Pumpellyite–actinolite facies of the Sanbagawa metamorphism

The pumpellyite–actinolite facies proposed by Hashimoto is defined by the common occurrence of the pumpellyite–actinolite assemblage in basic schists. It can help characterize the paragenesis of basic and intermediate bulk compositions, which are common constituents of various low-grade metamorphic areas. The dataset of mutually consistent thermodynamic properties of minerals gives a positive slope for the boundary between the pumpellyite–actinolite and prehnite–pumpellyite facies in P–T space. In the Sanbagawa belt in Japan, the mineral parageneses of hematite-bearing and -free basic schists, as well as pelitic schists have been well documented. The higher temperature limit of this facies is defined by the disappearance of the pumpellyite+epidote+actinolite+chlorite assemblage in hematite-free basic schists with X_Fe3+ of epidote around 0.20–0.25 and the appearance of epidote+actinolite+chlorite assemblage with X^Ep_Fe3+≤0.20. In hematite-bearing basic schists, there is a continuous change of paragenesis to higher grade, epidote–glaucophane or epidote–blueschist facies. In pelitic schists, the albite+lawsonite+chlorite assemblage does occur but only rarely, and its assemblage cannot be used to determine the regional thermal structure. The lower temperature equivalence of the pumpellyite–actinolite assemblage is not observed in the field. The Mikabu Greenstone complex and the northern margin of the Chichibu complex, which are located to the south of the Sanbagawa belt, are characterized by clinopyroxene+chlorite or lawsonite+actinolite assemblages, which are lower temperature assemblages than the pumpellyite+actinolite assemblage. These three metamorphic complexes belong to the same subduction-metamorphic complex. The pumpellyite–actinolite facies or subfacies can be useful to help reveal the field thermal structure of metamorphic complexes     

Prograde amphiboles in hematite-bearing basic and quartz schists in the Sanbagawa belt, central Shikoku: relationship between metamorphic field gradient and P-T paths of individual rocks

The prograde amphibole that coexists with chlorite, epidote, muscovite, albite, quartz and hematite in Sanbagawa schists was examined to investigate the relationship between the prograde P-T paths of individual rocks and the metamorphic field gradient in the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, central Shikoku. The amphibole changes from actinolite, through ferri-winchite and crossite, to barroisite and hornblende with increasing grade along the metamorphic field gradient. However, the sequence of prograde amphibole compositions in each sample varies in different mineral zones. The general scheme can be summarized as: magnesioriebeckite-riebeckite crossite in the upper chlorite zone of lower-grade rocks; crossite or glaucophane barroisite in the garnet zone of medium-grade rocks; and actinolite or winchite barroisite hornblende in the albite-biotite zone of higher-grade rocks. Changes of amphibole composition indicate that the prograde P-T path recorded in the higher-grade rocks was situated on the higher-temperature side of that of the lower-grade rocks and on the lower-pressure side of the metamorphic field gradient. The systematic change of P-T paths implies an increasing d P /d T during continuous subduction. These features can be interpreted as documenting prograde metamorphism within a young subduction zone that has a non-steady-state geotherm.     

Geotectonic subdivision and areal extent of the Sangun belt, Inner Zone of Southwest Japan

The Sangun belt has long been considered to be a major coherent glaucophanitic terrane of Permian to Triassic age, and to be paired with the low-P/T Hida belt to the north. However, recent progress in geochronology, metamorphic geology, and tectonics has revealed that the belt is in fact comprised of two geologic units of different ages and with contrasting conditions of formation. The older unit is named the Renge belt and the younger the Suo belt. The Renge belt is the oldest of the high-P/T metamorphic belts in the Japanese Islands and extends from northern Kyushu, through the San-in coastal regions, to the Hida marginal belt. It is characterized by 330–280 Ma ages and the association of glaucophane–schist to epidote–amphibolite facies schists. The Renge belt is also typically associated with meta–ophiolite sequences (470–340 Ma) including serpentinite. The Suo belt is characterized by 230–160 Ma high-P/T schists closely related to weakly metamorphosed Permian accretionary rocks of the Akiyoshi belt. Metamorphic facies series is from the prehnite–pumpellyite facies through the pumpellyite–actinolite and glaucophane–schist facies to the epidote–amphibolite facies. The belt is widespread in west Kinki to north and central Kyushu via Chugoku, but also stretches further to the southwest and is present in the Ishigaki-Iriomote Islands of the southern Ryukyu Arc. Throughout this belt, there are scattered small blocks or lenses of meta–ophiolite, whose K–Ar ages of relict hornblendes are 590 to 220 Ma. Bounded by low-angle faults and thrusts, both belts define subhorizontal nappes dipping gently north. The geotectonic framework in the Inner Zone of Southwest Japan is made up of, from north to south, the Hida-Oki, Renge, Akiyoshi, Suo, Maizuru plus ultra-Tamba, Mino-Tamba, and Ryoke belts, with a tectonically downward-younging polarity. This has resulted from stepwise accretions during Palaeozoic to Mesozoic time.     

