Polymetamorphic history of a relict Permian hornfels from the central Gran Paradiso Massif (Western Alps,Italy): a microstructural and thermodynamic modelling study

A petrological and thermobarometric study of the Lago Teleccio hornfelses was undertaken to reconstruct the polymetamorphic evolution and constrain the P–T conditions of Permian contact metamorphism. The Lago Teleccio metasedimentary rocks record a Variscan regional metamorphism characterized by amphibolite facies mineral assemblages including quartz, plagioclase, K‐feldspar (Kfs 1), biotite, garnet (Grt 1) and staurolite; this was followed by a late‐Variscan mylonitization event. Metamorphism of the Variscan metamorphic rocks at the contact with a Permian granitic intrusion produced static recrystallization and/or new growth of quartz, garnet (Grt 2), plagioclase, K‐feldspar (Kfs 2), cordierite, green spinel, biotite and prismatic sillimanite (Contact 1). This thermal event, which occurred at a peak pressure of 0.23–0.35 GPa, temperature of 670–700 °C and a_H2O of 0.75–1, was followed either during post‐contact metamorphism cooling or, more likely, during the early‐Alpine metamorphism by the breakdown of cordierite into an anhydrous kyanite + orthopyroxene + quartz assemblage. The poorly developed early‐Alpine eclogite facies metamorphism (Alpine 1) was characterized by relatively anhydrous mineral associations and low strain, which locally produced coronitic and pseudomorphous microstructures in metasedimentary rocks, with scanty formation of jadeite, zoisite and a new high‐pressure garnet (Grt 3). Greenschist facies retrogression (Alpine 2) was characterized by the local development of a chlorite‐ and muscovite‐bearing mineral association, suggestive of aqueous fluid incursion. In the hornfelses, the limited extent of metamorphic overprinting is suggested by the fine grain size of the Alpine mineral associations, which formed at the expense of the Permian contact metamorphic associations, and was favoured by the anhydrous mineralogy of the hornfelses.     

Metamorphic petrology and zircon geochronology of high-grade rocks from the central Mozambique Belt of Tanzania: crustal recycling of Archean and Palaeoproterozoic material during the Pan-African orogeny

New data on the metamorphic petrology and zircon geochronology of high‐grade rocks in the central Mozambique Belt (MB) of Tanzania show that this part of the orogen consists of Archean and Palaeoproterozoic material that was structurally reworked during the Pan‐African event. The metamorphic rocks are characterized by a clockwise P–T path, followed by strong decompression, and the time of peak granulite facies metamorphism is similar to other granulite terranes in Tanzania. The predominant rock types are mafic to intermediate granulites, migmatites, granitoid orthogneisses and kyanite/sillimanite‐bearing metapelites. The meta‐granitoid rocks are of calc‐alkaline composition, range in age from late Archean to Neoproterozoic, and their protoliths were probably derived from magmatic arcs during collisional processes. Mafic to intermediate granulites consist of the mineral assemblage garnet–clinopyroxene–plagioclase–quartz–biotite–amphibole ± K‐feldspar ± orthopyroxene ± oxides. Metapelites are composed of garnet‐biotite‐plagioclase ± K‐feldspar ± kyanite/sillimanite ± oxides. Estimated values for peak granulite facies metamorphism are 12–13 kbar and 750–800 °C. Pressures of 5–8 kbar and temperatures of 550–700 °C characterize subsequent retrogression to amphibolite facies conditions. Evidence for a clockwise P–T path is provided by late growth of sillimanite after kyanite in metapelites. Zircon ages indicate that most of the central part of the MB in Tanzania consists of reworked ancient crust as shown by Archean (c. 2970–2500 Ma) and Palaeoproterozoic (c. 2124–1837 Ma) protolith ages. Metamorphic zircon from metapelites and granitoid orthogneisses yielded ages of c. 640 Ma which are considered to date peak regional granulite facies metamorphism during the Pan‐African orogenic event. However, the available zircon ages for the entire MB in East Africa and Madagascar also document that peak metamorphic conditions were reached at different times in different places. Large parts of the MB in central Tanzania consist of Archean and Palaeoproterozoic material that was reworked during the Pan‐African event and that may have been part of the Tanzania Craton and Usagaran domain farther to the west.     

