Metamorphic Zones Research Articles

UHP metamorphism, decompression anatexis and retrogression of garnet-bearing metagranite and granitic gneiss from the Dabie orogen during continental collision

Metamorphosed granitic rocks are commonly volumetrically dominant in continental collisional terranes, which are crucial targets for resolving the metamorphic evolution of deeply subducted continental crust. However, their metamorphic processes in ultrahigh pressure (UHP) belts are often poorly understood, because they are commonly intensely retrogressed and presently dominated by amphibolite-facies minerals with very rare petrological evidences of UHP metamorphism. It is known that, in these lithologies, zircon can potentially preserve evidence of the UHP history; therefore, the P-T-t path of metafelsic rocks may be estimated using a multidisciplinary approach which combines zircon microanalysis with phase equilibria modelling. In the central Dabie UHP metamorphic zone (CDZ) (China), two types of metamorphosed garnet-bearing granitic rocks, i.e. metagranite and granitic gneiss, whose massive vs. gneissic structure reflects a different degree of deformation, are closely associated with eclogites. Opposite to the eclogites, their detailed metamorphic evolution is poorly understood. In this study, a three-stage metamorphic evolution is reconstructed for these lithologies, based on field observation, bulk-rock elemental geochemistry, sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe zircon UPb dating, Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis of zircon inclusion, mineral chemistry, conventional thermobarometry and phase equilibria modelling. The first UHP stage is represented by the assemblage coesite-rutile-garnet-phengite preserved in the metamorphic domains of zircon and by garnet core in the matrix, revealing minimum peak pressures of 44 kbar and 30 kbar for granitic gneiss and metagranite, respectively, at 231 ± 4 Ma. The second stage is represented by anatexis at 18–20 kbar, 725–870 °C and 222 ± 3 Ma, evidenced by leucosomes at the outcrop scale and by quartzofeldspathic films with low dihedral angles, melt inclusions preserved in peritectic garnet and quartz/K-feldspar/plagioclase- garnet intergrowth at the micro-scale. The third stage is represented by amphibolite-facies overprint at 590–700 °C, 9–14 kbar, at 214–219 Ma, recorded by biotite-plagioclase-quartz symplectites developed at the expenses of phengite, re-equilibration of the peritectic garnet rim, and amphibole-quartz (biotite-titanite) inclusions in zircon overgrowth rims. The resulting P-T-t path overlaps with previous results estimated from other CDZ UHP rocks. Besides, the protoliths of both metagranite and granitic gneiss were emplaced during the mid-Neoproterozoic (683–786 Ma) period, as already documented throughout the Dabie orogen. Compared with previously published data for meta-granitic rocks in the CDZ, the weakly deformed metagranite does not appear to represent low-grade metamorphic rocks. Instead, this study (i) suggests that the two groups of lithologies experienced a coeval metamorphic evolution; (ii) reconstructs a multistage P-T-t history based on zircon microanalysis and pseudosections; (iii) reveals that anatexis, retrogression and deformation facilitate the elimination of (U)HP mineralogical records of metagranitoids. Overall, these results provide new constraints on the metamorphic evolution and exhumation processes of deeply subducted granitic rocks during continental collision.

Evolution of Contact Metamorphic Rocks in the Zhoukoudian Area: Evidence from Phase Equilibrium Modelling

The Yanshan intraplate tectonic belt is a tectonic-active area in the central part of the North China Craton that has undergone long-term orogenic evolution. Detailed studies on magmatic activity and metamorphism of this belt are significant for restoring its orogenic thermal evolution process. The Fangshan pluton in the Zhoukoudian area within this tectonic belt is a product of the late Mesozoic Yanshan event. However, there is a lack of detailed research on the metamorphic evolution history of the ancient terrane surrounding the Fangshan pluton subjected to contact thermal metamorphism. To further constrain the metamorphic P–T evolution of contact metamorphism associated with the Fangshan pluton, we collected rock samples in the andalusite–biotite contact metamorphic zone of the Fangshan pluton, and conducted petrographic investigations, geochemical and mineral composition analysis, and phase equilibrium modeling. The phase equilibrium modeling in the MnO–Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O system indicates that the peak mineral assemblages of andalusite–biotite schists are pl + q + mu + bi + and ± kfs + ilm + mt, formed at 550 to 610 °C, 1 to 3.5 kbar, and the peak mineral assemblage of garnet–andalusite–cordierite–biotite schists is gt + pl + q + bi + and + cord + ilm + mt, formed at 580 to 620 °C, 1.5 to 2.1 kbar. Therefore, we believe that the rocks in the andalusite biotite contact metamorphic zone of the Fangshan pluton underwent low pressure and medium temperature metamorphism, with the peak metamorphic conditions of about 550–610 °C, <3.5 kbar. The results show that the rocks in contact with the thermal metamorphic zone were rapidly heated by the heat released by the Fangshan pluton, and after reaching the peak metamorphic temperature, they were cooled down simultaneously with the cooling of the rock mass, defined in a nearly isobaric P–T trajectory.

