Southern Iberian Massif Research Articles

On the association of Magmatic Microgranular Enclaves (MMEs) and cordierite-bearing monzogranites at the Sierra Bermeja Pluton (SW Spain)

Magmatic Microgranular Enclaves (MMEs) found within the cordierite-bearing monzogranites of the Sierra Bermeja Pluton (southern Iberian Massif) were investigated to understand their potential petrogenetic relationship. Variations in mineralogy, such as the absence of cordierite (Crd) and potassium feldspar (Kfs) in the MMEs, as well as differences in the compositions of biotite (Bt) and plagioclase (Pl), along with the lack of correlations of certain elements in whole-rock geochemistry, suggest a distinct origin for the MMEs compared to the host monzogranites. The MMEs may represent minor globules of a more mafic magma injected into and mixed with the host monzogranitic magma, with no significant alterations in the geochemical characteristics of the latter.

Low–Ti Continental Tholeiite Origin of Magmas With Calc‐Alkaline Signature in Transcurrent Settings: The Mississippian Matachel Volcanic Field (SW Iberian Massif)

AbstractIn the Mississippian Matachel small volcanic field of the Ossa‐Morena Zone (southern Iberian Massif) outpoured basic‐intermediate lavas exhibit geochemical characteristics of Low‐Ti continental tholeiites and calc‐alkaline lavas. Low‐Ti continental tholeiites integrate two contrasting groups of rocks: basalts (Mg#: 54 to 70; Ti/Zr: 61–79; LaN/LuN: 1.6–2.9; εNdi: +4.0–+6.6; “Group #1”), and basalts and basaltic andesites (Mg#: 43 to 66; Ti/Zr: 36–58; LaN/LuN: 2.5–5.9; εNdi: −0.2–+3.5; “Group #2”). Primitive Group #1 tholeiitic magmas were generated by partial melting of a garnet‐free lherzolite from an enriched lithospheric mantle, near the lithosphere‐asthenosphere thermal boundary layer (with a very limited asthenosphere melting input). Progressive interaction of these magmas with crustal alkali igneous rocks resulted in the formation of the petrological evolutionary trends observed, to a larger extent in the case of Group #2 Low‐Ti tholeiites. Further assimilation of amphibole‐rich calc‐alkaline metaigneous rocks might have originated the basalts and basaltic andesites with calc‐alkaline signature (Mg#: 33 to 56; Ti/Zr: 25–78; LaN/LuN: 2.0–5.6; εNdi: +2.8–+4.8). These exhibit a “Cordilleran‐type” evolutionary trend, though are unrelated to plate convergence. The magmas with calc‐alkaline signature attest to a closed‐system differentiation process controlled by the fractionation of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, magnetite and ilmenite. It is proposed that Mississippian lithospheric‐scale intra‐continental wrenching, unrelated to coeval mantle plume upwelling, reworked complexly docked mantle domains and triggered mantle melting. Enduring mid‐upper crustal processes (magma storage in mid‐crustal chambers and crustal assimilation) likely shaped the latest petrologic and geochemical aspects of the Matachel Low‐Ti tholeiites and related rocks with calc‐alkaline signature.

Petrography and geochemistry of late- to post-Variscan vaugnerite series rocks and calc-alkaline lamprophyres within a cordierite-bearing monzogranite (Sierra Bermeja Pluton, southern Iberian Massif)