Two-stage metamorphic evolution of the Bemarivo Belt of northern Madagascar: constraints from reaction textures and in situ monazite dating

New results on the pressure–temperature–time evolution, deduced from conventional geothermobarometry and in situ U‐Th‐total Pb dating of monazite, are presented for the Bemarivo Belt in northern Madagascar. The belt is subdivided into a northern part consisting of low‐grade metamorphic epicontinental series and a southern part made up of granulite facies metapelites. The prograde metamorphic stage of the latter unit is preserved by kyanite inclusions in garnet, which is in agreement with results of the garnet (core)‐alumosilicate‐quartz‐plagioclase (inclusions in garnet; GASP) equilibrium. The peak metamorphic stage is characterized by ultrahigh temperatures of ～900–950 °C and pressures of ～9 kbar, deduced from GASP equilibria and feldspar thermometry. In proximity to charnockite bodies, garnet‐sillimanite‐bearing metapelites contain aluminous orthopyroxene (max. 8.0 wt% Al₂O₃) pointing to even higher temperatures of ～970 °C. Peak metamorphism is followed by near‐isothermal decompression to pressures of 5–7 kbar and subsequent near‐isobaric cooling, which is demonstrated by the extensive late‐stage formation of cordierite around garnet. Internal textures and differences in chemistry of metapelitic monazite point to a polyphasic growth history. Monazite with magmatically zoned cores is rarely preserved, and gives an age of c. 737 ± 19 Ma, interpreted as the maximum age of sedimentation. Two metamorphic stages are dated: M1 monazite cores range from 563 ± 28 Ma to 532 ± 23 Ma, representing the collisional event, and M2 monazite rims (521 ± 25 Ma to 513 ± 14 Ma), interpreted as grown during peak metamorphic temperatures. These are among the youngest ages reported for high‐grade metamorphism in Madagascar, and are supposed to reflect the Pan‐African attachment of the Bemarivo Belt to the Gondwana supercontinent during its final amalgamation stage. In the course of this, the southern Bemarivo Belt was buried to a depth of >25 km. Approximately 25–30 Myr later, the rocks underwent heating, interpreted to be due to magmatic underplating, and uplift. Presumably, the northern part of the belt was also affected by this tectonism, but buried to a lower depth, and therefore metamorphosed to lower grades.     

Metamorphism of the Basement of the Qilian Fold Belt in the Minhe-Ledu Area, Qinghai Province, NW China

The basement of the central Qilian fold belt exposed along the Minhe-Ledu highway consists of psammitic schists, metabasitic rocks, and crystalline limestone. Migmatitic rocks occur sporadically among psammitic schist and metabasitic rocks. The mineral assemblage of psammitic schist is muscovite + biotite + feldspar + quartz ± tourmaline ± titanite ± sillimanite and that of metabasitic rocks is amphibole + plagioclase + biotite ± apatite ± magnetite ± pyroxene ± garnet ± quartz. The migmatitic rock consists of leucosome and restite of various volume proportions; the former consists of muscovite + alkaline feldspar + quartz ± garnet ± plagioclase while the latter is either fragments of psammitic schist or those of metabasitic rock. The crystalline limestone consists of calcite that has been partly replaced by olivine. The olivine was subsequently altered to serpentine. Weak deformations as indicated by cleavages and fractures were imposed prominently on the psammitic schists, occasionally on me     

Growth of myrmekite coronas by contact metamorphism of granitic mylonites in the aureole of Cima di Vila, Eastern Alps, Italy