Mesozoic tectonothermal development of the Sambagawa, Mikabu and Chichibu belts, south-west Japan: evidence from 40Ar/39Ar whole-rock phyllite ages

Abstract Five whole-rock ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages from low-grade sectors of the Sambagawa belt (Besshi nappe complex) range between 87 and 97 Ma. Two whole-rock phyllite samples from the Mikabu greenstone belt record well-defined ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages of 96 and 98 Ma. Together these ages suggest that a high-pressure metamorphism occurred in both the Sambagawa and Mikabu belts at c. 90–100 Ma. The northern Chichibu sub-belt may consist of several distinct geochronological units because metamorphic ages increase systematically from north ( c. 110 Ma) to south ( c. 215 Ma). The northern Chichibu sub-belt is correlated with the Kuma nappe complex (Sambagawa belt). Two whole-rock phyllite samples from the Kurosegawa terrane display markedly older metamorphic ages than either the Sambagawa or the Chichibu belts.
Accretion of Sambagawa-Chichibu protoliths began prior to the middle Jurrasic. Depositional ages decrease from middle Jurassic (Kuma-Chichibu nappe complex) to c. 100 Ma (Oboke nappe complex) toward lower tectonostratigraphic units. The ages of metamorphic culmination also decrease from upper to lower tectonostratigraphic units. The Kurosegawa belt and the geological units to the south belong to distinctly different terrances than the Sambagawa-Chichibu belts. These have been juxtaposed as a result of transcurrent faulting during the Cretaceous.     

The youngest blueschist belt in SW Japan: implication for the exhumation of the Cretaceous Sanbagawa high-P/T metamorphic belt

The tectonic evolution of the Northern Shimanto belt, central Shikoku, Japan, was examined based on petrological and geochronological studies in the Oboke area, where mafic schists of the Kawaguchi Formation contain sodic amphibole (magnesioriebeckite). The peak P–T conditions of metamorphism are estimated as 4–4.5 kbar (15–17 km depth), and 240–270 °C based on available phase equilibria and sodic amphibole compositions. These metamorphic conditions are transitional between blueschist, greenschist and pumpellyite–actinolite facies. Phengite K–Ar ages of 64.8 ± 1.4 and 64.4 ± 1.4 Ma were determined for the mafic schists, and 65.0 ± 1.4, 61.4 ± 1.3 and 63.6 ± 1.4 Ma for the pelitic schists. The metamorphic temperatures in the Oboke area are below the closure temperature of the K–Ar phengite system, so the K–Ar ages date the metamorphic peak in the Northern Shimanto belt. In the broad sense of the definition of blueschist facies, the highest‐grade part of the Northern Shimanto belt belongs to the blueschist facies. Our study and those of others identify the following constraints on the possible mechanism that led to the exhumation of the overlying Sanbagawa belt: (i) the Sanbagawa belt is a thin tectonic slice with a structural thickness of 3–4 km; (ii) within the belt, metamorphic conditions varied from 5 to 25 kbar, and 300 to 800 °C, with the grade of metamorphism decreasing symmetrically upward and downward from a structurally intermediate position; and (iii) the Sanbagawa metamorphic rocks were exhumed from ～60 km depth and emplaced onto the Northern Shimanto metamorphic rocks at 15–17 km depth and 240–270 °C. Integration of these results with those of previous geological studies for the Sanbagawa belt suggests that the most probable exhumation mechanism is wedge extrusion.     

