Ultrahigh-temperature Metamorphism Research Articles

Identifying Ultrahigh-Temperature Metamorphism in Basic Granulites

Abstract Identifying ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism in basic granulites is challenged by the uncertainty of peak temperatures. Consequently, available temperature indicators are desiderated all along. In this study, we investigated low-pressure basic granulites from the Daqingshan, North China Craton and determined a UHT peak condition around 1000–1050 °C and 0.8–0.9 GPa. This peak condition was constrained by combining the AlT of 0.10–0.12 in clinopyroxene (Cpx) cores, maximum Ti of 0.36–0.38 in amphibole (Amp) cores and anorthite proportion (XAn) of 0.67–0.70 and 0.61–0.63 in plagioclase (Pl) cores/mantles analyzed in two selected samples. The P–T records obtained from several thermobarometers related to amphibole, plagioclase and/or clinopyroxene were also verified to be in agreement with the phase equilibria modeling results. Notably, AlT-in-Cpx is assessed to be a reliable temperature indicator in basic granulites with the Opx–Cpx–Pl–Amp assemblage, albeit could be influenced by bulk-rock compositions in some extent and has a temperature standard error of ~70 °C. Besides, the post-peak evolution was dominated by near-isobaric cooling at 1.94–1.93 Ga, to a fluid-absent solidus as high as ~940 °C. During the cooling process, plagioclase and amphibole grew together at the expense of Al-rich clinopyroxene and unsegregated melts, accompanied by the (rimward) decrease of AlT-in-Cpx, Ti-in-Amp and XAn-in-Pl. A pre-peak process is inferred to be decompressional heating. The UHT metamorphism in Daqingshan is interpreted to result from asthenosphere upwelling and thermal advection from regional mantle-derived magmatism during post-orogenic extension, in a newly developed back-arc-related environment.

Multi-stage ultrahigh temperature metamorphism in the lower crust of the Kaapvaal craton recorded by U–Pb ages of garnet

U–Pb ages were determined by split-stream LA-SF/MC-ICPMS in garnets from UHT granulite xenoliths (Star mine, South Africa; 124 Ma). They give a considerable age range of 400 million years with well-defined maximas at 3.09, 3.01 and 2.75 Ga. The oldest peak overlaps with the changeover from tonalites to K-granites at 3.14–3.04 Ga and with zircon ages of the mid-crustal granulites of the Vredefort dome (3.1 Ga) in the wake of the 3.2 Ga collision of three terrains that compose the Witwatersrand block. Subduction (or sagduction) of the uppermost crust in an ultrahot orogen setting brought shales and greenstones to the lower crust. Ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions are the result of high mantle potential temperatures and self- heating by the radioactive inventory of the subducted lithologies. Metamorphism, anatexis to very high degrees and melt extraction left UHT granulites as residue. Rejuvenation of UHT conditions was brought about by Dominion Group magmatism between 3.0 and 2.95 Ga. Magmatic uprise caused intense shearing in the lower crust followed by recrystallisation of the shear zones to generate the younger garnet age group. Ventersdorp flood basalt volcanism caused similar processes at around 2.72 Ga and generated the third garnet age group. Zircon gives U–Pb ages mainly around 2.72 Ga (both literature and our own data) i.e. zircon adjusted or newly crystallized at the youngest UHT event. Only few zircon grains retained older ages up to 2.94 Ga. Still unconstrained, but very high closure temperatures (≥ 1100 °C) for the U–Pb system in garnet keep the memory of the oldest ages in UHT granulites. Such ages can only be reset by recrystallization. This way, garnet records a prolonged high-temperature history of the lower crust of the Kaapvaal craton.

Neoarchean clockwise P-T trajectories with evolution sequence from HP to UHT metamorphism during decompression: Evidence from petrology, mineralogy, and phase equilibria modeling of mafic granulites in the Sittampundi Complex, southern India

