Ultrahigh-pressure Metamorphic Event Research Articles

Ultra-High Pressure Metamorphism and Geochronology of Garnet Clinopyroxenite in the Paleozoic Dunhuang Orogenic Belt, Northwestern China

Ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism is recorded by garnet clinopyroxenite enclaves enclosed in an undeformed, unmetamorphosed granitic pluton, northeastern Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt, northwestern China. The protoliths of the garnet clinopyroxenite might be basic or ultrabasic volcanic rocks. Three to four stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages have been found in the garnet clinopyroxenite, and clockwise metamorphic pressure–temperature (P-T) paths were retrieved, indicative of metamorphism in a subduction environment. Peak metamorphic P-T conditions (790–920 °C/28–41 kbar) of garnet clinopyroxenite suggest they experienced UHP metamorphism in the coesite- or diamond-stability field. The UHP metamorphic event is also confirmed by the occurrence of high-Al titanite enclosed in the garnet, along with at least three groups of aligned rutile lamellae exsolved from the garnet. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb dating of metamorphic titanite indicates that the post-peak, subsequent tectonic exhumation of the UHP rocks occurred in the Devonian period (~389–370 Ma). These data suggest that part of the Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt experienced UHP metamorphism, and diverse metamorphic facies series prevailed in this Paleozoic orogen. It can be further inferred that most of the UHP rocks in this orogen remain buried.

Rapid time scale of Earth’s youngest known ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic event, Papua New Guinea

Rapid time scale of Earth’s youngest known ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic event, Papua New Guinea

Late Cretaceous UHP metamorphism recorded in kyanite–garnet schists from the Central Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria

In this study, we report the first discovery of microdiamond inclusions in kyanite–garnet schists from the Central Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. These inclusions occur in garnets from metapelites that are part of a meta-igneous and meta-sedimentary mélange hosted by Variscan (Hercynian) orthogneiss. Ultra-high-pressure (UHP) conditions are further supported by the presence of exsolved needles of quartz and rutile in the garnet and by geothermobarometry estimates that suggest peak metamorphic temperatures of 750–800°C and pressures in excess of 4GPa. The discovery of UHP conditions in the Central Rhodopes of Bulgaria compliments the well-documented evidence for such conditions in the southernmost (Greek) part of the Rhodope Massif. Dating of garnets from these UHP metapelites (Chepelare Shear Zone) using Sm–Nd geochronology indicates a Late Cretaceous age (70.5–92.7Ma) for the UHP metamorphic event. This is significantly younger than previously reported ages and suggests that the UHP conditions are associated with the Late Mesozoic subduction of the Vardar Ocean northward beneath the Moesian platform (Europe). The present-day structure of the RM is the result of a series of subduction–exhumation events that span the Cenozoic, alongside subsequent post-orogenic extension and metamorphic core complex formation.

The northern boundary of the Proto-Tethys Ocean: Constraints from structural analysis and U–Pb zircon geochronology of the North Qinling Terrane

The North Qinling Terrane, including the Kuanping, Erlangping and Qinling groups, is located in the northern part of the Qinling Orogen. Here we present results from structural analyses of the North Qinling Terrane and its surrounding regions. Three episodes of deformation (D1, D2 and D3) are recognized. The D1 deformation is characterized by NNE-dipping and SSW-dipping penetrative foliations (S1). The S1 foliations are mainly marked by a strong preferred orientation of hornblende crystals, and they were subsequently overprinted by the D2 deformation. The D2 deformation is marked by tight asymmetric folds with NNE-dipping and SSW-dipping axial plane foliations (S2). We propose that the D1 and D2 deformations mainly occurred during ∼440–400Ma after the peak ultra-high pressure metamorphic event (∼520–480Ma). And so these two deformation events could constrain the collision and exhumation processes of the North Qinling Terrane, which probably indicates the closure of the Kuanping Ocean located between the North Qinling Terrane and the North China Block in the early Paleozoic. These two deformations are overprinted by the D3 deformation characterized by ENE-trending upright open folds. Two detrital zircon age spectra for the Kuanping Group with the youngest zircon of ∼640Ma and ∼510Ma, respectively, are different from those recorded for the North China Block, which may reveal the continuous southward subduction of the Kuanping Ocean during the Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic interval. We propose that the Kuanping Ocean marks the northern boundary of the Proto-Tethys Ocean in the study area.