The Sierra Bermeja Pluton (southern Central Iberian Zone, Iberian Massif) is a late-Variscan intrusive constituted by cordierite-bearing peraluminous monzogranites. Detailed field mapping has allowed to disclose the presence of several NE–SW trending longitudinal composite bodies, formed by either aphanitic or phaneritic mesocratic rocks. According to their petrography and geochemistry these rocks are categorized as calc-alkaline lamprophyres and vaugnerite series rocks. Their primary mineralogy is characterized by variable amounts of plagioclase, amphibole, clinopyroxene, biotite, K-feldspar, quartz and apatite. Broadly, they show low SiO 2 content (49–56wt.%), and high MgO+FeO t (10–17wt.%), K 2 O (3–5wt.%), Ba (963–2095ppm), Sr (401–1149ppm) and Cr (87–330ppm) contents. Field scale observations suggest that vaugneritic rocks and lamprophyres would constitute two independent magma pulses. Vaugneritic dioritoids intruded as syn-plutonic dykes, whereas lamprophyres were emplaced after the almost complete consolidation of the host monzogranites. In this way, vaugnerite series rocks would be an evidence for the contemporaneity of crustal- and mantle-melting processes during a late-Variscan stage, while lamprophyres would represent the ending of this stage.

Finite‐frequency Rayleigh wave tomography of the western Mediterranean: Mapping its lithospheric structure

We present a 3‐D shear wave velocity model for the crust and upper mantle of the western Mediterranean from Rayleigh wave tomography. We analyzed the fundamental mode in the 20–167 s period band (6.0–50.0 mHz) from earthquakes recorded by a number of temporary and permanent seismograph arrays. Using the two‐plane wave method, we obtained phase velocity dispersion curves that were inverted for an isotropic Vs model that extends from the southern Iberian Massif, across the Gibraltar Arc and the Atlas mountains to the Saharan Craton. The area of the western Mediterranean that we have studied has been the site of complex subduction, slab rollback, and simultaneous compression and extension during African‐European convergence since the Oligocene. The shear velocity model shows high velocities beneath the Rif from 65 km depth and beneath the Granada Basin from ∼70 km depth that extend beneath the Alboran Domain to more than 250 km depth, which we interpret as a near‐vertical slab dangling from beneath the western Alboran Sea. The slab appears to be attached to the crust beneath the Rif and possibly beneath the Granada Basin and Sierra Nevada where low shear velocities (3.8 km/s) are mapped to >55 km depth. The attached slab is pulling down the Gibraltar Arc crust, thickening it, and removing the continental margin lithospheric mantle beneath both Iberia and Morocco as it descends into the deeper mantle. Thin lithosphere is indicated by very low upper mantle velocities beneath the Alboran Sea, above and east of the dangling slab and beneath the Cenozoic volcanics.

Revised biochronology of the Lower Cambrian of the Central Iberian zone, southern Iberian massif, Spain – CORRIGENDUM

In the abstract and caption to Figure 6a of the above publication (Jensen, Palacios & Martí Mus, 2010), ‘Rusophycus isp.’ should read ‘Rusophycus cf. avalonensis’.

Revised biochronology of the Lower Cambrian of the Central Iberian zone, southern Iberian massif, Spain

AbstractTrilobites from the upper unit of the Lower Cambrian Pusa Formation (south-central Spain) substantially antedate other Iberian trilobites, according to widely published correlation schemes, and arguably would be among the earliest trilobites globally. These trilobites, previously only briefly mentioned in texts, are here described and illustrated, and their biochronological context examined. The Pusa Formation trilobites are treated in open nomenclature but with suggested affinity to the genusAbadiella.They are associated with small shelly fossils, includingPelagiellasp., chancellorid spicules andCupithecasp., and unidentfied archaeocyathans. Trace fossils from the upper unit of the Pusa Formation, down-section of the trilobites, includeDactyloiditesisp. andRusophycusisp., the latter representing the lowest occurrence of this ichnogenus in the region. This biostratigraphical context demonstrates that the Pusa Formation trilobites are substantially younger than had traditionally been thought. In terms of Iberian regional stages they are Ovetian, not Corduban as previously thought. As a consequence of the data presented here, the definitions of Iberian Lower Cambrian regional stages are discussed and a substantially revised correlation between key Lower Cambrian strata of the Central Iberian and Ossa Morena zones is proposed.