In the contact aureole of the Oligocene granodiorite of Cima di Vila, granitic pegmatites of Variscan age were strongly deformed during eo‐Alpine regional metamorphism, with local development of ultramylonites. In the ultramylonite matrix, consisting of quartz, plagioclase, muscovite and biotite, microstructures show grain growth of quartz within quartz ribbons, and development of decussate arrangements of mica. These features indicate that dynamic recrystallization related to mylonite development was followed by extensive static growth during contact metamorphism. K‐feldspar porphyroclasts up to 1.5 cm are mantled by myrmekite that forms a continuous corona with thickness of about 1 mm. In both XZ and YZ sections, myrmekite tubules are undeformed, and symmetrically distributed in the corona, and oligoclase‐andesine hosts have random crystallographic orientation. Myrmekite development has been modelled from the P–T–t evolution of the ultramylonites, assuming that the development of the ultramylonites occurred during eo‐Alpine metamorphism at c. 450 °C, 7.5 kbar, followed by contact metamorphism at c. 530 °C, 2.75 kbar. Phase diagram pseudosections calculated from the measured bulk composition of granitic pegmatite protolith indicate that the equilibrium assemblage changes from Qtz–Phe–Ab ± Zo ± Cpx ± Kfs during the ultramylonite stage to Qtz–Pl(An_30–40)–Ms–Kfs–Bt(Ann₅₅) during the contact metamorphic stage. The thermodynamic prediction of increasing plagioclase mode and anorthite content, change of white mica composition and growth of biotite, occurring during the end of the heating path, are in agreement with the observed microstructures and analysed phase compositions of ultramylonites. Along with microstructural evidence, this supports the model that K‐feldspar replacement by myrmekite took place under static conditions, and was coeval with the static growth accompanying contact metamorphism. Myrmekite associated with muscovite can develop under prograde (up‐temperature) conditions in granites involved in polymetamorphism.     

Palaeoproterozoic high-T, low-P metamorphism and dehydration melting in metapelites from the Mopunga Range, Arunta Inlier, central Australia

A sequence of psammitic and pelitic metasedimentary rocks from the Mopunga Range region of the Arunta Inlier, central Australia, preserves evidence for unusually low pressure (c. 3 kbar), regional‐scale, upper amphibolite and granulite facies metamorphism and partial melting. Upper amphibolite facies metapelites of the Cackleberry Metamorphics are characterised by cordierite‐andalusite‐K‐feldspar assemblages and cordierite‐bearing leucosomes with biotite‐andalusite selvages, reflecting P–T conditions of c. 3 kbar and c. 650–680 °C. Late development of a sillimanite fabric is interpreted to reflect either an anticlockwise P–T evolution, or a later independent higher‐P thermal event. Coexistence of andalusite with sillimanite in these rocks appears to reflect the sluggish kinematics of the Al₂SiO₅ polymorphic inversion. In the Deep Bore Metamorphics, 20 km to the east, dehydration melting reactions in granulite facies metapelites have produced migmatites with quartz‐absent sillimanite‐spinel‐cordierite melanosomes, whilst in semipelitic migmatites, discontinuous leucosomes enclose cordierite‐spinel intergrowths. Metapsammitic rocks are not migmatised, and contain garnet–orthopyroxene–cordierite–biotite–quartz assemblages. Reaction textures in the Deep Bore Metamorphics are consistent with a near‐isobaric heating‐cooling path, with peak metamorphism occurring at 2.6–4.0 kbar and c. 750–800 °C. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of metamorphic zircon rims in a cordierite‐orthopyroxene migmatite from the Deep Bore Metamorphics yielded an age of 1730 ± 7 Ma, whilst detrital zircon cores define a homogeneous population at 1805 ± 7 Ma. The 1730 Ma age is interpreted to reflect the timing of high‐T, low‐P metamorphism, synchronous with the regional Late Strangways Event, whereas the 1805 Ma age provides a maximum age of deposition for the sedimentary precursor. The Mopunga Range region forms part of a more extensive low‐pressure metamorphic terrane in which lateral temperature gradients are likely to have been induced by localised advection of heat by granitic and mafic intrusions. The near‐isobaric Palaeoproterozoic P–T–t evolution of the Mopunga Range region is consistent with a relatively transient thermal event, due to advective processes that occurred synchronous with the regional Late Strangways tectonothermal event.     

