Decompression through clockwise P–T path: implications for early N–S shortening orogenesis in the Mesoproterozoic Mt Isa Inlier (NE Australia)

Mesoproterozoic terranes of the Australian craton exhibit complex tectonometamorphic histories that are generally considered to result from low-pressure/high-temperature (LPHT) metamorphism with an anticlockwise pressure ( P )–temperature ( T ) path. Yet studies regarding the nature of the P–T history and tectonic regime that led to such a LPHT signature have been quite limited. A foliation intersection/inflection axes preserved in the porphyroblast (FIA) analysis combined with textural relationships and P–T pseudosections, using a key locality of the Eastern Fold Belt of the Mt Isa Inlier, has resolved the cause of the LPHT signature in this region. Two periods of porphyroblast growth have been distinguished using a change in FIA trends with time; the first formed during N–S shortening and the second during W–E shortening orogenesis (D1 & D2, respectively). Significantly, D1 porphyroblasts preserving W–E FIAs are minerals of the Barrovian style, whereas D2 formed porphyroblasts preserving N–S FIAs are Buchan in style. This is consistent with the emplacement of the Williams/Naraku Batholiths after D1 around the onset of D2. Higher-pressure garnet cores, that can be modelled in MnNCKFMASH P–T pseudosections, preserve early W–E FIA and formed during D1. This was followed by decompression and then LPHT metamorphism and deformation during which N–S FIAs were preserved within porphyroblasts. This is supported by the presence of at least two generations of staurolite that crystallized before and after andalusite/cordierite. Middle to upper amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions occurred during D1 with crustal thickening followed by near-isothermal decompression leading to LPHT conditions. This was followed by D2 and a second period of middle to upper amphibolite facies metamorphism that obliterated and/or obscured the tectonometamorphic signature of D1 in the matrix of most rocks.     

U–Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronology and T–t–d history of the Kampa Dome, southern Tibet

Structural, petrographic and geochronologic studies of the Kampa Dome provide insights into the tectonothermal evolution of orogenic crust exposed in the North Himalayan gneiss domes of southern Tibet. U–Pb ion microprobe dating of zircons from granite gneiss exposed at the deepest levels within the dome yields concordia ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age populations of 506 ± 3 Ma and 527 ± 6 Ma, with no evidence of new zircon growth during Himalayan orogenesis. However, the granite contains penetrative deformation fabrics that are also preserved in the overlying Paleozoic strata, implying that the Kampa granite is a Cambrian pluton that was strongly deformed and metamorphosed during Himalayan orogenesis. Zircons from deformed leucogranite sills that cross-cut Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks yield concordant Cambrian ages from oscillatory zoned cores and discordant ages ranging from ca. 491–32 Ma in metamict grains. Since these leucogranites clearly post-date the metasedimentary rocks they intrude, the zircons are interpreted as xenocrysts that are probably derived from the Kampa granite. The Kampa Dome formed via a series of progressive orogenic events including regional ~ N–S contraction and related crustal thickening (D₁), predominately top-to-N ductile shearing and crustal extension (D₂), top-to-N brittle–ductile faulting and related folding on the north limb of the dome, localized top-to-S faulting on the southern limb of the dome, and crustal doming (D₃), and continued N–S contraction, E–W extension and doming (D₄). Structural and geochronologic variability amongst adjacent North Himalayan gneiss domes may reflect changes in the magnitude of crustal exhumation along the North Himalayan antiform, possibly relating to differences in the mid-crustal geometry of the exhuming fault systems.     

Geology of the Ranger Uranium Mine, Northern Territory, Australia: structural constraints on the timing of uranium emplacement

