Metamorphic evolution of ultrahigh-temperature Fe- and Al-rich granulites in the south Yenisei Ridge and tectonic implications

This study provides the first evidence for the occurrence of ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulite-facies metamorphism in the Yenisei Ridge (Angara–Kan block). UHT metamorphism is documented in Fe-Al-rich metapelites on the basis of the garnet–hypersthene–sillimanite–cordierite–plagioclase–biotite–spinel–quartz–K-feldspar assemblage. Microtextural relationships and compositional data for paragneisses of the Kan complex attest to three distinct metamorphic episodes: (M1) pre-peak prograde (820?900°C/5.5–7 kbar), (M2) peak UHT (920–1000°C/7–9 kbar), and (M3) post-peak retrograde (770?900°C/5.5–7.5 kbar). The observed counterclockwise P–T evolution at a high geothermal gradient (dT/dP = 100–200°C/kbar) suggests that UHT metamorphic assemblages were formed in an overall extensional tectonic setting accompanied by underplating of mantle-derived mafic magmas, which may be sourced from ~1750 Ma giant radiating dike swarms linked to the Vilyuy mantle plume as part of the Trans-Siberian LIP. The broad synchroneity of UHT metamorphism (1744 ± 26 Ma; monazite–zircon isochron age) and rift-related endogenic activity in the region can provide an additional line of evidence for the two-stage evolution of granulite-facies metamorphism in the Angara–Kan block. The Aldan–Stanovoy, Anabar, and Baikal basement inliers of high-grade metamorphic rocks within the Siberian craton record two Paleoproterozoic peaks (1.9 and 1.75 Ga) of granulite-facies metamorphism. The synchronous sequence of tectonothermal events at the periphery of the large Precambrian Laurentian, Baltica, and Siberian cratons provide convincing evidence for their spatial proximity over a wide time interval, which is consistent with the most recent paleomagnetic reconstructions of the Proterozoic supercontinent Nuna.     

Reconstruction of the metamorphic <Emphasis Type="Italic">P–T</Emphasis> path from the garnet zoning in aluminous schists from the Tsogt Block,Mongolian Altai

The paper presents original authors’ data on aluminous schists in the Tsogt tectonic plate in the Southern Altai Metamorphic Belt. The nappe includes a medium-temperature/medium-pressure zonal metamorphic complex, whose metamorphic grade varies from the greenschist to epidote-amphibolite facies. The garnet and garnet–staurolite schists contain three garnet generations of different composition and morphology. The P–T metamorphic parameters estimated by mineralogical geothermometers and geobarometers and by numerical modeling with the PERPLEX 668 software provide evidence of two successive metamorphic episodes: high-gradient (of the andalusite–sillimanite type, geothermal gradient approximately 40–50°/km) and low-gradient (kyanite–sillimanite type, geothermal gradient approximately 27°/km). The P-T parameters of the older episode are T = 545–575°C and P = 3.1–3.7 kbar. Metamorphism during the younger episode was zonal, and its peak parameters were T = 560–565°C, P = 6.4–7.2 kbar for the garnet zone and T = 585–615°C, P = 7.1–7.8 kbar for the staurolite zone. The metamorphism evolved according to a clockwise P–T path: the pressure increased during the first episode at a practically constant temperature, and then during the second episode, the temperature increased at a nearly constant pressure. Such trends are typical of metamorphism related to collisional tectonic settings and may be explained by crustal thickening due to overthrusting. The regional crustal thickening reached at least 15–18 km.     

Origin of peraluminous minerals (corundum,spinel, and sapphirine) in a highly calcic anorthosite from the Sittampundi Layered Complex,Tamil Nadu,India