Высокобарический метаморфизм в харбейском метаморфическом комплексе (Полярный Урал)

Glaucophane-bearing rocks — indicators of high-pressure metamorphism — were earlier found in the Polar Urals in the Neoproterozoic deposits of the Nyarovey series, in the northern part of the Marunkeu eclogite-amphibolite-gneiss complex, and in the foot of the ultramafic massifs of the Main Ural Fault (MUF) zone. We have discovered high-pressure rocks in the western endocontact of the Kharbey amphibolite-gneiss complex, where they are represented by garnet-glaucophane, garnet-glaucophane-barroisite rocks and garnet-barroisite amphibolites formed during progressive zonal metamorphism. From the western boundary of the complex to the east, temperature gradually increases from 400—480 °C (for garnet-glaucophane rocks) to 495—570 °C (for garnet-glaucophane-barroisite rocks and garnet-barroisite amphibolites) at a pressure of 11—16 kbar. We determined that the high-pressure metamorphism had an areal distribution within the Kharbey metamorphic complex and, apparently, marked the Paleozoic subduction-collision processes of formation of Uralides.

REGIONAL METAMORPHISM AND STRATIGRAPHY OF THE BASEMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN SHIELD

The stratigraphic dismembrement of the Lower Precambrian has always been inextricably linked with the study of metamorphism. The degree of metamorphism of the complexes was even used for some time as an indication of their relative age. This sign was not confirmed by isotope dating and was no longer taken into account in the stratigraphic dismembrement of the basement of the shields, including the preparation of official stratigraphic schemes of the Precambrian of the Ukrainian Shield. The authors of the article believe that the degree of metamorphism can still be used in developing the stratigraphy of the Ukrainian Shield. The possibility of such use of metamorphism is considered in a series of publications. The first article describes the stratigraphy and metamorphism of all megablocks of the Ukrainian Shield. It is shown that older stratigenic complexes in each of the megablocks are characterized by higher temperature metamorphism. At the same time, the distinctive features of the composition and metamorphism of the stratigenic complexes, according to the authors, are a reflection of large successive stages of the geological development of the Ukrainian Shield in the Early Precambrian and can serve as the basis for compiling a regional stratigraphic scheme on a historical-geological basis. A version of the regional stratigraphic scheme of the Ukrainian Shield on a historical-geological basis, compiled at the level of complexes, proposed in the second article of the series. In this final article of the cycle, the conditions and duration of lithogenesis and accompanying metamorphism of various sequentially formed stratigenic complexes of the Lower Precambrian are considered. The idea is put forward that the initial pre-metamorphic composition of the complexes and their metamorphism are determined by the temperature state of the upper shells of the Earth and their directed thermal evolution at the early stages of geological history. The existence of hydrospheric, early thermohydrospheric, late thermohydrospheric and normohydrospheric global stages of lithogenesis, lasting from 300 to 700 Ma, and continuous metamorphism from 3.8 to 2.0–1.9 Ga are assumed. During this time, a single metamorphic (paleotemperature) zoning of the basement of the Ukrainian Shield was formed, in which all stratigenic complexes of different ages participate.

Consistent garnet Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages indicate short‐lived high‐pressure metamorphism and rapid subduction in oceanic subduction belt: An example from the Changning–Menglian orogenic belt, southeastern Tibetan Plateau