3D gravity modelling of the Aguablanca Stock, tectonic control and emplacement of a Variscan gabbronorite bearing a Ni–Cu–PGE ore, SW Iberia

AbstractThe Aguablanca stock is a Variscan mafic pluton located in the Ossa-Morena zone, southern Iberian Massif, hosting an unusual Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization associated with magmatic breccia pipes which intruded its northern part. The emplacement of the Aguablanca stock and the mineralized breccia pipes are related to the activity of the Cherneca ductile shear zone, a Variscan sinistral shear zone that favoured magma ascent through the upper crust. A detailed gravity study has been carried out in order to investigate the 3D geometry of the Aguablanca intrusion and to get insights about the emplacement mechanism and tectonic controls of the mineralization. The three-dimensional gravity modelling shows that the stock has an inverted drop geometry with a feeder zone in contact with the Cherneca ductile shear zone. The inferred orientation of the feeder zone suggests that the emplacement probably took place along an open tensional crack formed within the strain field of the adjacent Cherneca ductile shear zone. The modelling of the breccia pipes hosting the Ni–Cu–PGE ore shows that they are included inside the feeder zone, thus their emplacement is probably controlled by successive opening events of this tensional crack.

Influence of geological setting on geochemical baselines of trace elements in soils. Application to soils of South–West Spain

A collection of 235 samples were taken from 115 sites (representing a density of 1 sampling site ca. 130 km 2) on rural soils derived from the major rock types in the southern Iberian Massif. The geochemical baselines of selected trace elements (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined on the < 2 mm soil fraction. The sampling sites were not directly influenced by external pollution. Soil geochemical baseline and threshold values were calculated for each element in two geologically different zones: the Ossa-Morena Zone (OMZ) and the South-Portuguese Zone (SPZ). All the trace elements showed significantly high median concentrations when compared to reference values for soils of Andalusia, the European Union and the world indicative of regional scale enrichment of topsoils, particularly with respect to As (24.7 mg kg − 1 ), Cu (32 mg kg − 1 ) and Pb (37.9 mg kg − 1 ) in the SPZ, and Zn (78.5 mg kg − 1 ) in the OMZ. The distribution patterns of element concentrations are primarily influenced by the lithology and geochemistry nature of bedrock and the occurrence of metallogenic belts in the survey area, notably the Iberian Pyrite Belt. In the SPZ the highest median values of As (34.4 mg kg − 1 ), Pb (56 mg kg − 1 ) and Cu (57.4 mg kg − 1 ) were found in soils derived from acid igneous rocks of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. By contrast, the soils developed on carbonate rocks of the OMZ recorded the largest median values for As (27.8 mg kg − 1 ), Pb (44 mg kg − 1 ) and Zn (83.1 mg kg − 1 ), probably regarded to base-metal (SEDEX) deposits. These results indicate that regional geology is an important determinant of soil geochemical baselines for soil pollution assessment.

Two-stage formation of kaolinite in shear-zone slates, southern Iberian Massif, SE Spain

AbstractKaolinite aggregates are the major alteration product in the strongly deformed areas of a shear zone developed in contact-metamorphosed slates from the Southern Iberian Massif near Jaén (SE Spain). Muscovite and Fe-rich chlorite in strain shadows of broken andalusite crystals were observed in slates from less deformed areas. The presence of phyllosilicate packets nearly perpendicular to each other and veinlets parallel to {110} of andalusite reveal the importance of cleavage-controlled fracturing of andalusite to the mineral reactions. The compositional similarity between kaolinite and andalusite suggests a direct transformation of andalusite to kaolinite in the strongly altered area. The absence of clear preferred orientation of phyllosilicates relative to andalusite, and the compositional differences of andalusite with muscovite and chlorite from the less altered samples, indicate andalusite dissolution and chlorite-muscovite precipitation during a first mineral-growth stage. Muscovite-kaolinite and chlorite-kaolinite intergrowths indicate a later retrograde replacement stage.

