Pressure, Temperature, and Structural Evolution of the Orfordville Belt, West-Central New Hampshire

Metamorphic P-T paths have been derived for staurolite-kyanitegrade and garnet grade rocks from the Orfordville Belt, west-centralNew Hampshire. P-T paths calculated from garnet zoning are consistentwith parageneses observed in amphibolites as determined froma petrogenetic grid derived for amphibolites. The P-T pathsfrom the staurolite-kyanite zone show a pressure maximum at6.5 to 7.5 kb and {small tilde} 500?C followed by heating anddecompression to approximately 5 kb, 580?C, and a final phaseof near isobaric cooling. The path from the garnet zone is similar,but does not show the final phase of isobaric cooling. Both nappe-stage and dome-stage folds are observed in the OrfordvilleBelt. Comparison of mesoscale structures with mineral growthindicates that the nappe stage deformation occurred near orbefore the pressure maximum and dome stage deformation tookplace along the decompression-heating path. The last phase ofnear isobaric cooling may have resulted from rapid verticalreadjustment of the Orfordville Belt.     

Melting of Biotite + Plagioclase + Quartz Gneisses: the Role of H2O in the Stability of Amphibole

Biotite + plagioclase + quartz (BPQ) is a common assemblagein gneisses, metasediments and metamorphosed granitic to granodioriticintrusions. Melting experiments on an assemblage consistingof 24 vol. % quartz, 25 vol. % biotite (XMg = 0·38–0·40),42 vol. % plagioclase (An_26–29), 9 vol. % alkali feldsparand minor apatite, titanite and epidote were conducted at 10,15 and 20 kbar between 800 and 900°C under fluid-absentconditions and with small amounts (2 and 4 wt %) of water addedto the system. At 10 kbar when 4 wt % of water was added tothe system the biotite melting reaction occurred below 800°Cand produced garnet + amphibole + melt. At 15 kbar the meltingreaction produced garnet + amphibole + melt with 2 wt % addedwater. At 20 kbar the amphibole occurred only at high temperature(900°C) and with 4 wt % added water. In this last case themelting reaction produced amphibole + clinopyroxene ±garnet + melt. Under fluid-absent conditions the melting reactionproduced garnet + plagioclase II + melt and left behind a plagioclaseI ± quartz residuum, with an increase in the modal amountof garnet with increasing pressure. The results show that itis not possible to generate hornblende in such compositionswithout the addition of at least 2–4 wt % H₂O. This reflectsthe fact that conditions of low aH₂O may prevent hornblendefrom being produced with peraluminous granitic liquids fromthe melting of biotite gneiss. Thus growth of hornblende inanatectic BPQ gneisses is an indication of addition of externalH₂O-rich fluids during the partial melting event. KEY WORDS: biotite; dehydration; gneisses; hornblende; melt     

High-Pressure Granulites (Retrograded Eclogites) from the Hengshan Complex, North China Craton: Petrology and Tectonic Implications

Both high- and medium-pressure granulites have been found asenclaves and boudins in tonalitic–trondhjemitic–granodioriticgneisses in the Hengshan Complex. Petrological evidence fromthese rocks indicates four distinct metamorphic assemblages.The early prograde assemblage (M₁) is preserved only in thehigh-pressure granulites and represented by quartz and rutileinclusions within the cores of garnet porphyroblasts, and omphacitepseudomorphs that are indicated by clinopyroxene + sodic plagioclasesymplectic intergrowths. The peak assemblage (M₂) consists ofclinopyroxene + garnet + sodic plagioclase + quartz ±hornblende in the high-pressure granulites and orthopyroxene+ clinopyroxene + garnet + plagioclase + quartz in the medium-pressuregranulites. Peak metamorphism was followed by near-isothermaldecompression (M₃), which resulted in the development of orthopyroxene+ clinopyroxene + plagioclase symplectites and coronas surroundingembayed garnet grains, and decompression-cooling (M₄), representedby hornblende + plagioclase symplectites on garnet. The THERMOCALCprogram yielded peak (M₂) P–T conditions of 13·4–15·5kbar and 770–840°C for the high-pressure granulitesand 9–11 kbar and 820–870°C for the medium-pressuregranulites, based on the core compositions of garnet, matrixpyroxene and plagioclase. The P–T conditions of pyroxene+ plagioclase symplectite and corona (M₃) were estimated at     

Garnetiferous Metabasites from the Sausar Mobile Belt: Petrology, P-T Path and Implications for the Tectonothermal Evolution of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone

A suite of garnetiferous amphibolites and mafic granulites occuras small boudins within layered felsic migmatite gneiss in thenorthern part of the Sausar Mobile Belt (SMB), the latter constitutingthe southern component of the Proterozoic Central Indian TectonicZone (CITZ). Although the two types of metabasites are in variousstages of retrogression, textural, compositional and phase equilibriastudies attest to four distinct metamorphic episodes. The earlyprograde stage (M_o) is represented by an inclusion assemblageof hornblende₁ + ilmenite₁ + plagioclase₁ ± quartz andgrowth zoning preserved in garnet. The peak assemblage (M₁)consists of porphyroblastic garnet + clinopyroxene ±quartz ± rutile ± hornblende in mafic granulitesand garnet + quartz + hornblende in amphibolites and stabilizedat pressure–temperature conditions of 9–10 kbarand 750–800°C and 8 kbar and 675°C, respectively.This was followed by near-isothermal decompression (M₂), andpost-decompression cooling (M₃) events. In mafic granulites,the former resulted in the development of early clinopyroxene_2A–hornblende_2A–plagioclase_2Asymplectites at 8 kbar and 775°C (M_2A stage), synchronouswith D₂ and later anhydrous clinopyroxene_2B–plagioclase_2B–ilmenite_2Bsymplectites and coronal assemblages at 7 kbar, 750°C (M_2Bstage) and post-dating D₂. In amphibolites, ilmenite + plagioclase+ quartz ± hornblende symplectites appeared during M₂at 6·4 kbar and 700°C. During M₃, coronal garnet+ clinopyroxene + quartz ± hornblende-bearing symplectitesin metabasic dykes and hornblende₃–plagioclase₃ symplectitesembaying garnet in mafic granulites were formed. P–T estimatesshow near-isobaric cooling from 7 kbar and 750°C to 6 kbarand 650°C during M₃. It is argued that the decompressionin the mafic granulites is not continuous, being punctuatedby a distinct heating (prograde?) event. The latter is alsocoincident with a period of extension, marked by mafic dykeemplacement. The combined P–T path of evolution has aclockwise sense and provides evidence for a major phase of earlycontinental subduction in parts of the CITZ. This was followedby a later continent–continent collision event duringwhich granulites of the first phase became tectonically interleavedwith younger lithological units. This tectonothermal event,of possibly Grenvillian age, marks the final amalgamation ofthe North and the South Indian Blocks along the CITZ to producethe Indian subcontinent. KEY WORDS: Central Indian Tectonic Zone; clockwise P–T path; continental collision; metabasite     

A Clinopyroxene Paragenesis of Albite--Epidote--Amphibolite Facies in Meta-Syenites from the South-East Tauern Window, Austria

Mineral assemblages and textures are described from clinopyroxene-bearingmeta-syenites and related rocks from a small area in the PenninicBasement Complex of the south-east Tauern Window. Evidence from mineral textures, mineral compositions and geobarometryindicate that the clinopyroxene, a sodic salite, crystallizedas part of an equilibrium albite-epidote-amphibolite faciesparagenesis in the 35–40 Ma meso-Alpine metamorphic event.Phase relations in co-facial quartz + albite + K-feldspar +sphene-bearing meta-syenites and meta-granites are examinedusing a projection from these minerals onto the plane (A1₂O₃+ Fe₂O₃)-CaO-(MgO + FeO + MnO). The projection demonstratesthat salitic clinopyroxene can only be a stable phase in suchrocks if the bulk-rock Al/Na + K ratios are low. This is confirmedby comparing the whole-rock analyses of clinopyroxene-bearingmeta-syenites with those of clinopyroxene-free meta-syenitesand meta-granites. Mineral assemblages in a variety of lithologies from the south-eastTauern Window are used to construct a generalized AKM diagramfor magnesian albite + epidote + quartz-bearing rocks of thealbite-epidote-amphibolite facies. Thermochemical calculations indicate that the meta-syeniteswere metamorphosed at temperatures close to 500 C and at a pressureof 6+2 –4 kb. Fluids in equilibrium with meta-syeniteand meta-granite mineral assemblages had X_H2O values of 0–95,assuming X_H2O + X_CO2O= 1.0.     

Petro-tectonic Imprints in the Sapphirine Granulites from Anantagiri, Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India

Sapphirine granulite occurring as lenses in charnockite at Anantagiri,Eastern Ghat, India, displays an array of minerals which developedunder different P-T-X conditions. Reaction textures in conjunctionwith mineral chemical data attest to several Fe-Mg continuousreactions, such as

1. spinel+rutile+quartz+MgFe_–1=sapphirine+ilmenite
2. cordierite=sapphirine+quartz+MgFe_–1
3. sapphirine+quartz=orthopyroxene+sillimanite+MgFe_–1
4. orthopyroxene+sapphirine+quartz=garnet+MgFe_–1
5. orthopyroxene+sillimanite=garnet+quartz+MgFe_–1
6. orthopyroxene+sillimanite+quartz+MgFe_–1=cordierite.

Calculated positions of the reaction curves in P-T space, togetherwith discrete P-T points obtained through geothermobarometryin sapphirine granulite and the closely associated charnockiteand mafic granulite, define an anticlockwise P-T trajectory.This comprises a high-T/P prograde metamorphic path which culminatedin a pressure regime of 8?3 kb above 950?C, a nearly isobariccooling (IBC) path (from 950?C, 8?3 kb, to 675?C, 7?5kb) anda terminal decompressive path (from 7?5 to 4?5 kb). Spinel,quartz, high-Mg cordierite, and sapphirine were stabilized duringthe prograde high-T/P metamorphism, followed by the developmentof orthopyroxene, sillimanite, and garnet during the IBC. Retrogradelow-Mg cordierite appeared as a consequence of decompressionin the sapphirine granulite. Deformational structures, reportedfrom the Eastern Ghat granulites, and the available geochronologicaldata indicate that prograde metamorphism could have occurredat 30001?00 and 2500?100 Ma during a compressive orogeny thatwas associated with high heat influx through mafic magmatism. IBC ensued from P_max and was thus a direct consequence of progrademetamorphism. However, in the absence of sufficient study onthe spatial variation in P-T paths and the strain historiesin relation to time, the linkage between IBC and isothermaldecompression (ITD) has remained obscure. A prolonged IBC followedby ITD could be the consequence of one extensional mechanismwhich had an insufficient acceleration at the early stage, orITD separately could be caused by an unrelated extensional tectonism.The complex cooled nearly isobarically from 2500 Ma. It sufferedrapid decompression accompanied by anorthosite and alkalinemagmatism at 1400–1000 Ma.     