The geology of the No 1 and 3 pits at the Ranger Mine in the Pine Creek Inlier (PCI) of Australia is dominated by Palaeoproterozoic volcanic, carbonate and sedimentary sequences that unconformably overlie Archaean granitic gneiss of the Nanambu Complex (2470±50 Ma). These sequences are folded, faulted and sheared, and crosscut by east-trending granite (sensu stricto) dykes and pegmatite veins, and gently dipping N–NE trending mafic dykes of the Oenpelli Dolerite (1690 Ma). Regional metamorphism is to greenschist facies and contact metamorphism is to hornblende-hornfels facies.The rocks of the Ranger Mine have been subjected to at least two phases of ductile–brittle deformation (D2–D3) and one phase of brittle deformation (D4). These events were preceded by regional diastathermal or extension-related metamorphism (D1) and the development of an ubiquitous bedding-parallel cleavage (S1).D2 resulted in the development of NNE–NNW trending mesoscopic folds (F2) and a network of thrusts and dextral reverse shears. The modelled palaeo-stress directions for the emplacement of pegmatite veins suggests that they formed early in D2. D3 resulted in the development of WNW–NW trending mesoscopic folds (F3), a weakly defined axial planar cleavage (S3) and sinistral reactivation of D2 shears. D2–D3 are correlated with deformation during the Maud Creek Event of the Top End Orogeny (1870–1780 Ma), while the emplacement of granite dykes and pegmatite veins is correlated with emplacement of regional granites at 1870–1860 Ma.D4 is associated with brittle deformation and resulted in the development of normal faults and fault breccias during a period of east–west extension. This event is correlated with regional east–west extension during deposition of Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic platform sequences.The sequence of tectonic events established in this study indicates that uranium-bearing ore shoots in the Ranger No 1 and 3 pits formed during extension in D4, and after emplacement of the Oenpelli Dolerite at 1690 Ma. However, the currently accepted 1737±20 U–Pb Ma age places the mineralising event at time of regional post-orogenic erosion, after the Top End Orogeny and before emplacement of the Oenpelli Dolerite and extension in D4. The U–Pb age is not consistent with Sm–Nd ages for primary uranium mineralisation at Nabarlek and Jabiluka at 1650 Ma [Econ. Geol. 84 (1989) 64] and does not concur with currently accepted regional tectonic data of Johnston [Johnston, J.D., 1984. Structural evolution of the Pine Creek Inlier and mineralisation therein, Northern Territory, Australia. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Monash University, Australia], Needham et al. [Precambrian Res. 40/41 (1988) 543] and others. Consequently, the absolute age of uranium mineralisation at the Ranger Mine is open.     

Post-orogenic (<1500 Ma) thermal history of the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic, Mt. Isa province, NE Australia

We present hornblende, white mica, biotite and alkali feldspar ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data from Paleo-Mesoproterozoic rocks of the Mt. Isa Inlier, Australia, which reveal a previously unrecognised post-orogenic, non-linear cooling history of part of the Northern Australian Craton. Plateau and total fusion ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages range between 1500 and 767 Ma and record increases in regional cooling rates of up to 4 °C/Ma during 1440–1390 and 1260–1000 Ma. Forward modelling of the alkali feldspar ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Arrhenius parameters reveals subsequent increases in cooling rates during 600–400 Ma. The cooling episodes were driven by both erosional exhumation at average rates of 0.25 km/Ma and thermal relaxation following crustal heating and magmatic events. Early Mesoproterozoic cooling is synchronous with exhumation and shearing in the Arunta Block and Gawler Craton. Late Mesoproterozoic cooling could have either been driven by increased rates of exhumation, or a result of thermal relaxation following a heat pulse that was synchronous with dyke emplacement in the Arunta, Musgrave and Mt. Isa province, as well as Grenville-aged orogenesis in the Albany–Fraser Belt. Latest Neoproterozoic–Cambrian cooling and exhumation was probably driven by the convergence of part of the East Antarctic Shield with the Musgrave Block and Western Australia (Petermann Ranges Orogeny), as well as collisional tectonics that produced the Delamerian–Ross Orogen. Major changes in the stress field and geothermal gradients of the Australian plate that are synchronous with the assembly and break-up of parts of Rodinia and Gondwana resulted in shearing and repeated brittle reactivation of the Mt. Isa Inlier, probably via the displacement of long-lived basement faults within the Northern Australian Craton.     

Metamorphic evolution of the Georgetown Inlier,northeast Queensland,Australia; evidence for an accreted Palaeoproterozoic terrane?

Mineral textures, coupled with thermodynamic modelling in the MnO–Na₂O–CaO–K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O (MnNCKFMASH) model system, of mid‐amphibolite facies metapelites from the Georgetown Inlier, northeast Australia, point to the recording of two separate and unrelated metamorphic events. The first occurred contemporaneously with Palaeo‐ to Mesoproterozoic orogenesis and involved heating and burial to temperatures and pressures of approximately 600–650 °C and 6.0–7.0 kbar. Textural evidence for the up‐temperature (and pressure) prograde part of this path is inferred from the inclusion of garnet in biotite and staurolite. The second metamorphic event resulted in a low‐pressure thermal overprint that is equated with the advective addition of heat to the terrane via the emplacement of the Forsayth Batholith (c. 1550 Ma). This event is inferred from subsequent growth of andalusite and randomly orientated fibrolitic sillimanite after garnet, biotite and staurolite. This two stage metamorphic evolution, when coupled with a number of other distinct geological characteristics, suggests that the Georgetown Inlier is dissimilar to the other Australian Palaeoproterozoic terranes with which it is commonly correlated.     

