郯庐断裂带中-南段走滑构造特征与变形规律

在大别造山带东端和苏鲁造山带西端,郯庐断裂带存在着同造山期和早白垩世两期左旋走滑韧性剪切带,在张八岭隆起南段迄今为止只发现了早白垩世的走滑剪切带。这些剪切带由若干条小型韧性剪切带组成,带内糜棱岩都具有陡倾的糜棱面理和平缓的矿物拉伸线理。野外构造、显微构造及石英C轴组构皆指示了左旋走滑剪切指向。新生矿物组合和矿物变形行为分析显示大别山东端郯庐早、晚两期剪切带主要形成于中绿片岩相的变质温度环境,张八岭隆起南段剪切带主要形成于高绿片岩相的变质温度环境,苏鲁造山带西端郯庐早、晚两期剪切带则形成于高角闪岩相的变质温度环境。糜棱岩内基质中新生白云母的电子探针分析指示大别山东端和张八岭隆起南段出露的郯庐韧性剪切带形成于低压环境下,而苏鲁造山带西端的郯庐韧性剪切带形成于高压榴辉岩相环境。这些详细的构造研究显示:在华北与华南板块的碰撞造山期郯庐断裂带以左旋走滑构造型式存在,而在早白垩世太平洋构造域中它又再次发生了强烈的左行平移。     

Development of fluid conduits in the auriferous shear zones of the Hutti Gold Mine, India: evidence for spatially and temporally heterogeneous fluid flow

The gold mineralization of the Hutti Mine is hosted by nine parallel, N–S trending, steeply dipping, 2–10 m wide shear zones, that transect Archaean amphibolites. The shear zones were formed after peak metamorphism during retrograde ductile D₂ shearing in the lower amphibolite facies. They were reactivated in the lower to mid greenschist facies by brittle–ductile D₃ shearing and intense quartz veining. The development of a S₂–S₃ crenulation cleavage facilitates the discrimination between the two deformation events and contemporaneous alteration and gold mineralization. Ductile D₂ shearing is associated with a pervasively developed distal chlorite–sericite alteration assemblage in the outer parts of the shear zones and the proximal biotite–plagioclase alteration in the center of the shear zones. D₃ is characterized by development of the inner chlorite-K-feldspar alteration, which forms a centimeter-scale alteration halo surrounding the laminated quartz veins and replaces earlier biotite along S₃. The average size of the laminated vein systems is 30–50 m along strike as well as down-dip and 2–6 m in width.Mass balance calculations suggest strong metasomatic changes for the proximal biotite–plagioclase alteration yielding mass and volume increase of ca. 16% and 12%, respectively. The calculated mass and volume changes of the distal chlorite–sericite alteration (ca. 11%, ca. 8%) are lower. The decrease in δ¹⁸O values of the whole rock from around 7.5‰ for the host rocks to 6–7‰ for the distal chlorite–sericite and the proximal biotite–plagioclase alteration and around 5‰ for the inner chlorite-K-feldspar alteration suggests hydrothermal alteration during two-stage deformation and fluid flow.The ductile D₂ deformation in the lower amphibolite facies has provided grain scale porosities by microfracturing. The pervasive, steady-state fluid flow resulted in a disseminated style of gold–sulfide mineralization and a penetrative alteration of the host rocks. Alternating ductile and brittle D₃ deformation during lower to mid greenschist facies conditions followed the fault-valve process. Ductile creep in the shear zones resulted in a low permeability environment leading to fluid pressure build-up. Strongly episodic fluid advection and mass transfer was controlled by repeated seismic fracturing during the formation of laminated quartz(-gold) veins. The limitation of quartz veins to the extent of earlier shear zones indicate the importance of pre-existing anisotropies for fault-valve action and economic gold mineralization.     

