Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Amphibolite
Terms modified by Amphibolite Selected AbstractsGrain-scale permeabilities of faceted polycrystalline aggregatesGEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2006J. D. PRICE Abstract Porous synthetic quartzites and amphibolites, each with faceted pore walls, were synthesized and evaluated to examine the permeability of pore networks similar to those of the lower crust and mantle. Quartzite with a fluid in equilibrium with an Mg,clinopyroxene contained connected networks of pores with a dihedral angle of 30° bounded by walls that were 10,50% faceted. The relationship of their permeability (k) to porosity (,) is approximated by the previously determined relationship for relatively nonfaceted synthetic quartzite Amphibolite with an HF fluid contained fluorotremolite and a connected network of pores bounded by walls exhibiting 78,90% faceting. These materials showed much lower k for a given ,, with an apparent permeability threshold at ,c = 0.04. A curve fit to these data yields The results suggest that moderate faceting has little effect on the transmission of fluids through rocks, but extensive faceting significantly alters permeability. This difference is most likely produced through isolation of the fluid to the grain corners at low , with extensive faceting. Rocks with pores that tend toward faceting may impede the flow of fluids and melt. [source] Amphibolite and blueschist,greenschist facies metamorphism, Blue Mountain inlier, eastern JamaicaGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008Richard N. Abbott Jr Abstract Cretaceous (possibly older) metamorphic rock occurs mainly in the Blue Mountain inlier in eastern Jamaica. Fault-bounded blocks reveal two styles of metamorphism, Westphalia Schist (upper amphibolite facies) and Mt. Hibernia Schist (blueschist (BS),greenschist (GS) facies). Both Westphalia Schist and Mt. Hibernia Schist preserve detailed records of retrograde P,T paths. The paths are independent, but consistent with different parts of the type-Sanbagawa metamorphic facies series in Japan. For each path, phase relationships and estimated P,T conditions support a two-stage P,T history involving residence at depth, followed by rapid uplift and cooling. Conditions of residence vary depending on the level in a tectonic block. For the critical mineral reaction (isograd) in Westphalia Schist, conditions were P ,7.5,kbars, T ,600°C (upper amphibolite facies). Retrograde conditions in Hibernia Schist were P,=,2.6,3.0,kbars, T,=,219,237°C for a(H2O),=,0.8,1.0 (GS facies). Mt. Hibernia Schist may represent a volume of rock that was separated and uplifted at an early time from an otherwise protracted P,T path of the sort that produced the Westphalia Schist. Reset K,Ar ages for hornblende and biotite indicate only that retrograde metamorphism of Westphalia Schist took place prior to 76.5,Ma (pre-Campanian). Uplift may have commenced with an Albian,Aptian (,112,Ma) orogenic event. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism of the Zhujiachong eclogite, SE Dabieshan: 40Ar/39Ar age constraints from argon extraction using UV-laser microprobe, in vacuo crushing and stepwise heatingJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 5 2010H.-N. QIU Abstract The Zhujiachong eclogite in the south-eastern Dabieshan ultra-high- P terrane has been overprinted during retrograde metamorphism, with the development of garnet-amphibolite mineral assemblages in most rocks in the outcrop. This study is focused on providing age constraints for the retrograde amphibolite facies and greenschist facies mineralogy by 40Ar/39Ar dating. By applying a novel approach of combining three different techniques for extracting argon: laser stepwise heating of single grains and small separates, a spot fusion technique by UV-laser ablation microprobe on polished sections and an in vacuo crushing technique for liberating radiogenic argon from fluid inclusions, it is demonstrated that an internally consistent thermal history can be derived. The 40Ar/39Ar ages indicate that phengite formed before 265 Ma, probably during the ultra-high- P event. Ages associated with amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism range from 242 to 217 Ma by the analyses of amphibole. Ages of c. 230 Ma were found for the symplectite matrix that formed during retrogression from eclogite pyroxene. Late stage hydrothermal activity leading to the formation of coarse-grained paragonite and fluid inclusions in vein amphibole was dated at c. 200 Ma. These age results agree well with the mineral crystallization sequence observed from thin-sections of the retrograded eclogite: phengite , paragonite and amphibole in matrix , amphibole in the corona. [source] Amphibolites with staurolite and other aluminous minerals: calculated mineral equilibria in NCFMASHJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Arnold Amphibolite facies mafic rocks that consist mainly of hornblende, plagioclase and quartz may also contain combinations of chlorite, garnet, epidote, and, more unusually, staurolite, kyanite, sillimanite, cordierite and orthoamphiboles. Such assemblages can provide tighter constraints on the pressure and temperature evolution of metamorphic terranes than is usually possible from metabasites. Because of the high variance of most of the assemblages, the phase relationships in amphibolites depend on rock composition, in addition to pressure, temperature and fluid composition. The mineral equilibria in the Na2O,CaO,FeO,MgO,Al2O3,SiO2,H2O (NCFMASH) model system demonstrate that aluminium content is critical in controlling the occurrence of assemblages involving hornblende with aluminous minerals such as sillimanite, kyanite, staurolite and cordierite. Except in aluminous compositions, these assemblages are restricted to higher pressures. The iron to magnesium ratio (XFe), and to a lesser extent, sodium to calcium ratio, have important roles in determining which (if any) of the aluminous minerals occur under particular pressure,temperature conditions. Where aluminous minerals occur in amphibolites, the P,T,X dependence of their phase relationships is remarkably similar to that in metapelitic rocks. The mineral assemblages of Fe-rich amphibolites are typically dominated by garnet- and staurolite-bearing assemblages, whereas their more Mg-rich counterparts contain chlorite and cordierite. Assemblages involving staurolite,hornblende can occur over a wide range of pressures (4,10 kbar) at temperatures of 560,650 °C; however, except in the more aluminous, iron-rich compositions, they occupy a narrow pressure,temperature window. Thus, although their occurrence in ,typical' amphibolites may be indicative of relatively high pressure metamorphism, in more aluminous compositions their interpretation is less straightforward. [source] Origin of metamorphic soles and their post-kinematic mafic dyke swarms in the Antalya and Lycian ophiolites, SW TurkeyGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 3-4 2003Ö. Faruk Çeli Abstract The Antalya and Lycian ophiolites are situated in the western part of the Tauride belt (SW Turkey). Ophiolite-related metamorphic sole rocks in the Tauride belt are observed either at the base of the tectonites or in mélange units. Geochemical observations from the metamorphic sole rocks of Köyce,iz ophiolite indicate three different geochemical affinities: mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB), island-arc tholeiite (IAT) and within-plate basalt (WPB) or seamount are present at the base of the Lycian ophiolites. The sole rocks of the ophiolite are made up of