The Ballachulish Igneous Complex, Scotland: Petrography, Mineral Chemistry, and Order of Crystallization in the Monzodiorite-Quartz Diorite Suite and in the Granite

The igneous complex of Ballachulish is a composite calc-alkalinepluton of Caledonian age (412 ? 28 Ma), emplaced in Dalradianmetasediments at a pressure of 3 ? 0–5 kb (c. 10 km depth).The 4 by 7 km intrusion is composed of a zoned monzodiorite-quartzdiorite envelope with a distinct flowand deformation-foliation,surrounding a younger core of porphyritic granite. Two-pyroxene thermometry, Fe-Ti oxide thermobarometry, and stabilityrelationships of ternary feldspars, biotite, and amphibolesare used to calibrate the 3 kb isobaric crystallization sequencewith respect to the following parameters: the fractionationstage of the host rocks, the water content of the magmas, phasecompositions, and oxygen fugacity. Plagioclase, augite, andoxides generally yielded submagmatic temperatures due to theextensive recrystallization and re-equilibration of these phasesin the 900–l550?C subsolidus range. The ‘dry’monzodiorites apparently contained less than 1 wt. % initialmagmatic water, and remained H₂O-deficient and vapor-absentthroughout their entire crystallization range. In contrast,2.5–3 wt.% initial H₂O is estimated for the more fractionatedquartz diorites and the younger granites. The main crystallizationinterval for Opx–Cpx–Plg primocrysts in the dioritescovers c. 1100–950?C. Late-magmatic biotite and alkalifeldspar join the paragenetic sequence below 980?860?C, at fO₂near NNO. A solidus temperature of c. 900?C is inferred forthis ‘dry’ system, in which amphiboles are entirelysubsolidus. At the present level of emplacement, crystallizationintervals of {small tilde} 1050–690?C and{small tilde}900–680?C are suggested for the quartz diorites and thegranites, which probably terminated crystallization in the presenceof a hydrous fluid.     

Fluid-Absent Melting Behavior of an F-Rich Tonalitic Gneiss at Mid-Crustal Pressures: Implications for the Generation of Anorogenic Granites

Fluid-absent melting experiments on a biotite (20 wt.%) andhornblende (2 wt.%) bearing tonalitic gneiss were conductedat 6 kbar (900–975C), 10 kbar (875–1075C), and14 kbar (950–975C) to study melt productivity from weaklyperaluminous quartzofeldspathic metamorphic rocks. At 6 kbar,biotite dehydration–melting is completed at 975C viaincongruent melting reactions that produce orthopyroxene, twooxides, and {small tilde}25 wt.% granitic melt. At 6 kbar, hornblendedisappears at 900C, probably in reaction with biotite. At 10kbar, biotite dehydration–melting produces <10 wt.%melt up to 950C via incongruent melting reactions that produceorthopyroxene, garnet, and granitic melt. Hornblende disappearsin the satne temperature interval either by resorption or byreaction with biotite. Widespread biotite dehydration–meltingoccurs between 950 and 975C and produces orthopyroxene, twooxides, and {small tilde}20 wt.% fluorine-rich (up to 0•31wt.%) granitic melt. At 14 kbar only a trace of melt is presentat 950C, and the amounts of hornblende and biotite are virtuallythe same as in the starting material. At 975C, hornblende isgone and {small tilde}10 wt.% granitic melt is produced by meltingof both biotite and hornblende. Our results show that hornblende-bearing assemblages cannotgo through dehydration–melting on their own (althoughthey can in combination with biotite) if the Ca content in thesource rock is too low to stabilize clinopyroxene. In such rocks,hornblende will either resorb or melt by reaction with biotite.Under fluid-absent conditions, intrusion of hot, mantle-derivedmagmas into the lower crust is necessary to initiate widespreaddehydration–melting in rocks with compositions similarto those discussed here. We argue that the high thermal stabilityof biotite in our starting material is caused mainly by theincorporation of fluorine. The relatively high F content inbiotite in the starting material (0•47 wt.%) suggests thatthe rock has experienced dehydroxylation in its past. F enrichmentby a previous fluid-absent partial melting event is excludedbecause of the lack of phases such as orthopyroxene and garnetwhich would have been produced. Our experiments show that thedehydration–melting of such F-enriched biotite producesF-rich granitic liquids, with compositions within the rangeof A-types granites, and leaves behind a granulitic residuedominated by orthopyroxene, quartz, and plagioclase. This studytherefore supports the notion that A-type granites can be generatedby H₂O-undersaturated melting of rocks of tonalitic composition(Creaser et al., 1991), but does not require that these sourcerocks should be residual after a previous melting event.     