Conditions of metamorphism in an early Paleozoic blueschist,schist of Skookum Gulch,northern California

The Late Ordovician schist of Skookum Gulch, northern California, is one of only a few pre-Mesozoic blueschist localities in North America. Among these, the Skookum Gulch occurrence is noteworthy because it contains lawsonite and has had a relatively simple metamorphic and structural history.Numerous assemblages and a wide variation in the modal proportion of minerals are present due to a spectrum of bulk compositions. This is reflected in the composition of Na-amphibole, which varies from ferro-glaucophane, glaucophane, and crossite (±magnetite) to magnesio-riebeckite (+hematite). Application of the available experiments and empirically calibrated equilibria to the assemblages glaucophane+lawsonite+chlorite+quartz+albite and glaucophane+actinolite+epidote+chlorite+quartz+albite yield estimates of temperature and pressure near T= 275° C and P=7.0 kbar. Estimates of uncertainty are difficult to assess, but are no more than ±100° C and ±3.0 kbar, and are probably considerably smaller. Calcite +quartz+sphene and calcite+quartz+actinolite indicate an extremely H₂O-rich fluid (X(CO₂)<0.003).The absence of a greenschist facies overprint indicates that the schist of Skookum Gulch was uplifted soon after metamorphism. However, it was not exposed until the recent geologic past, having resided at shallow crustal levels for approximately 400 Ma.     

Glaucophane-bearing assemblage overprinted by greenschist-facies metamorphism in the Variscan Kaczawa complex, Sudetes, Poland

An Early Palaeozoic (Ordovician ?) metamudstone sequence near Wojcieszow, Kaczawa Mts, Western Sudetes, Poland, contains numerous metabasite sills, up to 50 m thick. These subvolcanic rocks are of within-plate alkali basalt type. Primary igneous phases in the metabasites, clinopyroxene (salite) and kaersutite, are veined and partly replaced by complex metamorphic mineral assemblages. Particularly, the kaersutite is corroded and rimmed by zoned sodic, sodic–calcic and calcic amphiboles. The matrix is composed of actinolite, pycnochlorite, albite (An ≤ 0.5%), epidote (Ps 27–33), titanite, calcite, opaques and, occasionally, biotite, phengite and stilpnomelane. The sodic amphiboles are glaucophane to crossite in composition with Na^B from 1.9 to 1.6. They are rimmed successively by sodic–calcic and calcic amphiboles with compositions ranging from magnesioferri-winchite to actinolite. No compositions between Na^B= 0.92 and Na^B= 1.56 have been ascertained. The textures may be interpreted as representing a greenschist facies overprint on an earlier blueschist (or blueschist–greenschist transitional) assemblage. The presence of glaucophane and no traces of a jadeitic pyroxene + quartz association indicate pressures between 6 and 12 kbar during the high-pressure episode. Temperature is difficult to assess in this metamorphic event. The replacement of glaucophane by actinolite + chlorite + albite, with associated epidote, allows restriction of the upper pressure limit of the greenschist recrystallization to <8 kbar, between 350 and 450°C. The mineral assemblage representing the greenschist episode suggests the P–T conditions of the high-pressure part of the chlorite or lower biotite zone. The latest metamorphic recrystallization, under the greenschist facies, may have taken place in the Viséan.     

Parageneses and compositions of amphiboles from Franciscan jadeite–glaucophane type facies series metabasites at Cazadero, California

Abstract Sodic amphiboles are common in Franciscan type II and type III metabasites from Cazadero, California. They occur as (1) vein-fillings, (2) overgrowths on relict augites, (3) discrete tiny crystals in the groundmass, and (4) composite crystals with metamorphic Ca–Na pyroxenes in low-grade rocks. They become coarse-grained and show strong preferred orientation in schistose high-grade rocks. In the lowest grade, only riebeckite to crossite appears; with increasing grade, sodic amphibole becomes, first, enriched in glaucophane component, later coexists with actinolite, and finally, at even higher grade, becomes winchite. Actinolite first appears in foliated blueschists of the upper pumpellyite zone. It occurs (1) interlayered on a millimetre scale with glaucophane prisms and (2) as segments of composite amphibole crystals. Actinolite is considered to be in equilibrium with other high-pressure phases on the basis of its restricted occurrence in higher grade rocks, textural and compositional characteristics, and Fe/Mg distribution coefficient between actinolite and chlorite. Detailed analyses delineate a compositional gap for coexisting sodic and calcic amphiboles. At the highest grade, winchite appears at the expense of the actinolite–glaucophane pair. Compositional characteristics of Franciscan amphiboles from Ward Creek are compared with those of other high P/T facies series. The amphibole trend in terms of major components is very sensitive to the metamorphic field gradient. Na-amphibole appears at lower grade than actinolite along the higher P/T facies series (e.g. Franciscan and New Caledonia), whereas reverse relations occur in the lower P/T facies series (e.g. Sanbagawa and New Zealand). Available data also indicate that at low-temperature conditions, such as those of the blueschist and pumpellyite–actinolite facies, large compositional gaps exist between Ca- and Na-amphiboles, and between actinolite and hornblende, whereas at higher temperatures such as in the epidote–amphibolite, greenschist and eclogite facies, the gaps become very restricted. Common occurrence of both sodic and calcic amphiboles and Ca–Na pyroxene together with albite + quartz in the Ward Creek metabasites and their compositional trends are characteristic of the jadeite–glaucophane type facies series. In New Caledonia blueschists, Ca–Na pyroxenes are also common; Na-amphiboles do not appear alone at low grade in metabasites, instead, Na-amphiboles coexist with Ca-amphiboles throughout the progressive sequence. However, for metabasites of the intermediate pressure facies series, such as those of the Sanbagawa belt, Japan and South Island, New Zealand, Ca–Na pyroxene and glaucophane are not common; sodic amphiboles are restricted to crossite and riebeckite in composition and clinopyroxenes to acmite and sodic augite, and occur only in Fe₂O₃-rich metabasites. The glaucophane component of Na-amphibole systematically decreases from Ward Creek, New Caledonia, through Sanbagawa to New Zealand. This relation is consistent with estimated pressure decrease employing the geobarometer of Maruyama et al. (1986). Similarly, the decrease in tschermakite content and increase in NaM₄ of Ca-amphiboles from New Zealand, through Sanbagawa to New Caledonia is consistent with the geobarometry of Brown (1977b). Therefore, the difference in compositional trends of amphiboles can be used as a guide for P–T detail within the metamorphic facies series.     