amphibolite, comprising mainly amphibole, pyroxene and plagioclase. Below the amphibolites are epidote-bearing rocks and, at the base, micaschists. The metamorphic sole below ophiolites exhibits an inverted metamorphic zonation. Very strong deformation within kyanite-garnet-bearing micaschists located far from the peridotites was observed, whereas the upper part of the metamorphic sole (near the contact with the peridotites) present relatively less deformation than the lower part. The metamorphic sole rocks of the Lycian ophiolite are cross-cut by some doleritic dykes with a typical greenschist facies mineral assemblage. However, while the metamorphic sole rocks exhibit well-developed lineation and foliation; the dykes lack such structures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Direct Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Basaltic and Related Rocks using ICP-MS: Testing the Efficiency of Microwave Oven Sample Decomposition ProceduresGEOSTANDARDS & GEOANALYTICAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Margareth S. Navarro éléments Terres Rares; attaque acide dans un four à micro onde; bombes Parr; ICP-MS; techniques de décomposition Tests are described showing the results obtained for the determination of REE and the trace elements Rb, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th and U with ICP-MS methodology for nine basaltic reference materials, and thirteen basalts and amphibolites from the mafic-ultramafic Niquelândia Complex, central Brazil. Sample decomposition for the reference materials was performed by microwave oven digestion (HF and HNO3, 100 mg of sample), and that for the Niquelândia samples also by Parr bomb treatment (5 days at 200°C, 40 mg of sample). Results for the reference materials were similar to published values, thus showing that the microwave technique can be used with confidence for basaltic rocks. No fluoride precipitates were observed in the microwave-digested solutions. Total recovery of elements, including Zr and Hf, was obtained for the Niquelândia samples, with the exception of an amphibolite. For this latter sample, the Parr method achieved a total digestion, but not so the microwave decomposition; losses, however, were observed only for Zr and Hf, indicating difficulty in dissolving Zr-bearing minerals by microwave acid attack. Les Terres Rares et les éléments en trace suivants: Rb, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th et U, ont été analysés par ICP-MS dans neuf matériaux de référence de composition basaltique et treize basaltes et amphibolites du Complexe basique -ultrabasique Niquelândia (centre du Brésil). Les matériaux de référence ont été mis en solution par attaque acide dans un four à micro ondes (HF et HNO3, 100 mg d'échantillon) et ceux de Niquelândia l'ont été aussi par attaque dans des bombes Parr (5 jours à 200°C, 40 mg d'échantillon). Les résultats obtenus sur les matériaux de référence sont identiques aux valeurs publiées, montrant que la technique d'attaque par micro onde peut être appliquée en toute confiance aux roches basaltiques. Aucun précipité de fluorure n'a été observé dans les solutions résultantes de l'attaque par micro onde. L'extraction des éléments a été totale, même pour Zr et Hf, pour les échantillons de Niquelândia, sauf pour une amphibole où seule la méthode d'attaque avec la bombe Parr a permis une extraction totale. Néanmoins, les pertes ne concernaient que Zr et Hf, révélant donc une certaine difficulté de la technique d'attaque par micro onde à détruire les minéraux contenant Zr. [source] Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic records hidden in zircons from amphibolites in Sulu Terrane, eastern ChinaISLAND ARC, Issue 3 2003Fulai Liu Abstract The amphibolites occur sporadically as thin layers and blocks throughout the Sulu Terrane, eastern China. All analyzed amphibolite from outcrop and drill cores from prepilot drill hole CCSD-PP1 and CCSD-PP2, Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Project in the Sulu Terrane, are retrograded eclogites overprinted by amphibolite-facies retrograde metamorphism, with characteristic mineral assemblages of amphibole + plagioclase + epidote ± quartz ± biotite ± ilmenite ± titanite. However, coesite and coesite-bearing ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) mineral assemblages are identified by Raman spectroscopy and electron microprobe analysis as inclusions in zircons separated from these amphibolites. In general, coesite and other UHP mineral inclusions are preserved in the cores and mantles of zircons, whereas quartz inclusions occur in the rims of the same zircons. The UHP mineral assemblages consist mainly of coesite + garnet + omphacite + rutile, coesite + garnet + omphacite, coesite + garnet + omphacite + phengite + rutile + apatite, coesite + omphacite + rutile and coesite + magnesite. Compositions of analyzed mineral inclusions are very similar to those of matrix minerals from Sulu eclogites. These UHP mineral inclusion assemblages yield temperatures of 631,780°C and pressures of ,2.8 × 103 MPa, representing the P,T conditions of peak metamorphism of these rocks, which are consistent with those (T = 642,726°C; P , 2.8 × 103 MPa) deduced from adjacent eclogites. These data indicate that the amphibolites are the retrogressive products of UHP eclogites. [source] The Cansiwang Melange of Southeast Bohol (Central Philippines): Origin and tectonic implicationsISLAND ARC, Issue 4 2000Joel V. De Jesus Abstract The Cansiwang Melange underlies the Southeast Bohol Ophiolite Complex (SEBOC) and is composed mainly of sheared ophiolite-derived blocks such as harzburgites, microgabbros, basalts and cherts in a pervasive serpentinite matrix. Available field, as well as geophysical evidence show that this melange unit is not diapiric, nor does it have a sedimentary origin considering that it lacks slump and flow structures. A tectonic origin for the Cansiwang Melange is favored in view of the numerous thrust faults, which cut across the exposures, as well as the tectonic contacts that the melange has with the overlying and underlying formations. The presence of the Cansiwang Melange in between the SEBOC and the Alicia Schist provides evidence that the amphibolite of the Alicia Schist do not correspond to the metamorphic sole of SEBOC. Similar to what is recognized in the Josephine Ophiolite, this suggests a ,cold' emplacement of the ophiolite over the Alicia Schist. The Cansiwang Melange represents an accretionary prism product which marks the location of an ancient subduction zone in what is now Central Philippines. [source] Overview of the geology, petrology and tectonic framework of the high-pressure,ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt of the Kokchetav Massif, KazakhstanISLAND ARC, Issue 3 2000S. Maruyama Abstract High- to ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (HP,UHPM) rocks crop out over 150 km along an east,west axis in the Kokchetav Massif of northern Kazakhstan. They are disposed within the Massif as a 2 km thick, subhorizontal pile of sheet-like nappes, predominantly composed of interlayered pelitic and psammitic schists and gneisses, amphibolite and orthogneiss, with discontinuous boudins and lenses of eclogite, dolomitic marble, whiteschist and garnet pyroxenite. On the basis of predominating lithologies, we subdivided the nappe group into four north-dipping, fault-bounded orogen-parallel units (I,IV, from base to top). Constituent metabasic rocks exhibit a systematic progression of metamorphic grades, from high-pressure amphibolite through quartz,eclogite and coesite,eclogite to diamond,eclogite facies. Coesite, diamond