Ultramafic Xenoliths from Bullenmerri and Gnotuk Maars, Victoria, Australia: Petrology of a Sub-Continental Crust-Mantle Transition

The basanite tuffs of Bullenmerri and Gnotuk maars, Victoria,enclose abundant xenoliths of spinel lherzolites, many of whichcontain amphibole ± apatite ± phlogopite. Thexenolith suite also includes cumulate wehrlites, spinel metapyroxenitesand garnet metapyroxenites. All xenolith types contain abundantlarge CO₂-rich fluid inclusions. Microstructural evidence forthe exsolution of spinel, orthopyroxene, garnet and rare plagioclasefrom complex clinopyroxenes suggests that all of the metapyroxeniteshave formed from clinopyroxene (± spinel ± orthopyroxene)cumulates by exsolution and recrystallization during coolingto the ambient geotherm. Pyroxene chemistry implies that a rangeof parental magma types was involved. Garnet pyroxenites showa series of reactions to successively finer-grained, lower-Pmineral assemblages, which imply a relatively slow initial upwardtransport of the xenoliths in the magma, prior to explosiveeruption. The same process has allowed crystallization of phenocrystsfrom small patches of interstitial melt within xenoliths oflherzolite, wehrlite and metapyroxenite. Critically selected P-T estimates for 16 garnet websteritesare consistent with published experimental studies of the spinel/garnetpyroxenite transition, and define a geotherm from 900 °C,11 kb to 1100 °C, 16 kb. Other published data extend thecurve down to c. 7 kb and up to 25 kb. This elevated geothermsuggests that the high regional heat flow is related to convectiveheat transfer by dike injection accompanying the vulcanism.T estimates for the lherzolites range from 850–1050 °C;comparison with the derived geotherm implies that the spinellherzolites are derived from depths of 30–55 km. Thiszone has low seismic velocities (V_p = 6.8–7.8 km/sec)and has thus previously been regarded as a thick, largely maficlower crust. The xenolith data show that this Mower crust' isdominantly ultramafic, with layers, dikes and some large bodiesof pyroxenites and mafic granulites. The anomalously low V_pmay be due to the high T, the high proportion of fluid-filledpore volume, and the magnesian composition of the lherzolites.The seismically defined Moho (V_p >8.0 km/sec) coincides withthe experimentally determined position of the spinel lherzolite-garnetlherzolite transition.     

Metamorphism of Calcic Pelitic Schists, Strafford Dome, Vermont: Compositional Zoning and Reaction History

Four assemblages from calcic pelitic schists from South Strafford,Vermont, have been studied in detail to determine the relationshipbetween reaction history and compositional zoning of minerals.The lowest-grade assemblage is garnet + biotite + chlorite +plagioclase + epidote + quartz + muscovite + graphite + fluid.Along a path of isobaric heating, the net reaction is Chl +Ms + Ep + Gr = Grt + Bt + Pl + fluid. Garnet grows with decreasingFe/(Fe + Mg) and X_Spa, (from 0•2 to 0•05), X_Gra staysnearly constant between 0•20 and 0•25, and plagioclasegrows with X_An increasing from peristerite to 0•2–0•5. The subsequent evolution depends on whether chlorite or epidotereacts out first. If chlorite is removed from the assemblagefirst, the net reaction along an isobaric heating path becomesGrt + Ms + Ep + Qtz + Gr = Bt + Pl + fluid. X_An of plagioclaseincreases to 0•20–0•70, depending on the bulk-rockcomposition and changes in pressure and temperature. If epidoteis removed first, the assemblage becomes a simple pelite andthe net reaction becomes Chl + Pl + Ms + Qtz = Grt + Bt + H₂O.Plagioclase is consumed to provide Ca for growing garnet, andX_An, Fe/(Fe + Mg) of garnet, X_Gra, and X_Spa all decrease. Afterboth chlorite and epidote are removed, continued heating upto the metamorphic peak of {small tilde}600C produces littleprogress of the reaction Grt + Ms = Bt + Pl; and X_An increases. The four assemblages have been numerically modeled using theGibbs method starting with measured compositions. The modelssuccessfully predict the observed compositional zoning and trendsof mineral growth and consumption along the computed P–Tpaths. The models also predict the compositional mineral zoningthat would have resulted from other P–T paths. ^* Present address: Department of Geology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487     

High-Grade Reworking of Central Australian Granulites: Metamorphic Evolution of the Arunta Complex

The poly-metamorphic evolution of the Strangways Range granulitesof central Australia has been constrained by the phase stabilityrelationships of silica-saturated aluminous gneisses in KFMASH,in conjunction with geothermobarometry and equilibrium thermodynamics.Two contrasting, but overlapping, P-T paths are proposed. Thefirst (M1, at 1800 Ma) had an ‘anticlockwise’ P-Tpath (i.e., increasing P/T with time) and was terminated byisobaric cooling from 850–950 C, at 8–9 kb, toa stable crustal geotherm (<700C). In contrast, the secondgranulite metamorphism (M2–M5, suggested to be at 1400–1500Ma; Goscombe, 1992a) followed a ‘clockwise’ P-Tpath(i.e., decreasing P/T with time) terminated by decompressionand cooling to {small tilde}6–7 kb on a stable crustalgeotherm. M2–M5 occurred during reworking of M, granulitesby compressional orogenesis (Goscombe, 1992a). Initially, loadingand prograde metamorphism accompanied non-coaxial ductile shearand fold repetition (D2–D3). Prograde metamorphism wasfollowed by uplift and retrogression accompanying oblique transpressionand shear zone development while still under compression (D4–D5)(Goscombe, 1992a). The poly-metamorphic evolution indicatesthat ductile deformation reworked the M₁ granulites in an orogenicepisode unrelated, both temporally and tectonically, to M₁,metamorphism (Goscombe, 1992b).     