A re-evaluation of eclogite facies metamorphism in SW Japan: proposal for an eclogite nappe

Known eclogite occurrences in the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt of SW Japan are dominantly in metagabbro bodies which have complex polyphase metamorphic histories. These bodies are generally described as tectonic blocks and their relationship to the Sanbagawa metamorphism is unclear. New findings of foliated eclogite in the Seba and Kotsu areas show that eclogite facies metamorphism is much more widespread than generally thought. Evidence that the foliated eclogite units originated as lavas or sediments implies that these units can be treated as a high-grade part of the subduction-related Sanbagawa metamorphism. Although separated by an along-strike distance of 80 km, the Seba and Kotsu eclogites have very similar garnet and omphacite compositions, suggesting that they were formed under similar metamorphic conditions. However, differences in the associated retrograde assemblages (epidote–amphibolite in the Seba unit and epidote–blueschist in the Kotsu unit) suggest contrasting P – T  paths. In both units, the eclogite rocks occupy the highest structural level of the Sanbagawa belt and overlie rocks metamorphosed at lower pressure. The lower boundary to the eclogite units is therefore a major tectonic discontinuity locally decorated with lenses of exotic material. These features can help trace the boundary into other areas. The previously known outcrops of eclogite show enough similarities with the newly found areas to suggest that all the eclogite facies rocks in the Sanbagawa belt constitute a single nappe that lies at the highest structural levels of the orogen.     

Polyphase and anticlockwise P-T evolution for Franciscan eclogites and blueschists from Jenner, California, USA

High-grade exotic blocks in the Franciscan Complex at Jenner, California, show evidence for polydeformation/metamorphism, with eight distinct stages. Two parallel sets of mineral assemblages [(E) eclogite, and (BS) laminated blueschist] representing different bulk chemistry were identified. Stage 1, recorded by parallel aligned inclusions (S1) of crossite + omphacite + epidote + ilmenite + titanite + quartz (E), and glaucophane + actinolite + epidote + titanite (BS) in the central parts of zoned garnets, represents the epidote blueschist facies. The onset of a second stage (stage 2) is represented by a weak crenulation of S1 and growth of garnet. This stage develops a well-defined S2 foliation of orientated barroisite + epidote + titanite (E), or subcalcic actinolite + epidote + titanite (BS) at c. 90d? to S1, with syntectonic growth of garnet, defining the (albite-)epidote-amphibolite facies. A third stage, with aligned inclusions of glaucophane + (subcalcic) actinolite + phengite parallel to S2 in the outermost rims of large garnet grains, is assigned to the transitional (albite-)epidote-amphibolite/(garnet-bearing) epidote blueschist facies. The fourth stage represents the peak metamorphism, and was identified by unorientated matrix minerals in the least retrograded samples. In this stage the mineral assemblages garnet + omphacite + glaucophane + phengite (E) and garnet + winchite + phengite + epidote (BS) both represent the eclogite facies. Stage 5 is represented by the retrogression of eclogite facies assemblages to the epidote blueschist facies assemblages crossite/glaucophane + garnet + omphacite + epidote + phengite (E), and glaucophane + actinolite + epidote + phengite (BS), with the development of an S5 foliation subparallel to S2. Stage 6 represents a crenulation of S5, with the development of a well-defined S6 crenulation cleavage wrapping around relics of the eclogite facies assemblages. This crenulation cleavage is further weakly crenulated during a D7 event. Post-D7 (stage 8) is recorded by the growth of lawsonite + chlorite ± actinolite replacing garnet, and by veins of lawsonite + pumpellyite + aragonite and phengite + apatite. The different, yet coeval, mineral parageneses observed in rock types (E) and (BS) are probably due to differences in bulk chemistry. The metamorphic evolution from stage 1 to stage 8 seems to have been broadly continuous, following an anticlockwise P-Tpath: (1) epidote blueschist (garnet-free) to (2) (albite-)epidote-amphibolite to (3) transitional epidote blueschist (garnet-bearing)/(albite-)epidote-amphibolite to (4) eclogite to (5) epidote blueschist (garnet-bearing) to (6-7) epidote blueschist (garnet-free) facies to (8) lawsonite + pumpellyite + aragonite-bearing assemblages. This anticlockwise P-T path may have resulted from a decreasing geothermal gradient with time in the Mesozoic subduction zone of California at early or pre-Franciscan metamorphism.     