AbstractThe integration of garnet‐based petrologic constraints with multimineral geochronologic data in eclogites and blueschists allows the timing and rate of subduction zone metamorphism to be constrained. We present a combined garnet Lu–Hf/Sm–Nd and zircon/rutile U–Pb geochronology study on three eclogites, a garnet‐bearing blueschist, and a micaschist from the Changning–Menglian orogenic belt, a newly discovered ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic belt in southeast Tibet, in order to characterize tectono‐metamorphic events and determine the duration of Paleo‐Tethys oceanic subduction. Integration of phase equilibrium modelling and conventional thermobarometry for the eclogites defines a clockwise P–T path evolving from blueschist facies conditions at ~1.4 GPa and ~505–530°C to peak eclogite facies conditions at ~2.8 GPa and ~630–640°C, followed by isothermal decompression to amphibolite facies at ~1.0 GPa and ~630–650°C. The Lu–Hf ages of c. 239–236 Ma obtained for the eclogites and the blueschist are indistinguishable from the rutile U–Pb age of c. 239 Ma obtained for the eclogites and, combined with the observation of well‐preserved Rayleigh‐fractionation‐style Mn and Lu zoning profiles in garnet, reflect the timing of early prograde garnet growth. The Sm–Nd ages of c. 242–236 Ma reflect a later period of garnet growth, evidenced by flat and/or M‐shaped Sm zoning profiles. Each of the Sm–Nd ages overlaps, within uncertainty, with its corresponding Lu–Hf age (i.e., from the same garnet fraction). The consistency of the Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages indicates a short overall duration of garnet growth from blueschist to eclogite facies metamorphism, reflecting rapid subduction of the oceanic slab. The magmatic zircon U–Pb dates of c. 247 Ma constrain the protolith age of these metabasaltic rocks. The close protolith and the high‐pressure metamorphic ages, together with the consistent garnet Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages and the overlapping youngest and oldest metamorphic ages of the oceanic‐type and continental‐type eclogites, respectively, suggest a fast tectonic transition from divergence to convergence highlighted by rapid oceanic subduction, continuous transition from oceanic to continental subduction, and a rapid cooling of the subduction interface.

Radiogenic heat production estimation towards sustainable energy drive in northeastern Nigeria

An estimate of the radiogenic heat production (RHP) across the different petrologic units of northeastern, Nigeria was previously not performed. Hence, their geothermal potentials are not widely known. However, an airborne radiometric data of equivalent uranium, (eU), equivalent thorium (eTh,) and percentage potassium (% K) acquired by Nigerian geological survey agency (NGSA) in the year 2009 was deployed in the evaluation of the RHP across the major petrologic outcrops of northeastern, Nigeria. The objective of this study is to estimate the quantity of RHP across the 13 petrologic units of the northeastern Nigerian terrain via the use of an empirical equation (RHP=ρ(0.0952Cu+0.0256CTh+0.0348Ck)). The petrologic units studied are; medium-coarse grained biotite-hornblende granites (OGe), porphyritic biotite-hornblende granites (OGp), banded gneiss (bG), charnokytes (Ch), ignimbrites (JYG), migmatites-gneiss (MG), basalts (bb), Gombe sandstones (GS), Pindiga Formation (PS), Yolde Formation (YL), Bima sandstones (BS), Keri-Keri Formation (KK), and alluvium (AL). Basic/preliminary processing such as; signal integration, signal validation, and examination of spurious data were applied prior to the RHP computation. The results of the heat production analysis performed show the range of RHP to be from 1.11μW/m3 to 3.35μW/m3 Hence, the maximum heat production value of 3.35μW/m3 was recorded along porphyritic biotite-hornblende granites (OGp) rock block, while the least value of 1.11μW/m3 was recorded over alluvium (AL) rock outcrops. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the RHP values over the study location shows a gradual increase from the middle, low heat production (sedimentary zones) to the high heat producing areas (granitic and metamorphic zones) around eastern and western parts. The petrologic units arranged in order of decreasing magnitude of radiogenic heat generation are; OGp > MG > OGe/bG > bb > GS > Ch > JYG > BS > PS/YL > KK > AL. On a general note, the petrologic units studied were classified as low in terms of geothermal character based on comparison with other previous global RHP studies.

Lacustrine shale oiliness influenced by diabase intrusions in the Paleogene Funing Formation, Subei Basin, China

The research on the correlation between hydrocarbon accumulations and magmatic activities has always attracted aroused much wide attention. Existing research has primarily the hydrocarbon generations capability of source rocks and the quality of reservoirs by diabase intrusions. whereas, rare systematic research has been conducted on the oiliness and enrichment mechanism. To be specific, the diabase intrusive zone, the contact metamorphic zone and the normal shale zone of the Funing Formation in the Gaoyou Sag, Subei Basin were taken as the object of this study. Moreover, in this study, the hydrocarbon generation quality, reservoir quality, and oil-bearing quality of diabase-metamorphic zone-normal shale were evaluated using X-ray diffractions, argon ion polishing-field emission scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum, rock slice/light-sheet microscopic observations, organic geochemical tests, N2 gas adsorption and 2D NMR tests. The results indicated that the intrusive zone, the metamorphic zone, and the normal zone were formed in order by the degree of effect of diabase intrusions. Secondly, the oil content of different parts exhibited significant heterogeneity due to the baking effect of diabase, and the metamorphic zone had the significantly better oil-bearing nature than the intrusive zone. Lastly, a distribution model was proposed for the diabase intrusive zone-metamorphic zone-normal surrounding rock zone.