Deformation-enhanced mineralogical changes in igneous quartz-feldspar rocks from a semi-brittle shear zone, Southern Iberian Massif, SE Spain

Deformation-enhanced mineralogical changes in igneous quartz-feldspar rocks from a semi-brittle shear zone, Southern Iberian Massif, SE Spain

Deformation-promoted defects and retrograde chloritization of biotite in slates from a shear zone, Southern Iberian Massif, SE Spain

AbstractNaturally deformed biotite in contact-metamorphosed slates affected by a shear zone of the Southern Iberian Massif near Jaén (SE Spain) were studied by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and high-resolution transmission and analytical electron microscopy. Biotite is found in the contact metamorphism aureole produced by the intrusion of a granodioritic stock, but shear strain caused its deformation. The southern part of the shear band is strongly deformed, containing thick clay gouge zones. The northern part is less deformed and develops weaker planar-linear fabrics. X-ray diffraction data reveal the predominance of the 2M1 biotite in the undeformed samples whereas the 1M polytype is predominant in the sheared samples. Chemical data and electron images of the biotite from unsheared slates do not show the presence of intercalated phases. This biotite is almost defect-free and electron diffraction patterns have sharp reflections indicating a two-layer polytype (probably 2M1). Back-scattered electron images from the deformed biotite in the moderate deformation part of the shear zone do not reveal intergrown minerals, but the electron microprobe analyses show some Fe- and Mg-enriched compositions. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that disordered polytype packets are predominant (probably 1Md). Their electron diffraction patterns have diffuse streaking along c*. These packets have high dislocation densities, microcavities with ∼5 Å latticefringe regions (probably brucite-like sheets) and interlayering of chlorite-berthierine. Kaolinized biotite can be observed in the clay gouges from the strongly deformed south part of the shear zone. The degree of streaking, as an indication of the intensity of deformation, revealed that the disordered polytype packets are more deformed than the two-layer polytype packets. The microcavities of the disordered polytype packets could act as potential channels for transport of fluids during the shearing stage and serve as sites for chloritization of biotite, producing chlorite-berthierine domains within biotite. Berthierine is an intermediate metastable phase replaced by chlorite with along-layer transitions.

Differential weathering of granitic stocks and landscape effects in a Mediterranean climate, Southern Iberian Massif (Spain)

Mineralogical and structural features control the weathering processes and landform development of two different crystalline stocks in the Iberian Massif, Spain (the Santa Elena and Linares stocks). The Santa Elena stock shows irregular saprolite profiles and boulder landforms whereas the Linares stock develops broad and plain landscapes with uniform saprolites and less boulder forms. The Santa Elena stock is more closely jointed and fractured than the Linares body. The main secondary minerals are kaolinite, and illite; illite/smectite interstratification was only observed in deep samples from the Linares profile. The Linares profile is feldspar-enriched whereas in Santa Elena plagioclase is almost absent and clay mineral content, especially kaolinite, is higher. Feldspars show dissolution channels developed along cleavage planes filled by clay minerals. Biotite–kaolinite intergrowths have fanned-out textures of epitaxial disposition. Weathered materials are enriched in Al and H 2O and Fe, and depleted in Ca, Na, Mg, Ti, P. The Santa Elena weathered materials are richer in H 2O than those from Linares and have lower Si/Al ratios. Mineralogical and geochemical evidence indicate the Santa Elena materials are more intensely weathered. High fracturation and high Ca-richer plagioclase contents are key factors producing the pervasive Santa Elena stock weathering. Fluvial erosion removed the alteration products in incised tectonically controlled streams resulting in boulder accumulation.