Evolution of the Mount Woods Inlier, northern Gawler Craton, Southern Australia: an integrated structural and aeromagnetic analysis

Structural mapping integrated with interpretation and forward modelling of aeromagnetic data form complimentary and powerful tools for regional structural analysis because both techniques focus on architecture and overprinting relationships. This approach is used to constrain the geometry and evolution of the sparsely exposed Mount Woods Inlier in the northern Gawler Craton. The Mount Woods Inlier records a history of poly-phase deformation, high-temperature metamorphism, and syn- and post-orogenic magmatism between ca. 1736 and 1584 Ma. The earliest deformation involved isoclinal folding, and the development of bedding parallel and axial planar gneissic foliation (S₁). This was accompanied by high-temperature, upper amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism at ca. 1736 Ma. During subsequent north–south shortening (D₂), open to isoclinal south–southeast-oriented F₂ folds developed as the Palaeoproterozoic successions of the inlier were thrust over the Archaean nuclei of the Gawler Craton. The syn-D₂ Engenina Adamellite was emplaced at ca. 1692 Ma. The post-D₂ history involved shear zone development and localised folding, exhumation of metamorphic rocks, and deposition of clastic sediments prior to the emplacement of the ca. 1584 Ma Granite Balta Suite. The Mount Woods Inlier is interpreted as the northern continuation of the Kimban Orogen.     

Metamorphic evolution of aluminous granulites from Labwor Hills,Uganda

Sapphirine-cordierite-quartz and spinel-cordierite-quartz form relic assemblages of probable Archaean age in Fe-rich aluminous metapelites from Labwor Hills, Uganda, and reflect an unusually high temperature metamorphism (1,000° C) at pressures in the vicinity of 7–9 kbars and a(O₂) near the magnetite-hematite buffer. Subsequent reaction textures include the replacement of spinel and cordierite by sillimanite and hypersthene and formation of sapphirine-hypersthene-K-feldspar-quartz symplectites which are interpreted as pseudomorphs after osumilite. A petrogenetic grid appropriate to these assemblages suggests these reaction textures may be due to cooling at constant or increasing pressure and constant a(O₂), or decreasing a(O₂) at constant temperature and pressure. The former interpretation is supported by the coexistence of ilmenohematite and magnetite during the development of the reaction textures, and by the comparatively low Al₂O₃-contents of secondary hypersthene. This pressure-temperature path implies that: (1) metamorphism occurred at deep levels within normal thickness crust, probably less than 40–45 km thick, due to an extreme thermal perturbation induced either by emplacement of mantle-derived magmas or by thinning of the subcontinental lithosphere in an extensional tectonic regime, (2) the excavation and surface exposure of the granulites is due to a subsequent, postgranulite facies metamorphism, crustal thickening most probably involving their incorporation into an allochthonous upper crustal thrust sheet during the formation of the Mozambique foldbelt.     

Early Neoproterozoic events in East Greenland

East Greenland forms one of the least understood of the orogenic belts formed during the amalgamation of Rodinia during late Mesoproterozoic times. Recent U–Pb zircon SHRIMP dating on the widespread Krummedal supracrustal succession and associated granites from central East Greenland has shown that metamorphism and intrusion affected the region at around 0.95–0.92 Ga, approximately 150 m.y. later than the main phase of Grenvillian orogenesis (s.s.). These early Neoproterozoic ages may indicate a link with metamorphism and igneous activity in the Sveconorwegian Belt of Scandinavia rather than true ‘Grenvillian’ events on the eastern margin of Laurentia. Previous plate tectonic reconstructions which link Laurentia and Baltica by a collisional margin extending through central East Greenland at 1.1 Ga were based on early conventional U–Pb zircon dating in central East Greenland, and can no longer be considered viable. Instead, new detrital zircon SHRIMP U–Pb dating studies show that the Krummedal supracrustal succession was deposited between ca. 1.0 Ga and no later than 0.95 Ga, during a time of major sediment deposition widely preserved elsewhere in the North Atlantic region. Erosion associated with post-1.1 Ga collapse of the Grenville–Sunsas orogeny is the most likely source for the majority of the detritus, since the corresponding Baltic margin was dominated by A-type magmatism for much of the period 1.4–1.1 Ga material, which is the age of the bulk of detrital zircons in the Krummedal supracrustal succession. We suggest that the Krummedal supracrustal succession was deposited east or south-east of its present location, and was thrust onto Archaean–Palaeoproterozoic orthogneisses, which in turn were displaced across the parautochthonous foreland during the Caledonian orogeny. The early Neoproterozoic orogenic events recorded in central East Greenland therefore involved the metamorphism of a metasedimentary package of Laurentian–Amazonian affinity during the Sveconorwegian orogeny in the final stages of the collision of Baltica and Laurentia.     