Relating zircon and monazite domains to garnet growth zones: age and duration of granulite facies metamorphism in the Val Malenco lower crust

Zircon from a lower crustal metapelitic granulite (Val Malenco, N‐Italy) display inherited cores, and three metamorphic overgrowths with ages of 281 ± 2, 269 ± 3 and 258 ± 4 Ma. Using mineral inclusions in zircon and garnet and their rare earth element characteristics it is possible to relate the ages to distinct stages of granulite facies metamorphism. The first zircon overgrowth formed during prograde fluid‐absent partial melting of muscovite and biotite apparently caused by the intrusion of a Permian gabbro complex. The second metamorphic zircon grew after formation of peak garnet, during cooling from 850 °C to c. 700 °C. It crystallized from partial melts that were depleted in heavy rare earth elements because of previous, extensive garnet crystallization. A second stage of partial melting is documented in new growth of garnet and produced the third metamorphic zircon. The ages obtained indicate that the granulite facies metamorphism lasted for about 20 Myr and was related to two phases of partial melting producing strongly restitic metapelites. Monazite records three metamorphic stages at 279 ± 5, 270 ± 5 and 257 ± 4 Ma, indicating that formation ages can be obtained in monazite that underwent even granulite facies conditions. However, monazite displays less clear relationships between growth zones and mineral inclusions than zircon, hampering the correlation of age to metamorphism. To overcome this problem garnet–monazite trace element partitioning was determined for the first time, which can be used in future studies to relate monazite formation to garnet growth.     

Polymetamorphic evolution of pelitic schists and evidence for Permian low-pressure metamorphism in the Vepor Unit, West Carpathians

Phase equilibrium modelling and monazite microprobe dating were used to characterize the polymetamorphic evolution of metapelites from the northern part of the Vepor Unit, West Carpathians. Three generations of garnet and associated metamorphic assemblages found in these rocks correspond to three distinct metamorphic events related to the Variscan orogeny, a Permian phase of crustal extension and the Alpine orogeny. Variscan staurolite‐bearing and Alpine chloritoid‐bearing assemblages record medium‐temperature and medium‐pressure regional metamorphisms reaching 540–570 °C/5–7.5 kbar and 530–550 °C/5–6.5 kbar respectively. The Permian metamorphic assemblage involves garnet, andalusite, sillimanite, biotite, muscovite, plagioclase and corundum and locally forms silica‐undersaturated andalusite‐biotite‐spinel coronas around older staurolite. The transition from andalusite to sillimanite indicates a prograde low‐pressure and medium‐temperature metamorphism characterized by temperature increase from 500 to 650 °C at ～3 kbar. As accessory monazite is abundant in the rocks, an attempt was made to derive its age of formation by means of electron microprobe‐based Th‐U‐Pb chemical dating. Despite the polymetamorphic nature of the metapelites, the monazite yielded uniform Permian ages. Microstructures confirm that monazite was formed in relation to the low‐pressure and medium‐temperature paragenesis, and the weighted average ages obtained for two different samples are 278 ± 5 and 275 ± 12 Ma respectively. The virtual lack of Variscan and Alpine monazite populations points to interesting aspects concerning the growth systematics of monazite in metamorphic rocks.     

Prograde metamorphic sequence of REE minerals in pelitic rocks of the Central Alps: implications for allanite–monazite–xenotime phase relations from 250 to 610 °C

The distribution of REE minerals in metasedimentary rocks was investigated to gain insight into the stability of allanite, monazite and xenotime in metapelites. Samples were collected in the central Swiss Alps, along a well‐established metamorphic field gradient that record conditions from very low grade metamorphism (250 °C) to the lower amphibolite facies (～600 °C). In the Alpine metapelites investigated, mass balance calculations show that LREE are mainly transferred between monazite and allanite during the course of prograde metamorphism. At very low grade metamorphism, detrital monazite grains (mostly Variscan in age) have two distinct populations in terms of LREE and MREE compositions. Newly formed monazite crystallized during low‐grade metamorphism (<440 °C); these are enriched in La, but depleted in Th and Y, compared with inherited grains. Upon the appearance of chloritoid (～440–450 °C, thermometry based on chlorite–choritoid and carbonaceous material), monazite is consumed, and MREE and LREE are taken up preferentially in two distinct zones of allanite distinguishable by EMPA and X‐ray mapping. Prior to garnet growth, allanite acquires two growth zones of clinozoisite: a first one rich in HREE + Y and a second one containing low REE contents. Following garnet growth, close to the chloritoid–out zone boundary (～556–580 °C, based on phase equilibrium calculations), allanite and its rims are partially to totally replaced by monazite and xenotime, both associated with plagioclase (± biotite ± staurolite ± kyanite ± quartz). In these samples, epidote relics are located in the matrix or as inclusions in garnet, and these preserve their characteristic chemical and textural growth zoning, indicating that they did not experience re‐equilibration following their prograde formation. Hence, the partial breakdown of allanite to monazite offers the attractive possibility to obtain in situ ages, representing two distinct crystallization stages. In addition, the complex REE + Y and Th zoning pattern of allanite and monazite are essential monitors of crystallization conditions at relatively low metamorphic grade.     