Petrology of pelitic schists in the oligoclase-biotite zone of the Sanbagawa metamorphic terrain, Japan: phase equilibria in the highest grade zone of a high-pressure intermediate type of metamorphic belt

The oligoclase-biotite zone of the Bessi area, central Shikoku is characterized by sodic plagioclase (X_Ca= 0.10–0.28)-bearing assemblages in pelitic schists, and represents the highest-grade zone of the Sanbagawa metamorphic terrain. Mineral assemblages in pelitic schists of this zone, all with quartz, sodic plagioclase, muscovite and clinozoisite (or zoisite), are garnet + biotite + chlorite + paragonite, garnet + biotite + hornblende + chlorite, and partial assemblages of these two types. Correlations between mineral compositions, mineral assemblages and mineral stability data assuming PH₂O = P_solid suggests that metamorphic conditions of this zone are about 610 ± 25°C and 10 ± 1 kbar.
Based upon a comparative study of mineralogy and chemistry of pelitic schists in the oligoclase-biotite zone of the Sanbagawa terrain with those in the New Caledonia omphacite zone as an example of a typical high-pressure type of metamorphic belt and with those in a generalized'upper staurolite zone'as an example of a medium-pressure type of metamorphic belt, progressive assemblages within these three zones can be related by reactions such as:     

Eclogite-Blueschist Relationships as Evidenced by Mineral Equilibria in the High-Pressure Metabasic Rocks of Sifnos (Cycladic Islands), Greece

The northern part of the Cycladic island of Sifnos (Greece)is formed by a coherent sequence of interlayered acid and basicmetavolcanic rocks and metasediments, which underwent a high-pressureblueschist facies metamorphism during the Eocene. The metabasicrocks, including eclogites, blueschists, and actinolite-bearingrocks, are discussed in terms of their mineral assemblages,and bulk-rock and mineral chemistries. Metamorphic conditionsof 470 ? 30 ?C and 15 ? 3 kb are indicated by garnet-omphacitegeothermometry and by the development of deerite in meta-ironstonesand jadeite +quartz in meta-acidites.Mineral textures and systematicelement distributions between coexisting minerals suggest attainmentof chemical equilibrium. A new projection from garnet, epidote,quartz and vapour onto the NaAlO₂-Al₂O₃-CaMgO₂ plane is usedto illustrate equilibrium phase relations between omphacite,glaucophane, actinolite, paragonite, and chloritoid. It is demonstratedthat eclogites, blueschists, and actinolite-bearing metabasitesrepresent different bulk-rock compositions that recrystallizedunder the same fluid pressure and temperature conditions. Eclogitescontaining hydrous minerals such as glaucophane, actinolite,phengite, or paragonite in equilibrium with garnet and omphacitecan occur together with blueschists in high-pressure terraneswithout indicating different metamorphic conditions.     