Terrane assembly and geodynamic evolution of central–western Hoggar: a synthesis

After a review of the rock sequences and evolution of the eastern and central terranes of Hoggar, this paper focusses on the Neoproterozoic subduction-related evolution and collision stages in the central–western part of the Tuareg shield. Rock sequences are described and compared with their counterparts identified in the western and the eastern terranes exposed in Hoggar and northern Mali. The Pharusian terrane that is described in detail, is floored in the east by the Iskel basement, a Mesoproterozoic arc-type terrane cratonized around 840 Ma and in the southeast by Late Paleoproterozoic rock sequences (1.85–1.75 Ga) similar to those from northwestern Hoggar. Unconformable Late Neoproterozoic volcanosedimentary formations that mainly encompass volcanic greywackes were deposited in troughs adjacent to subduction-related andesitic volcanic ridges during the c. 690–650 Ma period. Abundant arc-related pre-collisional calc-alkaline batholiths (650–635 Ma) intruded the volcanic and volcaniclastic units at rather shallow crustal levels prior to collisional processes. The main E–W shortening in the Pharusian arc-type crust occurred through several stages of transpression and produced overall greenschist facies regional metamorphism and upright folding, thus precluding significant crustal thickening. It was accompanied by the shallow emplacement of calc-alkaline batholiths and plutons. Ages of syn-collisional granitoids range from 620 Ma in the western terranes, to 580 Ma in the Pharusian terrane, thus indicating a severe diachronism. After infill of molassic basins unconformable above the Pan-African greenschists, renewed dextral transpression took place in longitudinal domains such as the Adrar fault. The lithology, volcanic and plutonic suites, deep greenschist facies metamorphism, structures and kinematics from the Adrar fault molassic belt previously considered as Neoproterozoic are described in detail. The younger late-kinematic plutons emplaced in the Pharusian terrane at 523 Ma [Lithos 45 (1998) 245] relate to a Cambrian tectonic pulse that post-dates molasse deposition. The new geodynamic scenario presented considers several paleosubductions. The major east-dipping subduction, corresponding to the closure of a large Pan-African oceanic domain in the west (680–620 Ma) post-dates an older west-dipping “Pharusian” subduction (690–650 Ma?) to the east of the eastern Pharusian terrane. Such a diachronism is suggested by the 690 Ma old eclogites of the western part of the LATEA terrane of central Hoggar [J. African Earth Sci. this volume (2003)] that are nearly synchronous with the building up of the Pharusian terrane, thus suggesting that the 4°50^′ lithospheric fault represents a reactivated cryptic suture.     

Integration of zircon color and zircon fission-track zonation patterns in orogenic belts: application to the Southern Alps, New Zealand

An exhumed crustal section of the Mesozoic Torlesse terrane underlies the Southern Alps collision zone in New Zealand. Since the Late Miocene, oblique horizontal shortening has formed the northeastern–southwestern trending orogen and exhumed the crustal section within it. On the eastern side, rocks are zeolite- to prehnite–pumpellyite-grade greywacke; on the western side rocks, they have the same protolith, but are greenschist to amphibolite facies of the Alpine Schist. Zircon crystals from sediments in east-flowing rivers (hinterland) have pre-orogenic fission-track ages (>80 Ma) and are dominated by pink, radiation-damaged grains (up to 60%). These zircons are derived from the upper 10 km crustal section (unreset FT color zone) that includes the Late Cenozoic zircon partial annealing zone; both fission tracks and color remain intact and unaffected by orogenesis. Many zircon crystals from sediments in west-flowing rivers (foreland) have synorogenic FT ages, and about 80% are colorless due to thermal annealing. They have been derived from rocks that originally lay in the reset FT color zone and the underlying reset FT colorless zone. The reset FT color zone occurs between 250 and 400 °C. In this zone, zircon crystals have color but reset FT ages that reflect the timing of orogenesis.     