and other mineral inclusions within zircon offer the best means by which to clarify the regional extent of UHPM, as they are effectively sequestered from the effects of fluids during retrogression. Inclusion distribution and conventional geothermobarometric determinations demonstrate that the highest grade metamorphic rocks (Unit II: T = 780,1000°C, P = 37,60 kbar) are restricted to a medial position within the nappe group, and metamorphic grade decreases towards both the top (Unit III: T = 730,750°C, P = 11,14 kbar; Unit IV: T = 530°C, P = 7.5,9 kbar) and bottom (Unit I: T = 570,680°C; P = 7,13.5 kbar). Metamorphic zonal boundaries and internal structural fabrics are subhorizontal, and the latter exhibit opposing senses of shear at the bottom (top-to-the-north) and top (top-to-the-south) of the pile. The orogen-scale architecture of the massif is sandwich-like, with the HP,UHPM nappe group juxtaposed across large-scale subhorizontal faults, against underlying low P,T metapelites (Daulet Suite) at the base, and overlying feebly metamorphosed clastic and carbonate rocks (Unit V). The available structural and petrologic data strongly suggest that the HP,UHPM rocks were extruded as a sequence of thin sheets, from a root zone in the south toward the foreland in the north, and juxtaposed into the adjacent lower-grade units at shallow crustal levels of around 10 km. The nappe pile suffered considerable differential internal displacements, as the 2 km thick sequence contains rocks exhumed from depths of up to 200 km in the core, and around 30,40 km at the margins. Consequently, wedge extrusion, perhaps triggered by slab-breakoff, is the most likely tectonic mechanism to exhume the Kokchetav HP,UHPM rocks. [source] Amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism of the Zhujiachong eclogite, SE Dabieshan: 40Ar/39Ar age constraints from argon extraction using UV-laser microprobe, in vacuo crushing and stepwise heatingJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 5 2010H.-N. QIU Abstract The Zhujiachong eclogite in the south-eastern Dabieshan ultra-high- P terrane has been overprinted during retrograde metamorphism, with the development of garnet-amphibolite mineral assemblages in most rocks in the outcrop. This study is focused on providing age constraints for the retrograde amphibolite facies and greenschist facies mineralogy by 40Ar/39Ar dating. By applying a novel approach of combining three different techniques for extracting argon: laser stepwise heating of single grains and small separates, a spot fusion technique by UV-laser ablation microprobe on polished sections and an in vacuo crushing technique for liberating radiogenic argon from fluid inclusions, it is demonstrated that an internally consistent thermal history can be derived. The 40Ar/39Ar ages indicate that phengite formed before 265 Ma, probably during the ultra-high- P event. Ages associated with amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism range from 242 to 217 Ma by the analyses of amphibole. Ages of c. 230 Ma were found for the symplectite matrix that formed during retrogression from eclogite pyroxene. Late stage hydrothermal activity leading to the formation of coarse-grained paragonite and fluid inclusions in vein amphibole was dated at c. 200 Ma. These age results agree well with the mineral crystallization sequence observed from thin-sections of the retrograded eclogite: phengite , paragonite and amphibole in matrix , amphibole in the corona. [source] Fluid flow and Al transport during quartz-kyanite vein formation, Unst, Shetland Islands, ScotlandJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2010C. E. BUCHOLZ Abstract Quartz-kyanite veins, adjacent alteration selvages and surrounding ,precursor' wall rocks in the Dalradian Saxa Vord Pelite of Unst in the Shetland Islands (Scotland) were investigated to constrain the geochemical alteration and mobility of Al associated with channelized metamorphic fluid infiltration during the Caledonian Orogeny. Thirty-eight samples of veins, selvages and precursors were collected, examined using the petrographic microscope and electron microprobe, and geochemically analysed. With increasing grade, typical precursor mineral assemblages include, but are not limited to, chlorite+chloritoid, chlorite+chloritoid+kyanite, chlorite+chloritoid+staurolite and garnet+staurolite+kyanite+chloritoid. These assemblages coexist with quartz, white mica (muscovite, paragonite, margarite), and Fe-Ti oxides. The mineral assemblage of the selvages does not change noticeably with metamorphic grade, and consists of chloritoid, kyanite, chlorite, quartz, white mica and Fe-Ti oxides. Pseudosections for selvage and precursor bulk compositions indicate that the observed mineral assemblages were stable at regional metamorphic conditions of 550,600 °C and 0.8,1.1 GPa. A mass balance analysis was performed to assess the nature and magnitude of geochemical alteration that produced the selvages adjacent to the veins. On average, selvages lost about ,26% mass relative to precursors. Mass losses of Na, K, Ca, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba and volatiles were ,30 to ,60% and resulted from the destruction of white mica. Si was depleted from most selvages and transported locally to adjacent veins; average selvage Si losses were about ,50%. Y and rare earth elements were added due to the growth of monazite in cracks cutting apatite. The mass balance analysis also suggests some addition of Ti occurred, consistent with the presence of rutile and hematite-ilmenite solid solutions in veins. No major losses of Al from selvages were observed, but Al was added in some cases. Consequently, the Al needed to precipitate vein kyanite was not derived locally from the selvages. Veins more than an order of magnitude thicker than those typically observed in the field would be necessary to accommodate the Na and K lost from the selvages during alteration. Therefore, regional transport of Na and K out of the local rock system is inferred. In addition, to account for the observed abundances of kyanite in the veins, large fluid-rock ratios (102,103 m3fluid m,3rock) and time-integrated fluid fluxes in excess of ,104 m3fluid m,2rock are required owing to the small concentrations of Al in aqueous fluids. It is concluded that the quartz-kyanite veins and their selvages were produced by regional-scale advective mass transfer by means of focused fluid flow along a thrust fault zone. The results of this study provide field evidence for considerable Al mass transport at greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions, possibly as a result of elevated concentrations of Al in metamorphic fluids due to alkali-Al silicate complexing at high pressures. [source] Phase-equilibrium constraints on titanite and rutile activities in mafic epidote amphibolites and geobarometry using titanite,rutile equilibriaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 7 2009P. KAPP Abstract Activities of titanite (Ttn, CaTiSiO5) and/or rutile (Rt, TiO2) phase components were calculated for 45 well-characterized natural titanite- or rutile-undersaturated epidote,amphibolites by using the equilibria: (i) 3 anorthite + 2 zoisite/clinozoisite + rutile + quartz = 3 anorthite + titanite + water (referred to as TZARS) and (ii) anorthite + 2 titanite = grossular + 2 rutile + quartz (referred to as GRATiS). In titanite-bearing and rutile-absent samples aRt is 0.75 ± 0.26. In titanite-absent, rutile-bearing samples aTtn is 0.89 ± 0.16. Mean values derived for aRt/aTtn are 0.92 ± 0.12 for rutile + titanite-bearing samples and 0.42 ± 0.27 for samples lacking both titanite