P--T Stabilities of Laumontite, Wairakite, Lawsonite, and Related Minerals in the System CaAl2Si2O8-SiO2-H2O

Hydrothermal investigation of the bulk composition CaO.Al₂O₃.4SiO₂+excessH₂O has been conducted using conventional techniques over thetemperature ranges 200–450 °C and 500–6000 barsP_fluid. A number of reactions have been studied by employingmineral mixtures consisting of reactants and products in about9: 1 and 1: 9 ratios. The phase relations were deduced fromrelatively long experiments by observing which seeded assemblagedisappeared or decreased markedly in one of the paired run charges. Laumontite was synthesized in the laboratory, probably for thefirst time. Laumontite was grown from seeded wairakite to over99 per cent using a weak NaCl solution. The refractive indicesof the synthetic material are about = 1.504 and = 1.514. Theaverage unit cell dimensions are a₀ = 14.761±0.005 Å;b₀ = 13.077±0.005 Å; c₀ = 7.561±0.003 Å;and ß = 112.02°±0.04°. Within the errorof measurement, the optical properties and cell parameters arein good agreement with those of natural laumontite. The equilibriumdehydration of laumontite involves two reactions: (1) laumontite= wairakite+2H₂O, passing through about 230 °C at 0.5 kb,255±5 °C at 1 kb, 282±5 °C at 2 kb, 297±5°C at 3 kb and 325±5 °C at 6 kb; and (2) laumontite= lawsonite+2 quartz+2H₂O, taking place at about 210 °Cat 3 kb and 275 °C at 3.2 kb. Above 300 °C, the equilibriumcurve for the solid-solid reaction (3) lawsonite+2 quartz =wairakite passes through 305 °C, 3.4 kb and 390 °C,4.4 kb. Equilibrium has been demonstrated unambiguously forthe above three reactions. The hydrothermal decomposition ofnatural laumontite above its own stability limit appears tobe a very slow process. Combined with previously published equilibria determined hydrothermallyfor wairakite, the phase relations are further investigatedby chemographic analysis interrelating the phases, laumontite,wairakite, lawsonite, anorthite, prehnite+kaolinite, and 2 pumpellyite+kaolinitein the system CaAl₂Si₂O₈-SiO₂-H₂O. This synthesis allowed theconstruction of a semiquantitative petrogenetic grid applicableto natural parageneses and the delineation of the physical conditionsfor the various low-grade metamorphic facies in low µCO₂environments. The similar stratigraphic zonations, consistentlyfound in a variety of environments, are recognized to be a functionof burial depth, geothermal gradient, and mineralogical andchemical composition of the parental rocks. Departures fromthe normal sequences are believed to be due to the combinationsof mineralogical variations, availability of H₂O, differencesin the ratio µCO₂/µH₂O, and the rate of reaction.The possible P-T boundaries for diagenesis, the zeolite facies,the lawsonite-albite facies, the prehnite-pumpellyite facies,and the adjacent metamorphic facies are illustrated diagrammatically.     

Low-temperature Compatibility Relations of Cordierite in Haplopelites of the System K2O--MgO--Al2O3--SiO2--H2O

The equilibrium temperatures of the reaction muscovite+chlorite+quartz= cordierite+phlogopite+H₂O (1) in the pure system K₂O—MgO—Al₂O₂—SiO₂—H₂Owere found to be 495±10°C at 1 kb P_H2O; 525±10°Cat 2 kb; 610±15°C at 5 kb; 635±10°C at6 kb. From intersection of this curve with the lower temperaturestability limit of cordierite close to 645°C, 6.5 kb P_H2O,a reaction cordieritc+muscovite = phlogopite+aluminum silicate+quartz+H₂O(2) is generated which has a negative slope and passes throughthe points 645°C, 6.5 kb PH₂O and 700°C, 5 kb PH₂O.On the high-pressure side of this reaction curve cordieriteis restricted to K₂O—poor bulk compositions. Application of the experimentally determined phase relationsto more complex natural pelitic rocks suggests that reaction(1) represents maximum temperatures for the disappearance ofchlorite from pelitic assemblages containing muscovite and quartz,whereas reaction (2) gives maximum water pressures for the disappearanceof cordierite from these rocks.     