Geochemical Aspects of the Frictional Melting of Metapsammites during Seismic Slips (with Reference to Pseudotachylytes of the Ladoga Region)

Based on analytical data on the geochemistry of tectonic pseudotachylytes and their host rocks, the specific trends of redistribution of major, trace, and rare earth elements in the course of seismogenic frictional melting of the arkosic metaterrigenous rocks from three zones of regional metamorphism with different temperatures (greenschist, amphibolite, and granulite) in the Northern Ladoga region are discussed. Oppositely directed trends of changes in the contents of the oxides of major elements in the protolith–blastocataclasite–pseudotachylyte triad were revealed, and a unidirectional increase in the basicity of the frictional melt as compared with the protolith was established at the same time. Geochemical evidence for partial selective melting of the protoliths is discussed. The specific features of the fractionation of trace and rare-earth elements during the transition of the protolith into the melt, as well as during its subsequent partial recrystallization, are shown. The emergence of a peak of elevated europium contents relative to the protolith in the melt matrix of all three sampling points is noted. Based on changes in the concentrations of these elements in the zones of pseudotachylyte substrate generation and in the areas of its moving and injection, the estimates of their differential mobility during frictional melting in a dynamic slip zone are given.

Geology, geochronology, and geochemistry of the Gaojiabang tungsten-molybdenum deposit, Anhui Province, Southeast China

The Jiangnan Mo-W-Pb-Zn metallogenic belt hosts more than fifteen W-Mo and Mo deposits and is located at the margin between the Middle-Lower Yangtze metallogenic belt and the South China Continent. The recently discovered Gaojiabang W-Mo deposit, Chizhou district, Anhui Province, is the one of the largest W-Mo deposits in the belt (25.4 Mt at a grade of 0.28% WO3, 0.11 g/t Mo, with about 10,000 t of that total at an averarge grade of 6.6 g/t Au). The deposit is associated with Jurassic granite and monzonite porphyries that intruded sedimentary rocks of the Cambrian Huangboling Formation. Alteration displays a zonation from granite porphyry to wall rock. Five distinct alteration zones are recognized: deep-seated K-feldspar-biotite-quartz alteration, a quartz-sericite alteration zone, garnet-diopside-epidote alteration zone, calcite-quartz alteration zone, and zone of thermal metamorphism (hornfels). These features are comparable with porphyry Cu-Au-Mo systems. The first three zones of alteration display a close spatial relationship with W-Mo ores. Three distinct styles of W-Mo mineralization are recognized: minor vein-type W-Mo mineralization within sedimentary units; skarn W-Mo mineralization at the contact between sedimentary rocks and granite porphyry; and disseminated Mo(±W) mineralization hosted within both porphyries. The main ore minerals are scheelite, molybdenite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and minor chalcopyrite, and display a zoned distribution in which most molybdenite occurs inside deep porphyries and the majority of the scheelite is observed inside shallow skarns and hornfels. Based on the presence of redox-indicative mineral assemblages such as pyrrhotite, molybdenite and pyrite in the absence of sulfates, we consider Gaojiabang to be a relatively reduced W-Mo porphyry-skarn system. Our new U-Pb zircon ages confirm Late Jurassic ages for granite (150.4±1.1 Ma) and monzonite porphyries (149.4±1.6 Ma). A molybdenite Re-Os age of 149.5±1.4 Ma indicates that W-Mo mineralization is closely associated with the two porphyries. This new data makes Gaojiabang the oldest deposit recognised so far in the Middle-Lower Yangtze River area, in turn inferring that the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate commenced at ∼150 Ma. Geochemical data indicate that mineralization in the Gaojiabang deposit derives from multiple sources, dominantly from magmatic rocks and basement strata via mantle-crust interaction, with the single greatest involvment of crustal materials among all deposits in the Middle-Lower Yangtze River area. Sulfides, including pyrite, pyrrhotite and molybdenite, display a wide range of δ34S between +3.8‰ to +12.1‰. The gradual increase of δ34S from inner porphyry to outer wall rock indicates contamination from crustal marine sedimentary facies as the ore-forming fluids evolved. Following the W-Mo mineralization event at Gaojiabang, emplacement of Qingyang-Jiuhua Complex at 144–127 Ma resulted in a previously unrecognized ductile deformation of porphyries, sedimentary rocks, and ores.