and rutile. Use of these values with TZARS yields pressure estimates for epidote,amphibolites that differ on average by <0.5 kbar from those recorded by established mineral barometers, even where both titanite and rutile are lacking. Despite rather large uncertainties in the average values obtained for aRt, aTtn or aRt/aTtn, application of TZARS yields pressure estimates that agree with independent estimates to within ±0.5 kbar for titanite- and/or rutile-saturated samples, and to within ±0.8 kbar for samples that contain neither Ti-phase. The accuracy and precision of the TZARS barometer are comparable to that of many well-calibrated barometers. TZARS offers a much-needed barometer for mafic rocks metamorphosed at epidote-bearing amphibolite and blueschist facies conditions. In addition, the results provide a basis for application of other thermobarometers, such as Ti-in-zircon, where rutile activity is required as input. [source] Polymetamorphism, zircon growth and retention of early assemblages through the dynamic evolution of a continental arc in Fiordland, New ZealandJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2009J. M. SCOTT Abstract The Marguerite Amphibolite and associated rocks in northern Fiordland, New Zealand, contain evidence for retention of Carboniferous metamorphic assemblages through Cretaceous collision of an arc, emplacement of large volumes of mafic magma, high- P metamorphism and then extensional exhumation. The amphibolite occurs as five dismembered aluminous meta-gabbroic xenoliths up to 2 km wide that are enclosed within meta-leucotonalite of the Lake Hankinson Complex. A first metamorphic event (M1) is manifest in the amphibolite as a pervasively lineated pargasite,anorthite,kyanite or corundum ± rutile assemblage, and as diffusion-zoned garnet in pelitic schist xenoliths within the amphibolite. Thin zones of metasomatically Al-enriched leucotonalite directly at the margins of each amphibolite xenolith indicate element redistribution during M1 and equilibration at 6.6 ± 0.8 kbar and 618 ± 25 °C. A second phase of recrystallization (M2) formed patchy and static margarite ± kyanite,staurolite,chlorite,plagioclase,epidote assemblages in the amphibolite, pseudomorphs of coronas in gabbronorite, and thin high-grossular garnet rims in the pelitic schists. Conditions of M2, 8.8 ± 0.6 kbar and 643 ± 27 °C, are recorded from the rims of garnet in the pelitic schists. Cathodoluminescence imaging and simultaneous acquisition of U-Th-Pb isotopes and trace elements by depth-profiling zircon grains from one pelitic schist reveals four stages of growth, two of which are metamorphic. The first metamorphic stage, dated as 340.2 ± 2.2 Ma, is correlated with M1 on the basis that the unusual zircon trace element compositions indicate growth from a metasomatic fluid derived from the surrounding amphibolite during penetrative deformation. A second phase of zircon overgrowth coupled with crosscutting relationships date M2 to between 119 and 117 Ma. The Early Carboniferous event has not previously been recognized in northern Fiordland, whereas the latter event, which has been identified in Early Cretaceous batholiths, their xenoliths, and rocks directly at batholith margins, is here shown to have also affected the country rock. However, the effects of M2 are fragmentary due to limited element mobility, lack of deformation, distance from a heat source and short residence time in the lower crust during peak P and T. It is possible that many parts of the Fiordland continental arc achieved high- P conditions in the Early Cretaceous but retain earlier metamorphic or igneous assemblages. [source] Formation of clinopyroxene + spinel and amphibole + spinel symplectites in coronitic gabbros from the Sierra de San Luis (Argentina): a key to post-magmatic evolutionJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 7 2008G. CRUCIANI Abstract The El Arenal metagabbros preserve coronitic shells of orthopyroxene ± Fe-oxide around olivine, as well as three different types of symplectite consisting of amphibole + spinel, clinopyroxene + spinel and, more rarely, orthopyroxene + spinel. The textural features of the metagabbros can be explained by the breakdown of the olivine + plagioclase pair, producing orthopyroxene coronas and clinopyroxene + spinel symplectites, followed by the formation of amphibole + spinel symplectites, reflecting a decrease in temperature and, possibly, an increase in water activity with respect to the previous stage. The metagabbros underwent a complex P,T history consisting of an igneous stage followed by cooling in granulite, amphibolite and greenschist facies conditions. Although the P,T conditions of emplacement of the igneous protolith are still doubtful, the magmatic assemblage suggests that igneous crystallization occurred at a pressure lower than 6 kbar and at 900,1100 °C. Granulitic P,T conditions have been estimated at about 900 °C and 7,8 kbar combining conventional thermobarometry and pseudosection analysis. Pseudosection calculation has also shown that the formation of the amphibole + spinel symplectite could have been favoured by an increase in water activity during the amphibolite stage, as the temperature of formation of this symplectite strongly depends on aH2O (<740 °C for aH2O = 0.5; <790 °C for aH2O = 1). Furthermore, but not pervasive, re-equilibration under greenschist facies P,T conditions is documented by retrograde epidote and chlorite. The resulting counterclockwise P,T path consists of progressive, nearly isobaric cooling from the igneous stage down to the granulite, amphibolite and greenschist stage. [source] Contrasting metamorphic histories of lenses of high-pressure rocks and host migmatites with a flat orogenic fabric (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic): a result of tectonic mixing within horizontal crustal flow?JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 6 2008TÍPSKÁ Abstract Migmatites with sub-horizontal fabrics at the eastern margin of the Variscan orogenic root in the Bohemian Massif host lenses of eclogite, kyanite-K-feldspar granulite and marble within a matrix of migmatitic paragneiss and amphibolite. Petrological study and pseudosection modelling have been used to establish whether the whole area experienced terrane-wide exhumation of lower orogenic crust, or whether smaller portions of higher-pressure lower crust were combined with a lower-pressure matrix. Kyanite-K-feldspar granulite shows peak conditions of 16.5 kbar and 850 °C with no clear indications of prograde path, whereas in the eclogite the prograde path indicates burial from 10 kbar and 700 °C to a peak of 18 kbar and 800 °C. Two contrasting prograde paths are identified within the host migmatitic paragneiss. The first path is inferred from the presence of staurolite and kyanite inclusions in garnet that contains preserved prograde zoning that indicates burial with simultaneous heating to 11 kbar and 800 °C. The second path is inferred from garnet overgrowths of a flat foliation defined by sillimanite and biotite. Garnet growth in such an assemblage is possible only if the sample is heated at 7,8 kbar to around 700,840 °C. Decompression is associated with strong structural reworking in the flat fabric that involves growth of sillimanite in paragneiss and kyanite-K-feldspar granulite at 7,10 kbar and 750,850 °C. The contrasting prograde metamorphic histories indicate that kilometre-scale portions of high-pressure lower orogenic crust were exhumed to middle crustal levels, dismembered and mixed with a middle crustal migmatite matrix, with the simultaneous development of a flat foliation. The