Petrology of the Younger Andesites and Dacites of Iztacc?huatl Volcano, Mexico: I. Disequilibrium Phenocryst Assemblages as Indicators of Magma Chamber Processes

Disequilibrium phenocryst assemblages in the Younger Andesitesand Dacites of Iztacc?huatl, a major Quaternary volcano in theTrans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, provide an excellent record ofepisodic replenishment, magma mixing, and crystallization processesin calc-alkaline magma chambers. Phenocryst compositions andtextures in ‘mixed’ lavas, produced by binary mixingof primitive olivine-phyric basalt and evolved hornblende dacitemagmas, are used to evaluate the mineralogical and thermal characteristicsof end-members and the physical and chemical interactions thatattend mixing. Basaltic end-members crystallized olivine (FO_90–88) andminor chrome spinel during ascent into crustal magma chambers.Resident dacite magma contained phenocrysts of andesine (An_45–35),hypersthene (En67–61), edenitic-pargasitic hornblende,biotite, quartz, .titanomagnetite, and ilmenite. On reachinghigh-level reservoirs, basaltic magmas were near their liquidiat temperatures of about 1250–1200?C according to theolivine-liquid geothermometer. Application of the Fe-Ti-oxidegeothermometer-oxygen barometer indicates that hornblende dacitemagma, comprising phenocrysts (<30 vol. per cent) and coexistingrhyolitic liquid, had an ambient temperature between 940 and820?C at f_O2s approximately 0?3 log units above the nickel-nickeloxide buffer assemblage. Mixing induced undercooling of hybridliquids and rapid crystallization of skeletal olivine (Fo_88–73),strongly-zoned clinopyroxene (endiopside-augite), calcic plagioclase(An_65–60); and orthopyroxene (bronzite), whereas low-temperaturephenocrysts derived from hornblende dacite were resorbed ordecomposed by hybrid melts. Quartz reacted to form coronas ofacicular augite and hydroxylated silicates were heated to temperaturesabove their thermal stability limit ({small tilde}940?C foramphibole, according to clinopyroxene-orthopyroxene geothermometry,and {small tilde}880?C for biotite). Calculations of phenocrystresidence times in hybrid liquids based on reaction rates suggestthat the time lapse between magma chamber recharge and eruptionwas extremely short (hours to days). It is inferred that mixing of magmas of diverse compositionis driven by convective turbulence generated by large differencesin temperature between end-members. The mixing mechanism involves:(1)rapid homogenization of contrasting residual liquid compositionsby thermal erosion and diffusive transfer (liquid blending);(2) assimilation of phenocrysts derived from the low-temperatureend-member; and (3) dynamic fractional crystallization of rapidlyevolving hybrid liquids in a turbulent boundary layer separatingbasaltic and dacitic magmas. The mixed lavas of lztacc?huatlrepresent samples of this boundary layer quenched by eruption.     

Petrology of an Andalusite-Type Regional Metamorphic Terrane, Panamint Mountains, California

The terrane in the Panamint Mountains, California, was regionallymetamorphosed under low-pressure conditions and subsequentlyunderwent retrograde metamorphism. Prograde metamorphic isogradsthat mark the stability of tremolite + calcite, diopside, andsillimanite indicate a westward increase in grade. The studywas undertaken to determine the effects of the addition of Caon the types of assemblages that may occur in pelitic schists,to contribute to the understanding of the stability limits inP – T – aH₂O – X_Fe of the pelitic assemblagechlorite + muscovite + quartz, and to estimate the change inenvironment from prograde to retrograde metamorphism. Peliticassemblages are characterized by andalusite + biotite + stauroliteand andalusite + biotite + cordierite. Within a small changein grade, chlorite breaks down over nearly the entire rangein Mg/(Mg + Fe) to biotite + aluminous mineral. Chlorite withMg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.55 is stable to the highest grade, and thegeneralized terminal reaction is chlorite + muscovite + quartz= andalusite + biotite + cordierite + H₂O. Calcic schists arecharacterized by the assemblage epidote + muscovite + quartz+ chlorite + actinolite + biotite + calcite + plagioclase atlow grades and by epidote + muscovite + quartz + garnet + hornblende+ biotite + calcite + plagioclase at high grades. Epidote doesnot coexist with any AFM phase that is more aluminous than garnetor chlorite. Lithostatic pressure ranged from 2.3 kb to 3.0kb. During prograde-metamorphism temperatures ranged from lessthan 400° to nearly 700°C, and X_H2O (assuming P_H2O +P_CO3 = P_total) is estimated to be 0.25 in siliceous dolomite,0.8 in pelitic schist, and 1.0 in calcic schist. Temperatureduring retrograde metamorphism was 450° ± 50°C,and all fluid were H₂O-rich. A flux of H₂O-rich fluid duringfolding is believed to have caused retrograde metamorphism.The petrogenetic grid of Albee (1965b) is modified to positionthe (A, Cd) invariant point relative to the aluminosilicatetriple point, which allows the comparison of facies series thatinvolve different chloritoid-reactions.     