Petrochronology of Himalayan ultrahigh-pressure eclogite

The timing and nature of the India-Asia collision, Earth’s largest ongoing continent-continent collisional orogen, are unclear. Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism of Indian continental margin rocks is used as a proxy for initial collision because it indicates subduction of India. Records of this metamorphism are preserved only at Kaghan Valley (Pakistan) and Tso Morari (Ladakh, India), separated by ~500 km and having published ages of peak pressure of 46.2 ± 0.7 Ma and 53–51 Ma, respectively. The apparent ~6 m.y. age difference may refl ect multiple subduction events, a large promontory along the former Indian margin, or inadequate constraints on the time of peak pressure recrystallization at Tso Morari. We present 108 coupled, in situ U/Th-Pb and rare earth element (REE) analyses of zircons in two Tso Morari eclogites to obtain age and petrologic information. The ages range from ca. 53 Ma to 37 Ma, and peak at ca. 47–43 Ma. Flat heavy REE slopes and the absence of an Eu anomaly are compatible with eclogite-facies zircon (re)crystallization. This (re)crystallization probably occurred at ultrahigh pressure, because 64% of the analyses are from zircon included in ultrahigh-pressure garnet and omphacite. These results are consistent with those from Kaghan Valley, and suggest that a single, protracted ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic event occurred contemporaneously across much of the orogen, following initial contact of the Indian and Asian continents at ca. 51 Ma or later.

Is quartz a potential indicator of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism? Laser Raman spectroscopy of quartz inclusions in ultrahigh-pressure garnets

Laser Raman microspectroscopy was applied to quartz inclusions in coesite- and diamond-grade metapelites from the Kokchetav ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) complex, Northern Kazakhstan, and diamond-grade eclogite xenoliths from the Mir kimberlite pipe, Yakutiya, Russia to assess the quantitative correlation between the Raman frequency shift and metamorphic pressure. Quartz crystals sealed in garnets have a higher frequency shift than those in the matrix. Residual pressures retained by quartz inclusions depend on the metamorphic history of the garnet host. The Raman frequency shift of quartz inclusions in garnet from coesite-grade and diamond-grade metamorphic rocks shows no systematic change with increasing peak metamorphic pressures. The highest shifts of the main Raman bands of quartz were documented for monocrystalline quartz inclusions in garnets from a diamond-grade eclogite xenolith. Calibrations based on experimental work suggest that the measured Raman frequency shifts signify residual pressures of 0.1–0.6 GPa for quartz inclusions from coesite-grade metapelites from Kokchetav, 0.1–0.3 GPa for quartz inclusions from diamond-grade metapelites from Kokchetav, and 1.0–1.2 GPa for quartz inclusions from the diamond-grade eclogite xenoliths from the Mir kimberlite pipe. Normal stresses and internal (residual) pressures of quartz inclusions in garnet were numerically simulated with a 3-shell elastic model. Estimated values of residual pressures are inconsistent with the residual pressures estimated from the frequency shifts. Residual pressure slightly depends on P–T conditions at peak metamorphic stage. Laser Raman microspectroscopic analysis of quartz is a potentially powerful method for recovering an ultrahigh pressure metamorphic event. Monocrystalline quartz inclusions yielding a residual pressure greater than 2.5 GPa might indicate the presence of a former coesite.