Upper plate exhumation during continental collision: An example from the paranapanema paleocontinental active margin, SE Brazil

The Southern Brasília Orogen is the result of Ediacaran continental collision between the active margin of the Paranapanema paleocontinent and the passive margin of the São Francisco paleocontinent. The active margin was deformed into the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe and the associated Embu Domain. This paper presents new U–Pb zircon data and geothermobarometric estimates that allow to reconstruct the metamorphic evolution in these upper plate units. A pre-collisional metamorphism M1 with an age peak in metamorphic rims of zircon grains in the range 680–630 Ma is related to the development of the Socorro-Guaxupé magmatic arc with batholiths dated in a similar time span, 690 - 630 Ma. This metamorphism reached medium pressure granulite facies, now exposed by the tilted uplift and erosion due to the collision. Another peak is detected in metamorphic rims of zircon grains, in the range 630–590 Ma, labeled M2, related to the collision and corresponds to the main metamorphism in the lower plate and accretionary wedge-like nappe stack, underlying the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe. This nappe stack was affected by greenschist facies metamorphism in the autochthonous underlying craton, grading to high pressure granulite facies in the upper nappe, with local occurrences of retroeclogite lenses. In the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe and Embu Domain this main metamorphism (M2) is characterized by three metamorphic zones decreasing in grade with distance from the suture: a granulite facies orthopyroxene bearing zone; a high temperature amphibolite facies zone and a lower amphibolite facies zone. Geothermobarometric results in mineral associations related to M2 show temperatures decreasing from about 770 °C to ∼620 °C and pressures decreasing from about 9 kbar close to the suture to about 5 kbar in the southern and western parts of the studied region. On the upper Paranapanema plate, relative to the Socorro-Guaxupé Nappe and Embu Domain units, at the base of the plate, an older metamorphism (M1) is verified with temperatures between 960 and 890 °C and pressures between 11 and 9 kbar, reequilibrated at approximately 700 °C with a pressure of about 9 kbar (M2, continental collision). For this reason, it can be assumed that the rim of the Paranapanema plate was exhumed during the continental collision, since the temperature and pressure of the metamorphic peak determined during the continental collision are lower than those determined for the pre-collisional magmatic arc metamorphism.

Water-Rock Interactions in the Metamorphic Complex of Geothermal Field: Case Study in Wahlua Complex, Buru Island

In Indonesia, surface thermal manifestation is commonly found in a volcanic geological setting. However, hot springs and alteration minerals in study area occur on metamorphic rock. In order to study its correlation with the emergence of the thermal fluid, the objective of this study is to characterize each metamorphic zone based on rock chemistry and the appearance of index minerals. Consequently, the correlation with thermal fluid chemistry can be observed. Data for this study are surface rock samples and thermal manifestation data. Metamorphic zones were determined by integrating geomorphology, petrography, and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyses. Three metamorphic zones were identified, namely, Garnet Zone, Biotite Zone, and Chlorite Zone. Garnet Zone is characterized by high concentrations of CaO and Al2O3 due to the presence of garnet. The abundance of biotite and muscovite in Biotite Zone may contribute to the highest concentration of K2O than the other two zones. Meanwhile, Chlorite Zone is characterized by the concentrations of SiO2, Fe2O3, and MgO. However, the composition of MgO might be influenced by mineral-fluid reaction. There are two clusters of thermal manifestation, which are western and eastern cluster manifestations. Western cluster manifestations are in the Biotite Zone. Meanwhile, the eastern cluster manifestation is in the Chlorite Zone. However, both clusters’ fluid chemistry shows significant differences in some elements such as SiO2, Na, K, Fe, and Mg concentration. It might suggest that the enrichment and depletion of these constituents in thermal fluid might correlate with each metamorphic zone’s characteristics. An inconsistent pattern between thermal fluid composition and rock chemistry was found in Mg concentration. It is most likely that the Mg concentration was influenced by groundwater dilution rather than the mineral-fluid interaction. The study concludes that the appearance of index minerals shows consistencies with composition variation of some elements in the manifestation fluid, such as SiO2, Na, K, and Fe.

GEOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF METAPSAMMIT FRICTIONAL MELTING DURING SEISMIC MOVEMENTS (BY THE EXAMPLE OF PSEUDOTACHYLYTES OF THE LADOGA REGION)

Based on geochemical analyses of tectonic pseudotachylytes and their host rocks the features of redistribution of major, rare and rare-earth elements during seismogenic frictional melting of arkose-type metaterrigenous rocks from different-temperature zones of regional metamorphism) of Northern Ladoga region are considered. Multidirectional trends in variations of the major elements oxides contents in the triad protolith-blastocataclasite-pseudotachylyte were revealed, but a unidirectional increase of the frictional melt basicity in comparison with the protolith was established. Geochemical evidence of partial selective melting of source rocks is considered. Peculiarities of rare and rare-earth elements fractionation during transition to the melt of protolithic material, as well as during its subsequent partial crystallization are shown. The appearance of positive europium anomaly in the melt matrix of all three sampling points is noted. By changes of these elements’ concentrations in zones of pseudotachylyte substrate generation and in areas of its injection their differential mobility during frictional melting in a zone of dynamic movement is estimated.

Insights into the metamorphic history and origin of flake graphite mineralization at the Graphite Creek graphite deposit, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, USA

Graphite Creek is an unusual flake graphite deposit located on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, USA. We present field observations, uranium-lead (U–Pb) monazite and titanite geochronology, carbon (C) and sulfur (S) stable isotope geochemistry, and graphite Raman spectroscopy data from this deposit that support a new model of flake graphite ore genesis in high-grade metamorphic environments. The Graphite Creek deposit is within the second sillimanite metamorphic zone of the Kigluaik Mountains gneiss dome. Flake graphite, hosted in sillimanite-gneiss and quartz-biotite paragneiss, occurs as disseminations and in sets of very high grade (up to 50 wt.% graphite), semi-massive to massive graphite lenses 0.2 to 1 m wide containing quartz, sillimanite, inclusions of garnet porphyroblasts, K-feldspar, and tourmaline. Restitic garnet, sillimanite, graphite, and biotite accumulations indicate a high degree of anatexis and melt loss. Strong yttrium depletion in monazite, high europium ratios (Eu/Eu*), and excursions of high strontium and thorium concentrations are consistent with biotite dehydration melting. Monazite and titanite U–Pb ages record peak metamorphism from ~ 97 to 92 million years ago (Ma) and a retrograde event at ~ 85 Ma. Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of carbonaceous material and highly ordered, crystalline graphite. Graphite δ13CVPDB values of − 30 to − 12‰ and pyrrhotite δ34SVCDT values of − 14 to 10‰ are consistent with derivation from organic carbon and sulfur in sedimentary rocks, respectively. These data collectively suggest that formation of massive graphite lenses occurred approximately synchronously with high-temperature metamorphism and anatexis of a highly carbonaceous pelitic protolith. Melt extraction and fluid release associated with anatexis were likely crucial for concentrating graphite. High-temperature, graphitic migmatite sequences within high-strain shear zones may be favorable for the occurrence of high-grade flake graphite deposits.

Application of an approximate geostatistical simulation algorithm to delineate the gold mineralized zones characterized by fractal methodology

The Zarshuran Carlin-type gold deposit is located in the NW part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic zone which hosts Neoproterozoic carbonate and black shale rock units. Concentration-Volume (C–V) fractal model and Turning Band Simulation method have been applied to effectively separate gold mineralized stages in the Zarshuran deposit. Three mineralized stages determined by the means of C–V fractal model and Turning Bands Simulation method were correlated with the mineralized stages considering geological studies. The results revealed the presence of enriched (>37 ppm) and Au high grade (5.5–37 ppm) mineralized zones within the deposit. A log ratio matrix was used to correlate the results obtained by the C–V fractal model and turning band simulation for Au and lithological units which showed that the main mineralized zones occur in the black gouges and Jasperoids.

Effect of pressure on the evolution of vitrinite graphitized mesophases: An experimental study on anthracite under high temperature and pressure

In this study, the influence of pressure on the evolution of the intermediate phase of graphitization of vitrinite was determined. Using samples of Taixi anthracite from the Rujigo Coal Mine (Ordos Basin, China), experiments were conducted in a piston cylinder press at a constant temperature of 1073 K and pressures from 500 MPa to 1 GPa. Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selective electron diffraction, and electron loss energy spectra were used to characterise the microcrystalline morphology, structural order, and atomic valence states of the samples. Under confined conditions, pressure significantly promoted the graphitization process; however, the effect of different pressures on such process in vitrinite varied. Low pressure (<700 MPa) promoted an ordered growth of aromatic rings; meanwhile, a medium pressure (700–800 MPa) destroyed the microporous structure of vitrinite, leading to a less-ordered carbon layer and a sp3 metastable carbon structure resembling nano-diamond. Notably, high pressure (>900 MPa) promoted the condensation and directionalisation of the carbon layer of the vitrinite by destroying the microporous structure, resulting in a rapid growth of microcrystalline graphite. This suggests a transition to the key stage of anthracite graphitization, which may be an important feature in the formation of intermediate phases. In fact, pressure has been shown to exert an important role in the rupture of microporous structures in vitrinite, whose mechanism may be related to the sp3 metastable carbon formed between the basic structural units in different high-pressure environments. These findings provide insight into the formation mechanism of coal graphite, bringing new understanding of the transition from multi-faceted nanocrystals to graphitization in an orogenic metamorphic zone (e.g., in high-pressure schist and hornblende).