Aluminum Enrichment in Silicate Melts by Fractional Crystallization: Some Mineralogic and Petrographic Constraints

The degree of aluminum saturation of an igneous rock may bedescribed by its Aluminum Saturation Index (ASI) defined asthe molar ratio Al₂O₃(CaO + K₂O + Na₂O). One suggested originfor mildly peraluminous granites (ASI between 1 and about 1.1)is by fractional crystallization of subaluminous (ASI < 1)magmas; hornblende, having ASI < 0.5, could be a major drivingforce in such a fractionation process. The efficacy of the processdepends not only on precipitation of hornblende and its effectiveremoval from the reacting system, but on the composition andnature of other coprecipitating phases, weighted by their modalabundances in the reactive system. Precipitation of feldspar(ASI = 1), for instance, would retard or even prevent aluminumenrichment in the melt if the ASI of melt is < 1, but wouldenhance such evolution if the ASI of the melt is > 1. Discussionof the efficacy of any mineral must be made in the context ofthe total reacting system. For hornblende to effectively cause a melt to evolve into aperaluminous composition, it must be able to coexist with peraluminousmagmas. Experimental phase equilibrium data show that at pressure> 5 kb hornblende can coexist with strongly peraluminousmelts (ASI {small tilde} 1.5). Scantily phyric volcanic rocksshow that hornblende can coexist with granitic magma havingASI {small tilde} 1.1 –1.2. The aggregate ASI of last-stageminerals of a typical granite is less than this value; therefore,even after hornblende has reacted out, the residual magma maybe expected to continue to evolve toward more aluminous compositions. Potentials and problems of using coarse-grained granitic rocksto probe courses of magmatic evolution are illustrated by asuite of samples from the Grayling Lake pluton of southwesternMontana. Such rocks probably always contain a large cumulatecomponent in their texture and should not be used as primarymeans to test the occurrence or efficacy of a fractionationprocess that might lead to peraluminous melts. The process isunlikely to give rise to peraluminous plutons of batholithicdimensions. A simple differential equation is presented thatallows the direct use of petrographic data (mineral chemistryand modal abundance) to predict the path of incremental evolutionof a given magma.     

Evaluation of the Crystallization Conditions for the Calcalkaline Russian Peak Intrusive Complex, Klamath Mountains, Northern California

The mid-Jurassic calcalkaline Russian Peak intrusive complex,located in the Klamath Mountains of northern California, consistsof an elliptical peridotite-to-quartz diorite suite intrudedby two plutons of granodiorite. Several techniques were usedto decipher the crystallization conditions for ultramafic rocks,quartz diorite, and granodiorite, including comparison of parageneseswith crystallization experiments, application of geothermometersand barometers, and evaluation of phase equilibria. Contactmetamorphic assemblages, hornblende barometry, and amphibolesubstitution schemes indicate that pressures of intrusion were{small tilde}3 kbar. Plagioclase and pyroxene thermometry indicateintrusion temperatures of {small tilde}1000C for quartz dioriteand 900C for granodiorite. Phase equilibrium analysis for thereaction phlogopite+quartz=K-feldspar+enstatite+H₂O, coupledwith an estimate of the water-saturated quartz diorite solidus,suggests that the solidus of two-pyroxene quartz diorite wasat {small tilde}780C with a mole fraction of water of {smalltilde}0•55. The composition of granodiorite is very similarto that used in several crystallization experiments and indicatesa solidus of 70025C. Estimates of oxygen fugacity, obtainedfrom equilibrium relations of olivine, orthopyroxene, and spinelin ultramafic rocks, magnetite and ilmenite in quartz diorite,and magnetite, K-feldspar, and biotite in quartz diorite andgranodiorite are 2•1–2•5 and 1•0–1•3log units above the quartz-fayalite-magnetite (QFM) buffer forgranodiorite and quartz diorite at their respective solidustemperatures; and 1•0–4•0 log units above QFMfor ultramafic rocks and quartz diorite at subsolidus temperatures.Thus, the quartz diorite magma was hotter, drier, and slightlyreduced relative to the grandiorite magma, differences thatset important constraints on the genesis of the Russian Peakmagmas. These results also indicate that quartz diorite wasundersaturated with respect to H₂O as it reached its solidus,a condition that is consistent with the absence of deutericalteration in this unit. In contrast, granodiorite shows extensivedeuteric alteration and features pegmatites, quartz pods, andradial dikes as might be expected for H₂O-saturated conditions. Although calcalkaline plutonic complexes present serious difficultiesin estimating the intensive parameters of crystallization, judiciousapplication of appropriate methods may result in the successfulevaluation of the conditions of crystallization of such complexes.     

Zoned Poikiloblastic Garnets: P-T Paths and Syn-Metamorphic Uplift through 30 km of Structural Depth, Wopmay Orogen, Canada

In the early Proterozoic Wopmay Orogen (Northwest Territories,Canada), the occurrence of garnet-biotite-sillimanite/kyanite-plagioclase-quartzassemblages in pelitic schists at a variety of obliquely exposedstructural levels enables the use of calibrated geothermometersand geobarometers through 30 km of composite structural relief.Direct derivation of multipoint P-T paths from single garnetsis attained from core-to-rim microprobe analyses of zoned poikiloblasticgarnets, which contain biotite, plagioclase, quartz, and lesscommonly Al₂SiO₅ inclusions. The documented garnet zoning andthe entrapment of the mineral inclusions is compatible withpartial-equilibrium growth models. The lack of significant diffusionre-equilibration in the garnet interiors is favored by samplerestriction to medium-grade schists and is attested by the preservationof normal-zoning profiles, the lack of garnet diffusion babesaround biotite inclusions, the matching composition trends ofgarnet-core to -rim plagioclase inclusions with those of zonedmatrix plagioclase grains, and the systematic variation of thederived P-T data. Only the garnet rims, which are characterizedby a reversal of compositional trends and by textural resorption,are interpreted to indicate local post-thermal-peak re-equilibration. The calculated P-T paths quantify segments of uplift trajectoriescorresponding to pressure drops of 2?5–1?5 kb from maximaof 9?3–5?0 kb depending on structural level. This is concurrentwith initial increases of 25–75?C to peak-temperatureconditions and is followed by variable drops in temperatureduring continued decompression. Individual paths are consistentwith modelled variations of metamorphic conditions as a functionof loading, uplift, and erosion in overthrust terrains. Consideredwith U-Pb zircon geochronological data the P-T paths, studiedas a set, indicate an average uplift rate that varies spatiallyfrom 1?5–2?7 mm y^–1. This variation can be relatedto late cross folding of the orogenic internal zone, suggestingthat the syn-metamorphic uplift was structurally controlled.The distribution of peak-temperature conditions attained duringdecompression is independent of structural depth. This, andthe inverted metamorphism documented in the Wopmay Orogen, requirethat final variations in temperature result from thermal relaxationof isotherms in, and away from, a hot crustal allochthon composedin part of high-T rift-fill units and a syntectonic graniticbatholith.     