The dispute of tectonic environments such as subduction-collision setting versus extension tectonic setting, is a common phenomenon in the Precambrian. Despite the ongoing controversy, the pressure–temperature (P–T) paths recorded by metamorphic rocks are often used as an indicator for distinguishing between subduction-collision and extension tectonic settings in the early Precambrian. It is widely acknowledged that high-pressure (HP) granulites may have formed in crustal-thickening-dominated collision/subduction environment. Conversely, ultra-high temperature (UHT) granulites may have formed in the elevated mantle heat flux environment. The Sittampundi Complex (SC), where HP granulites and UHT granulites coexist, plays a crucial role in unraveling the late-Neoarchean to early-Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of northern South Granulite-facies Terrane (NSGT) of India. In this study, we present new P–T paths from three HP mafic granulites overprinted by UHT granulite facies metamorphism in the SC and provide more data to unravel metamorphic evolution of NSGT. Phase equilibria modeling and traditional thermobarometry calculations illustrated that clockwise metamorphic pressure–temperature (P–T) paths were yielded, passing from 3.3 to 9.3 kbar/631–669 °C (prograde stage) through 11.9–18.5 kbar/828–986 °C (pressure-peak stage), and through 6.6–11.1 kbar/1019–1085 °C (temperature-peak stage) to 4.4–8.1 kbar/845–930 °C (retrograde stage). The HP mafic granulites exhibit clockwise P–T paths with a considerable heating process (ca. 150–180 °C) from the pressure-peak stage (HP-granulite sub-facies) to the temperature-peak stage (UHT-granulite sub-facies). Zircon U-Pb dating yields an age of 2513 ± 29 indicates that the metamorphism took place in the Neoarchean. The uncommon P–T paths from Neoarchean HP granulite in the NSGT suggest that during late Neoarchean, the NSGT had experienced the crustal-thickening dominated collision/subduction (assembly of micro-blocks of Dharwar Craton) and subsequently mantle diapirism process.

Ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism of the felsic granulites in the eastern North China Craton and their implications on the Neoarchean tectonic regime

The studies of the meta-pelitic and mafic rocks of the Eastern Hebei in the North China Craton have proved the existence of Neoarchean ultrahigh temperature (UHT) metamorphism. However, whether the metamorphosed felsic rocks of the area experienced the similar UHT metamorphism remains poorly constrained. Based on our new geological mapping and petrological observations, we identified felsic granulites in the Taipingzhai area of the eastern North China Craton. We combined thermodynamic modelling results with the temperature calculations of the ternary feldspar thermometer to retrieve the metamorphic history. Sample JD29–1 achieved the peak UHT condition at 9.3 kbar/1025 °C that was followed by a retrograde metamorphism at P < 8.0 kbar and T < 830 °C, whereas Sample JD11–2 recorded the peak P–T conditions of 8.0–9.5 kbar and 825–865 °C followed by a retrogression stage below 7.5 kbar/765 °C. Orthopyroxene crystals from both samples are subhedral to anhedral in crystal shape, and contain commonly high-TiO2 biotite inclusions and enriched-HREE and depleted LREE and MREE patterns, indicating a typical metamorphic origin. UPb zircon dating results reveal the protoliths of the felsic granulites were emplaced at 2537–2503 Ma and metamorphosed at 2503–2464 Ma. This study indicates that the UHT metamorphism was also recorded in the felsic granulites from the Eastern Block of the North China Craton. A Neoarchean mantle plume triggered sagduction model represents the most favorable tectonic regime that can well explain the existing metamorphic data from all the felsic, mafic and pelitic rock assemblages.

Heating mechanisms of ultra-high temperature metamorphism in Phanerozoic collisional orogens: Constraints from 2-D numerical modelling

Heating mechanisms of ultra-high temperature metamorphism in Phanerozoic collisional orogens: Constraints from 2-D numerical modelling

Metamorphic P-T-t evolution of ultrahigh-temperature granulite facies metapelites from the Lundazi terrane, Irumide Belt, Eastern Zambia