Rapid eclogitisation of the Dabie–Sulu UHP terrane: Constraints from Lu–Hf garnet geochronology

The Qinling–Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt in eastern China is one of the largest ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes worldwide. Mineral Sm–Nd- and zircon U–Pb dating has been widely used to reveal the metamorphic history of this collisional orogen. However, the exact timing of the UHP metamorphic event(s) remains controversial and ages ranging from 245 Ma to 220 Ma have been suggested. We present high precision garnet–cpx Lu–Hf ages for six eclogites from the Dabie and Sulu areas. All ages fall in a narrow range between 219.6 and 224.4 Ma. Five samples define a mean age of 223.0±0.9 Ma and one sample yields a slightly younger age of 219.6±1.4 Ma. This very tight age range is particularly remarkable considering the large regional distribution of sample localities (on the order of 100 km at the time of UHP metamorphism) and the wide variety of garnet and eclogite chemical compositions represented. Two samples yield Sm–Nd ages that are indistinguishable from their Lu–Hf ages, albeit with larger uncertainties.The identical ages of eclogites from both the Dabie and the Sulu region emphasize their close genetic relationship and similar metamorphic histories. The Lu–Hf results appear to date a punctuated event of garnet growth. Alternatively, the Lu–Hf garnet ages may represent the onset of rapid, contemporaneous uplift and subsequent cooling. However, trace element zoning of Lu and Hf is still preserved in garnet porphyroblasts, even in those with a homogeneous major element distribution. Thus, complete re-equilibration of the Lu–Hf system during peak-temperature conditions probably did not occur. The garnet forming event can be placed toward the final stage of the UHP metamorphism, in agreement with some published U–Pb zircon ages. A possible trigger for this short-lived and widespread mineral growth episode may have been a fluid that became available at that stage of the metamorphic history. Although HREE-depleted patterns of older zircon grains may indicate the presence of an older generation of garnet, complete eclogitisation may have been inhibited during the major part of the prograde P–T path due to dry conditions during most of the UHP metamorphism. The uniform Lu–Hf (and Sm–Nd) ages of all investigated Dabie and Sulu eclogites suggest that garnet growth and thus possibly fluid availability were limited to a short time interval over a remarkably large regional scale.

Metamorphic history and tectonic evolution of the Himalayan UHP eclogites in Kaghan valley, Pakistan

Eclogites of the Kaghan valley, Pakistan Himalaya were investigated petrographically and geochemically. Based on petrography, geochemistry and mineral compositions, metamorphic history and a reasonable tectonic model are proposed. Eclogites exposed in the Kaghan valley are classified into two groups. Group I eclogites appear as massive and Group II are lens-type. Group I eclogites have a mineral assemblage of garnet, omphacitic clinopyroxene, quartz, symplectite with rare epidote and phengite. Accessory minerals include abundant zircon, rutile, ilmenite, and rare apatite. Group II eclogites have a mineral assemblage of garnet, omphacitic clinopyroxene, phengite, quartz/coesite, epidote, and symplectite. In accessory minerals rutile and ilmenite are common while zircon and apatite are rare. Different types of protolith are proposed for these eclogites. Group I eclogites have higher FeO and TiO2 contents and trace element contents, and seem to be derived from gabbroic protolith. Group II eclogites have lower FeO and TiO2 and trace element contents and were derived from basalts. Pressure-temperature-time path was constructed for the Kaghan valley eclogites using various mineral assemblages along with textural relationship and inclusions study. At least three distinct metamorphic stages were identified. The first stage is the prograde garnet growth stage deduced from the inclusion paragenesis in garnet core. The second stage records the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic stage deduced from the presence of coesite inclusions in omphacitic clinopyroxene. The third stage is the decompression stage and is deduced from the quartz-albite-amphibole symplectite portions. These petrological and geochemical results combined with isotopic ages reported elsewhere indicate that basalts and associated gabbroic dikes were emplaced at about 267 Ma when the Indian plate was moving northward and passing above an unknown hot spot. The closure of the Tethys and initiation of collision of the Indian plate with the Kohistan-Ladakh Island Arc is reported from 65-50 Ma. After that the leading-edge of the Indian plate underwent eclogite facies metamorphism at 49 Ma and when it reached to depths of about 100 km, the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic event took place at 46 Ma.