A Goats Story. Postcards from the “Metamorphic Zone”

A Goats Story. Postcards from the “Metamorphic Zone”

The Mid-Albian unconformity, a key to understand the geodynamics of the North Pyrenean Trough

The Pyrenees are the result of the structural inversion of a rift of general direction N110E, established at the articulation of the European and Iberian plates. This rift was created by left-lateral transtension with severe crustal thinning during the latest Early Cretaceous and Mid-Cretaceous. Its inversion, which led to the uplifting of the Pyrenean chain, took place gradually, by transpression from east to west, during the Late Cretaceous followed by an Eocene collision. From historical fieldwork, this note mainly focuses on the rifting period at the scale of the Pyrenean domain. It clearly shows the fundamental role of the stratigraphic approach in structural interpretation. Although synchronous at the scale of the Pyrenees, the Cretaceous extension is more important in the western part of the chain, near the Bay of Biscay. It is therefore at this location, within the Tardets-Mauléon Basin, that the various stages of creation and evolution of the rift could be clearly recognized with, successively: (1) an epirogenic pre-rifting stage, during which the facies lines, submeridian during the Jurassic, gradually change into N110E during the Neocomian before giving way, in the Early Cretaceous (Barremian-Gargasian), to a moderate acceleration of subsidence and, consequently, to the gentle uplift of a southern and western margin, future High Primary Belt (also often called Axial Zone) and Landes Plateau, initiating the next stage; (2) a major, brittle, newly identified rifting stage in the Latest Aptian (Clansayesian) and Early Albian. It is characterized by the installation of elongated lows on the downthrown side of transverse N20 normal faults, active diapirism of the Triassic evaporites and central detachment of the post-Triassic cover. During the Mid-Albian, a major surface of stratigraphic unconformity, often associated to uplift, erosion, and local centripetal gliding of the basin borders, marks a new structural organization, a rapid mantle ascent and the end of this episode. Although obscured by the later Pyrenean compression, the reconstructed basin geometry is interpreted as a “pull-apart” basin associated to a modest left-lateral motion; (3) a late rifting stage characterized by the collapse of the internal zones by rapid mantle cooling. The erosion of the coeval uplift of the southern High Primary Belt and the Landes Plateau feeds the accumulation of the thick, deep and transgressive unconformable formation of the Black Flysch of Mid-Albian to Early Cenomanian age in a larger coalescing basin. Faulting associated with a simple NS distension is only active on the last major border faults; (4) finally, a post-rift stage of Late Cretaceous age illustrated by the establishment of a passively subsiding basin, devoid of major deformations and whose heterogeneity of the previous depocenters is gradually erased. The Pyrenean transpression, later and less marked than in the eastern and central Pyrenees, allowed the conservation of most of these Cretaceous transtensive structures. Within the Tardets-Mauléon Basin, the Pernes and Col d’Urdach sector, the only Pyrenean location where the Mid-cretaceous transtension led to a proven underwater mantle exhumation, illustrates from outcrops the various stages that have marked the history of the Pyrenean Trough. Towards the east, along the Internal Metamorphic Zone, the Lourdes-Bagnères, Baronnies, Ballongue, Aulus and Saint-Paul de Fenouillet-Boucheville Basins, or those, further north like the Camarade and Quillan Basins, successively examined, testify to the same sedimentary and structural evolution. As in the case of the Tardets-Mauléon Basin, we deal here again with “pull-apart” type basins established on a thinned crust, arranged in transtensive or locally transpressive relays and separated by zones of thicker crust and shallower facies successions. The Mid-Albian unconformity is always present, heralding a general drowning of the North Pyrenean Trough and cessation of the extensional activity. The Pyrenean deformation, however, constitutes an obstacle for a precise geodynamic reconstruction, in particular in the eastern and central Pyrénées. Towards the west and north-west, in the South Aquitaine, Parentis and Basque-Cantabrian Basins, where Pyrenean deformation has far less obscured the rifting events, a very comparable Cretaceous geodynamic evolution is observed thus strengthening the present interpretation.