The Lundazi terrane is part of the Mesoproterozoic Irumide Belt of Central Africa which together with other terranes of similar ages are interpreted to record collisional events relation to the amalgamation of the Rodinia Supercontinent. Pelitic granulites from the area preserve evidence of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism and partial melting with complex textures involving garnet + sillimanite + spinel + quartz ± cordierite ± orthopyroxene, rare corundum, and ternary feldspars. Garnet porphyroblasts preserve inclusions of spinel + quartz and sillimanite + feldspar which indicate high temperatures were reached during the metamorphic peak. The metamorphic evolution of these rocks has been investigated using phase equilibria modelling and complemented by ternary feldspar thermometry and garnet-orthopyroxene thermobarometry which indicate peak conditions of up to ∼900–1000 °C and 6–9.5 kbar. The preservation of peak assemblages and textural features of these rocks suggest substantial melt loss during their prograde evolution. Melt-reintegrated pseudosections indicate isobaric heating prior to exhumation and subsequent cooling. Monazite EPMA dating identifies the thermal peak occurred at 1056–1028 ± 8 Ma, followed by retrograde recrystallization at 1003 ± 8–975 ± 7 Ma. The high-grade metamorphism is interpreted in terms of clockwise P-T-t paths with retrograde recrystallization marked by the partial resorption of garnet rims to form plagioclase, the growth of late cordierite around garnet and sillimanite, and alteration of monazite. The absence of a Neoproterozoic overprint in the area indicates the Lundazi terrane is part of the Irumide Belt s.s rather than the Southern Irumide Belt, and a revision of the boundary between the two regions is proposed.

3D shear-wave velocity structure of the Eastern Indian Shield from ambient noise tomography: Ultramafic lower crust underneath the Singhbhum Craton

Singhbhum Craton (SC) in the Eastern Indian Shield (EIS) is known to have preserved Archean crust which might provide insights into the Precambrian tectonics. In this study, ambient noise cross-correlation of about 1 year of continuous data recorded in 15 broadband seismic stations across EIS is performed. Rayleigh wave group velocities at 4–22 s periods obtained by frequency-time analysis of the cross-correlograms were subjected to tomographic inversion to produce group velocity maps. The spatial resolution of these maps was found to be ∼100 km. Inverted 1D shear-wave velocity (VS) models at regular grid points of these tomographic maps were combined to construct the first 3D VSmodel of the SC and adjoining regions within the EIS. The 3D model highlights a high VS(3.6–3.8 km/s) structure in the 4–20 km depth range and an ultra-high VS(∼4.0–4.2 km/s) structure at depths ≥ 20 km within the SC only. The VS of the upper layer and its regionalisation match with the well-studied granite batholith within the SC. The ultra-high velocitylayer in the lower crust, spatially spanning ∼100 km × 150 km, is distinctly imaged for the first time and its VS indicates probable ultramafic composition. The existence of ultramafic composition at ∼800 MPa lithostatic pressure requires ultra-high temperature metamorphism, possible through mantle upwelling/melting. The previous studies of upwarped crust-lithosphere beneath the SC and the lower-crustal ultramafic composition inferred in this study probably confirm the delamination of the lithosphere beneath the SC at some point during the Precambrian eon.

Metamorphic Ages and PT Conditions of Amphibolites in the Diebusige and Bayanwulashan Complexes of the Alxa Block, North China Craton

The metamorphism and geological significance of amphibolites in the Diebusige and Bayanwulashan Complexes of the eastern Alxa Block, North China Craton, were poorly understood until now. This study presents the results of petrology, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb analysis, phase equilibrium modeling and geothermobarometry for these rocks. The peak mineral assemblage of clinopyroxene + hornblende + plagioclase + K-feldspar + ilmenite + quartz + melt is inferred for amphibolite sample ALS2164 in the Diebusige Complex. Correspondingly, the peak mineral assemblage of clinopyroxene + hornblende + plagioclase ± K-feldspar + ilmenite + quartz + melt is identified for amphibolite sample ALS2191 in the Bayanwulshan Complex. Phase equilibrium modelling constrained the peak metamorphic condition of amphibolite sample ALS2164 in the Diebusige Complex to be 825–910 °C/7.2–10.8 kbar, which is similar to that (800–870 °C/7.0–10.7 kbar) of amphibolite sample ALS2191 in the Bayanwulashan Complex. Hbl–pl–qz thermobarometry yielded the metamorphic PT conditions of 732–810 °C/3.0–6.7 kbar for these amphibolites, which are consistent with the average temperatures of 763 °C, 768 °C and 780 °C calculated by Ti-zircon thermometry. As a result, phase equilibrium modelling yielded wide PT condition ranges of 800–910 °C/7.0–10.8 kbar, the lower limit of which is consistent with the upper limit of estimates by the hbl–pl–qz thermobarometer. In addition, LA-ICP-MS U–Pb analysis on metamorphic zircons yielded weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1901 ± 22–1817 ± 21 Ma, which represent the timing of amphibolite-facies metamorphism. As a whole, the PT estimates display a high geothermal gradient, which is consistent with coeval ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism and associated mantle-derived mafic-ultramafic rocks in the Diebusige Complex. Combing this information with the previously published data from the Diebusige Complex, an extensional setting after continental collision is inferred for the eastern Alxa Block during the late Paleoproterozoic. The HREE enrichment patterns of metamorphic zircons from the amphibolites in this study are in agreement with that these amphibolites formed at relatively shallower crust than the garnet-bearing mafic granulites in the Diebusige Complex.