Comment on “Paleozoic ages and excess 40Ar in garnets from the Bixiling eclogite in Dabieshan, China: New insights from 40Ar/ 39Ar dating by stepwise crushing” by Qiu and Wijbrans (2006)

Qiu and Wijbrans [Qiu H.-N. and Wijbrans J. R. (2006) Paleozoic ages and excess 40Ar in garnets from the Bixiling eclogite in Dabieshan, China: new insights from 40Ar/ 39Ar dating by stepwise crushing. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 70, 2354–2370] present three Ar–Ar age spectra for fluid inclusions in garnet from eclogite at Bixiling in the Dabie orogen, east-central China. These Paleozoic ages of 427 ± 20 to 444 ± 10 Ma are interpreted to represent the first formation of Dabie ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) eclogite and thus require subduction of Yangtze crust to have started much earlier than previously accepted. However, no petrographic evidence, such as mineral inclusions in the garnet relating to the particular metamorphic conditions, is presented to substantiate the proposed UHP metamorphic event. Because garnet growth is not uniquely responsible for UHP eclogite-facies metamorphism, a distinction between UHP and high-pressure (HP) metamorphic events must be made in the interpretation of geochronological results. Available data from mineral Sm–Nd and zircon U–Pb dating of eclogites from the same area have firmly established that the UHP eclogite-facies metamorphism took place at Triassic. Neither the age of UHP metamorphism nor the timing of continental collision is reliably constrained by their presented data; the fluid inclusions in garnet must contain inherited 40Ar from UHP eclogite precursor, without considerable resetting of the Ar–Ar isotopic system during Triassic UHP metamorphism. Therefore, their data are either meaningless, or at best viewed as the age of garnet growth by low-T/HP blueschist/eclogite-facies metamorphism of the UHP eclogite precursor during arc-continent collision in the early Paleozoic. Furthermore, it is critical for metamorphic geochronology to substantiate the timing of UHP metamorphic event by means of zircon U–Pb in situ dating on coesite-bearing domains of metamorphically grown zircon.

Petrochemistry, oxygen isotopes and U‐Pb SHRIMP geochronology of mafic–ultramafic bodies from the Sulu UHP terrane, China

AbstractTwo Rongcheng eclogite‐bearing peridotite bodies (Chijiadian and Macaokuang) occur as lenses within the country rock gneiss of the northern Sulu terrane. The Chijiadian ultramafic body consists of garnet lherzolite, whereas the Macaokuang body is mainly meta‐dunite. Both ultramafics are characterized by high MgO contents, low fertile element concentrations and total REE contents, which suggests that they were derived from depleted, residual mantle. High FeO contents, an LREE‐enriched pattern and trace‐element contents indicate that the bulk‐rock compositions of these ultramafic rocks were modified by metasomatism. Oxygen‐isotope compositions of analysed garnet, olivine, clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene from these two ultramafic bodies are between +5.2‰ and +6.2‰ (δ18O), in the range of typical mantle values (+5.1 to +6.6‰). The eclogite enclosed within the Chijiadian lherzolite shows an LREE‐enriched pattern and was formed by melts derived from variable degrees (0.005–0.05) of partial melting of peridotite. It has higher δ18O values (+7.6‰ for garnet and +7.7‰ for omphacite) than those of lherzolite. Small O‐isotope fractionations (ΔCpx‐Ol: 0.4‰, ΔCpx‐Grt: 0.1‰, ΔGrt‐Ol: 0.3–0.4‰) in both eclogite and ultramafic rocks suggest isotopic equilibrium at high temperature. The P–T estimates suggest that these rocks experienced subduction‐zone ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphism at ∼700–800 °C, 5 GPa, with a low geothermal gradient. Zircon from the Macaokuang eclogite contains inclusions of garnet and diopside. The 225 ± 2 Ma U/Pb age obtained from these zircon may date either the prograde conditions just before peak metamorphism or the UHP metamorphic event, and therefore constrains the timing of subduction‐related UHP metamorphism for the Rongcheng mafic–ultramafic bodies.