The highly calcic anorthosite (An_>95) from the Sittampundi Layered Complex (SLC) develops corundum, spinel and sapphirine that are hitherto not reported from any anorthositic rocks in the world. Petrological observations indicate the following sequence of mineral growth: plagioclase_matrix → corundum; clinopyroxene → amphibole; corundum + amphibole → plagioclase_corona + spinel; and spinel + corundum → coronitic sapphirine. Phase relations in the CaO–Na₂O–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O (CNASH) system suggest that corundum was presumably developed through vapour present incongruent melting of the highly calcic plagioclase during ultra-high temperature (UHT) metamorphism (T ≥ 1000 °C, P ≥ 9 kbar). Topological constraints in parts of the Na₂O–CaO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O (NCMASH) system suggest that subsequent to the UHT metamorphism, aqueous fluid(s) permeated the rock and the assemblage corundum + amphibole + anorthite + clinozoisite was stabilized during high-pressure (HP) metamorphism (11 ± 2 kbar, 750 ± 50 °C). Constraints of the NCMASH topology and thermodynamic and textural modeling study suggest that coronitic plagioclase and spinel formed at the expense of corundum + amphibole during a steeply decompressive retrograde P–T path (7–8 kbar and 700–800 °C) in an open system. Textural modeling studies combined with chemical potential diagrams (μSiO₂–μMgO) in the MASH system support the view that sapphirine also formed from due to silica and Mg metasomatism of the precursor spinel ± corundum, on the steeply decompressive retrograde P–T path, prior to onset of significant cooling of the SLC. Extremely channelized fluid flow and large positive solid volume change of the stoichiometrically balanced sapphirine forming reaction explains the localized growth of sapphirine.     

Sapphirine-Bearing Ultrahigh-Temperature Granulites of the Anabar Shield: Chemical Composition,U–Pb Zircon Ages,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis> Conditions of Metamorphism

The results of thermobarometry yielded the P–T parameters of formation and evolution of sapphirine- bearing granulites in the Anabar shield with peak values of UHT metamorphism in the range of T = 920–1000°C at P = 9–11 kbar. Isotope–geochronological data indicate a polymetamorphic evolution of these rocks. Detrital zircon cores in the center of crystals yielded ages of 3.36, 2.75, 2.6, and 2.5 Ga. Later, superimposed metamorphic transformations of the detrital zircon formed rims dated to 2.4, 2.3, 2.2, and 1.83 Ga. A potential provenance source of the detrital zircons could be hypersthene plagiogneisses and metabasics of the Daldyn Group with a premetamorphic age no less than 3.32 Ga and products of their metamorphism of about 2.7 Ga old.     

First Data on the Age and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis> Formation Conditions of Zones of Low-Angle Dip Schistosity of the Belomorian Mobile Belt

The low-angle dip schistosity zones of the Belomorian mobile belt of northern Karelia are zones of plastic flow of thrust origin. They were formed from 1.85 to 1.90 Ga: 1879 ± 21 Ma according to ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar for amphibole from amphibolites and 1857 ± 13 Ma according to the Sm–Nd isochron in amphibolites. The P–T parameters of rock metamorphism in low-angle dip schistosity zones correspond to the boundary of amphibolite and granulite facies of metamorphism: T = 640–765°C, rarely rising to 826°C; P = 8.0–11.7 kbar. The hypothesis of the two-stage Paleoproterozoic metamorphism of rocks of the Belomorian mobile belt was introduced.     

Prograde garnet growth along complex <Emphasis Type="Italic">P–T–t</Emphasis> paths: results from numerical experiments on polyphase garnet from the Wölz Complex (Austroalpine basement)

Garnet in metapelites from the Wölz Complex of the Austroalpine crystalline basement east of the Tauern Window characteristically consists of two growth phases, which preserve a comprehensive record of the geothermal history during polymetamorphism. From numerical modelling of garnet formation, detailed information on the pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) evolution during prograde metamorphism is obtained. In that respect, the combined influences of chemical fractionation associated with garnet growth, modification of the original growth zoning through intragranular diffusion and the nucleation history on the chemical zoning of garnet as P and T change during growth are considered. The concentric chemical zoning observed in garnet and the homogenous rock matrix, which is devoid of chemical segregation, render the simulation of garnet growth through successive equilibrium states reliable. Whereas the first growth phase of garnet was formed at isobaric conditions of ～3.8 kbar at low heating/cooling rates, the second growth phase grew along a Barrovian P–T path marked with a thermal peak of ～625°C at ～10 kbar and a maximum in P of ～10.4 kbar at ～610°C. For the heating rate during the growth of the second phase of garnet, average rates faster than 50°C Ma^?1 are obtained. From geochronological investigations the first growth phase of garnet from the Wölz Complex pertains to the Permian metamorphic event. The second growth phase grew in the course of Eo-Alpine metamorphism during the Cretaceous.     