Radiogenic heating and craton‐margin plate stresses as drivers for intraplate orogeny

The Proterozoic belts that occur along the margins of the West Australian Craton, as well as those in intraplate settings, generally share similar geological histories that suggest a common plate‐margin driver for orogeny. However, the thermal drivers for intraplate orogenesis are more poorly understood. The Mutherbukin Tectonic Event records a protracted period of Mesoproterozoic reworking of the Capricorn Orogen and offers significant insight into both the tectonic drivers and heat sources of long‐lived intraplate orogens. Mineral assemblages and tectonic fabrics related to this event occur within a 50 km‐wide fault‐bound corridor in the central part of the Gascoyne Province in Western Australia. This zone preserves a crustal profile, with greenschist facies rocks in the north grading to upper amphibolite facies rocks in the south. The P–T–t evolution of 13 samples from 10 localities across the Mutherbukin Zone is investigated using phase equilibria modelling integrated with in situ U–Pb monazite and zircon geochronology. Garnet chemistry from selected samples is used to further refine the P–T history and shows that the dominant events recorded in this zone are prolonged D₁ transpression between c. 1,320 and 1,270 Ma, followed by D₂ transtension from c. 1,210 to 1,170 Ma. Peak metamorphic conditions in the mid‐crust reached >650°C and 4.4–7 kbar at c. 1,210–1,200 Ma. Most samples record a single clockwise P–T evolution during this event, although some samples might have experienced multiple perturbations. The heat source for metamorphism was primarily conductive heating of radiogenic mid‐ and upper crust, derived from earlier crustal differentiation events. This crust was thickened during D₁ transpression, although the thermal effects persisted longer than the deformation event. Peak metamorphism was terminated by D₂ transtension at c. 1,210 Ma, with subsequent cooling driven by thinning of the radiogenic crust. The coincidence of a sedimentary basin acting as a thermal lid and a highly radiogenic mid‐crustal batholith restricted to the Mutherbukin Zone accounts for reworking being confined to a discrete crustal corridor. Our results show that radiogenic regions in the shallow to mid crust can elevate the thermal gradient and localize deformation, causing the crust to be more responsive to far‐field stresses. The Mutherbukin Tectonic Event in the Capricorn Orogen was synchronous with numerous Mesoproterozoic events around the West Australian Craton, suggesting that thick cratonic roots play an important role in propagating stresses generated at distant plate boundaries.     

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.     

Sm–Nd evidence for high-grade Ordovician metamorphism in the Arunta Block, central Australia

Sm–Nd ages from the Harts Range in the south-eastern Arunta Inlier in central Australia indicate that regional metamorphism up to granulite facies occurred in the Early Ordovician (c. 475 Ma). This represents a radical departure from previous tectonic models for the region and identifies a previously unrecognized intraplate event in central Australia. Peak metamorphic assemblages (800 °C and 10.5 kbar) formed at around 476±14 Ma and underwent approximately 4 kbar of near-isothermal decompression at 475±4 Ma. A coarse-grained unfoliated garnet–clinopyroxene-bearing marble inferred to have recrystallized late in the decompressional evolution, gives an age of 469±7 Ma. Two lines of evidence suggest the Early Ordovician tectonism occurred in an extensional setting. First, the timing of the high-grade lower crustal deformation coincides with a period of marine sedimentation in the Amadeus and Georgina basins that was associated with a seaway that developed across central Australia. Second, isothermal decompression of lower crustal rocks was associated with the formation of a regional, sub-horizontal mid-crustal foliation. In the Entia Gneiss Complex, which forms the structurally lowest part of the Harts Range, upper-amphibolite facies metamorphism (c. 700 °C, 8–9 kbar) occurred at 479±15 Ma. There is no evidence that P–T conditions in the Entia Gneiss Complex were as high as in the overlying units. This implies that the extensional system was reworked during a later compressional event. Sm–Nd data from the mid-amphibolite facies (c. 650 °C and 6 kbar) detachment zone that separates the Irindina Supracrustal Assemblage and Entia Gneiss Complex give an age of 449±10 Ma. This age corresponds to the timing of a change in the pattern and style of sedimentation in the Amadeus and Georgina basins, and indicates that the change in basin dynamics was associated with mid-crustal deformation. It also suggests that compressional deformation culminating in the Devonian to Carboniferous (400–300 Ma) Alice Springs Orogeny may have begun as early as c. 450 Ma. At present, the extent of Early Ordovician tectonism in central Australia is unknown. However, granulite facies metamorphism and associated intense deformation imply an event of regional extent. An implication of this work is that high-grade lower crustal metamorphism and intense deformation occurred during the development of a broad, shallow, slowly subsiding intraplate basin.     