Ar/Ar geochronology of gold mineralization in Brasiliano strike-slip shear zones in the Borborema province, NE Brazil

⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology of muscovite and biotite grains genetically related to gold and Be–Ta–Li pegmatites from the Seridó Belt (Borborema province, NE Brazil) yield well-defined, reliable plateau ages. This information, combined with data about paragenetic and field relationships, reveals Cambro-Ordovician mineralization ages (520 and 500–506 Ma) for the orogenic gold deposits in the Seridó Belt. Biotite ages of 525±2 Ma, which represent the mean weighted results of the incremental heating analysis of six biotite single crystals, record the time of pegmatite emplacement and reactivation of Brasiliano/Pan-African strike-slip shear zones. These results, along with previous structural evolution studies, suggest that shear zones formed during the Brasiliano/Pan-African event were reactivated in the Upper Cambrian–Lower Ordovician. Mineralization occurs late in the history of the orogen.     

C-axis fabrics of quartz-ribbons during high-temperature deformation of syn-tectonic granitoids (Sila Massif, Calabria, Italy)

Late-Hercynian, high temperature (HT) shear deformation affected the zone straddling the contact between the Sila Massif batholith (above) and the host migmatitic paragneisses (below). A segment of the regional HT shear zone was investigated close to the town of Mesoraca, where a natural section allows one to analyse the solidus deformation of syn-tectonic granitoids. Shearing favoured the formation of polycrystalline quartz ribbons in deformed granodiorite and tonalite. Two main c-axis fabrics were found in the quartz-ribbons, different from each other by opening angles around Z between strong point maxima, in accordance with deformation under granulite to amphibolite facies conditions. These fabrics, along with microstructural observations, suggest that temperature of deformation played a key role and that ribboning was accompanied by the activation of (i) prism [c] slip and prism [c] + prism <a> slips, under granulite facies conditions, followed by (ii) basal <a> and prism <a> slips under amphibolite facies conditions.     

Pegmatite Emplacement in the Seridó Belt, Northeastern Brazil: Late Stage Kinematics of the Brasiliano Orogen

Geometric and kinematic analysis was performed in an area located in the central part of the Seridó Belt (NE Brazil), where supracrustal rocks affected by polyphase deformation are well exposed. The first event recognized in this area (and regionally known as the D₂ deformation) is characterized by top to the south thrust tectonics while a second one (D₃ deformation) is marked by upright folds, strike-slip or transpressive shear zones and the development of flower structures. Major pegmatite swarms were emplaced during and late as regards the second event (dated ca. 580 Ma), being part of the Brasiliano orogeny; similar dyke swarms are known from the Nigerian Shield. These pegmatite swarms provide reliable kinematic markers of the late evolutionary stage of the Neoproterozoic Trans-Sahara-Borborema collisional belt. Mineralogical, geometric and kinematic features support two stages of pegmatite emplacement during the strike-slip event: (i) older, syn-D₃ homogeneous pegmatites intruded mostly along lithological and structural discontinuities, such as foliation surfaces; (ii) late, D₃ heterogeneous pegmatites were emplaced along tension gashes and other dilation structures. The heterogeneous pegmatites are economically more important, being exploited for precious metals and stones, as well as industrial minerals.     

Structural controls on gold mineralisation and the nature of related fluids of the Paiol gold deposit, Almas Greenstone Belt, Brazil

Chemical analyses suggest that the metavolcanic rocks of the Almas Greenstone Belt (AGB), Tocantins State, Brazil have a continental affinity, possibly related to a continental rift environment. They were metamorphosed to amphibolite facies during a regional tectono-metamorphic event (D_n), retrogressed to greenschist facies assemblages and then hydrothermally altered within dextral strike–slip shear zones (D_n+1). Fracture sets related to D_n+2 intersect S_n+1.The Paiol Gold Mine is one of several mineralised zones within metabasic and meta-intermediate rocks of the AGB. It exploits shoots of sulphide–Au–quartz mineralisation that occupy dilational zones approximately perpendicular to an elongation lineation (L_n+1) within mylonitic foliation S_n+1 (S_n+1=S within the S–C fabric). The dilational zones probably formed due to dextral displacement on sinistrally en echelon C surfaces. Minor amounts of gold may have been introduced or remobilised during D_n+2.Coexisting primary and pseudosecondary fluid inclusions in mineralised quartz veins from ore shoots comprise a high-salinity three-phase type (Type II) and a lower salinity two-phase type (Type I). Homogenisation temperatures for Type II inclusions range from 200 to 410 °C and Type I from 90 to 320 °C. The inclusions and their temperature ranges are believed to reflect heat exchange and some mixing between the two fluid types under relatively constant ambient temperatures, but variable (though broadly declining) fluid temperatures. This took place late in D_n+1 in conjunction with greenschist facies retrogression and localised hydrothermally induced metasomatism.     