Petrology of coronite from the Bergen Arcs Complex,Norway

Petrologic examination of coronites from the Bergen Arcs Complex in Norway revealed that garnet crowns formed due to clinopyroxene interaction with matrix plagioclase and spinel during the Grenville granulite-facies metamorphism (at T ～ 960°C and P = 1.3 GPa). Along with this, the rocks show evidence of reactions related to superimposed Caledonian eclogite-facies metamorphism. These are microscopic coronas consisting of omphacite, kyanite, corundum, amphibole, and biotite. The rims formed under aqueous conditions with potassium introduction ata T ～ 710–730°C and P ～ 1.3–1.5 GPa. Local occurrence of eclogite metamorphism found at a great distance (>100 m) from shear zones of the eclogite metamorphic stage indicates that the whole eclogite succession and not only its local sites (shear zones) were heated to the eclogite-metamorphism temperature.     

Argon retention properties of silicate glasses and implications for <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age and noble gas diffusion studies

Sized aggregates of glasses (47–84 wt% SiO₂) were fused from igneous-derived cohesive fault rock and igneous rock, and step-heated from ~400 to >1,200 °C to obtain their ³⁹Ar diffusion properties (average E=33,400 cal mol^?1; D _o=4.63×10^?3 cm² s^?1). At T<~1,000 °C, glasses containing <~69 wt% SiO₂ and abundant network-forming cations (Ca, Fe, Mg) reveal moderate to strong non-linear increases in D and E, reflecting structural modifications as the solid transitions to melt. Extrapolation of these Arrhenius properties down to typical geologic T-t conditions could result in a 1.5 log₁₀ unit underestimation in the diffusion rate of Ar in similar materials. Numerical simulations based upon the diffusion results caution that some common geologic glasses will likely yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar cooling ages rather than formation ages. However, if cooling rates are sufficiently high, ambient temperatures are sufficiently low (e.g., <65–175 °C), and coarse particles (e.g., radius (r) >~1 mm) are analyzed, glasses with compositions similar to ours may preserve their formation ages.     

The Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky miaskite-carbonatite complex,the Urals,Russia: Origin,ore resource potential,and sources

The origin and sources of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky miaskite-carbonatite complex, one of the world’s largest alkaline complexes, with unique rare-metal and colored-stone mineralization and Nb, Zr, and REE deposits, are discussed in this paper. Geochemical and isotopic studies, including of Nd, Sr, C, and O isotopes, as well as estimation of PT formation conditions, of miaskites and carbonatites from various deposits of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex have been carried out. The Vishnevogorsky, Potaninsky, and Buldym Nb-REE deposits and the Il’mensky, Baidashevo, and Uvil’dy occurrences related to carbonatites were investigated. Their geological setting, composition, and ore resource potential are characterized. The genetic models and typical features of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex are considered. The rocks of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex were formed at T = 1000?230°C and P = 2–5 kbar. Carbonated miaskite melt was divided into immiscible silicate and carbonate liquids at T = 1000°C and P = 5 kbar. Miaskite crystallized at T = 850?700°C and P = 3.5–2.5 kbar. The formation temperature of carbonatite I of the Vishnevogorsky pluton was close to the temperature of miaskite crystallization (700–900°C). The crystallization temperature of carbonate-silicate rock and carbonatite I in the Central alkaline tract was 650–600°C. The formation temperature of carbonatite II varied from 590 to 490°C. Dolomite-calcite carbonatite III and dolomite carbonatite IV of the Buldym massif were formed at T = 575?410°C and T = 315?230°C, respectively. The geochemical features of carbonatites belonging to the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex differ from those of carbonatites related to alkaline ultramafic rocks and are close to those of carbonatites related to nepheline syenite or carbonatites localized in linear fracture zones. A high Sr content in early carbonatites along with relatively low Ba, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, and Hf contents and a certain enrichment in HREE (a low La/Yb ratio) in comparison with carbonatites of the alkaline ultramafic association are typical. The geochemistry of carbonatites of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex corresponds to the trend of geochemical evolution of carbonatitic melts and their fluid derivatives. The Sr, Nd, C, and O isotopic compositions indicate a mantle magmatic source of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky Complex and participation of moderately depleted mantle (DM) and enriched mantle EM1 in magma generation. Carbonatite and miaskite of the Vishnevogorsky pluton are related to the DM magma source, and carbonatite of the Buldym massif, to the EM1 source, probably, involved in the plume ascent.     