Identification of UHP and Non-UHP Orthogneisses in the Sulu UHP Terrane, Eastern China: Evidence from SHRIMP U-Pb Dating of Mineral Inclusion-Bearing Zircons

Mineral inclusions in zoned zircons reveal that both ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) and non-UHP orthogneisses occur in cores from drill hole CCSD-PP1 at Donghai, southwestern Sulu terrane. Zircons from the UHP orthogneiss have inherited magmatic cores containing low-P mineral inclusions, narrow mantles with UHP mineral inclusions, and rims that contain low-P minerals or are inclusion free. In contrast, zircons from non-UHP orthogneiss have only magmatic cores and metamorphic rims, both of which are characterized by low-P mineral inclusions, or are inclusion free. SHRIMP U-Pb analyses of zircons from the UHP orthogneiss identify three discrete and meaningful age groups: Proterozoic magmatic protolith ages >753 Ma in the cores, a UHP metamorphic event at 227 ± 8 Ma in the coesite-bearing mantles, and an amphibolite-facies overprint at 213 ± 7 Ma in the overgrowth rims. Zircons from non-UHP orthogneiss record only two discrete age groups, inherited magmatic cores with Proterozoic protolith ages >748 Ma, and metamorphic rims with an age of about 211 ± 6 Ma. The metamorphic rims have the same Triassic age as the late amphibolite-facies overprint of the UHP orthogneiss within analytical uncertainty. These data, together with previous studies, suggest that Neoproterozoic supracrustal protoliths of the Yangtze craton experienced Late Triassic (227 ± 8 Ma) subduction to depths of at least 120 km, and were then rapidly exhumed to mid-crustal depths where both UHP rocks and a few non-UHP Neoproterozic granitic intrusives were subjected to coeval amphibolite-facies retrograde metamorphism at 211 ± 6 Ma. The exhumation rate deduced from the zircon age data and previously obtained metamorphic P-T data is estimated to be 6.3-7.1 km/m.y. This rapid exhumation suggests that the Sulu UHP metamorphic rocks returned to crustal depths as part of a buoyant sliver, possibly produced by slab breakoff.

Scandian Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism of Proterozoic Basement Rocks on Fjørtoft and Otrøy, Western Gneiss Region, Norway

Electron microprobe mineral composition data are presented for samples of exsolved and recrystallized garnet websterites within the mantle-derived peridotite bodies and of external orthopyroxene eclogite lenses directly enclosed within the gneisses on the islands of Fjørtoft and Otrøy in the Western Gneiss Region of Norway. These data are utilized to obtain P-T estimates that lie within the coesite stability field, and are mostly also compatible with rare observations of microdiamond formation and preservation for the deformed and re-equilibrated garnet websterite assemblages in the peridotite bodies included within the basement gneiss sequences on both islands. Equivalent P-T estimates for external orthopyroxene eclogite lenses within the basement gneisses on both islands are mostly not well constrained due to fairly extensive modification of orthopyroxene compositions during amphibolite-facies retrogression. Nonetheless, P-T estimates for the least retrogressed samples again indicate the likelihood that these rocks underwent Scandian ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. We thus conclude that, contrary to a previously published interpretation, both the Caledonian Blåhø nappe sequence and the underlying Proterozoic Baltica basement gneisses on Fjørtoft experienced Scandian ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism, thus denying a previous suggestion that a major, greater than normal continental crust thickness, tectonic break exists between these rock sequences on this island. Similarly, the Baltica basement gneiss sequence exposed on the northern side of Otrøy, with its comparable mantle-derived peridotite bodies and external orthopyroxene eclogite lenses, is also shown to have been subjected to the Scandian ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic event.

Postcollisional flow of aqueous fluid within ultrahigh-pressure eclogite in the Dabie orogen

A combined study of chronometric dating and oxygen isotope analysis for minerals from vein and host eclogite as well as regional country-rock gneiss in the Dabie orogen provides a direct constraint on timing of fluid flow in this orogen formed by continental collision. Oxygen isotope ratios of vein minerals are significantly lower than those of the host eclogite, but comparable with those of the regional gneiss. This suggests the veining fluid came from the regional gneiss (i.e. exhumed slab itself) rather than the host eclogite. While zircon U–Pb and phengite Ar–Ar dating yields ages of 214 to 222 Ma for the eclogite and gneiss, the vein gives a quartz–muscovite Rb–Sr isochron age of 181 Ma and a muscovite K–Ar age of 179 Ma. Thus the veining postdates the Triassic ultrahigh pressure metamorphic event, witnessing postcollisional fluid flow after the orogenic cycle of continental collision.