Anatomy of the Mondoñedo Nappe basal shear zone (NW Spain)

This paper analyses a major shear zone from the Iberian Hercynian belt which forms the basal thrust of the Mondoñedo Nappe. The shear zone developed by ductile deformation under amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions and later by brittle-ductile deformation in greenschists facies. Folds in the shear zone are asymmetric, very tight, 1C or similar class and frequently developing sheath geometries. The sheath folds originated by non-coaxial flow superimposed on earlier irregularities. The fabric of quartzitic rocks in the shear zone changes from bottom to top from ultramylonites through blastomylonitic rocks to non-mylonitic tectonites. c-axis fabrics vary across the shear zone, but show a dominant monoclinic symmetry. The blastomylonitic rocks include the fabrics representing the highest temperatures. The main foliation of the schists results from flattening of an earlier foliation, recording occasional microfolds. The use of different kinematic criteria has allowed an analysis of their validity as well as an assessment of movement direction towards the foreland of the orogen.     

Systematic changes in orientation of linear mylonitic fabrics: An example of strain partitioning during transpressional deformation in north Golpaygan,Sanandaj–Sirjan zone,Iran

Kilometer-scale, shallowly dipping, NW-striking top-to-the NE reverse and dextral strike-slip shear zones occur in metamorphic rocks of north Golpaygan. These metamorphic rocks are exposed at the NE margin of the central part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone in the hinterland of the Zagros orogen. NW-striking top-to-the NE normal shear zones were also found in a small part of the study area. Structural evidence of three deformation stages were found. Pre-mylonitization metamorphic mineral growth happened during D₁. The main mylonitization event was during the D₂ deformational event, following coaxial refolding, synchronous to retrograde metamorphism of amphibolite to greenschist facies in the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene, and before D₃ folding and related mylonitization. We documented the systematic changes in the orientations of D₂ linear fabrics especially stretching lineations and superimposition relations of structures. It is concluded that the dextral strike-slip and dip-slip shear zones were coeval kinematic domains of partitioned dextral transpression. The shallowly dipping reverse and strike-slip shear zones are compatible with partitioning in a very inclined transpressional model. Fabric relations reflect that the top-to-the NE normal shear zones were not produced during deformation partitioning of inclined dextral transpression. The Late Cretaceous–Paleocene strain partitioning was followed by later N–S shortening and NE-extension in the north Golpaygan area.     

大别山超高压变质岩的变形历史及折返过程

大别山南部的超高压变质岩在其形成及折返过程中经过5期变形。D₁变形为榴辉岩相前变形,形成于扬子板块北缘陆壳基底的俯冲过程中;D₂变形形成于折返初期(220-210Ma)即超高压变质岩在浮力驱动下折返至下地壳底部的过程中,变形以块状榴辉岩的糜棱岩化及层状榴辉岩和基质的紧密-同斜褶皱为特征;D₃变形发生在折返中期(200-180Ma)即超高压变质岩在南北陆块持续碰撞作用下被挤出并向北逆冲折返至中地壳的过程中,变形以榴辉岩的布丁化和基质的强烈韧性剪切变形为特征;D₄变形是折返晚期(130-110Ma)超高压变质岩在地壳浅部伸展体制下向南滑脱所致;在折返至近地表时,超高压变质岩受到NE向断层(D₅)的切割。     

Microfabrics of calcite ultramylonites as records of coaxial and non-coaxial deformation kinematics: Examples from the Rocher de l'Yret shear zone (Western Alps)