Strain geometry,microstructure and metamorphism in the dextral transpressional Mubarak Shear Belt,Central Eastern Desert,Egypt

Mubarak shear belt provides an opportunity to investigate quantitative finite strain (Rs), proportions of pure shear and simple shear components, sense of shear indicators, subhorizontal to steeply plunging mineral lineations, in a dextral transpressional zone. The structural style of the Mubarak shear belt is consistent with dextral transpression within the Central Eastern Desert where dextral and reverse shear have developed simultaneously with the regional foliation. The high strain zone of the Mubarak shear belt is characterized by steeply dipping foliation with sub-horizontal stretching lineation (simple shear) surrounded by thrust imbrications with slightly plunging stretching lineations. Strain estimates from the Mubarak shear belt are used to determine how pure and simple shear components of deformation are partitioned. The axial ratios in XZ sections range from 1.16 to 2.33 with the maximum stretch, S _X , ranges from 1.06 to 1.48. The minimum stretch, S _Z , ranges from 0.65 to 0.92 indicating a moderate variation in vertical shortening. Volcaniclastic metasediments and metagabbros were subjected to prograde low-grade regional metamorphism in the range of greenschist to lower amphibolite facies (450–650°C at 2–4 kbar). Medium pressure (6–8 kbar at 530°C) was estimated from the high strain zone within the dextral strike-slip shear zones. Retrograde metamorphism occurred at a temperature range of 250–280°C. There is a trend towards decreasing the ratio of 100Mg/(Mg + Fe_tot + Mn) away from the high strain zone of the Mubarak shear belt. Integrated strain and temperature estimates indicate that the simple shear (non-coaxial) components of deformation played a significant role in formation and exhumation of the Mubarak shear belt during the accumulation of finite strain and consequently during progressive transpression and thrusting.     

Fluid production rate during the regional metamorphism of a pelitic schist

Phase equilibria modeling of the pressure–temperature (P–T) path of regional metamorphism and associated fluid expulsion, combined with constraints on the timescale of garnet growth by Sm–Nd geochronology, elucidates the fluid production rate and fluid flux during Barrovian metamorphism of pelitic rocks from Townshend Dam, VT, USA. This modeling builds on a published companion study that utilized Sm–Nd geochronology of concentric growth zones in multiple garnet grains, to constrain the duration of garnet growth in a large sample of schist at Townshend Dam to 3.8?±?2.2 million years (Gatewood et al., Chem Geol 401:151–168, 2015). P–T pseudosections combined with observed mineral compositions constrain garnet growth conditions, and were utilized to construct P–T path-dependent thermodynamic forward models. These models determine that garnet growth was initiated at ~?0.6 GPa and ~?525 °C, with a roughly linear loading and heating P–T trajectory to >?0.8 GPa and ~?610 °C. Loading and heating rates of 2.4 km·Myear^?1 (with a range of 1.6 to 5.8 km·million year^?1) and 23 °C·million year^?1 (with a range of 14 to 54 °C·million year^?1), respectively, are consistent with model estimates and chronologic constraints for tectono-metamorphic rates during orogenesis. Phase equilibria modeling also constrains the amount of water release during garnet growth to be ~?0.7 wt% (or >?2 vol%), largely resulting from the complete consumption of chlorite. Coupling this estimate with calculated garnet growth durations provides a fluid production rate of 5.2 kg·m^?3·million year^?1 (with a range of 3.2 to 12.2 kg·m^?3·million year^?1) and when integrated over the overlying crustal column, a regional-scale fluid flux of 0.07–0.37 kg·m^?2·million year^?1. This range of values is consistent with those derived by numerical models and theory for regional-scale, pervasive fluid flow. This study signifies the first derivation of a fluid production rate and fluid flux in regional metamorphism using a direct chronology of water-producing (garnet-forming) reactions and can provide a framework for future studies on elucidating the nature and timescales of fluid release.     

Petrology of mafic enclaves in the 2006–2012 eruptive products of Bezymianny Volcano,Kamchatka

This paper reports the results of the first comprehensive petrological study of mafic enclaves widespread in the products of recent (2006–2012) eruptions of Bezymianny Volcano, Kamchatka. Four types of mafic enclaves were distinguished on the basis of the composition and morphology of minerals, P–T conditions of formation of mineral assemblages, and structural and textural characteristics of the rocks. Disequilibrium assemblages of mafic enclaves indicate a complex structure of the magmatic plumbing system of the volcano, including a shallow chamber with andesite–basaltic andesite magmas and a deep reservoir filled in part with plagioclase–hornblende cumulates and fed by basic magmas with mantle harzburgite xenoliths. The mafic enclaves were formed at different levels of the magmatic plumbing system of the volcano and correspond to different degrees of mixing of interacting magmas. The most abundant enclaves were formed during magma ascent from the deep reservoir (960–1040°C, 5–9 kbar) into the shallow andesitic chamber (940–980°C). Enclaves of plagioclase–hornblende cumulates from the basic magmas feeding the deep reservoir (T > 1090°C and P > 9 kbar) are much less common.     

