the North Qaidam UHP metamorphic belt occur as lenses within pelitic gneisses and orthogneisses. Combined petrologic data and phase equilibrium modeling indicate a multi-stage metamorphic history of the granulitized eclogites: (1) an earlier eclogite facies metamorphism (P>18.5 kbar, T> 830 °C) is deduced from omphacite relics in the matrix and rare omphacite inclusions within garnet. The possible assemblage is garnet+omphacite+rutile+ quartz; (2) the early stage of high pressure granulite facies assemblages (garnet+clinopyroxene+ plagioclase+rutile+quartz+liquid) developed in the early decompression process has a P-T regime of 17.5 kbar and 852–858 °C, constrained by plagioclase and clinopyroxene inclusions in garnet. The late stage of high pressure granulite assemblages (garnet+clinopyroxene+amphibole+plagioclase+rutile+quartz+liquid) records an isothermal decompression process with the pressure successively declining from 17.5 to 14.7 kbar and to 11.3 kbar at 858 °C; (3) the later medium pressure granulite facies assemblage (garnet+ orthopyroxene+ clinopyroxene+amphibole+plagioclase+ilmenite+liquid+quartz) indicates a drop in pressure and rise in temperature at P-T conditions of 7.6–7.7 kbar and 878–883 °C; (4) retrogressive amphibolite facies stage, which is represented by amphibole+plagioclase kelyphitic rims around garnet, formed under conditions of <5 kbar and <650 °C. The preservation of medium pressure granulite facies assemblage and the garnet composition feature constrain a following isobaric cooling path during late exhumation. This process suggests a clockwise P-T path and indicates that the granulitized eclogites record a high grade “Barrovian” metamorphic overprint at the middle-lower crust during exhumation. The present data show that the Luliangshan terrane is a “hot” HP-UHP terrane.

Metamorphic evolution of eclogites and associated metapelites from the Yuka terrane in the North Qaidam ultrahigh pressure metamorphic belt, NW China: Constraints from phase equilibrium modeling

As the products of early Paleozoic continental collision, widespread eclogite facies rocks crop out in the Yuka terrane, western North Qaidam Mountains, NW China. Eclogites commonly reach ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic conditions. However, whether the associated metapelitic rocks also experience UHP metamorphism has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. In this contribution, we chose two eclogite samples and one metapelite sample to investigate their metamorphic evolution. Combining with petrographic observation and P–T pseudosections, similar clockwise P–T paths with peak stages at 25–34 kbar, 580–633 °C were obtained for eclogites and metapelites. Eclogite ZM871 records a prograde metamorphic condition at 21.6 kbar/552 °C, defined by the assemblage garnet + omphacite + epidote + lawsonite + talc (+quartz + phengite + rutile) and a peak metamorphic condition at 34.0 kbar/633 °C by the assemblage garnet + omphacite + lawsonite + talc (+coesite + phengite + rutile). Eclogite ZM641 records a prograde metamorphic condition at 21.5 kbar/520 °C, defined by the assemblage garnet + omphacite + glaucophane + lawsonite (+quartz + phengite + rutile) and a peak condition at 30 kbar/616 °C by the assemblage garnet + omphacite + lawsonite + talc (+quartz + phengite + rutile). Metapelite ZM8–1 records a prograde metamorphic condition at 18.2 kbar/530 °C defined by the assemblage garnet + chloritoid + chlorite (+quartz + phengite + rutile), a peak condition at 25 kbar/580 °C by the assemblage garnet + kyanite + chloritoid (+quartz + phengite + rutile), and a retrograde condition at 16.2 kbar/595–598 °C by the assemblage garnet + kyanite + chloritoid + chlorite (+quartz + phengite + rutile). Combined with previous data from orthogneiss and impure marble in the Yuka terrane, which also recorded UHP metamorphic conditions, the Yuka eclogite–bearing unit commonly underwent UHP metamorphism, although further investigation is warranted to verify whether the Yuka unit represents a single coherent UHP metamorphic terrane or a collage of different UHP metamorphic slices.