北祁连山硬柱石蓝片岩p-T条件相平衡计算及其岩石学意义

北祁连硬柱石蓝片岩主要分布在甘肃省肃南县九个泉一带,是目前中国唯一报道的、确切地含有硬柱石的蓝片岩。文中在详细的岩石学和矿物学研究基础上,根据矿物共生组合的不同,将北祁连低温蓝片岩进一步划分为绿纤石蓝片岩、硬柱石蓝片岩和绿帘石蓝片岩。绿纤石蓝片岩的特征变质矿物组合为蓝闪石(>40%)+绿纤石(30%)+绿泥石(10%)+钠长石(8%)+石英(5%)+硬柱石(<3%)±方解石/文石(<1%)。硬柱石蓝片岩的矿物组合为蓝闪石(35%~40%)+硬柱石(35%~40%)+绿泥石(10%)+钠长石(10%)+石榴石(1%~2%)+黝帘石/斜黝帘石(<2%)+石英(<1%),副矿物有磷灰石和榍石,总含量小于2%。绿帘石蓝片岩的矿物组合为蓝闪石(30%~35%)+黝帘石/斜黝帘石/绿帘石(~30%)+绿泥石(15%)+钠长石(15%)+石榴石(2%)+石英(<2%),副矿物有金红石、磷灰石和磁铁矿,总含量小于2%。利用矿物内部一致性热力学数据和Domino/Theriak软件计算了这三种类型的蓝片岩形成的峰期温压条件,它们分别是绿纤石蓝片岩为320~350℃,0.75~0.85GPa;硬柱石蓝片岩为335~355℃,0.8~0.95GPa;绿帘石蓝片岩为345~375℃;0.75~0.85GPa。北祁连低温蓝片岩带由硬柱石蓝片岩相到绿帘石蓝片岩相的转化代表了俯冲变质过程中的递进变质过程。     

Phase equilibria among pumpellyite,lawsonite, epidote and associated minerals in low grade metamorphic rocks

Phase relations of pumpellyite, epidote, lawsonite, CaCO₃, paragonite, actinolite, crossite and iron oxide are analysed on an Al-Ca-Fe³⁺ diagram in which all minerals are projected from quartz, albite or Jadeite, chlorite and fluid. Fe²⁺ and Mg are treated as a single component because variation in Fe²⁺/Mg has little effect on the stability of phases on the diagram. Comparison of assemblages in the Franciscan, Shuksan, Sanbagawa, New Caledonia, Southern Italian, and Otago metamorphic terranes reveals several reactions, useful for construction of a petrogenetic grid:

1. lawsonite+crossite + paragonite = epidote+chlorite + albite + quartz + H₂O
2. lawsonite + crossite = pumpellyite + epidote + chlorite + albite+ quartz + H₂O
3. crossite + pumpellyite + quartz = epidote + actinolite + albite + chlorite + H₂O
4. crossite + epidote + quartz = actinolite + hematite + albite + chlorite + H₂O
5. calcite + epidote + chlorite + quartz = pumpellyite + actinolite + H₂O + CO₂
6. pumpellyite + chlorite + quartz = epidote + actinolite + H₂O

     

Amphibole composition as an indicator of subtle grade variation in epidote-glaucophane schists

Abstract The paragenetic relations of epidote-glaucophane schists are described in terms of the system Al₂O₃-Fe₂O₃-Fe₂O₃-MgO-CaO with excess of quartz, albite and epidote. If alkali-amphibole is free from Ca and Al^IV, its composition when associated with epidote is invariant, univariant or divariant at a given pressure and temperature on Miyashiro's (1957) diagram of alkali-amphibole solid solution if it is also associated, respectively, with three, two or one additional minerals in the system.
Using a group of epidote-glaucophane schists from the Kotu area of the Sanbagawa metamor-phic belt in Shlkoku, Japan (isophysical compositional),univariant boundary lines were determined for the assemblages that, in addition to the ubiquitous quartz + albite + phengitic mica, contain hematite + chlorite, garnet + chlorite and actinolite + chlorite, respectively. The slopes of the univariant boundary lines obtained from petrographical data are in good agreement with those calculated in a model system.
The positions of isophysical univariant boundary lines on the amphibole compositional diagram serve to distinguish the grade of metamorphism among the rocks of the same mineral facies. The hematite-chlorite univariant boundary line can be used to divide the zone of epidote-glaucophane schists of the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt into three, and the garnet-chlorite-paragonite invariant equilibrium can be used to divide the epidote zone of New Caledonia into three.     