Zonal REE + Y profiles in garnet and their genetic implications: A case study of metapelites from the northern Ladoga region

The objective of this study is to provide insights into the REE and Y behavior during garnet porphyroblast formation in staurolite-bearing schists as a constituent of Late Paleoproterozoic metapelites of the Ladoga Complex. The MnNCKFMASH P–T pseudosection for a single sample and Grt–Bt thermometry indicate that the garnet core grew at 520°C and under 7.0–7.2 kbar in the Grt–Bt–Pl–Chl–Ms–Zo field, whereas the garnet rim was equilibrated at 590–600°C and under 3.5–4.0 kbar. The measured zoning profiles are strongly depleted in REE + Y in the garnet core containing high Mn and Ca concentrations. The intermediate zone of garnet is enriched in La, Ce, Pr, and Nd (inner LREE + Nd annulus), as well as in Dy, Er, Yb, Lu, and Y (outer HREE + Y + Dy annulus). According to pseudosection analysis, these peaks were probably produced owing to breakdown of epidote-group minerals (allanite, REE-rich epidote) at T < 535°C and P > 6.5 kbar. Towards the rim, the HREE + Y contents gradually decrease, whereas MREE (Sm, Eu, Gd) display an inverse trend. The rim also exhibits a negative Eu anomaly. The former tendency reflects an increase in temperature during garnet crystallization and partitioning of elements between garnet and monazite. It is thought that the latter is linked to oppositely directed change in garnet-monazite partition coefficients for HREE and MREE with increasing temperature.     

Experimental modeling of the interaction of subducted carbonates and sulfur with mantle silicates

Experimental studies in the system Fe,Ni–olivine–carbonate–S (P = 6.3 GPa, T = 1050–1550°C, t = 40–60 h) aimed at modeling of the interaction of subducted carbonates and sulfur with rocks of the silicate mantle and at investigation of the likely mechanism of the formation of mantle sulfides were performed. It is shown that an association of olivine + orthopyroxene + magnesite + pyrite coexisting with a sulfur melt/fluid with dissolved Fe, Ni, and O is formed at T ≤ 1250°C. An association of low-Fe olivine, orthopyroxene, and magnesite and two immiscible melts of the carbonate and S–Fe–Ni–O compositions are formed at T ≥ 1350°C. It is shown that the reduced S-bearing fluids may transform silicates and carbonates, extract metals from the solid-phase matrix, and provide conditions for generation of sulfide melts.     

Petrology and Rare Earth Elements Mineral Chemistry of Chadegan Metabasites (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone,Iran): Evidence for Eclogite-Facies Metamorphism during Neotethyan Subduction

The metabasites of Chadegan, including eclogite, garnet amphibolite and amphibolite, are forming a part of Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone. These rocks have formed during the subduction of the Neo–Tethys ocean crust under Iranian plate. This subduction resulted in a subduction metamorphism under high pressuremedium temperature of eclogite and amphibolites facies condition. Then the metamorphic rocks were exhumed during the continental collision between the Afro–Arabian continent and the Iranian microcontinent. In the metabasite rocks, with typical MORB composition, garnet preserved a compositional zoning occurred during metamorphism. The magnesium (X_Mg) gradually increases from core to rim of garnets, while the manganese (X_Mn) decreases towards the rim. Chondrite–normalized Rare Earth Element patterns for these garnets exhibit core–to–rim increases in Light Rare Earth Elements. The chondrite–normalized REE patterns of garnets, amphiboles and pyroxenes display positive trend from LREEs to Heavy Rare Earth Elements (especially in garnet), which suggests the role of these minerals as the major controller of HREE distribution. The geochemical features show that the studied eclogite and associated rocks have a MORB origin, and probably formed in a deep–seated subduction channel environment. The geothermometry estimation yields average pressure of ~22 kbar and temperature of 470–520°C for eclogite fomation. The thermobarometry results gave T = 650–700°C and P ≈ 10–11 kbar for amphibolite facies.     