Final stages of the Variscan orogeny at the southern Iberian massif: Lateral extrusion and rotation of continental blocks

The southern part of the Iberian Massif contains one of the sutures of the European Variscan belt. Several systems of faults and dikes appear as a result of a period of brittle deformation during the late stages of the Variscan tectonic evolution of this zone. A detailed analysis of these structures has been carried out in this work. Four successive deformation phases have been identified: a first strike‐slip normal faulting stage, a transcurrent stage, a second strike‐slip normal faulting stage, and, finally, a thrusting stage. The age of these phases vary between around 310 Ma and less than 270 Ma. The computed trajectories of the deformation axes show a progressive anticlockwise rotation of around 90°. These data, together with the results of previous geological and geophysical studies of this zone and of the Variscan belt as a whole, lead us to propose a model of tectonic evolution for the last stages of the Variscan collision. Comparison with modern examples of collisional belts and with the results of analog experiments suggests that a promontory of the continental lithosphere of the downgoing plate indented against the active continental margin of the upper plate. The indenter suffered an intense deformation, in accordance with the predictions of some recent analog models simulating the indentation of a four‐layer continental lithosphere. The Variscan and Late Variscan brittle deformation episodes represent the waning stages of the Variscan collision, and not an independent tectonic event.

Formation of Nontronite from Oxidative Dissolution of Pyrite Disseminated in Precambrian Felsic Metavolcanics of the Southern Iberian Massif (Spain)

AbstractThis paper describes a rare occurrence of nontronite associated with sulfide-bearing felsic metavolcanics, providing evidence of colloidal deposition in open spaces as result of a low-temperature water-rock interaction. Microbotryoidal masses of green nontronite with impurities of kaolinite, illite, barite, amorphous silica and iron oxyhydroxides are found as vein and cavity fillings in deeply kaolinized rhyolites and rhyolitic tuffs of Precambrian age, at Oliva de Merida in SW Spain. Clay mineral characterization has been carried out by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, analytical electron microscopy and stable isotope (oxygen and hydrogen) analysis. Nontronite was formed under low-temperature alteration conditions, from a continuous sequence of reactions and aqueous solution compositions, involving two basic processes that acted in concert: oxidative dissolution of pyrite and hydrolysis of K-feldspar. After acidity neutralization, dissolved silica released by incongruent dissolution of K-feldspar reacted with ferric sulfate derived from pyrite oxidation to form nontronite under oxidizing conditions, in the presence of relatively warm meteoric water.

Formation of Nontronite from Oxidative Dissolution of Pyrite Disseminated in Precambrian Felsic Metavolcanics of the Southern Iberian Massif (spain)

Formation of Nontronite from Oxidative Dissolution of Pyrite Disseminated in Precambrian Felsic Metavolcanics of the Southern Iberian Massif (spain)

Tilting neotectonics of the Guadiamar drainage basin, SW Spain

AbstractThe Guadiamar river flows from the southern Iberian Massif to the Guadalquivir foreland basin, SW Spain. Its drainage basin displays asymmetries in the stream network, the arrangement of alluvial terraces and the configuration of the trunk river valley. The stream network asymmetry was studied using morphometric measures of transverse topographic sym‐metry, asymmetry factor and drainage basin shape. The alluvial terraces were studied through the lithologic logs of more than a hundred boreholes and field mapping. The morphometric methods demonstrate a regional tectonic tilting toward the SSE, causing both the migration of the Guadiamar river toward the east and the migration of the Guadiamar tributaries toward the southwest. As a consequence of the Guadiamar river migration, an asymmetric valley developed, with a steep eastern margin caused by river dissection, and a gentle western margin where the main alluvial deposits are found. The ages obtained using the 14C analysis of samples from several alluvial deposits show that the river migration, and thus tilting, has occurred during the Holocene as well as earlier in the Quaternary. This interpretation revises the Guadiamar longitudinal fault assumed by previous studies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Significance of pot and gutter casts in a Middle Triassic carbonate platform, Betic Cordillera, southern Spain