Geochemical and geochronological evolution of the UHT granulites from the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India: implications from F-OH substitution in biotite, thermal events and cooling age

ABSTRACT The thin lenses and bands of ultra-high temperature (UHT) granulites with diagnostic sapphirine and quartz in contact are occasionally found on the western flank of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB), which inherits the suturing and over-thrusting signatures of the EGMB with the Greater Indian Landmass (GIL). The mineral biotite contains an abnormally high fluorine concentration, as revealed by the geochemical examination of these granulites from the research area (Kothuru), which was caused by the F-OH substitution to withstand extreme thermal metamorphic conditions. The geochemical results from the multi-element spider diagram and the Harker’s variation diagram with primitive-mantle normalization also show an enrichment of light rare earth elements and large-ion lithophile elements over depleted heavy rare earth elements and high-field strength elements. An evolutionary history has been established for the high-grade rocks that were subjected to ultra-high temperature metamorphism, based on the geochemical signatures of the examined granulites. The use of isotopic K-Ar cooling ages and electron microprobe monazite chemical ages of the thermal episodes, which act as useful tools to explain the time and span of the polycyclic metamorphic terrane, is another significant component of the current work. Numerous researchers have attempted to estimate the thermal episodes in various areas of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, but their cooling ages are still poorly understood. Consequently, two thermal episodes that happened at 842 Ma and 637 Ma ago, as well as a cooling age of about 448 Ma that marked the quick exhumation of the high-grade rocks under study, have been recorded in the current investigation. The association between the Greater Indian Landmass and Eastern Antarctica during the existence of the Rodinian supercontinent has been established by recorded geochronological events.

Multistage evolution of the Angara orogenic belt (SW Siberian craton) from granulite to ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism

An exotic block of andalusite-bearing garnet-cordierite-sillimanite gneisses was identified in the area of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphic complex of Angara-Kan block (southwestern Siberian Craton). Study of PT-conditions of these rocks indicate that peak PT-parameters correspond to granulite facies at moderate pressure (T = 820 °C, P = 6 kbar) and was followed by clockwise retrograde PT-path with changing direction from near isothermal decompression to near isobaric cooling at pressure about 3 kbar. The new U-Pb SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS data on zircons and monazite indicate the time of granulite metamorphism at 1865 ± 5 Ma. The age data, metamorphic mineral assemblages and micro-textures indicate that garnet-cordierite-sillimanite gneisses were not affected by later ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism (1.78–1.76 Ga) widespread in the Angara-Kan block. Thus, the block of garnet-cordierite-sillimanite gneisses can be considered as a fragment of the early granulite metamorphic complex, which was tectonically combined with UHT metamorphic block of the Angara-Kan terrane. The observations prove multistage metamorphic history of the Angara-Kan block and indicate collisional event at ca. 1.86 Ga typical for Siberian craton amalgamation. This metamorphic episode caused melting out of a large volume of post-collisional granitoids and probably played a key role in pre-conditioning of the crust for achieving of UHT conditions during the following metamorphism.

Evidence of Paleoproterozoic metamorphism in Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica: Insights from phase equilibria modelling and monazite CHIME dating

The Vestfold Hills sector on the coastal fringe of the Princess Elizabeth Land forms part of an Archean to Paleoproterozoic aged cratonic nucleus of the East Antarctic Shield. A charnockite-granite association from the Mossel Gneiss Group in the northern region of the Vestfold Hills is investigated in this work to characterise the metamorphic-magmatic evolution of the area. Conventional thermometry and phase equilibria modelling indicate that the charnockite formed as a result of ultra-high temperature metamorphism at low-intermediate pressure (∼4 kbar). Phase equilibria modelling, reveals that the melt-integrated charnockite composition is a restitic product of a protolith of quartz diorite composition which underwent isobaric heating (peak temperature up to 960 °C) at 4 kbar pressure followed by anatexis. The anatexis of the quartz diorite protolith also resulted in the formation of the associated granitic melt. U–Th-PbTotal ages obtained from monazites of the granite integrated with CHIME ages extracted using the isochron method indicate an emplacement age of ∼2200 Ma and two younger events are recorded at ∼2000 Ma and ∼1700 Ma. The younger ages are ascribed to the resetting during the emplacement of younger basalt dykes that cross cut the charnockite-granite sequence. Vestfold Hills’ geological correlations with Indian and Australian cratons are discussed considering this new data.