contrasting P,T paths with different pressure peaks show that tectonic models explaining high-pressure boudins in such a fabric cannot be the result of heterogeneous retrogression during ductile rebound of the whole orogenic root. The P,T paths are compatible with a model of heterogeneous vertical extrusion of lower crust into middle crust, followed by sub-horizontal flow. [source] Relics of the Mozambique Ocean in the central East African Orogen: evidence from the Vohibory Block of southern MadagascarJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2008N. JÖNS Abstract The Vohibory Block of south-western Madagascar is part of the East African Orogen, the formation of which is related to the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent. It is dominated by metabasic rocks, which have chemical compositions similar to those of recent basalts from a mid-ocean ridge, back-arc setting and island-arc setting. The age of formation of protolith basalts has been dated at 850,700 Ma by U,Pb SHRIMP analysis of magmatic cores in zircon, pointing to an origin related to the Neoproterozoic Mozambique Ocean. The metabasic rocks are interpreted as representing components of an island arc with an associated back-arc basin. In the early stage of the Pan-African orogeny, these rocks experienced high-pressure amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism (9,12 kbar, 750,880 °C), dated at 612 ± 5 Ma from metamorphic rims in zircon. The metamorphism was most likely related to accretion of the arc terrane to the margin of the Azania microcontinent (Proto-Madagascar) and closure of the back-arc basin. The main metamorphism is significantly older than high-temperature metamorphism in other tectonic units of southern Madagascar, indicating a distinct tectono-metamorphic history. [source] Late Miocene,Pliocene eclogite facies metamorphism, D'Entrecasteaux Islands, SE Papua New GuineaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2007B. D. MONTELEONE Abstract The D'Entrecasteaux Islands of south-eastern Papua New Guinea are active metamorphic core complexes that formed within a region where the plate tectonic regime has transitioned from subduction to rifting. While rapid, post 4 Myr exhumation and cooling of amphibolite and greenschist facies rocks that constitute the footwall of the crustal scale detachment fault system have been previously documented on Fergusson and Goodenough Islands of the D'Entrecasteaux chain, the timing of eclogite facies metamorphism in rocks of the footwall was unknown. Recent work revealed that at least one of the eclogite bodies formed during the Pliocene. We present combined in situ ion microprobe U,Pb age analyses of zircon from five variably retrogressed eclogite samples from Fergusson and Goodenough Islands that document Late Miocene,Pliocene (8,2 Ma) eclogite formation on these islands. Textural relationships and zircon,garnet rare earth element partition coefficients indicate that U,Pb ages constrain zircon crystallization under eclogite facies conditions in all samples. Results suggest westward younging of eclogite facies metamorphism from Fergusson to Goodenough Island. Present-day exposure of Late Miocene,Pliocene eclogites requires exhumation rates > 2.5 cm yr,1. [source] Variation in peak P,T conditions across the upper contact of the UHP terrane, Dabieshan, China: gradational or abrupt?JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 9 2006Y. SHI Abstract The Southern Dabieshan Terrane (SDT) has previously been divided into high-pressure (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes, and its regional extent and the tectonic nature of its boundaries are hotly debated topics. In this study, an eclogite-bearing area of 100 km2 near Taihu is mapped in detail, and divided into Northern, Middle and Southern Zones on the basis of lithological characteristics. The Northern Zone consists of epidote-biotite gneiss and eclogite blocks, the Middle Zone includes granitic gneiss, biotite gneiss, eclogites and amphibolite, and the Southern Zone is composed mainly of garnet-bearing mica schist. The eclogites occur mainly as lens or blocks in the Northern and Middle Zones. The peak P,T conditions for 61 eclogite samples across the area are estimated using the Grt-Cpx Fe2+ -Mg thermometers and the Grt-Cpx-Phe barometers. The results indicate three different P,T regions: 2.82,4.09 GPa/759,942 °C in the Northern Zone, and 2.00,3.54 GPa/641,839 °C in the granitic gneiss and 1.38,2.36 GPa/535,768 °C in the biotite gneiss from the Middle Zone. Combined with the spatial distribution of eclogites across the area, the P,T values for eclogites increase continuously from the south to the north, defining a reference ,geotherm' of 5 °C km,1. However, some unreasonable apparent gradients can be established along two south,north profiles across the area, and display a P,T difference between the Northern and Middle zones. On the basis of the average P,T data for eclogites across the area, a gap of at least 0.3 GPa/20 °C exists between the Northern and Middle zones. By contrast, the P,T values of eclogites from the Middle zone show a coherent pattern with transitional characteristics from HP in the south to UHP in the north. We suggest that the SDT was a coherent slab during subduction, and was broken up by a major fault during exhumation, which was formed under UHP metamorphic conditions. [source] SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating from Sulu-Dabie dolomitic marble, eastern China: constraints on prograde, ultrahigh-pressure and retrograde metamorphic agesJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 7 2006F. L. LIU Abstract Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images show that zircon from Sulu-Dabie dolomitic marbles is characterized by distinctive domains of inherited (detrital), prograde, ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) and retrograde metamorphic growths. The inherited zircon domains are dark-luminescent in CL images and contain mineral inclusions of Qtz + Cal + Ap. The prograde metamorphic domains are white-luminescent in CL images and preserve a quartz eclogite facies assemblage of Qtz + Dol + Grt + Omp + Phe + Ap, formed at 542,693 °C and 1.8,2.1 GPa. In contrast, the UHP metamorphic domains are grey-luminescent in CL images, retain the UHP assemblage of Coe + Grt + Omp + Arg + Mgs + Ap, and record UHP conditions of 739,866 °C and >5.5 GPa. The outermost retrograde rims have dark-luminescent CL images, and contain low- P minerals such as calcite, related to the regional amphibolite facies retrogression. Laser ablation ICP-MS trace-element data show striking difference between the inherited cores of mostly magmatic origin and zircon domains grown in response to prograde, UHP and retrograde metamorphism. SHRIMP U-Pb dating on these zoned zircon identified four discrete 206Pb/238U age groups: 1823,503 Ma is recorded in the inherited (detrital) zircon derived from various Proterozoic protoliths, the prograde domains record the quartz eclogite facies metamorphism at 254,239 Ma, the UHP growth domains occurred at 238,230 Ma, and the late amphibolite facies retrogressive overprint in the outermost rims was restricted to 218,206 Ma. Thus, Proterozoic continental materials of the Yangtze craton were subducted to 55,60 km depth during the Early Triassic and recrystallized at quartz eclogite facies conditions. Then these metamorphic rocks were further subducted to depths of 165,175 km in the Middle Triassic and experienced UHP metamorphism, and finally these UHP metamorphic rocks were exhumed to mid-crustal levels (about 30 km) in the Late Triassic and overprinted