The Appinite-Migmatite Complex of Sanabria, NW Iberian Massif, Spain

The Sanabria appinitic rocks and host migmatites form an unusual,non-peri-batholithic complex in which all the typical membersof the appinite suite are present. It differs from most appiniticcomplexes in the deeper level of emplacement and the close temporaland spatial association with migmatites. Consequently, manyin situ relationships that resulted from the invasion of maficmagma into a crustal anatectic zone are extremely well preserved.The complex shows unequivocal relations between members of theappinitic suite and between these and migmatites derived byanatexis of a gneissic formation (Ollo de Sapo gneiss). Theserelations point to derivation of monzodiorites and biotite dioritesby hydrous basalt fractionation combined with fluid-assistedmelting of the crustal rocks surrounding the appinitic intrusions.This hydrous basic magma may be derived from an enriched regionof the mantle associated with subduction. Petrogenetic modelshave been tested using a combination of field relations andgeochemical data. Despite the complexity of the processes involved,it is concluded that water played an important role in the petrogenesisof the intermediate and mafic magmas. Reaction between monzodioritemelts and the host migmatites was responsible for the generationof a range of intermediate rocks within the complex. The needfor water to facilitate magma generation in both the mantleand the crust suggests that melting is linked with subduction.This interpretation has important implications because appiniticmagmatism may be considered as indicative of subduction processesinvolved not only in the generation of the mafic end-membersof the suite, but also in the generation of batholiths withwhich the appinitic rocks are spatially and temporally associated. KEY WORDS: appinite; monzodiorite; migmatite; Variscan orogen; Iberian massif     

Experimental Constraints on Hercynian Anatexis in the Iberian Massif, Spain

We have studied experimentally the melting relationships ofthe Ollo de Sapo gneiss (OSG), an important crustal protolithfor the Iberian leucogranites, of possible volcanoclastic origin.The results of this study are compared with previously determinedPTt paths, allowing us to interpret the mechanisms of meltingand granitoid production during the Hercynian orogenic cycle.Phase relationships determined in fluid-absent experiments indicatethat the OSG is a fertile source for peraluminous leucogranites.The slope of the fluid-absent solidus is strongly controlledby the breakdown of Ms in the presence of Qtz, Pl and Kfs. Thissolidus curve has a positive slope ranging from dP/dT = 30 bar/°Cat low P (<6 kbar) to dP/dT = 70 bar/°C at higher P (6–15kbar). The relationships between the Ms vapour-absent solidusand the PTt metamorphic paths in different sectors of the Iberianmassif have two important implications: (1) melt productivityis strongly favoured at low P; (2) anatexis in the Iberian massifprobably took place by decompression associated with crustalthinning and extension. These results are in agreement withthe relationships between granite production and tectonic deformationphases observed in the Iberian massif. Our results emphasizethat anatexis is a process that is strongly controlled bothby the phase relationships of the crustal protoliths and bythe thermal structure of the continental crust. Consequently,one must be careful when assigning potential crustal protolithsto particular granite associations exclusively on the basisof geochemical comparisons. KEY WORDS: anatexis; Hercynian orogen; Iberian massif     

Synthesis of Staurolite in Melting Experiments of a Natural Metapelite: Consequences for the Phase Relations in Low-Temperature Pelitic Migmatites

We document experiments on a natural metapelite in the range650–775°C, 6–14 kbar, 10 wt % of added water,and 700–850°C, 4–10 kbar, no added water. Staurolitesystematically formed in the fluid-present melting experimentsabove 675°C, but formed only sporadically in the fluid-absentmelting experiments. The analysis of textures, phase assemblages,and variation of phase composition and Fe–Mg partitioningwith P and T suggests that supersolidus staurolite formed at(near-) equilibrium during fluid-present melting reactions.The experimental results are used to work out the phase relationsin the system K₂O–Na₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂Oappropriate for initial melting of metapelites at the upperamphibolite facies. The P–T grid developed predicts theexistence of a stable P–T field for supersolidus staurolitethat should be encountered by aluminous Fe-rich metapelitesduring fluid-present melting at relatively low temperature andintermediate pressures (675–700°C, 6–10 kbarfor X_H2O = 1, in the KNFMASH system), but not during fluid-absentmelting. The implications of these findings for the scarcityof staurolite in migmatites are discussed. KEY WORDS: metapelites; migmatites; partial melting; P–T grid; staurolite     

Synchronous detachment folds and coeval sedimentation in the Prepyrenean External Sierras (Spain): a case study for a tectonic origin of sequences and systems tracts

This paper reports on the structural and sedimentary evolution of the middle to late Eocene of the Prepyrenean External Sierras (southern Pyrenees, Spain). The initiation, duration and kinematics of a set of growth structures that developed in a shallow marine depositional setting is documented. The detailed analysis of the syntectonic marine sediments not only confirms the already known east to west progression of deformation, but also reveals the continued growth of the early formed structures as later ones propagate towards the foreland. The sedimentary units coevally deposited with these growth structures are arranged in four depositional sequences. Their boundaries correspond to flooding surfaces which grade basinwards into correlative conformities. They are also indicated by the presence of both angular unconformities and onlap geometries. Each depositional sequence generally consists of two systems tracts. The lower one, or transgressive systems tract, is formed by up to 400 m of azoic marls deposited in outer ramp areas. The upper one, or highstand systems tract, mainly consists of shallow siliciclastic and carbonate facies, up to 200 m thick, deposited in middle to inner ramp areas. These depositional sequences are interpreted to be controlled by regional tectonic pulses. An increase of tectonic activity resulted in the flooding of the basin and in the subsequent deposition of a thick succession of nearly azoic blue marls (i.e. transgressive systems tract). The overlying highstand systems tract developed following periods of diminished tectonism, with the consequent growth and progradation of shallow carbonate platform facies.