The Early Paleozoic Xitieshan syn-collisional granite in the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, NW China: Petrogenesis and implications for continental crust growth

Syn-collisional magmatism produced by partial melting of subducted oceanic and continental crust during the continental collision plays an important role in understanding the orogenic evolution and crustal growth. This contribution reports zircon LA-ICPMS U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions, whole rock major and trace elements and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of syn-collisional Xitieshan intrusion within the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) belt, to study its petrogenesis and contribution to continental crust growth. LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating of the Xitieshan granite yields magmatic crystallization ages of 441±2Ma and 442±2Ma, which are consistent with the peak age of ultrahigh-pressure eclogite-facies metamorphism in the Xiteishan terrane. The temporal correlation between them confirms that the Xitieshan granite was products of syn-collisional magmatism during the continental collision between Qaidam and Qilian Blocks. These granites show high-K calc-alkaline and slightly peraluminous signature, low zirconium saturation temperatures and high contents of K2O with the S-type characteristics. They have rare earth element and trace element patterns resembling those of bulk continental crust, with strong fractionation of light and heavy rare earth elements ((La/Yb)N=19–26), moderately Eu negative anomalies (δEu=0.65–0.71) and the obviously Nb, Ta, P and Ti negative anomalies. The Xitieshan granite also exhibits remarkable Sr-Nd isotopic differences (initial 87Sr/86Sr=0.70920–0.71080 and εNd(t)=−4.54–4.11) from the contemporaneous granites within North Qaidam UHPM belt. Combined with the positive εHf (t)(0.5–5.3) and ages of inherited zircons (475–518Ma), the magmatism is best explained as resulting from melting of subducted oceanic and continental crust during continental collision. Isotopic mixing calculations suggest that ca. 28–35% ocean crust and ca. 65–72% continental materials contribute to the origin of the Xitieshan granite. Thus the syn-collisional felsic magmatism represents juvenile crust with input of oceanic crustal materials derived from the depleted mantle and the hypothesis “continental collision zones are primary sites for net continental crust growth” is applicable in the North Qaidam.

Post-collisional magmatism: Consequences of UHPM terrane exhumation and orogen collapse, N. Qaidam UHPM belt, NW China

Exhumation of subducted slabs and extensional collapse of orogens are the main tectonic processes in ancient and modern continental collisional zones. Magmatism during these two processes may play important roles in understanding reworking and growth of the continental crust We report here that a series of plutonic magmas, including intrusions of two-mica granite, tonalite, granodiorite, biotite monzogranite, porphyritic biotite granite and diorite, as well as contemporaneous mafic dykes, have been recognized in Dulan edogite-bearing terrane, the North Qaidam ultra-high pressure metamorphic (UHPM) belt The magmatism represented by these plutons is temporally similar to 20-30 million years (Mys) younger than the UHPM age, lasting for similar to 40 Mys and derived from different sources with different mechanisms. The magmatism was initiated by exhumation of UHPM terranes during which strongly-peraluminous two-mica granite and metaluminous tonalite were produced respectively by decompression melting of the exhumed UHPM upper and lower continental crust, respectively. The genesis of mafic magmatic enclave (MME)-hosting granodiorite with a clear hybrid signature and coeval biotite monzogranite reflected the upwelling of asthenospheric mantle by extension of lithosphere during the orogen collapse. It was induced by detachment of the subducted lithospheric mantle, which then brought heat and mantle material into continental crust and triggered the partial melting of the exhumed UHPM continental crust, and gave rise to mixing of crustal and mantle melts. Porphyritic biotite granite reflects a late melting event of continental crust Diorite marked by high magnesium content represents mantle melts with slight crustal contamination, which implies that the orogen has been unrooted and collapsed completely. The post-collisional magmatism of the North Qaidam belt provides an improved understanding for the late thermal and tectonic evolution of a UHPM continental collision zone. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Petrological and geochemical constraints on the origin of garnet peridotite in the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, northwestern China