Microfabrics were analysed in calcite mylonites from the rim of the Pelvoux massif (Western Alps, France). WNW-directed emplacement of the internal Penninic units onto the Dauphinois domain produced intense deformation of an Eocene-age nummulitic limestone under lower anchizone metamorphic conditions (slightly below 300 °C). Two types of microfabrics developed primarily by dislocation creep accompanied by dynamic recrystallisation in the absence of twinning. Coaxial kinematics are inferred for samples exhibiting grain shape fabrics and textures with orthorhombic symmetry. Their texture (crystallographic preferred orientation, CPO) is characterised by two c-axis maxima, symmetrically oriented at 15° from the normal to the macroscopic foliation. Non-coaxial deformation is evident in samples with monoclinic shape fabrics and textures characterised by a single oblique c-axis maximum tilted with the sense of shear by about 15°. From the analysis of suitably oriented slip systems for the main texture components under given kinematics it is inferred that the orthorhombic textures, which developed in coaxial kinematics, favour activity of <10–11> and <02–21> slip along the f and r planes, respectively, with minor contributions of basal-<a> slip. In contrast, the monoclinic textures, which developed during simple shear, are most suited for duplex <a> slip along the basal plane. The transition between the dominating slip systems for the orthorhombic and monoclinic microfabrics is interpreted to be due to the effects of dynamic recrystallisation upon texture development. Since oblique c-axis maxima documented in the literature are most often rotated not with but against the shear sense, calcite textures alone should not be used as unequivocal shear sense indicators, but need to be complemented by microstructural criteria such as shape preferred orientations, grain size estimates and amount of twinning.     

Interdependence of deformation, fluid infiltration and reaction progress recorded in eclogitic metagranitoids (Sesia Zone, Western Alps)

The effects of high-strain deformation and fluid infiltration during Alpine eclogite facies metamorphism have been studied across ductile shear zones in relatively undeformed metagranitoids at Monte Mucrone (Sesia Zone, Western Alps, Italy). Microfabrics together with bulk rock and stable isotope data indicate that the mineralogical and chemical variations are related to the degree of deformation, rather than to changes in P-T conditions or tectonic position. Transformation of meta-quartz diorite to recrystallized eclogitic mylonites involved the breakdown of biotite and plagioclase and required the influx of H₂O. Bulk-rock geochemical data show that ductile deformation to form eclogitic mylonites involved an increase in volume with a weight percent gain in H₂O and Si and variable loss of K, Na, Ca and Al. δ¹⁸O changes systematically across ductile shear zones into the undeformed country rocks. Constant values in shear zone centres indicate advection parallel to the shear zone and within 10 cm of the mylonites. A dominant component of diffusive oxygen exchange perpendicular to the shear zones produced isotopic fronts, evident from a gradual increase in δ¹⁸O values to the reference values of the country rocks. The degree of isotopic shift within the shear zones reflects increasing deformation and degree of reaction progress. Multiple phases of Alpine deformation and mineral growth are recognized in the Monte Mucrone metagranitoids, and in some cases, eclogite facies shear zones were reactivated under greenschist facies conditions. The results of this study suggest that high-strain deformation provided pathways for both synkinematic and post-kinematic metamorphic fluids which were necessary for complete reactions. Relict igneous fabrics, as well as the presence of corona textures around biotite and pseudomorphs after primary igneous plagioclase in the least deformed rocks, indicate a paucity of hydrous fluids and support the conclusion that fluid movement was channelled rather than pervasive.     

Tectonic analysis of progressive secondary deformation in the hinge of a major Caledonian fold nappe,north-western Ireland

Polyphase deformation chronologies established within the mid-crustal portions of orogenic belts have classically been attributed to regional-scale ‘events’ which generate distinct structural sequences that can be directly correlated across large tracts of the orogenic belt. However, concepts of progressive deformation in which minor structures may be continually generated, amplified and redeformed within a unifying kinematic framework suggest that regional correlation of minor structures is both misguided and misleading. Detailed structural analysis of lower amphibolite facies Dalradian metasediments in north-west Ireland does, however, demonstrate that a coherent and meaningful deformation chronology can be established within the framework of individual fold nappes. Protracted deformation has resulted in the generation of a series of overprinting, secondary structures (D₄–D₉), which are kinematically linked to the continued structural evolution and south-east directed translation of the crustal-scale (D₃) Ballybofey (fold) Nappe. Secondary (D₄) crenulation axes initiated at an oblique angle to the direction of nappe transport both rotate and amplify into larger scale folds, which are subparallel to transport and demonstrate successive stages of diachronous folding. Continued nappe-related deformation induces southwards verging contractional (D₅) folds, which are particularly well developed and focused into reactivated ductile (D₃) thrust zones generated during the initial stages of nappe translation. Subsequent to thickening-induced ductile extension and collapse of the nappe, a return to contractional tectonics is marked by major episodes of broad, open buckle folding developed orthogonal to both the overturned limb (D₇) and upper limb (D₈) of the nappe. Detailed structural analysis and investigation of secondary folds and overprinting fabrics provides a valuable insight into the protracted kinematic evolution of major fold nappes.     