Role of crustal radiogenic heating in ultra-high temperature metamorphism of the Greater Himalayan Crystalline complex: Phase equilibrium and numerical modelling

Ultra-high temperature (UHT) metamorphism is a significant feature of the Greater Himalayan Crystalline complex (GHC), which constrains the dynamics of continental subduction and subsequent continental collision. However, the mechanism of such kind of UHT metamorphism is widely debated, including slab tearing-induced mantle upwelling, mechanical heating, radiogenic heating, and others. To better understand the UHT metamorphism and the thermal budget of collisional orogens, we first conduct a forward phase equilibrium modelling coupled with geochemical modelling to explore the variation of radiogenic heat production (RHP) of felsic melt, indicating that it may range from 4 μW/m3 to 9 μW/m3. Then, we incorporate the variable RHP into a thermo-mechanical model to study its effect on the thermal evolution of the collision zone. The numerical models reveal that a reasonably increased radiogenic heat production of 4 μW/m3 for the partially molten felsic crust contributes to UHT metamorphism after the continental collision for 30–35 million years. The model results are consistent with the structural observations, geochemical signatures, and P-T paths of the GHC. After the comparison with other mechanisms (e.g., the effects of mechanical heating and anomalous mantle heating), we propose that radiogenic heating could be a predominant heat source for the rapid UHT metamorphism of the GHC, whereas mechanical heating and heat flux from the mantle play secondary roles.

Late Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh-temperature mafic granulite from the eastern Alxa Block, North China Craton

The timing and mechanism of ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulite facies metamorphism is critical to understanding the tectono-thermal evolution of granulite terranes and their relationships to supercontinent assembly. Here we document late Paleoproterozoic UHT mafic granulites from the Diebusige Complex in the eastern Alxa Block, North China Craton. These rocks occur as lens within felsic gneiss, marble, and garnet-bearing pyroxenite and contain representative granulite-facies minerals such as garnet, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and Ti-rich amphibole. Based on phase equilibria modelling, Ti-in-amphibole (Amp) thermometer, and rare earth element (REE)-based thermometers, UHT metamorphic condition of 948 – 1048 ℃/11 – 14 kbar was obtained for the peak metamorphic stage, which was followed by retrograde metamorphism under lower amphibolite – greenschist facies (401 – 565 ℃/5.2 – 7.1 kbar). Zircon U-Pb dating and trace element systematics suggest that the protolith of the studied UHT mafic granulites emplaced at ∼ 1.97 Ga. This is followed by rapid metamorphism to UHT conditions and slow cooling in the lower crust during 1.96 – 1.86 Ga, suggesting a long-lived hot orogen in the eastern Alxa Block, possibly resulting from Andean-type subduction – accretion in the eastern Alxa Block. Combining chronological and metamorphic P-T data on UHT metamorphism from adjacent areas, our results support a long-lived late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.0 – 1.8 Ga) hot orogen that extends at least from the Khondalite Belt to the eastern Alxa Block.

Antiperthite and Mesoperthite Exsolution Textures in the Zhengjiapo BIF, Changyi Metallogenic Belt, North China Craton: Evidence of UHT Metamorphic Overprint

Paleoproterozoic banded iron formation (BIF) iron ore of the Zhengjiapo region of the Changyi metallogenic belt, Eastern Block of North China Craton contains abundant coexisting antiperthite and mesoperthite textures. The antiperthite and mesoperthite occur in felsic domains of the Zhengjiapo BIF ore and enable derivation of peak temperature metamorphic conditions. Thermodynamic phase modeling shows that equilibrium conditions of corresponding textures, considering the related mineral assemblage of Pl + Qz + Kfs + Mag + Opx + L, are in the range of 870–940 °C and 5.0–6.8 kbar. Ternary feldspar thermometry using reintegrated compositions of antiperthite and mesoperthite in the felsic domain of the studied BIF iron ore reveals even higher peak metamorphic temperatures of 1045–1080 °C. The ultra-high temperature–low pressure conditions of Precambrian BIF have not yet been reported from the North China Craton. The documented ultra-high temperature metamorphism of the Zhengjiapo BIF iron ore in the Changyi metallogenic belt indicates that the BIF was involved in the collision-related tectonic process during Paleoproterozoic to have occurred in the Jiao-Liao-Ji orogenic belt.