In the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, NW China, a large garnet peridotite massif has been exhumed together with felsic gneisses and eclogite during Early Paleozoic continental collision between North China Craton and Qaidam–Qilian Block. Four rock types are recognized in this massif: dunite without garnet, dunite with garnet, garnet lherzolite and garnet pyroxenite. The bulk compositions of these rocks retain depleted major element characteristics, but possess elevated abundances of incompatible trace elements, especially the fluid-mobile large ion lithophile elements (LILE, e.g., Rb, Cs, Ba, Sr, U, and Pb). The unradiogenic Nd ( ε Nd[460 Ma] − 0.5 to − 6.8) isotopes of these rocks are consistent with their flat to light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched patterns. Petrological and geochemical data altogether suggest that the protoliths of the garnet peridotite massif represent rocks from a subarc system in the Early Paleozoic. These rocks include subarc lithospheric harzburgite and a subarc cumulate assemblage from the ascending mantle wedge melts. These rocks were then further metasomatized by the ascending melts before being transported to depths of 150–200 km or more by the subducting slab-induced mantle wedge corner flow. Their subsequent exhumation to the upper crust is likely to have been accomplished during continental collision with a recovery rate of about 7.5−10 mm/year.

Timing and mechanism of formation and exhumation of the Northern Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt

The Qilian Caledonian orogenic belt on the north margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were formed by convergence and collision of the Alxa terrain, Qilian terrain and Qaidam terrain. The 350-km-long, WNW–ESE-trending North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, lying between the Qilian and Qaidam terrains, was formed between 495 and 440 Ma by deep subduction of the South Qilian Sea and the Qaidam continental crust beneath the Qilian terrain. The UHP belt was exhumed by a process of ‘oblique extrusion’ during transformation from ‘normal’ to ‘oblique’ intracontinental subduction between the Qilian and Qaidam terrains. Exhumation began at 470–460 Ma and was completed by 406–400 Ma. Exhumation structures are well-preserved in the UHP rocks and record extensive retrograde metamorphism.

Sodic amphibole exsolutions in garnet from garnet-peridotite, North Qaidam UHPM belt, NW China: Implications for ultradeep-origin and hydroxyl defects in mantle garnets

Two types of amphibole exsolution lamellae were discovered in garnet from a few garnet peridotites from the North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, northern Tibet, NW China. The amphibole lamellae are strictly oriented in four directions corresponding to the isometric form {111} (i.e., octahedron planes) of garnet. Observations by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that amphibole lamellae are topotaxtially concordant with the host garnet and possess 9.8 to 10 Å lattice .c.-spacing. Electron-microprobe analysis reveals that these exsolved amphibole lamellae are high in Na and Ti. The TEM observations and recalculated compositions indicate that the oriented amphibole lamellae exsolved from original supersilicic majorites with high concentrations of Na2O(0.3 wt%) and hydroxyl (up to 1000 ppm by weight). These results imply that the host garnet peridotites were formed at depths greater than 200 km and that garnet can be an important reservoir of water at such depths in the mantle.

Subduction of Continental Crust in the Early Palaeozoic North Qaidam Ultrahigh‐Pressure Metamorphic Belt, NW China: Evidence from the Discovery of Coesite in the Belt

Abstract Coesite was discovered as inclusions in zircon separates from pelitic gneiss associated with a large eclogite body in the North Qaidam ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) terrane. Some graphite inclusions were also found. This finding suggested the occurrence of in‐situ UHP metamorphism and that the terrane was most likely recrystallized at pressures below the diamond stability field. It supported other previous indirect UHP evidence, such as polycrystalline quartz inclusions in eclogitic garnet, quartz lamellae in omphacite and P‐T estimates for both eclogite and garnet peridotite. The U‐Pb and Sm‐Nd ages of the North Qaidam eclogite indicated that subduction of continental crust occurred in the Early Palaeozoic, which probably recorded a collision between the Sino‐Korean and Yangtze plates.