Experimental Determination of the Upper Thermal Stability of Fe-Staurolite+Quartz at Medium Pressures

The thermal equilibrium for the reaction Fe-staurolite+quartz=almandine+sillimanite+H₂Ohas been reversed at 3?25 and 5?00 kb pressure using a well-characterizednatural Fe-rich staurolite. Long run times of 100 days at 3?25kb and 60 days at 5 kb, in addition to pretreatments of thealmandine+sillimanite+quartz by annealing at the experimentalP and T for 30 days prior to the experimental run, increasedthe probability that equilibrium was attained and that sufficientamounts of reaction had occurred to allow its detection. Reaction direction was determined by directly observing surfacemorphologies of the staurolites with the Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM), a technique that permits evaluation of stability andinstability even when the extent of reaction is minor. Growthand dissolution appear to be crystallographically controlledbut produce distinct morphologies that allow mterpretation ofthe reaction direction. Growth of staurolite develops by a face-selectiveprocess, such that small step-like features overgrow the originalseed staurolite surface. Dissolution produces simpler, blockierforms locally transected by etch pits. Based on textural criteria for staurolite stability and instability,the equilibrium boundary is located between 643' and 658?C at3?25 kb and between 673 and 688?C at 5 kb. This phase boundaryhas a shallower dP/dT slope and lies {small tilde}25?C lowerthan the previous experimental investigation at low pressure(Richardson, 1968). However, this study has not solved the apparentdiscrepancy between the experimentally determined thermal stabilityof staurolite and natural occurrences of staurolite (the stauroliteproblem). For the experimentally determined staurolite curveto agree with natural staurolite occurrences, the experimentalequilibrium boundary would have to be {small tilde}50? lowerthan that indicated by the results of this study. Additionalthermochemical discrepancies are most likely related to thecomplex crystal chemistry of staurolite. ^*Present address: Department of Geology & Geophysics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803     

Progressive Low-Grade Metamorphism of a Black Shale Formation, Central Swiss Alps, with Special Reference to Pyrophyllite and Margarite Bearing Assemblages

The unmetamorphosed equivalents of the regionally metamorphosedclays and marls that make up the Alpine Liassic black shaleformation consist of illite, irregular mixed-layer illite/montmorillonite,chlorite, kaolinite, quartz, calcite, and dolomite, with accessoryfeldspars and organic material. At higher grade, in the anchizonalslates, pyrophyllite is present and is thought to have formedat the expense of kaolinite; paragonite and a mixed-layer paragonite/muscovitepresumably formed from the mixed-layer illite/montmorillonite.Anchimetamorphic illite is poorer in Fe and Mg than at the diageneticstage, having lost these elements during the formation of chlorite.Detrital feldspar has disappeared. In epimetamorphic phyllites, chloritoid and margarite appearby the reactions pyrophyllite + chlorite = chloritoid + quartz+ H₂O and pyrophyllite + calcite ± paragonite = margarite+ quartz + H₂O + CO₂, respectively. At the epi-mesozone transition,paragonite and chloritoid seem to become incompatible in thepresence of carbonates and yield the following breakdown products:plagioclase, margarite, clinozoisite (and minor zoisite), andbiotite. The maximum distribution of margarite is at the epizone-mesozoneboundary; at higher metamorphic grade margarite is consumedby a continuous reaction producing plagioclase. Most of the observed assemblages in the anchi-and epizone canbe treated in the two subsystems MgO (or FeO)-Na₂O–CaO–Al₂O₃–(KAl₃O₅–SiO₂–H₂O–CO₂).Chemographic analyses show that the variance of assemblagesdecreases with increasing metamorphic grade. Physical conditions are estimated from calibrated mineral reactionsand other petrographic data. The composition of the fluid phasewas low in X_CO2 throughout the metamorphic profile, whereasX_CH4 was very high, particularly in the anchizone where a_H2Owas probably as low as 0.2. P-T conditions along the metamorphicprofile are 1–2 kb/200–300 °C in the anchizone(Glarus Alps), and 5 kb/500–550 °C at the epi-mesozonetransition (Lukmanier area). Calculated geothermal gradientsdecrease from 50 °C/km in the anchimetamorphic Glarus Alpsto 30 °C/km at the epi-mesozone transition of the Lukmanierarea.