Structures,kinematic analysis,rheological parameters and temperature-pressure estimate of the Mesozoic Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone in the North China Craton

The NE to ENE trending Mesozoic Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone of the northeastern North China Craton was shaped by three phases of deformation. Deformation phase D₁ is characterized by a steep, generally E–W striking gneissosity. It was then overprinted by deformation phase D₂ with NE-sinistral shear with K-feldspar porphyroclasts forming a subhorizontal low-angle stretching lineation on a steep foliation. During deformation phase D₃, lateral motion accommodated by ENE sinistral strike-slip shear zones dominated. Associated fabrics developed at upper greenschist metamorphic facies conditions and show the deformation characteristics of middle- to shallow crustal levels. In some parts, the older structures have been in turn overprinted by late-stage sinistral D₃ shearing. Finite strain and kinematic vorticity in all deformed granitic rocks indicate a prolate ellipsoid (L-S tectonites) near plane strain. Simple shear-dominated general shear during D₃ deformation is probably of general significance. The quartz c-axis textures indicate prism-gliding with a dominant rhomb <a> slip and basal <a> slip system formed mainly at low-middle temperatures. Mineral deformation behavior, quartz c-axis textures, quartz grain size and the Kruhl thermometer demonstrate that the ductile shear zone developed under greenschist facies metamorphic conditions at deformation temperatures ranging from 400 to 500 °C. Dislocation creep is the main deformation mechanism at a shallow crustal level. Fractal analysis showed that the boundaries of recrystallized quartz grains had statistically self-similarities. Differential stresses deduced from dynamically recrystallized quartz grain size are at around 20–39 MPa, and strain rates in the order of 10⁻¹² to 10⁻¹⁴ s⁻¹. This indicates deformation of granitic rocks in the Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone at low strain rates, which is consistent with most other ductile shear zones. Hornblende-plagioclase thermometer and white mica barometer indicate metamorphic conditions of medium pressures at around ca. 3–5 kbar and temperatures of 400–500 °C within greenschist facies conditions. The main D₃ deformation of the ENE-trending sinistral strike-slip ductile shearing is related to the roll-back of the subducting Pacific plate beneath the North China Craton.     

Evolution of Caledonian deformation fabrics under eclogite and amphibolite facies at Vårdalsneset, Western Gneiss Region, Norway

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.     

Initiation Timing of the Jiamusi–Yitong Fault Zone in NE China

The NE–striking Jiamusi–Yitong fault zone(JYFZ) is the most important branch in the northern segment of the Tancheng–Lujiang fault zone. The precise shearing time of its large–scale sinistral strike–slip has yet to determined and must be constrained. Detailed field investigations and comprehensive analyses show that strike–slip faults or ductile shear belts exist as origination structures along the western region of Yitong Graben. The strike of the shear belts trend to the NE–SW with steep mylonitic foliation. The zircon U–Pb dating result for the granite was 264.1±1 Ma in the ductile shear belt of the JYFZ. The microstructural observation(rotated feldspar porphyroclasts, S–C fabrics, and quartz c–axis fabrics, etc.) demonstrated the sinistral shearing of the ductile shear zones. Moreover, the recrystallized quartz types show a transitional stage of the subgrain rotation toward the recrystallization of the grain boundary migration(SR–GBM). Therefore, we suggest that the metamorphic grade of the shear zone in the ductile shear zones should have reached high greenschist facies conditions, and the deformation temperatures should approximately 450–500°C, which is obviously higher than the blocking temperature of muscovite(300–400°C). Hence, the ~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar isochron age of muscovite from ductile shear zones should be a cooling age(162.7±1 Ma). We infer that the sinistral strike–slipping event at the JYFZ occurred in the late Jurassic period, and it was further inferred from the ages of the main geological events in this region that the second sinistral strike–slip age of the Tancheng–Lujiang fault zone occurred during the period of tectonic movements in the Circum–Pacific tectonic domain. This discovery also indicates the age of the Tancheng–Lujiang fault zone that stretches to northeastern China. The initiation of the JYFZ in the late Jurassic is related to the speed and direction of oblique subduction of the west Pacific Plate under the Eurasian continent and is responsible for collision during the Jurassic period.     