Simulation of the geochemical structure of the Ioko-Dovyren layered intrusion,northwestern Baikal area

The processes of differentiation in the magmatic chamber of the Ioko-Dovyren layered dunite-troctolite-gabbro-gabbronorite massif were simulated using the COMAGMAT-3.5 software package, which is based on the convection-accumulation model for the crystallization of magmatic intrusions. The initial magma composition was assumed to be equal to the weighted mean composition of the rocks composing the intrusion (wt %: 43.92 SiO₂, 9.72 Al₂O₃, 10.53 FeO, 27.88 MgO, 6.99 CaO, 0.59 Na₂O, 0.07 K₂O, and 0.11 TiO₂). The results obtained by simulating the crystallization of this composition within a pressure range of 0–10 kbar indicate that the crystallization sequence determined for the rocks Ol + Chr → Ol+ Pl+ Chr → Ol + Pl+ CPx → ± Ol + Pl+ CPx + LowCaPx in an anhydrous system takes place under pressures of 0–2 kbar. A series of simulations for a system closed with respect to oxygen yielded estimates for the phase and chemical composition of the emplaced magma and the parameters of the optimum model, which reproduces accurately enough the geochemical structure of the Ioko-Dovyren intrusion: the naturally occurring distributions of minerals and components in its vertical section. The correlation coefficients between the concentrations of oxides determined in the rocks and calculated within the model are \(r_{MgO,Al_2 O_3 ,CaO} \) ≥ 0.9 and \(r_{FeO,SiO_2 ,Na_2 O} \) ≥ 0.6. The simulated phase composition of the magma during its emplacement corresponded to melt + olivine (Fo ₈₉). The crystallinity of the parental magma was determined to have been equal to approximately 40 vol % at an assumed cumulus density of 90% near the lower contact and 70% near the upper one. The temperature of the magma during its emplacement was close to 1340°C at a pressure of 1 kbar. In the model, plagioclase and clinopyroxene appear on the liquidus at T?1255°C at T?1210°C, respectively, and the crystallization sequence of cumulus minerals corresponds to that observed in nature. The liquid phase (melt) of the parental magma during its emplacement had the following composition (wt %): 45.95 SiO₂, 15.93 Al₂ O₃, 14.49 MgO, 10.88 FeO, 11.46 CaO, 0.97 Na₂O, 0.11 K₂O, and 0.18 TiO₂. Our results confirm the plausibility of the hypothesis that the inner structure of the Ioko-Dovyren intrusion was formed by the emplacement and differentiation of a single magma portion with no less than 40 vol % crystallinity.     

Experimental calibration of Forsterite–Anorthite–Ca-Tschermak–Enstatite (FACE) geobarometer for mantle peridotites

The crystallization of plagioclase-bearing assemblages in mantle rocks is witness of mantle exhumation at shallow depth. Previous experimental works on peridotites have found systematic compositional variations in coexisting minerals at decreasing pressure within the plagioclase stability field. In this experimental study we present new constraints on the stability of plagioclase as a function of different Na₂O/CaO bulk ratios, and we present a new geobarometer for mantle rocks. Experiments have been performed in a single-stage piston cylinder at 5–10 kbar, 1050–1150?°C at nominally anhydrous conditions using seeded gels of peridotite compositions (Na₂O/CaO?=?0.08–0.13; X _Cr = Cr/(Cr?+?Al)?=?0.07–0.10) as starting materials. As expected, the increase of the bulk Na₂O/CaO ratio extends the plagioclase stability to higher pressure; in the studied high-Na fertile lherzolite (HNa-FLZ), the plagioclase-spinel transition occurs at 1100?°C between 9 and 10 kbar; in a fertile lherzolite (FLZ) with Na₂O/CaO?=?0.08, it occurs between 8 and 9 kbar at 1100?°C. This study provides, together with previous experimental results, a consistent database, covering a wide range of P–T conditions (3–9 kbar, 1000–1150?°C) and variable bulk compositions to be used to define and calibrate a geobarometer for plagioclase-bearing mantle rocks. The pressure sensitive equilibrium:

$$\mathop {{\text{M}}{{\text{g}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{Si}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{4}}}^{{\text{Ol}}}}\limits_{{\text{Forsterite}}} +\mathop {{\text{CaA}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{S}}{{\text{i}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{8}}}^{{\text{Pl}}}}\limits_{{\text{Anorthite}}~} =\mathop {{\text{CaA}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{Si}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}}^{{\text{Cpx}}}}\limits_{{\text{Ca-Tschermak}}} +{\text{ }}\mathop {{\text{M}}{{\text{g}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{S}}{{\text{i}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}}^{{\text{Opx}}}}\limits_{{\text{Enstatite}}} ,$$

has been empirically calibrated by least squares regression analysis of experimental data combined with Monte Carlo simulation. The result of the fit gives the following equation:

$$P=7.2( \pm 2.9)+0.0078( \pm 0.0021)T{\text{ }}+0.0022( \pm 0.0001)T{\text{ }}\ln K,$$

$${R^2}=0.93,$$

where P is expressed in kbar and T in kelvin. K is the equilibrium constant K?=?a _CaTs × a _en/a _an × a _fo, where a _CaTs, a _en, a _an and a _fo are the activities of Ca-Tschermak in clinopyroxene, enstatite in orthopyroxene, anorthite in plagioclase and forsterite in olivine. The proposed geobarometer for plagioclase peridotites, coupled to detailed microstructural and mineral chemistry investigations, represents a valuable tool to track the exhumation of the lithospheric mantle at extensional environments.

     

Geodynamics of the origin of granulites in the Sangilen block of the Tuva–Mongolian terrane,Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Tuva–Mongolian terrane of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is a composite structure with a Vendian–Cambrian terrigenous–carbonate cover. The Sangilen block in the southern part of the belt is a smaller composite structure, in which tectono–stratigraphic complexes of different age that were produced under various conditions were amalgamated in the course of Early Paleozoic tectonic cycle. The P–T parameters of the Early Paleozoic metamorphism in the western part of the Sangilen block corresponded to the amphibolite facies. The gneisses of the Erzin Complex contain relict granulite-facies mineral assemblages. The granulites are dominated by metasediments typical of deep-water basins on passive continental margins. The only exception is granulites of the Lower Erzin tectonic nappe of the Chinchlig thrust system: these rocks are metatholeiites, tonalites, and trondhjemites, whose REE patterns are similar to those of MORB. The composition of these granulites and their high Sm/Nd ratios indicate that the rocks were derived from juvenile crust that had been formed in an environment of a mature island arc or backarc basin. It is reasonable to believe that these rocks are fragments of the Late Riphean basement of the Sangilen block. The average ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon age of the garnet–hypersthene granulites is 494 ± 11 Ma. With regard for the zircon age of the postmetamorphic granitoids, the granulite-facies metamorphism occurred within the age range of 505–495 Ma. The peak metamorphic temperature reached 910–950°C, and the pressure was 3–4 kbar, which corresponds to ultrahigh-temperature/low-pressure (UHT–LP) metamorphism. The garnet–hypersthene orthogranulites were formed at a temperature that decreased to ~850°C and pressure that increased to ~5.5?7 kbar. It can be hypothesized that the earlier UHT–LP granulites were produced at an elevated heat flux and were later (in the course of continuing collision) overlain by a relatively cold tectonic slab, and this leads to a certain temperature decrease and pressure increase. This relatively cold slab could consist of fragments of the Vendian elevated-pressure metamorphic belt whose development terminated at the Vendian–Cambrian boundary before the onset of the Early Paleozoic regional metamorphism.     

Formation of the Fe,Mg-Silicates,Fe<Superscript>0</Superscript>, and Graphite (Diamond) Assemblage as a Result of Cohenite Oxidation under Lithospheric Mantle Conditions

Experimental studies in the Fe₃C–SiO₂–MgO system (P = 6.3 GPa, T = 1100–1500°C, t = 20–40 h) have been carried out. It has been established that carbide-oxide interaction resulted in the formation of Fe-orthopyroxene, graphite, wustite, and cohenite (1100 and 1200°C), as well as a Fe–C–O melt (1300–1500°C). The main processes occurring in the system at 1100 and 1200°C are the oxidation of cohenite, the extraction of carbon from carbide, and the crystallization of metastable graphite, as well as the formation of ferrosilicates. At T ≥ 1300°C, graphite crystallization and diamond growth occur as a result of the redox interaction of a predominantly metallic melt (Fe–C–O) with oxides and silicates. The carbide–oxide interaction studied can be considered as the basis for modeling a number of carbon-producing processes in the lithospheric mantle at fO₂ values near the iron–wustite buffer.