Marble-hosted ruby deposits from Central and Southeast Asia: Towards a new genetic model

Marble-hosted ruby deposits represent the most important source of colored gemstones from Central and South East Asia. These deposits are located in the Himalayan mountain belt which developed during Tertiary collision of the Indian plate northward into the Eurasian plate. They are spatially related to granitoid intrusions and are contained in platform carbonates series that underwent high-grade metamorphism. All occurrences are located close to major tectonic features formed during Himalayan orogenesis, directly in suture zones in the Himalayas, or in shear zones that guided extrusion of the Indochina block after the collision in South East Asia. Ar–Ar dating of micas syngenetic with ruby and U–Pb dating of zircon included in ruby gives evidence that these deposits formed during Himalayan orogenesis, and the ages document the extensional tectonics that were active, from Afghanistan to Vietnam, between the Oligocene and the Pliocene.The petrography shows that ruby-bearing marbles formed in the amphibolite facies (T = 610 to 790 °C and P ~ 6 kbar). A fluid inclusion study defines the conditions of gem ruby formation during the retrograde metamorphic path (620 < T < 670 °C and 2.6 < P < 3.3 kbar) for the deposits of Jegdalek, Hunza and northern Vietnam.Whole rock analyses of non-ruby-bearing marbles indicate that they contain enough aluminum and chromiferous elements to produce all the ruby crystals that they contain. In addition, (C, O)-isotopic analyses of carbonates from the marbles lead to the conclusion that the marbles acted as a metamorphic closed fluid system that were not infiltrated by externally-derived fluids. The carbon isotopic composition of graphite in marbles reveals that it is of organic origin and that it exchanged C-isotopes with the carbonates during metamorphism. Moreover, the O-isotopic composition of ruby was buffered by metamorphic CO₂ released during devolatilisation of marble and the H-isotopic composition of mica is consistent with a metamorphic origin for water in equilibrium with the micas. The (C, O, H)-isotopic compositions of minerals associated with marble-hosted ruby are all in agreement with the hypothesis, drawn from the unusual chemistry of CO₂–H₂S–COS–S₈–AlO(OH)-bearing fluids contained in fluid inclusions, that gem ruby formed at P ~ 3 kbar and 620 < T < 670 °C, during thermal reduction of evaporite by organic matter, at high temperature-medium pressure metamorphism of platform carbonates during the Tertiary India–Asia collision. The carbonates were enriched in Al- and chromiferous-bearing detrital minerals, such as clay minerals that were deposited on the platform with the carbonates, and in organic matter. Ruby formed during the retrograde metamorphic path, mainly by destabilization of muscovite or spinel. The metamorphic fluid system was rich in CO₂ released from devolatilisation of carbonates, and in fluorine, chlorine and boron released by molten salts (NaCl, KCl, CaSO₄). Evaporites are key to explaining the formation of these deposits. Molten salts mobilized in situ Al and metal transition elements contained in marbles, leading to crystallization of ruby.     

Combining compositional zoning and foliation intersection axes (FIAs) in garnet to quantitatively determine early P-T-t paths in multiply deformed and metamorphosed schists: north central Massachusetts,USA

Quantitative compositional and microstructural analysis of garnet porphyroblasts in kyanite–staurolite–garnet grade rocks from the northeastern flank of the Pelham dome, north central Massachusetts, distinguishes the effects of Acadian deformation and metamorphism from extensive overprinting Alleghanian shearing. The P–T conditions and the metamorphic path during the Acadian were determined using samples preserving well defined stages in a lengthy tectonic history revealed by a succession of five foliation intersection axis trends preserved within porphyroblasts (FIAs). This Acadian succession extends at least 120 km to the north into rocks where no evidence has been found of an Alleghanian overprint. For each sample where garnet first nucleated during one of these stages in the tectonic history, the PT of core growth was determined by plotting the intersection of the Mn, Fe and Ca isopleths calculated for the core composition on a P–T pseudosection for that sample using THERMOCALC. Combining the PT data from all these samples indicates that the temperature and pressure increased throughout Acadian orogenesis, causing episodic garnet growth. During the Alleghanian, locally intense shearing, especially against the margin of the Pelham dome, formed the dominant schistosity, which truncated all foliations defined by inclusion trails in porphyroblasts and obliterated all remains of Acadian deformation and metamorphism in the rock matrix. Shearing was accompanied by near complete homogenization of the compositional zoning in garnet porphyroblasts and an associated apparent increase in the temperature of the matrix to 700°C in those rocks lying directly adjacent to the Pelham dome, and resulted from the rocks of the Northfield syncline being thrust a large distance southwards over the gneisses in the dome.     