Tectonic evolution of Southeast Asia documented by two periods of high-grade metamorphism in the Kon Tum Massif, Central Vietnam

The Kon Tum Massif in the eastern Indochina Block (ICB) contains extensive Ordo-Silurian and Permo-Triassic metamorphic rocks. These two episodes of metamorphism not only affected the Kon Tum Massif, but were also widely developed in the whole of Southeast and East Asia, including the South China Block (SCB). Comparisons of the metamorphic characteristics among these blocks can reveal the crustal evolution and their affinity in supercontinents. Two gneiss samples in the eastern part of the Kan Nack Complex of the Kon Tum Massif have similar peak metamorphic ages of 488–482 Ma and mineral assemblages of garnet + plagioclase + K-feldspar + biotite + sillimanite + ilmenite + quartz. P-T calculations and thermodynamic modelling constrain a pressure peak (M1) at 770–820 °C and ∼1.1–1.2 GPa, and a temperature peak (M2) at 790–850 °C and 0.85–0.98 GPa, suggesting a near-isothermal decompression. The post-peak M3 assemblage developed at 650–760 °C and 0.48–0.74 GPa. The clockwise P-T-t path with medium and variable geothermal gradients probably reflects an orogeny process from compression to extension, which was triggered by the closure of the Tam Ky-Phuoc Son Ocean in the northern flank of the Kon Tum Massif. The P-T-t path and tectonic setting of this period of metamorphism in the Kon Tum Massif is similar to that in the SCB, but occurred a little earlier than that in the SCB, suggesting that the ICB and the SCB were adjacent on the northern margin of East Gondwana and together experienced a diachronous early Paleozoic orogeny.A granulite sample from the western Kan Nack Complex contains garnet + orthopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz + ilmenite ± K-feldspar. Decomposition of garnet to plagioclase and orthopyroxene suggests a decompression process. Coupled with features of a gneiss sampled at the same spot, P-T calculations and thermodynamic modelling indicate a pressure peak of 885–960 °C and 0.83–0.95 GPa and a temperature peak at 890–970 °C and 0.61–0.73 GPa, corresponding to ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism. LA-ICP-MS monazite U-Th-Pb dating constrains a peak metamorphic age of 254 Ma, and Sm-Nd mineral isochrons date the retrograde stage at 243–236 Ma. This UHT metamorphism with a clockwise P-T-t path probably resulted from the excess heat supplied by asthenospheric upwelling following the break-off of the subducting slab of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. The Permo-Triassic metamorphism and other geological records in the ICB are significantly different from those in the SCB, implying that the geological processes in the two blocks were controlled by different geodynamic regimes during Late Permian to Early Triassic.

Detrital zircon U–Pb-Hf isotopes-based reconstruction of the depositional history of (ultra)high-temperature metamorphic rocks from the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe (southern Brasília orogen, Brazil)

Deciphering the provenance of paraderived rocks that underwent high-to ultrahigh (HT-UHT) temperature metamorphism is a challenging task. Such metamorphic conditions can generate protracted zircon U–Pb age records of unclear meaning. However, the combination of U–Pb and Lu–Hf in zircon geochronology might be used as a powerful tool in order to retrieve the geological significance of geochronological data and track the signature of possible protosources. Six samples of ortho- and paraderived rocks from the São João da Mata complex in the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe (SE Brazil), a section mainly containing a continental magmatic arc built at the margins of the Paranapanema paleocontinent affected by HT-UHT metamorphism have been investigated. U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses were carried out to evaluate disturbances in the U–Pb system, identify minimum crystallization ages and the Lu–Hf signatures of protosources and protoliths. Five protosources were identified, being four showing crustal Hf signatures (εHf(804-776) = −16 to −2) and minimum U–Pb ages between ca. 804 Ma and ca. 776 Ma, and one with a moderately juvenile Hf signature (εHf(816) = +3 to +9) and a minimum U–Pb age of ca. 816 Ma. The moderately juvenile signature suggests contribution of an island or continental arc-related source. The remaining protosources exhibit similar Lu–Hf signatures to those of orthoderived rocks found within the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe. We propose that the analyzed paraderived rocks were deposited in a restricted, arc-related setting, that evolved through the following stages: i) an island to early-continental arc stage, with a maximum depositional age of ca. 816 Ma; ii) a continental arc setting, recorded by the protosources with crustal signatures and exhibiting a maximum depositional age of ca. 776 Ma; iii) HT-UHT metamorphism between ca. 690–630 Ma, with high temperature conditions lasting until the end collisional stage of the Orogen (ca. 630–610).