Reactions Leading to the Disappearance of Pumpellyite in Low-grade Metamorphic Rocks of the Sanbagawa Metamorphic Belt in Central Shikoku, Japan

The major mineral assemblages of the metabasites of the Omoiji-Nagasawaarea in central Shikoku are hematite+epidote+chlorite+actinolite,riebeckitic actinolite+epidote+chlorite, epidote+chlorite+actinolite,and pumpellyite+epidote+chlorite+actinolite. The constituentminerals are often heterogeneous and assemblages in the fieldof a thin section sometimes do not obey the phase rule, butif grains apparently in non-equilibrium with others are excludedand domains of chemical equilibrium are appropriately chosenthe assemblages approximately obey the phase rule. The stability of hematite, pumpellyite, and epidote associatedwith chlorite and actinolite can be dealt with in terms of aternary system with appropriate excess phases. By fixing theFe²⁺/(Fe²⁺ +Mg) ratio of chlorite, it is dealt with in termsof stability relations in the system Ca₂Al₃Si₃O₁₂(OH)–Ca₂AlFe₂Si₃O₁₂(OH)with excess chlorite, actinolite, quartz, and controlled P_H2O.The maximum and minimum Fe³⁺ contents of epidote in this modelsystem are determined by hematite+epidote+chlorite+actinoliteand pumpellyite+epidote+chlorite+actinolite assemblages. Themaximum Fe³⁺ of the three phase assemblage epidote+chlorite+actinoliteis insensitive to temperature, but the minimum Fe³⁺ contentof epidote is sensitive to temperature and can be used to definethe metamorphic grade by a continuous quantity related to temperature.The phase relations expected for the model system are in goodagreement with the parageneses of the Sanbagawa terrain in centralShikoku and offer an explanation to the rule of Miyashiro &Seki (1958a) that the compositional range of epidote enlargeswith increasing temperature. The model also makes it possibleto estimate semi-quantitatively the temperature range in whichthe assemblage pumpellyite+epidote+chlorite+actinolite is stable.The possible maximum range is about 120 ?C, but the assemblageis stable in metabasite only for about 90 ?C. The higher temperaturelimit of the pumpellyite-actinolite facies defined by the disappearanceof pumpellyite in metabasite corresponds to the temperatureat which epidote with Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺ +Al) = 0.10 0.15 coexistswith pumpellyite, actinolite, and chlorite. The compositions of epidotes in the metabasites of the Omoiji-Nagasawaarea cluster around Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺ +Al) = 0.33. The grade of thisarea is close to the lower temperature stability limit of thepumpellyite+epidote+chlorite+actinolite assemblage.     

Regional and local patterns of low-grade metamorphism in the North Shore Volcanic Group, Minnesota, USA

Abstract The North Shore Volcanic Group in northern Minnesota is part of the Middle Proterozoic Keweenawan sequence, one of the largest plateau lava provinces in the world. The primary geochemistry of the basalts suggests that volcanism occurred in an intracontinental rift environment. The subaerial lava flows, mainly amygdaloidal olivine tholeiites and tholeiites, have undergone low-grade metamorphism from zeolite to lower greenschist facies. On the basis of alteration phases replacing the primary magmatic minerals, infilling amygdales and veins, and replacing secondary minerals, the following zones have been distinguished: (1) thomsonite-scolecite-smectite, (2) heulandite-stilbite-smectite, (3) laumontitechlorite-albite, (4) laumontite-chlorite-albite ± prehnite ± pumpellyite and (5) epidote-chlorite-albite ± actinolite zone. In addition to the overall zonation based on mineral parageneses, zonations in the composition of the Ab content of the newly formed albite replacing primary Ca-rich plagioclase and of the newly formed mafic phyllosilicates are observed within the sequence and within single flows. Mafic phyllosilicates in the upper part of the sequence (mainly smectites and mixed-layer smectite/chlorites) display high Si and Ca + Na + K contents, whereas in the lower part of the sequence the amounts of Si and Ca + Na + K are markedly lower (mainly chlorites and mixed-layer chlorite/smectites). Similar zonations are observed within the individual flows. The albite content of the newly formed plagioclase is highest, and the Si and Ca + Na + K content of the phyllosilicates lowest in the amygdaloidal flow top while the opposite is true for the massive flow interior. The above features suggest that the overall pattern is one of burial-type metamorphism associated with extension in the rift setting. In detail, the mineral assemblages are controlled not only by the stratigraphic position but also by the flow morphology controlling permeability whose effect on the assemblages is most pronounced in the stratigraphically upper parts. This suggests that at the first stages of alteration (lowest grade) the patterns of fluid flow were important effects in controlling the assemblages. At greater burial depth, assemblages are more homogeneous, perhaps representative of a more even and pervasive flow pattern. Using the observed assemblages at face value to define grade and/or facies, different conditions would be assigned within the different morphological flow portions. Thus at low-grade metamorphic conditions it is essential to integrate assemblages from different morphological flow portions in order to define satisfactorily the overall metamorphic conditions.     