U-Pb SHRIMP ages recorded in the coesite-bearing zircon domains of paragneisses in the southwestern Sulu terrane, eastern China: New interpretation

Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images reveal that abundant and complicated mineral inclusions occur in zoned zircon separates from paragneisses in drill holes CCSDPP2, ZK-2304, and CCSD-MH, at Donghai, southwestern Sulu terrane, China. Many low-P mineral inclusions are preserved in inherited zircon cores. Coesite + quartz within a single inclusion, and some low-P minerals (e.g., quartz and albite) are identified in zircon mantles. Textures showing the quartz to coesite transformation in zircon indicate that both core and mantle of the zircon are detrital. Inclusions of coesite, together with garnet, jadeite, and phengite, are common in zircon rims formed during ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism. SHRIMP U-Pb analyses of these zoned zircon grains identify three discrete and meaningful age groups. Proterozoic ages of 840 to 658 Ma for zircon cores indicate that the detrital zircons have a variety of sources. An early Paleozoic group of 505 to 455 Ma ages for zircon mantles constrain neither the timing of a discrete UHP metamorphic event, nor the transformation age from quartz to coesite. The 227 ± 9 Ma (the weighted mean age) obtained from coesite-bearing zircon rims represents the UHP metamorphic age. Thus, one Late Triassic UHP metamorphic event, rather than two UHP metamorphic events, is well established in Sulu UHP terrane by the method of U-Pb SHRIMP dating for coesite-bearing zircon rims in garnet-biotite-amphibole-albite gneisses.

Two Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphic Events Recognized in the Central Orogenic Belt of China: Evidence from the U-Pb Dating of Coesite-Bearing Zircons

A ~4000 km long ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) belt in northern China has been documented on the basis of the discovery of coesite-bearing rocks in the Altun-North Qaidam terrane in the western Central Orogenic Belt (COB), and diamond-bearing rocks in Qinling in the central and Dabie-Sulu terrane in the east. New SIMS and SHRIMP U-Pb dates of zircons from coesitebearing UHPM rocks indicate two UHPM events: one in the early Paleozoic and the other in the Triassic. Coesite-bearing zircons from a North Qaidam gneiss yielded UHP metamorphic ages of 452 ± 13.8 Ma and retrograde ages of 419 ± 6.7 Ma. A diamond-bearing gneiss from Qinling gave a lower intercept age of 502 ± 45 Ma, and an upper intercept age of 1545 ± 100 Ma, whereas a Qinling eclogite sample gave a lower intercept age of 493 ± 170 Ma and an upper intercept age of 1381 ± 82 Ma. The lower and upper intercept ages of the Qinling samples are interpreted as UHPM and protolith ages of the rocks, respectively. Coesite-bearing zircons from a Qinglongshan eclogite in the south Sulu belt yielded early Paleozoic UHPM ages of 441 ± 9 Ma, 449 ± 9 Ma, and 442 ± 9 Ma, whereas the core of a zircon containing plagioclase and apatite inclusions gave a protolith age of 761 ± 13 Ma. These age data suggest that the early Paleozoic UHPM rocks extend from west to east for about 4000 km across the COB, whereas the Triassic UHPM belt extends across the Dabie-Sulu region for about 1000 km. Based on available geochronological and geochemical data, we suggest the following tectonic model for evolution of the COB. At about 1000 Ma, the area was amalgamated to form the Rodinian continent, which contained ophiolitic fragments of oceanic affinity. This part of Rodinia was then rifted at about 800-750 Ma to form an oceanic basin with a variety of MORB and intruded by granitic plutons. Closure of this ocean basin produced Neoproterozoic ophiolites and granitic gneisses. The UHPM rocks, along with subduction-related island-arc volcanics and granites of early Paleozoic age suggest a second cycle of rifting and subduction along the COB, whereas the Triassic UHPM rocks record a final subduction and collision event between the North China and South China blocks.