The Nigerian manganese-rich iron-formations and their host rocks—from sedimentation to metamorphism

This investigation deals with the Nigerian iron-formations and their host rocks and is based on about 560 mineral analyses (electron-microprobe) and 93 whole-rock analyses (64 iron-formations and 29 host rocks). The manganese-rich and Al-bearing iron-formations occurring in various schist belts of the northern and southern part of West-Nigeria consist of the magnetite-free silicate, the magnetite–silicate and the quartz-rich hematite facies.Iron-formations and host rocks originated from submarine-volcanogenic exhalations enriched in Fe, Mn and CO₂ and from Al₂O₃, SiO₂ and alkali (K₂O and Na₂O)-rich continental-derived pelitic to psammitic material. From these sources and their interaction and controlled by the volcanogenic activity, differently composed protoliths were deposited in the marine basin during the Birimian time. Subsequent metamorphism of greenschist to low amphibolite facies conditions during the Eburnian time led to the formation of the metaprotoliths of the magnetite–silicate (consisting of predominantly magnetite and quartz and subordinate of garnet and amphibole), the silicate facies (consisting of garnet, amphibole and rarely Mn-bearing ilmenite and quartz) and the metasediment phyllite. Garnets are predominantly almandine–spessartine solid solutions, whereas amphiboles are Mn and Ca-bearing grunerite–cummingtonite solid solutions. In the course of a second tectono-metamorphic event of Pan-African age, the magnetite–silicate facies iron-formation/phyllite association was transformed into the hematite facies and muscovite/biotite schists, whereas the silicate facies is characterized by extensive silicification features. The hematite facies and the silicified silicate facies are restricted to southern Nigeria where the second and heterogeneous tectono-metamorphic event is more pronounced (amphibolite facies conditions) than in northern Nigeria.The genesis, summarized as the metamorphic model, shows that the carbonate-rich (siderite, rhodochrosite and subordinate magnesite and calcite) protoliths were metamorphically transformed into the silicate and magnetite–silicate facies. The separation of Mn and Fe, leading to manganese-bearing iron-formations and iron-bearing manganese-formations was explained by varying pH-conditions, under which siderite (pH: 6.8–9.4) and rhodochrosite (pH: 9–11) precipitated.Similar to the Gunfit and Biwabik iron-formations of Minnesota, USA, the iron-formation of Bingi (Maru schist belt), now present in the form of the fayalite bearing silicate facies, was overprinted by contact metamorphism caused by a gabbro intrusion.     

Compressional- and transpressional-stress pattern for Pliocene and Quaternary brittle deformation in fore arc and intra-arc zones (Andes of Central and Southern Chile)

Kinematic analysis of fault slip data for stress determination was carried out on Late Miocene to Quaternary rocks from the fore arc and intra-arc regions of the Chilean Andes, between 33° and 46° south latitudes. Studies of Neogene and Quaternary infilling (the Central Depression), as well as plutonic rocks of the North Patagonian Batholith along the Liquiñe–Ofqui Fault Zone, have revealed various compressional and/or transpressional states of stress. In the Pliocene, the maximum compressional stress (σ₁) was generally oriented east–west. During the Quaternary, the deformation was partitioned into two coeval distinctive states of stress. In the fore arc zone, the state of stress was compressional, with σ₁ oriented in a N–S to NNE–SSW direction. In the intra-arc zone the state of stress was transpressional with σ₁ striking NE–SW. Along the coast, in one site (37°30′S) the Quaternary strain deformation is extensional, with an E–W direction, which can be explained by a co-seismic crustal bending readjustment.     

Changes in Relative Plate Motion during the Isan Orogeny (1670-1500 Ma) and Implications for Pre-Rodinia Reconstructions