青藏高原北部可可西里狮头山含硬玉岩类的基本特征及地质意义

描述了可可西里山南狮头山含硬玉岩类的岩石学、矿物学特征。含硬玉岩类的原岩为辉长岩，围岩为石炭—二叠系。由于变质作用不彻底，保留有原岩的矿物组合。典型的高压变质矿物组合为：钠长石 硬玉 霓石 蓝闪石 绿帘石 绿泥石。硬玉SiO2、FeO偏低，Al2O3、Na2O明显偏高，变质矿物组合中以富钠矿物为主，缺少石英，与国内外含硬玉岩类的原岩成分、变质矿物组合均不相同，是一种新的高压低温硬玉岩类。狮头山高压变质带向西延至若拉岗日、大横山一带，与北侧的西金乌兰—金沙江板块缝合带(西段)平行产出，以此推测缝合带南侧的羌北—昌都板块向北消减于巴颜喀拉板块之下。     

Comparison of the high-pressure schist belts of New Caledonia and Sanbagawa,Japan

The high-pressure schist terranes of New Caledonia and Sanbagawa were developed along the oceanic sides of sialic forelands by tectonic burial metamorphism. The parent rocks were chemically similar, as volcanic-sedimentary trough or trench sequences, and metamorphic temperatures in both belts were 250° to 600° C. From phase equilibria curves, total pressures were higher for New Caledonia (6–15 kb) than for Sanbagawa (5–11 kb) and the estimated thermal gradients were 7–10° C/km and 15° C/km respectively.PT paths identify the higher pressure in New Caledonia (P differences 2 kb at 300° C and 4 kb at 550° C) with consequent contrast in progressive regional metamorphic zonation for pelites in the two areas: lawsonite-epidote-omphacite (New Caledonia) and chlorite-garnet-biotite (Sanbagawa). In New Caledonia the Na-amphibole is dominantly glaucophane and Na-pyroxenes associated with quartz are Jadeite (Jd_95–100) and omphacite; in Sanbagawa the amphibole is crossite or riebeckite and the pyroxene is omphacite (Jd₅₀). For both areas, garnet rims show increase in pyrope content with advancing grade, but Sanbagawa garnets are richer in almandine. Progressive assemblages within the two belts can be equated by such reactions as:New Caledonia Sanbagawa glaucophane+paragonite+H₂Oalbite+chlorite+quartz glaucophane+epidote+H₂Oalbite+chlorite+actinolite and the lower pressure Japanese associations appear as retrogressive phases in the New Caledonia epidote and omphacite zones.The contrasts inPT gradient, regional zonation and mineralogy are believed due to differences in the tectonic control of metamorphic burial: for New Caledonia, rapid obduction of an upper sialic plate over an inert oceanic plate and sedimentary trough; and for Sanbagawa, slower subduction of trench sediments beneath a relatively immobile upper plate.     

Die Glaukophangesteine,ihre stofflichen Äquivalente und Uniwandlungsprodukte in Nordcalabrien (Süditalien)

In the southern Apennin (= northern part of the region dealt with) and the Coasta Chain (= southern part) there are metabasalts wich are classified in the northern part as:

1. Glaucophane rocks of the albite-lawsonite-glaucophane-subfacies with the assemblage glaucophane + pumpellyite + lawsonite ±albite ±aragonite ±muscovite (7 rock analyses, 8 mineral analyses). These rocks are conceived as relics of an older burial metamorphism.
2. Rocks with pumpellyite and chlorite or also chlorite alone, that are interpreted as reaction rims between the metastable glaucophane rocks and the country rock (phyllites, quartzites). The assemblages pumpellyite + chlorite and chlorite alone are to be found (2 rock analyses and 2 mineral analyses).
3. Rocks with lawsonite and/or epidote belong to the same mineral facies as the country rock: a facies similar to the greenschist facies (called “lawsonite-albite-chlorite-subfacies”) which is characterized by the assemblages lawsonite + albite + chlorite ±calcite and also epidote ±lawsonite + albite + chlorite ± muscovite. These types are attributed to a younger dynamo-metamorphism (2 rock analyses).

In the southern part, the metabasalts can be found only as rocks with epidote and/or lawsonite, a metamorphism with more than one event cannot be proved petrologically (3 rock analyses). Equations of the observed mineral reactions are given. The transitions of one facies into another are represented in the pseudo-quaternary system Al₂O₃-CaO-Na₂O · Al₂O₃-2 Fe₂O₃ + FeO + MnO + MgO-(H₂O). The pressure-temperature conditions are estimated on the basis of published experimental data (300° C and 6–7 kb for the glaucophane rocks; 400° C and about 6 kb for the rocks with lawsonite and/or epidote) and are compared with geologic facts.