Strain partitioning in the Kahdan shear zone: Microstructural and kinematic evidence from the SE Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, Zagros orogeny

Microstructural, vorticity and strain analyses, combined with geological field observations are fundamental tools for retrieving information about kinematics of deformation in crustal-scale shear zones. The Kahdan shear zone is located in the SE part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic zone within the Zagros orogen, SW Iran. The Zagros Orogen that formed due to the oblique convergence between the Afro-Arabian plate and the central Iranian plateau. Three-dimension strain analyses show that finite strain ellipsoids shape is oblate (K = 0.38–0.89). Vorticity analysis on mylonites yielded arithmetic mean maximum (Wm max) and mean minimum values (Wm min) of 0.83 and 0.72, respectively (63–47% simple shear). Higher values of Wm and Rxz estimated adjacent to the shear zone boundaries and gradually decrease toward the central part of the zone. Our yielded results show a non-unified spatial variations of vorticity and strain values in the deformed metasandstone (Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous) of the Kahdan shear zone. Vorticity analyses and noncoaxial indicators indicate that this zone experienced general shear deformation. The horizontal shortening of ∼13–27% measured perpendicular to the shear zone boundaries. Based on yielded results, this area provides a good example of strain partitioning in a ductile shear zone.

Alpine tectono‐metamorphic evolution of the Corsica basement

AbstractThe Alpine orogenic edifice of Corsica (northern Tyrrhenian Sea) offers the possibility to investigate the mode through which continental crust responds to the propagation of regional shortening at convergent plate margins. The geology of Corsica has been traditionally described as separating domains affected by the Alpine tectonism (Alpine Corsica) from those that did not experience the Alpine tectono‐metamorphic overprint (Hercynian Corsica), but recent studies show that most of Hercynian Corsica was thermally reset in post‐Eocene times, questioning this paradigm. The continental units formed at the expenses of the stretched continental margin of the European plate and consist of Hercynian granitoid basement rocks and cover sequences (Permian volcaniclastics and Mesozoic sedimentary successions). By integrating meso‐ and microstructural investigations with metamorphic thermobarometry and 40Ar–39Ar geochronology along three E–W trending structural transects running across the basement section exposed below the Alpine orogenic wedge, we document middle‐late Eocene (c. 50–33 Ma) westward‐verging syn‐metamorphic (low‐grade blueschist facies) thick‐skinned, basement‐involved thrusting. Significantly, crustal shortening in the continental basement predated of c. 15–10 Ma the subduction zone metamorphism in the oceanic‐derived Schistes Lustrés Complex. When the P–T–t–deformation history as reconstructed from the Corsica basement is integrated with the regional scenario of the Alpine–Apennine orogeny, a tectonic reconstruction is proposed, which frames the Alpine orogeny in Corsica within the Apennine–Maghrebian subduction system in the retroside (retrowedge) of the Apennine orogenic wedge.

Advantages and Limitations of Combined Diffusion-Phase Equilibrium Modelling for Pressure–Temperature–Time History of Metamorphic Rocks

ABSTRACT This paper presents and discusses the results of phase diagram (Perple_X) and diffusion modelling (CZGM, or Compositional Zoning and its Modification by diffusion) to constrain the P–T path of metamorphism. The approach is based on the best fits between the zoning profile in measured garnet and that obtained by the intersections of garnet isopleths calculated by phase diagram modelling using whole rock bulk composition. The model was applied to garnets in natural rocks of various metamorphic grades, which were formed within different geotectonic environments. To compare the sequence of compositional change during Barrovian-type metamorphism, well-studied pelitic rocks from garnet–staurolite, kyanite–sillimanite, and sillimanite-K-feldspar metamorphic zones were selected. Garnets with two-stepped core and rim profiles that were formed during two different metamorphic stages or events were used for pressure–temperature (P–T) path constraint of each stage or event. For high-grade rocks, in which the original zoning profile in garnet was severely modified, the diffusion of the initial zoning profile was quantified to estimate the timescale of the metamorphic event. These rocks include high- to ultra-high-pressure rocks, which were subjected to thermal overprinting during collisional orogenesis. The results of the application of this approach allow for deciphering the reason why the calculated profile by phase diagram modelling does not fit with that of the measured garnet from low-grade rocks, in which garnet has preserved the original compositional zoning. This includes garnets whose nucleation was shifted from the garnet-in boundary to higher temperatures and pressures, as well as garnet crystallised during different metamorphic stages or events. Finally, the P–T paths in high-grade rocks were constrained after the multicomponent diffusion in garnet was quantified, and this was used for further P–T-time path constraint of metamorphism in the rocks.