by regional amphibolite facies metamorphism. The subduction and exhumation rates deduced from the SHRIMP data and metamorphic P,T conditions are 9,10 km Myr,1 and 6.4 km Myr,1, respectively, and these rapid subduction,exhumation rates may explain the obtained P,T,t path. Such a fast exhumation suggests that Sulu-Dabie UHP rocks that returned towards crustal depths were driven by buoyant forces, caused as a consequence of slab breakoff at mantle depth. [source] Fluid evolution and thermal structure in the rapidly exhuming gneiss complex of Namche Barwa,Gyala Peri, eastern Himalayan syntaxisJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 9 2005D. CRAW Abstract High-grade gneisses (amphibolite,granulite facies) of the Namche Barwa and Gyala Peri massifs, in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, have been unroofed from metamorphic depths in the late Tertiary,Recent. Rapid exhumation (2,5 mm year,1) has resulted in a pronounced shallow conductive thermal anomaly beneath the massifs and the intervening Tsangpo gorge. The position of the 300 °C isotherm has been estimated from fluid inclusions using CO2,H2O immiscibility phase equilibria to be between 2.5 and 6.2 km depth below surface. Hence, the near-surface average thermal gradient exceeds 50 °C km,1 beneath valleys, although the thermal gradient is relatively lower beneath the high mountains. The original metamorphic fluid in the gneisses was >90% CO2. This fluid was displaced by incursion of brines from overlying marine sedimentary rocks that have since been largely removed by erosion. Brines can exceed 60 wt% dissolved salts, and include Ca, Na, K and Fe chlorides. These brines were remobilized during the earliest stages of uplift at >500 °C. During exhumation, incursion of abundant topography-driven surface waters resulted in widespread fracture-controlled hydrothermal activity and brine dilution down to the brittle,ductile transition. Boiling water was particularly common at shallow levels (<2.5 km) beneath the Yarlung Tsangpo valley, and numerous hot springs occur at the surface in this valley. Dry steam is not a major feature of the hydrothermal system in the eastern syntaxis (in contrast to the western syntaxis at Nanga Parbat), but some dry steam fluids may have developed locally. [source] Oxide and sulphide isograds along a Late Archean, deep-crustal profile in Tamil Nadu, south IndiaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2005D. E. HARLOV Abstract Oxide,sulphide,Fe,Mg,silicate and titanite,ilmenite textures as well as their mineral compositions have been studied in felsic and intermediate orthogneisses across an amphibolite (north) to granulite facies (south) traverse of lower Archean crust, Tamil Nadu, south India. Titanite is limited to the amphibolite facies terrane where it rims ilmenite or occurs as independent grains. Pyrite is widespread throughout the traverse increasing in abundance with increasing metamorphic grade. Pyrrhotite is confined to the high-grade granulites. Ilmenite is widespread throughout the traverse increasing in abundance with increasing metamorphic grade and occurring primarily as hemo-ilmenite in the high-grade granulite facies rocks. Magnetite is widespread throughout the traverse and is commonly associated with ilmenite. It decreases in abundance with increasing metamorphic grade. In the granulite facies zone, reaction rims of magnetite + quartz occur along Fe,Mg silicate grain boundaries. Magnetite also commonly rims or is associated with pyrite. Both types of reaction rims represent an oxidation effect resulting from the partial subsolidus reduction of the hematite component in ilmenite to magnetite. This is confirmed by the presence of composite three oxide grains consisting of hematite, magnetite and ilmenite. Magnetite and magnetite,pyrite micro-veins along silicate grain boundaries formed over a wide range of post-peak metamorphic temperatures and pressures ranging from high-grade SO2 to low-grade H2S-dominated conditions. Oxygen fugacities estimated from the orthopyroxene,magnetite,quartz, orthopyroxene,hematite,quartz, and magnetite,hematite buffers average 2.5 log units above QFM. It is proposed that the trends in mineral assemblages, textures and composition are the result of an external, infiltrating concentrated brine containing an oxidizing component such as CaSO4 during high-grade metamorphism later acted upon by prograde and retrograde mineral reactions that do not involve an externally derived fluid phase. [source] Metamorphic evolution of kyanite,staurolite-bearing epidote,amphibolite from the Early Palaeozoic Oeyama belt, SW JapanJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2004T. Tsujimori Abstract Early Palaeozoic kyanite,staurolite-bearing epidote,amphibolites including foliated epidote,amphibolite (FEA), and nonfoliated leucocratic or melanocratic metagabbros (LMG, MMG), occur in the Fuko Pass metacumulate unit (FPM) of the Oeyama belt, SW Japan. Microtextural relationships and mineral chemistry define three metamorphic stages: relict granulite facies metamorphism (M1), high- P (HP) epidote,amphibolite facies metamorphism (M2), and retrogression (M3). M1 is preserved as relict Al-rich diopside (up to 8.5 wt.% Al2O3) and pseudomorphs after spinel and plagioclase in the MMG, suggesting a medium- P granulite facies condition (0.8,1.3 GPa at >,850 °C). An unusually low-variance M2 assemblage, Hbl + Czo + Ky ± St + Pg + Rt ± Ab ± Crn, occurs in the matrix of all rock types. The presence of relict plagioclase inclusions in M2 kyanite associated with clinozoisite indicates a hydration reaction to form the kyanite-bearing M2 assemblage during cooling. The corundum-bearing phase equilibria constrain a qualitative metamorphic P,T condition of 1.1,1.9 GPa at 550,800 °C for M2. The M2 minerals were locally replaced by M3 margarite, paragonite, plagioclase and/or chlorite. The breakdown of M2 kyanite to produce the M3 assemblage at <,0.5 GPa and 450,500 °C suggests a greenschist facies overprint during decompression. The P,T evolution of the FPM may represent subduction of an oceanic plateau with a granulite facies lower crust and subsequent exhumation in a Pacific-type orogen. [source] Timing of high-grade metamorphism: Early Palaeozoic U,Pb formation ages of titanite indicate long-standing high- T conditions at the western margin of Gondwana (Argentina, 26,29°S)JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 7 2003F. Lucassen Abstract Concordant U,Pb ages of c. 530,510 Ma and c. 470,420 Ma on titanite from calcsilicate, orthogneiss and amphibolite rocks constrain the age of high- T metamorphism in the Early Palaeozoic mobile belt at the western margin of Proterozoic Gondwana (Argentina, 26,29°S). The U,Pb ages document the time of titanite formation at high- T conditions according to the stable mineral paragenesis and occurrence of titanite in the metamorphic fabric. The presence of migmatite at all sample sites indicates temperatures were > c. 650 °C. Titanite formed at similar metamorphic conditions at different times on the regional and on the outcrop scale. The titanite crystals preserved their U,Pb isotopic signatures and chemical composition under ongoing upper amphibolite to granulite facies temperatures. Different thermal peaks or deformations are only detected by the different U,Pb ages and not by changes in the mineral paragenesis or metamorphic fabric of the samples. The range of U,Pb ages, e.g. in the Ordovician and Silurian (c. 470, 460, 440, 430, 420 Ma), is interpreted as the effect polyphase deformation with deformation-enhanced recrystallization of titanite and/or different thermal peaks