Pot casts and gutter casts are described for the first time in the lower part of the Majanillos Formation, a Middle Triassic carbonate unit located in the External Zones of the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain). Their identification, as well as their relation to tempestites, enables the better interpretation of the depositional environments and the shoreline‐to‐offshore facies transition on the Anisian muddy carbonate ramp of the southern Iberian Massif. The Majanillos Formation contains three members, which become progressively more marly towards the top. Well‐preserved pot and gutter casts and thin intercalations of calcarenite, which are interpreted as tempestites, are abundant in the lowest member. Above the pot and gutter casts, thicker calcarenite beds, which locally contain hummocky cross‐stratification, predominate. Bioturbated nodular limestones are prevalent at the top of the member. The remaining succession, which records a long‐term Triassic transgressive cycle, consists mostly of fine‐grained limestones deposited in very shallow‐marine environments. Calcarenitic sediments only accumulated within potholes and gutters in the nearshore. They developed during storms when strong currents transported sediment to the outer shelf, where it was deposited as tempestite beds. Pot and gutter casts characterize sedimentation in the bypass zone. It is concluded that storm deposits provide important constraints for the interpretation of palaeobathymetry; it is proposed that gutter casts display a trend of increasing width/thickness ratios towards the outer shelf. The identification of these structures in marine successions elsewhere should prove useful in the interpretation of depositional environments.

Graphite occurrences in the low-pressure/high-temperature metamorphic belt of the Sierra de Aracena (southern Iberian Massif)

AbstractFour distinct associations of graphite have been identified in the low-pressure, high-temperature belt of the Sierra de Aracena (SW Spain). Syngenetic occurrences include: (1) stratiform graphite mineralization within a calc-silicate series; (2) disseminated graphite within a terrigenous sequence; and (3) ‘restitic’ graphite within anatectic tonalites and their enclaves. Epigenetic graphite occurs as (4) veins cross-cutting mafic granulites.Graphite in all types of occurrences is highly crystalline, with the c parameter close to 6.70 Å. Such c values correspond to temperatures of formation of ∼800°C. The thermal properties of graphite are also typical of well-ordered graphite and provide DTA exothermic maxima ranging from 810 to 858°C depending on the mode of occurrence. The differences among the temperatures of formation estimated by graphite geothermometry, the position of the exothermic maximum in the DTA curves, and petrologic geothermometers are discussed in terms of the applicability of graphite geothermometry to granulite-facies rocks. Carbon isotope analysis yields δ13C values in the range from −31.6 to −21.4% for syngenetic graphite of types I, II and III attributable to biogenically-derived carbon. The heavier signatures for graphite in vein occurrences (δ13C= −17.7 to −18.3%) with respect to syngenetic graphites suggest that isotopically heavy carbonic species were incorporated into the metamorphic fluids (probably as a consequence of decarbonation reactions of the calc-silicate rocks) from which graphite precipitated into the veins. These fluids were strongly channelled through structural pathways.

Granite intrusion by externally induced growth and deformation of the magma reservoir, the example of the Plasenzuela pluton, Spain

The Plasenzuela pluton in the Central Extremadura batholith in the southern Iberian Massif, is an example of permissive emplacement in relation to the tectonic development of extensional fractures in the upper continental crust. Paradoxically, this pluton has a concordant structural pattern which is classically attributed to diapirism or ballooning. This pattern consists of the following elements: (a) nearly elliptical shape in the horizontal section; (b) conformity of the pre-existing aureole structures to the shape of the pluton contacts; and (c) development of a crenulation cleavage, parallel to the contacts, in the vicinity of the pluton walls. All these features have been interpreted in many plutons as resulting from the pushing-aside of the country rock structures due to the expansion of the pluton. However, the detailed structural relationships in the aureole do not favour a forceful emplacement mechanism. By contrast, these relationships constitute prime evidence of permissive intrusion in extensional fractures. According to this interpretation, the concordant shape of the pluton was acquired by syn-plutonic opening of a mixed tensional-shear fracture, parallel to the main foliation in the host rocks, and by folding of the fracture walls together with the previous anisotropy of the country rocks. This is a growth–deformation process that can operate at local conditions in the upper continental crust giving rise to concordant syn-tectonic plutons.

Dannemorite-bearing coticules from the Ossa-Morena central belt (Southern Iberian Massif, SW Spain)

Dannemorite-bearing coticules from the Ossa-Morena central belt (Southern Iberian Massif, SW Spain)