Mineral inclusions in zircon domains and geological significance of SHRIMP U-Pb dating for coesite-bearing zircons of paragneiss in Sulu terrane, eastern China

Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) image reveal that zircons separated from paragneisses in the southwestern Sulu terrane (eastern China) preserve multi-stage mineral assemblages in different zircon domains. In the same paragneiss zircon sample, some zircon grains retain inherited (detrital) cores with abundant low-pressure mineral inclusions of Qtz+Phe+Ap+impurities and Qtz+Phe+impurities. The ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic overgrowths mantles of these zircons preserve Coe, Coe+Phe and other UHP mineral inclusions, indicating that these inherited (detrital) zircons from protoliths experienced metamorphic recrystallization during the Sulu UHP metamorphic event. However, other zircon grains preserve UHP mineral inclusions of Coe, Coe+Ap and Coe+Phe in the cores and mantles, whereas the outmost rims contain quartz (Qtz) and other low-pressure mineral inclusions. These phenomena prove that the second group zircons were crystallized at UHP meta-morphic stage and overprinted by the late retrogressive metamorphism related to the Sulu ter-rane exhumation. SHRIMP U-Pb dating reveals that zircons separated from the paragneisses recorded complicated geochronological traces. Some zircons retain inherited cores with the 206Pb/238U ages of 284–754 Ma, indicating the complexity of the detrital zircons in protoliths. Coesite-bearing zircon domains recorded 238–266 Ma (with the average age of 245±14 Ma) for the UHP metamorphic event. The retrogressive rims of zircons recorded 213–223 Ma (with the average age of 217±15 Ma) for the late-stage amphibolite facies metamorphic event, indicating that the rapid exhumation time for the Sulu UHP terrane is about 220 Ma.

Petrogenesis of post-orogenic syenites in the Sulu Orogenic Belt, East China: geochronological, geochemical and Nd–Sr isotopic evidence

The Jiazishan alkaline complex in the eastern Sulu ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic orogenic belt of eastern China is composed of potassic to ultrapotassic pyroxene syenite, quartz syenite and associated mafic dikes. A SHRIMP zircon 206Pb/ 238U age of 215±5 Ma was obtained for the quartz syenite and mineral 40Ar/ 39Ar dating gave emplacement ages of 214.4±0.3 and 214.6±0.6 Ma for the pyroxene syenite and 200.6±0.2 Ma for the mafic dike. These dates establish that the Jiazishan Complex was emplaced shortly after the UHP metamorphic event at 240 to 220 Ma due to the continental collision between the North China and Yangtze cratons. The ultrapotassic mafic dikes, with K 2O≈4.4–6.4 wt.% and K 2O/Na 2O≈3.5, have high MgO (8.06–12.44 wt.%), Ni (119–319 ppm) and Cr (477–873 ppm) and moderately low CaO/Al 2O 3 (∼0.76) and TiO 2 (∼1.12 wt.%). They also have high Sr ( 87Sr/ 86Sr∼0.7073), low Nd ( ɛ Nd=∼−16.5) isotopic ratios, enriched LILE (Ba/La=66–74), LREE [(La/Yb) N =28–33] and depleted HFSE (La/Nb=4–6). It appears that the mafic dikes were derived from a refractory, re-enriched lithospheric mantle source. The syenites have Sr and Nd isotopic compositions similar to the mafic dikes, implying a common origin. Geochemical and isotopic modeling suggests that the pyroxene syenites may have been generated by early fractionation of clinopyroxene and olivine, coupled with minor amounts of crustal contamination, of a mafic magma that had a similar composition to the mafic dikes. Subsequent fractionation of feldspar-dominated assemblages, with minor or no contamination, would result in the quartz syenites. This post-orogenic magmatism, resulting most likely in an extensional setting, provides time constraints on the major geodynamic transition from convergence to extension at the eastern margin of the North China craton. The Jiazishan potassic magmatism and geodynamic transition from convergence to extension can be explained by convective removal of the lower lithospheric mantle.