Foliation inflexion/intersection axes(FIAs)preserved within porphyroblasts that grew throughout Isan orogenesis reveal significant anticlockwise changes in the direction of bulk horizontal shortening between 1670 and 1500 Ma from NE-SW,N-S,E-W to NW-SE.This implies an anticlockwise shift in relative plate motion with time during the Isan orogeny.Dating monazite grains amongst the axial planar foliations defining three of the four FIAs enabled an age for the periods of relative plate motion that produced these structures to be determined.Averaging the ages from monazite grains defining each FIA set revealed 1649±12 Ma for NE-SW shortening,1645±7 Ma for N-S shortening,and 1591±10 Ma for that directed E-W.Inclusion trail asymmetries indicate shear senses of top to the SW for NW-SE FIAs and dominantly top to the N for E-W FIAs,reflecting thrusting towards the SW and N.No evidence for tectonism related to early NE-SW bulk horizontal shortening has previously been detected in the Mount Isa Inlier.Amalgamation of the Broken Hill and possibly the Gawler provinces with the Mount Isa province may have taken place during these periods of NE-SW and N-S-directed thrusting as the ages of tectonism are similar.Overlapping dates,tectonic,metamorphic,and metallogenic similarities between eastern Australia(Mount Isa and Broken Hill terranes)and the southwest part of Laurentia imply a most probable connection between both continental masses.Putting Australia in such position with respect to North America during the Late-Paleo-to-Mesoproterozoic time is consistent with the AUSWUS model of the Rodinia supercontinent.     

The timing of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism in Southern India: U–Th–Pb electron microprobe ages from zircon and monazite in sapphirine-bearing granulites

We report here U–Pb electron microprobe ages from zircon and monazite associated with corundum- and sapphirine-bearing granulite facies rocks of Lachmanapatti, Sengal, Sakkarakkottai and Mettanganam in the Palghat–Cauvery shear zone system and Ganguvarpatti in the northern Madurai Block of southern India. Mineral assemblages and petrologic characteristics of granulite facies assemblages in all these localities indicate extreme crustal metamorphism under ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) conditions. Zircon cores from Lachmanapatti range from 3200 to 2300 Ma with a peak at 2420 Ma, while those from Mettanganam show 2300 Ma peak. Younger zircons with peak ages of 2100 and 830 Ma are displayed by the UHT granulites of Sengal and Ganguvarpatti, although detrital grains with 2000 Ma ages are also present. The Late Archaean-aged cores are mantled by variable rims of Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic ages in most cases. Zircon cores from Ganguvarpatti range from 2279 to 749 Ma and are interpreted to reflect multiple age sources. The oldest cores are surrounded by Palaeoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic rims, and finally mantled by Neoproterozoic overgrowths. In contrast, monazites from these localities define peak ages of between 550 and 520 Ma, with an exception of a peak at 590 Ma for the Lachmanapatti rocks. The outermost rims of monazite grains show spot ages in the range of 510–450 Ma.While the zircon populations in these rocks suggest multiple sources of Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic age, the monazite data are interpreted to date the timing of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism in southern India as latest Neoproterozoic to Cambrian in both the Palghat–Cauvery shear zone system and the northern Madurai Block. The data illustrate the extent of Neoproterozoic/Cambrian metamorphism as India joined the Gondwana amalgam at the dawn of the Cambrian.     

Metamorphic evolution of the Maud Belt: P–T–t path for high-grade gneisses in Gjelsvikfjella, Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica

A metamorphic petrological study, in conjunction with recent precise geochronometric data, revealed a complex P–T–t path for high-grade gneisses in a hitherto poorly understood sector of the Mesoproterozoic Maud Belt in East Antarctica. The Maud Belt is an extensive high-grade, polydeformed, metamorphic belt, which records two significant tectono-thermal episodes, once towards the end of the Mesoproterozoic and again towards the late Neoproterozoic/Cambrian. In contrast to previous models, most of the metamorphic mineral assemblages are related to a Pan-African tectono-thermal overprint, with only very few relics of late Mesoproterozoic granulite-facies mineral assemblages (M₁) left in strain-protected domains. Petrological and mineral chemical evidence indicates a clockwise P–T–t path for the Pan-African orogeny. Peak metamorphic (M_2b) conditions recorded by most rocks in the area (T = 709–785 °C and P = 7.0–9.5 kbar) during the Pan-African orogeny were attained subsequent to decompression from probably eclogite-facies metamorphic conditions (M_2a).The new data acquired in this study, together with recent geochronological and geochemical data, permit the development of a geodynamic model for the Maud Belt that involves volcanic arc formation during the late Mesoproterozoic followed by extension at 1100 Ma and subsequent high-grade tectono-thermal reworking once during continent–continent collision at the end of the Mesoproterozoic (M₁; 1090–1030 Ma) and again during the Pan-African orogeny (M_2a, M_2b) between 565 and 530 Ma. Post-peak metamorphic K-metasomatism under amphibolite-facies conditions (M_2c) followed and is ascribed to post-orogenic bimodal magmatism between 500 and 480 Ma.