Archean ultrahigh temperature event in the northwestern Superior Province, Canada: Metamorphic evolution and tectonic implications of the Pikwitonei Granulite Domain

AbstractThe Pikwitonei Granulite Domain (PGD), located in the northwestern Superior Province, is one of the largest Neoarchean high‐grade metamorphic domains in the world, and is a key to understanding the Neoarchean crustal evolution of the Superior Province. Here we report results of a study on ultrahigh temperature (UHT) granulites with a sapphirine + quartz‐bearing peak assemblage from the Sipiwesk Lake area in the PGD. Three stages of metamorphic assemblage development are recognized based on petrographic observations: Pre‐peak stage is marked by garnet, sillimanite, K‐feldspar, and biotite inclusions within sapphirine and orthopyroxene. Peak stage is charactered by the typical UHT associations of sapphirine + quartz and sapphirine + orthopyroxene. The retrograde stage is represented by the retrograde formation of cordierite, biotite and sillimanite in the matrix. Phase equilibrium modelling based on the bulk compositions of sapphirine‐bearing granulites suggest that the rocks have experienced extensional UHT metamorphism in excess of 1035°C at pressures of 7.9–9.0 kbar, followed by isobaric cooling process. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of metamorphic zircons in sapphirine‐bearing granulite record the timing of the UHT event in the PGD with a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 2681 ± 13 Ma. This study in combination with other metamorphic P–T paths and age information reveals that this UHT metamorphism at 2.68 Ga in PGD was generated by upwelling asthenosphere due to slab break‐off in collision during the amalgamation of the Superior Province.

Metasediments from the lower crust reveal the history of the Picuris orogeny, southwest USA

Petrologic and geochronologic data for metapelitic lower crustal xenoliths from New Mexico (USA) and Chihuahua (Mexico) states provide evidence for both a magmatic and collisional component to the enigmatic Mesoproterozoic Picuris orogeny. These garnet-sillimanite-bearing metapelites are found within the southern Rio Grande rift at Kilbourne Hole and Potrillo Maar in southern New Mexico and northern Chihuahua. Geothermobarometry and rutile with Quaternary U-Pb dates indicate equilibration in the local lower crust, which is actively undergoing ultra-high temperature (UHT) metamorphism (Cipar et al., 2020). The samples contain older detrital zircons dating back to the Paleoproterozoic, marking their deposition at the surface. Coupled zircon U-Pb dates and trace-element ratios (e.g., Gd/Yb) show a clear transition from oscillatory-zoned, low-Gd/Yb detrital magmatic zircon to featureless, high-Gd/Yb metamorphic zircon between 1500 and 1400 Ma, marking the transition from subduction to collision during this period. Metamorphic zircon and monazite grew in two major intervals. The first, between ca. 1450 and 1350 Ma, documents the journey of the sediments to depth within the orogen and provides evidence of extended Mesoproterozoic metamorphism in the region. The second corresponds with UHT metamorphism that commenced at ca. 32 Ma and is associated with the Rio Grande rift. Whereas nearly all garnets are homogeneous in both major and trace elements, a single garnet from one sample has a core defined by abundant quartz and acicular sillimanite inclusions. The core and rim of this garnet is homogeneous in major and most trace elements, but the rim is enriched in the slowest diffusing elements, Zr and Hf, which likely indicates rim growth at higher temperatures. We interpret the garnet core to have grown at the time of emplacement of the sediments into the lower crust. Because this occurred in the sillimanite stability field and because the metamorphic zircon and monazite all have negative Eu anomalies, indicating their equilibration with feldspar (stable at depths of &amp;lt;45 km), we conclude that the sediments were not emplaced via subduction and/or relamination of forearc sediments, but were instead metamorphosed under warmer, shallower conditions in an orogenic setting. Collectively, the data point to a collisional orogen during the inferred timing of the Picuris orogeny. These samples may therefore define the location of the Picuris suture zone, a key feature of this orogenic event.