during a long-standing, geographically fixed, high- T regime in the mid-crust of a continental magmatic arc. A clear correlation of the different ages with distinct tectonic events, e.g. collision of terranes, is not possible based on the present knowledge of the region. [source] Petrogenetic significance of orthopyroxene-free garnet + clinopyroxene + plagioclase ± quartz-bearing metabasites with respect to the amphibolite and granulite faciesJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2003D. R. M. Pattison Abstract Orthopyroxene-free garnet + clinopyroxene + plagioclase ± quartz-bearing mineral assemblages represent the paragenetic link between plagioclase-free eclogite facies metabasites and orthopyroxene-bearing granulite facies metabasites. Although these assemblages are most commonly developed under P,T conditions consistent with high pressure granulite facies, they sometimes occur at lower grade in the amphibolite facies. Thus, these assemblages are characteristic but not definitive of high pressure granulite facies. Compositional factors favouring their development at amphibolite grade include Fe-rich mineral compositions, Ca-rich garnet and plagioclase, and Ti-poor hornblende. The generalized reaction that accounts for the prograde development of garnet + clinopyroxene + plagioclase ± quartz from a hornblende + plagioclase + quartz-bearing (amphibolite) precursor is Hbl + Pl + Qtz=Grt + Cpx + liquid or vapour, depending on whether the reaction occurs above or below the solidus. There are significant discrepancies between experimental and natural constraints on the P,T conditions of orthopyroxene-free garnet + clinopyroxene + plagioclase ± quartz-bearing mineral assemblages and therefore on the P,T position of this reaction. Semi-quantitative thermodynamic modelling of this reaction is hampered by the lack of a melt model and gives results that are only moderately successful in rationalizing the natural and experimental data. [source] The Tertiary collision-related thermal history of the NW HimalayaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 9 2002G. Foster Abstract Garnet-whole rock Sm-Nd data are presented for several samples from the Indian plate in the NW Himalaya. These dates, when combined with the P-T evolution of the Indian plate rocks, allow a thorough reconstruction of the prograde thermal evolution of this region (including the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif) during the early Cenozoic. Combining these data with Rb-Sr mineral separate ages, enables us to constrain the post-peak cooling history of this region of the Himalaya. The data presented here indicate that the upper structural levels of the cover rocks of the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif, and similar rocks in the Kaghan Valley to the south-west, were buried to pressures of c. 10 kbar and heated to temperatures of c. 650 °C at 46,41 Ma. The burial of the lower structural levels of the cover rocks of the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif, to similar depths but at higher temperatures of c. 700 °C, occurred slightly later at 40,36 Ma, synchronous with the imbrication and exhumation of the amphibolite- and eclogite-grade rocks of the Kaghan Valley. In contrast, the cover rocks of the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif were not imbricated or exhumed at this time, remaining buried beneath the Kohistan-Ladakh Island Arc until the syntaxis-forming event that occurred in the last 10 Myr. The timing of tectonic events in the north-western Himalaya differs from that experienced by the rocks of the Central Himalaya in that the earliest stage of burial in the NW Himalaya predates that of the Central Himalaya by c. 6 Myr. This difference may result from the diachronous nature of the Indo-Asian collision or may simply be a reflection of differing timing at different structural levels. [source] The effect of TiO2 and Fe2O3 on metapelitic assemblages at greenschist and amphibolite facies conditions: mineral equilibria calculations in the system K2O,FeO,MgO,Al2O3,SiO2,H2O,TiO2,Fe2O3JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 5 2000White Mineral equilibria calculations in the system K2O,FeO,MgO,Al2O3,SiO2,H2O,TiO2,Fe2O3 (KFMASHTO) using thermocalc and its internally consistent thermodynamic dataset constrain the effect of TiO2 and Fe2O3 on greenschist and amphibolite facies mineral equilibria in metapelites. The end-member data and activity,composition relationships for biotite and chloritoid, calibrated with natural rock data, and activity,composition data for garnet, calibrated using experimental data, provide new constraints on the effects of TiO2 and Fe2O3 on the stability of these minerals. Thermodynamic models for ilmenite,hematite and magnetite,ulvospinel solid solutions accounting for order,disorder in these phases allow the distribution of TiO2 and Fe2O3 between oxide minerals and silicate minerals to be calculated. The calculations indicate that small to moderate amounts of TiO2 and Fe2O3 in typical metapelitic bulk compositions have little effect on silicate mineral equilibria in metapelites at greenschist to amphibolite facies, compared with those calculated in KFMASH. The addition of large amounts of TiO2 to typical pelitic bulk compositions has little effect on the stability of silicate assemblages; in contrast, rocks rich in Fe2O3 develop a markedly different metamorphic succession from that of common Barrovian sequences. In particular, Fe2O3 -rich metapelites show a marked reduction in the stability fields of staurolite and garnet to higher pressures, in comparison to those predicted by KFMASH grids. [source] Evolution of Caledonian deformation fabrics under eclogite and amphibolite facies at Vårdalsneset, Western Gneiss Region, NorwayJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2000Engvik The Vårdalsneset eclogite situated in the Western Gneiss Region, SW Norway, is a well preserved tectonite giving information about the deformation regimes active in the lower crust during crustal thickening and subsequent exhumation. The eclogite constitutes layers and lenses variably retrograded to amphibolite and is composed of garnet and omphacite with varying amounts of barroisite, actinolite, clinozoisite, kyanite, quartz, paragonite, phengite and rutile. The rocks record a five-stage evolution connected to Caledonian burial and subsequent exhumation. (1) A prograde evolution through amphibolite facies (T =490±63 °C) is inferred from garnet cores with amphibole inclusions and bell-shaped Mn profile. (2) Formation of L>S-tectonite eclogite (T =680±20 °C, P=16±2 kbar) related to the subduction of continental crust during the Caledonian orogeny. Lack of asymmetrical fabrics and orientation of eclogite facies extensional veins indicate that the deformation regime during formation of the L>S fabric was coaxial. (3) Formation of sub-horizontal eclogite facies foliation in which the finite stretching direction had changed by approximately 90°. Disruption of eclogite lenses and layers between symmetric shear zones characterizes the dominantly coaxial deformation regime of stage 3. Locally occurring mylonitic eclogites (T =690±20 °C, P=15±1.5 kbar) with top-W kinematics may indicate, however, that non-coaxial deformation was also active at eclogite facies conditions. (4) Development of a widespread regional amphibolite facies foliation (T =564±44 °C, P<10.3,8.1 kbar), quartz veins and development of conjugate shear zones indicate that coaxial vertical shortening and sub-horizontal stretching were active during exhumation from eclogite to amphibolite facies conditions. (5) Amphibolite