Pressure-Temperature Path Recorded in the Yangkou Garnet Peridotite, in Su-Lu Ultrahigh-pressure Metamorphic Belt, Eastern China

Chemical variations along with changes in microstructure of the principal constituent minerals make it possible to identify at least four equilibrium stages in the evolution of the Yangkou garnet peridotite in the Su-Lu ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, eastern China: Stage I-----a primary garnet lherzolite stage represented by coarse-grained (a few millimeters size) porphyroclastic aluminous pyroxenes þ chromian spinel garnet; Stage II-----an ultrahighpressure (UHP) stage defined by fine-grained matrix phases (0 1---0 3 mm size) of garnet þ extremely low-Al orthopyroxene þ high-Na clinopyroxene þ chromite; Stage III-----a medium-pressure stage defined by fine-grained mineral aggregates (50 1---0 2 mm size) mainly composed of aluminous spinelþ high-Al orthopyroxene in the matrix; Stage IV-----an amphiboliteto greenschist-facies stage defined by poikiloblastic amphibole. Orthopyroxene---clinopyroxene thermometry and an empirical spinel barometer give temperatures of around 800---830 C and pressures of 1 2---2 9GPa for porphyroclasts of Stage I. Garnet---orthopyroxene, garnet---clinopyroxene and empirical spinel geothermobarometers give relatively uniform P---T conditions for the matrix garnet---orthopyroxene---clinopyroxene--chromite assemblage of Stage II ( 730---760 C and 3 6--4 1 GPa). Aluminous spinel---olivine pairs in the aggregates give 650---680 C at 1 0---1 5GPa for Stage III. The granulation of the studied rocks may have taken place during subduction (Stages I and II) of the host peridotite. The lack of kelyphitic rims around the matrix garnet and the preservation of incompatible assemblages in the matrix of the studied rocks is due to extremely low H2O activity during the early decompression stage. The peak temperature of associated eclogites in the Yangkou UHP unit is 700---800 C at 3 1---4 1GPa. These observations suggest that the mantle fragment (garnet peridotite) and the crustal fragment (eclogite) in the Yangkou UHP unit both experienced a common UHP metamorphic event and that the exhumation path obtained by these reference points supports nearly isothermal decompression of the unit. The Yangkou UHP unit is considered to have been exhumed as part of a larger crustal mass (c.410 km in size) along with the surrounding orthogneisses. Such isothermal decompression paths have also been reported from other areas of the Su-Lu belt and the Dabie Mountains. As the orthogneisses volumetrically account for 490% of these areas, buoyancy-controlled uplift probably played an important role in the exhumation of the UHP rocks, at least from the upper mantle to the lower crust.

SHRIMP U–Pb ages of ultrahigh‐pressure and retrograde metamorphism of gneisses, south‐western Sulu terrane, eastern China

AbstractLaser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images reveal that most zircon separated from paragneiss and orthogneiss in drillhole CCSD‐PP2 at Donghai, south‐western Sulu terrane, retain low‐P mineral‐bearing inherited cores, ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) mineral‐bearing mantles and low‐P mineral‐bearing (e.g. quartz) rims. SHRIMP U–Pb analyses of these zoned zircon identify three discrete and meaningful age groups: Proterozoic protolith ages (> 680 Ma) are recorded in the inherited cores, the UHP metamorphic event in the coesite‐bearing mantles occurred at 231 ± 4 Ma, and the late amphibolite facies retrogressive overprint in the quartz‐bearing rims was at 211 ± 4 Ma. Thus, Neoproterozoic supracrustal protoliths of the Sulu UHP rocks were subducted to mantle depths in the Middle Triassic, and exhumed to mid‐crustal levels in the Late Triassic. The exhumation rate deduced from the SHRIMP data and metamorphic P–T conditions is 5.0 km Ma−1. Exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane may have resulted from buoyancy forces after slab break‐off at mantle depths.

Large areal extent of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane of East China: new implications from coesite and omphacite inclusions in zircon of granitic gneiss

Coesite and omphacite inclusions have been identified for the first time as minute inclusions in zircon from amphibolite-facies granitic orthogneiss in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane of eastern China by Raman spectroscopy and microprobe analyses. The occurrences of these minerals in the voluminous granitic gneiss of Sulu support a regional and pervasive UHP metamorphic event that predated regional amphibolitic retrogression. Taking into account the widespread discoveries of coesite in other lithologies, we thus conclude that a substantial crustal component in the Sulu UHP metamorphic terrane appears to have shared a common history of Triassic subduction to mantle depths and later exhumation.