秦岭商丹糜棱岩带石英组构特征变化及成因分析

商丹糜棱岩带岩湾、沙沟和商南等3个区段石英C-轴组构和显微构造特征表明,该带自西向东石英C-轴组构形式由单一环带型转为Y-轴方向的点极密型,然后变为Ⅰ型交叉环带型,构造变形环境从低绿片岩相过渡到中-高绿片岩相,然后变为高绿片岩相-低角闪岩相。构造变形环境差异是造成石英组构形式变化的主要因素。随着温压条件的升高,石英滑移系从以底面〈a〉滑移系和柱面〈a〉滑移系的共同作用为主转向以单一柱面〈a〉滑移系为主,进而底面〈a〉滑移系和柱面〈a〉滑移系又重新变得活跃,且菱面滑移系的作用也变得十分重要。     

郯庐剪切带的性质和意义

沿郯庐断裂带从大别山东麓经山东中部至辽北吉南的新宾—桦甸地区,暴露的早前寒武纪结晶岩石中存在着一系列北北东走向的大型韧性剪切带,其最大宽度达20km,走向断续延伸近2000km,它们分别在大别、鲁西和新宾地区形成了巨大的弧形牵引构造。剪切带中不同尺度组构要素的几何学,指示其中曾经发生了一致的大幅度左行位移;变形岩石的显微构造和矿物组合特征,说明这一韧性剪切带早期形成于低角闪岩相条件下,并且在抬升和冷却过程中经历了绿片岩相条件下的递进变形。山东中部晚元古代以后的沉积不整合于韧性剪切带及其变形岩石之上,中生代未期脆性的郯庐断裂系统追踪并改造了基底岩石中的韧性剪切带。     

Domainal and fabric heterogeneities in the Cap de Creus quartz mylonites

A characteristic domainal configuration is reported for both micro-structures and c-axis fabrics in the Cap de Creus pure quartz mylonites as displayed in 50 samples from the centres of different shear zones. Three types of domains are found a, b and c. Each domain has a distinct c-axis orientation pattern. These three fabric elements, also labelled a, b and c make up the total fabric. c-axis fabrics are symmetric or asymmetric with respect to the main mylonitic foliation depending on the presence or absence of the b domain and its fabric element. The boundaries of the domains are parallel to the main mylonitic foliation. Two domain types, a and b display an internal foliation defined by preferred grain boundary alignment parallel to the direction of optical orientation within the domain. The internal foliations are oblique to the main mylonitic foliation in two different senses giving the sample a herring-bone appearance. These internal foliations are shown to be related to extensional crenulations. Domains are not produced by host-controlled recrystallization. The fabric elements and corresponding domains are the expression of kinematic heterogeneities on the scale of the thin section.     

Metamorphic and structural evolution of the Early Proterozoic Puolankajärvi Formation, Finland – I. Structural and textural relations