facies mylonites mainly formed under non-coaxial top-W movement are related to large-scale movement on the extensional detachments active during the late-orogenic extension of the Caledonides. The structural and metamorphic evolution of the Vårdalsneset eclogite and related areas support the exhumation model, including an extensional detachment in the upper crust and overall coaxial deformation in the lower crust. [source] Mineralogical and Petrological Characteristics of the Neoproterozoic Orthoamphibolite and Orthogneisses in the Mutki Area, the Bitlis Massif, Southeast TurkeyACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 3 2010Kerim KOCAK Abstract: The rocks form as amphibolite ± garnet ± epidote and orthogneisses in the Pan-African basement of the Bitlis Massif. The petrochemical data of the studied metamorphic rocks suggest different igneous protoliths ranging from calcalkaline basalt to andesite in composition. Petrochemically, the rocks can be classified as group 1 (low Zr and La) and group 2 (high Zr and La), all showing various enrichments in large ion lithophiles and light rare earth elements, and a depletion in high-field strength elements, suggestive of a destructive plate margin setting. The protoliths of the all samples might have formed mostly by the partial melting of an enriched source, possibly coupled with the fractional crystallization of plagioclase, apatite, and titaniferous magnetite ± olivine ± clinopyroxene ± amphibole in relation with subduction-related magmatism neighboring the Andean-type active margins of Gondwana. The group 2 samples could, however, be generated by a relatively lower degree of the partial melting of an inhomogeneous source with a preponderance of a high-level, fractional crystallization process in comparison to group 1. The protoliths of the samples were metamorphosed up to amphibolite facies conditions, which destroys original igneous texture and mineral assemblages. Geothermobarometric calculations show that the metamorphic rocks are finally equilibrated between 540 and 610°C and ,5 kbars, following a clockwise P-T-t path. [source] Geochemistry, Nd Isotopic Characteristics of Metamorphic Complexes in Northern Hebei: Implications for Crustal AccretionACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 6 2006LIU Shuwen Abstract: The middle segment of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) consists mainly of metamorphosed Archean Dantazi Complex, Paleoproterozoic Hongqiyingzi Complex and unmetamorphosed gabbro-anorthosite-meta-alkaline granite, as well as metamorphosed Late Paleozoic mafic to granitoid rocks in the Damiao-Changshaoying area. The ,2.49 Ga Dantazi Complex comprises dioritic-trondhjemitic-granodoritic-monzogranitic gneisses metamorphosed in amphibolite to granulite facies. Petrochemical characteristics reveal that most of the rocks belong to a medium- to high-potassium calc-alkaline series, and display Mg#less than 40, right-declined REE patterns with no to obviously positive Eu anomalies, evidently negative Th, Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies in primitive mantle-normalized spider diagrams, ,Nd(t)=+0.65 to ,0.03, and depleted mantle model ages TDM=2.78-2.71 Ga. Study in petrogenesis indicates that the rocks were formed from magmatic mixing between mafic magma from the depleted mantle and granitoid magma from partial melting of recycled crustal mafic rocks in a continental margin setting. The 2.44-2.41 Ga Hongqiyingzi Complex is dominated by metamorphic mafic-granodioritic-monzogranitic gneisses, displaying similar petrochemical features to the Dantazi Complex, namely medium to high potassium calc-alkaline series, and the mafic rocks show evident change in LILEs, negative Th, Nb, Ta, Zr anomalies and positive P anomalies. And the other granitiod samples also exhibit negative Th, Nb, Ta, P and Ti anomalies. All rocks in the Hongqiyingzi Complex show right-declined REE patterns without Eu anomaly. The metamorphic mafic rocks with ,Nd(t)= ,1.64 may not be an identical magmatic evolution series with granitoids that have ,Nd(t) values of +3.19 to +1.94 and TDM ages of 2.55-2.52 Ga. These granitic rocks originated from hybrid between mafic magma from the depleted mantle and magma from partial melting of juvenile crustal mafic rocks in an island arc setting. All the ,311 Ma Late Paleozoic metamorphic mafic rocks and related granitic rocks show a medium-potassium calc-alkaline magmatic evolution series, characterized by high Mg#, obviously negative Th, Nb, Ta anomalies and positive Sr anomalies, from no to strongly negative Ti anomalies and flat REE patterns with ,Nd(t)= +8.42, implying that the mafic magma was derived from the depleted mantle. However the other granitic rocks are characterized by right-declined REE patterns with no to evidently positive Eu anomalies, significantly low ,Nd(t)= ,13.37 to ,14.04, and TDM=1.97-1.96 Ga, revealing that the granitoid magma was derived from hybrid between mafic magma that came from ,311 Ma depleted mantle and granitoid magma from Archean to Early Paleoproterozoic ancient crustal recycling. The geochemistry and Nd isotopic characteristics as well as the above geological and geochronological results indicate that the middle segment of the northern margin of the NCC mainly experienced four crustal growth episodes from Archean to Late Paleozoic, which were dominated by three continental marginal arc accretions (,2.49, ,2.44 and 311 Ma), except the 1.76-1.68 Ga episode related to post-collisional extension, revealing that the crustal accretion of this segment was chiefly generated from arc accretion and amalgamation to the NCC continental block. [source] Analysis of landslide frequencies and characteristics in a natural system, coastal British ColumbiaEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 11 2004R. H. Guthrie Abstract Two hundred and one debris slides and debris ,ows were analyzed in a 286 km2 study area on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The study area remains essentially untouched by humans and therefore affords a natural setting in which to examine slope processes. Landslides were identi,ed and characterized on aerial photographs from 1:15 000 to 1:31 680, and were then mapped and transferred to a GIS for analysis. Based on detailed landslide surveys, we propose a new method to accurately determine volume of landslides of this type by measured total area. Results indicate average denudation rates of 56 m3 y,1 km,2, and higher natural rates of failure than analogous regions in coastal British Columbia. In contrast, the landslide rates are substantially less than those from forested watersheds. Landslide distribution is spatially clustered in air photograph epochs, and we propose intense storm cells within regional events as the causal mechanism. Further, failures occurred preferentially over the West Coast Crystalline Complex (by 1·4 times), a metamorphic assemblage of gabbros, schists and amphibolites, but 1·5 times less often over the Island Plutonic Suite, a granitic intrusive formation. The former result represents a new ,nding, while the latter corroborates ,ndings of previous authors. We examined magnitude,frequency relationships of the data set and present for the ,rst time a strong argument that the rollover effect is not merely an artefact, but is instead a consequence of the physical characteristics of the landslides themselves. We subsequently analyzed magnitude,frequency relationships from two other complete data sets from coastal British Columbia and produced a family of curves corroborating this result. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||