Metamorphic evolution of the UHT granulites from Mandikota, Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India: Constraints from phase equilibria modelling, fluid inclusions and monazite U-Th-total Pb geochronology

The Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) had been subjected to extreme thermal metamorphic history at various sections of its terrane. One such terrane (Mandikota) located near the western part of the EGMB has been speculated based on asserted reaction textures, conventional geothermobarometry, geochronology, fluid inclusions, and pseudosection modelling. The present integrated study aims to understand the intricacies of the diversified and controversial tectono-metamorphic evolution of these polycyclic granulite terranes. The stable occurrence of sapphirine + quartz in contact is rare in its own and is a diagnostic feature of Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) metamorphism. Conventional geo-thermobarometeric tools applied, suggests an ordered series of reactions for the different stages of metamorphism experienced by the investigated granulites. Also, the P-T estimated by conventional methods lies in sound correlation with the peak P-T condition (in excess of 950 °C at nearly 9 kbar) attained in the constrained pseudosection model. The exhumation trajectory of the examined UHT terrane reflects P-T path responsible for the thrusting mechanism with isothermal decompression of 3 kbar followed by late-stage isobaric cooling. This study also presents the primary report for the systematic fluid inclusion study of the UHT granulites and its correlation with the evolved P-T trajectory. In addition, monazite dating using Electron Micro Probe Analysis (EPMA) is procured to assess the time frame in understanding the P-T-t evolution of the high-grade terrane. The geochronological study further revealed a new age (∼600 Ma) associated with the Visakhapatnam Domain which adheres to the Pan-African orogeny and marks the reworking phase of the widely reported the Grenvillian event in the EGMB province. As such, the results from the studied fluid inclusions displaying monophase inclusions of CO2-rich carbonic fluid, and its corroboration with the P-T pseudosection model interpreting the phase equilibrium conditions prevailing during the Neoproterozoic time (∼900 Ma).

Timescales of ultra-high temperature metamorphism and crustal differentiation: Zircon petrochronology from granulite xenoliths of the Variscan French Massif Central

Lower crustal ultra-high temperature (UHT) metamorphism and the resulting production and transfer of granitic magmas represent key processes of intracrustal differentiation. The timescales of these phenomena are debated, due to the complexity of the granulite zircon U-Pb record and because direct links between granulites and granites are difficult to establish. To address these issues, we present the results of zircon petrochronology (coupled U-Pb dating, trace element and Lu-Hf isotopic analyses) for lower crustal felsic and mafic granulite xenoliths from the Variscan eastern French Massif Central and compare them with data from well-characterized mid-/upper crustal migmatites and granites. The felsic and mafic granulites represent pre-Variscan meta-sedimentary and meta-igneous mafic rocks, respectively; which experienced Variscan UHT peak metamorphism at 940–970°C and 8 ± 2 kbar. Zircons from the felsic granulites show U-Pb dates spreading over ∼50 Myr between ∼315 and ∼265 Ma, correlated to Ti-in-zircon temperatures decreasing from 940–970°C to 800°C and REE contents consistent with growth in equilibrium with garnet at (U)HT conditions. This is best explained by continuous crystallization of zircon upon cooling from the thermal peak owing to decreasing Zr solubility of residual melt, despite significant prograde melt loss. Zircons from the mafic granulite only record the last stage of this time-temperature evolution (295–265 Ma; 800–900°C) due to later zircon saturation. Upper crustal granite emplacement started at 340 Ma and culminated at the age of the lower crustal thermal peak of 313 ± 3 Ma (defined by the highest-temperature zircons from felsic granulites), reflecting melt extraction along the ∼27 Myr prograde path of the lower crust. In turn, the crystallization ages of mid-crustal migmatites (315–300 Ma) and the lower crustal granulites (315–265 Ma) are consistent with slow cooling in the presence of melt. These results provide a direct assessment of the timescales of melt production and residence at the crustal scale; and validate the granulite-granite connection in the framework of the melt loss theory in migmatitic systems.