The amphibolite facies Puolankajärvi Formation (PjF) occupies the western margin of the Early Proterozoic Kainuu Schist Belt (KSB) of northern Finland. The lower and middle parts of the PjF consist of turbiditic psammites and pelites and tempestitic semipelites. This report concentrates on the pelitic lithologies which include quartz–two-mica–plagioclase schists with variable amounts of garnet, staurolite, andalusite and biotite porphyroblasts as well as sillimanite and cordierite segregations. The KSB forms a major north–south-trending synclinorium between two Archaean blocks. It contains both autochthonous and allochthonous units and is cut by faults and shear zones. The PjF lies on the western side of the KSB and is probably allochthonous. The formation has undergone six major deformation phases (D₁, D₂, D_3a, D_3b, D₄ and D₅). During D_3a-D₅ the maximum principal stress (σ₁) changed in a clockwise direction from south-west to north-east. Between D₂ and D₃ the intermediate principal stress (σ₂) changed from horizontal to vertical and the interval between D₂ and D₃ marks a transition from thrust to strike-slip tectonics. Relict structures in the porphyroblasts indicate the following mineral growth–deformation evolution in the PjF. (1) Throughout the PjF there was a successive crystallization of garnet (syn-D₁), poryphyroblastic biotite (inter-D_3/4) and staurolite (inter-D_3/4) during the pre-D₄ stage. (2) A syn-D₄-inter-D_4/5 crystallization of kyanite, sillimanite (fibrolite), porphyroblastic tourmaline, magnetite, rutile, cordierite and muscovite–biotite–plagioclase pseudomorphs after staurolite was most localized at and near D₄ shear zones. (3) A syn- to post-D₅ generation of andalusite, ilmenohematite and sheet silicates after staurolite and after cordierite occurred near D₅ faults. The evolution outlined here permits the relative dating of the PjF parageneses, which is used in the second part of the study (Tuisku & Laajoki, 1990), and, together with the knowledge of the pressure–temperature conditions during various growth events, makes it possible to compile pressure–temperature–deformation paths for the PjF.     

Petrological and geochronological constraints on lower crust exhumation during Paleoproterozoic (Eburnean) orogeny,NW Ghana,West African Craton

New petrological and geochronological data are presented on high‐grade ortho‐ and paragneisses from northwestern Ghana, forming part of the Paleoproterozoic (2.25–2.00 Ga) West African Craton. The study area is located in the interference zone between N–S and NE–SW‐trending craton‐scale shear zones, formed during the Eburnean orogeny (2.15–2.00 Ga). High‐grade metamorphic domains are separated from low‐grade greenstone belts by high‐strain zones, including early thrusts, extensional detachments and late‐stage strike‐slip shear zones. Paragneisses sporadically preserve high‐pressure, low‐temperature (HP–LT) relicts, formed at the transition between the blueschist facies and the epidote–amphibolite sub‐facies (10.0–14.0 kbar, 520–600 °C), and represent a low (~15 °C km^?1) apparent geothermal gradient. Migmatites record metamorphic conditions at the amphibolite–granulite facies transition. They reveal a clockwise pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path characterized by melting at pressures over 10.0 kbar, followed by decompression and heating to peak temperatures of 750 °C at 5.0–8.0 kbar, which fit a 30 °C km^?1 apparent geotherm. A regional amphibolite facies metamorphic overprint is recorded by rocks that followed a clockwise P–T–t path, characterized by peak metamorphic conditions of 7.0–10.0 kbar at 550–680 °C, which match a 20–25 °C km^?1 apparent geotherm. These P–T conditions were reached after prograde burial and heating for some rock units, and after decompression and heating for others. The timing of anatexis and of the amphibolite facies metamorphic overprint is constrained by in‐situ U–Pb dating of monazite crystallization at 2138 ± 7 and 2130 ± 7 Ma respectively. The new data set challenges the interpretation that metamorphic breaks in the West African Craton are due to diachronous Birimian ‘basins’ overlying a gneissic basement. It suggests that the lower crust was exhumed along reverse, normal and transcurrent shear zones and juxtaposed against shallow crustal slices during the Eburnean orogeny. The craton in NW Ghana is made of distinct fragments with contrasting tectono‐metamorphic histories. The range of metamorphic conditions and the sharp lateral metamorphic gradients are inconsistent with ‘hot orogeny’ models proposed for many Precambrian provinces. These findings shed new light on the geodynamic setting of craton assembly and stabilization in the Paleoproterozoic. It is suggested that the metamorphic record of the West African Craton is characteristic of Paleoproterozoic plate tectonics and illustrates a transition between Archean and Phanerozoic orogens.