Prograde and retrograde history of eclogites from the Eastern Blue Ridge, North Carolina, USA

Abstract The prograde metamorphism of eclogites is typically obscured by chemical equilibration at peak conditions and by partial requilibration during retrograde metamorphism. Eclogites from the Eastern Blue Ridge of North Carolina retain evidence of their prograde path in the form of inclusions preserved in garnet. These eclogites, from the vicinity of Bakersville, North Carolina, USA are primarily comprised of garnet–clinopyroxene–rutile–hornblende–plagioclase–quartz. Quartz, clinopyroxene, hornblende, rutile, epidote, titanite and biotite are found as inclusions in garnet cores. Included hornblende and clinopyroxene are chemically distinct from their matrix counterparts. Thermobarometry of inclusion sets from different garnets record different conditions. Inclusions of clinozoisite, titanite, rutile and quartz (clinozoisite + titanite = grossular + rutile + quartz + H₂O) yield pressures (6–10 kbar, 400–600 °C and 8–12 kbar 450–680 °C) at or below the minimum peak conditions from matrix phases (10–13 kbar at 600–800 °C). Inclusions of hornblende, biotite and quartz give higher pressures (13–16 kbar and 630–660 °C). Early matrix pyroxene is partially or fully broken down to a diopside–plagioclase symplectite, and both garnet and pyroxene are rimmed with plagioclase and hornblende. Hypersthene is found as a minor phase in some diopside + plagioclase symplectites, which suggests retrogression through the granulite facies. Two‐pyroxene thermometry of this assemblage gives a temperature of c. 750 °C. Pairing the most Mg‐rich garnet composition with the assemblage plagioclase–diopside–hypersthene–quartz gives pressures of 14–16 kbar at this temperature. The hornblende–plagioclase–garnet rim–quartz assemblage yields 9–12 kbar and 500–550 °C. The combined P–T data show a clockwise loop from the amphibolite to eclogite to granulite facies, all of which are overprinted by a texturally late amphibolite facies assemblage. This loop provides an unusually complete P–T history of an eclogite, recording events during and following subduction and continental collision in the early Palaeozoic.     

Metamorphic history of eclogites and country rock gneisses in the Aktyuz area,Northern Tien‐Shan,Kyrgyzstan: a record from initiation of subduction through to oceanic closure by continent–continent collision

Eclogites and related high‐P metamorphic rocks occur in the Zaili Range of the Northern Kyrgyz Tien‐Shan (Tianshan) Mountains, which are located in the south‐western segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Eclogites are preserved in the cores of garnet amphibolites and amphibolites that occur in the Aktyuz area as boudins and layers (up to 2000 m in length) within country rock gneisses. The textures and mineral chemistry of the Aktyuz eclogites, garnet amphibolites and country rock gneisses record three distinct metamorphic events (M1–M3). In the eclogites, the first MP–HT metamorphic event (M1) of amphibolite/epidote‐amphibolite facies conditions (560–650 °C, 4–10 kbar) is established from relict mineral assemblages of polyphase inclusions in the cores and mantles of garnet, i.e. Mg‐taramite + Fe‐staurolite + paragonite ± oligoclase (An_<16) ± hematite. The eclogites also record the second HP‐LT metamorphism (M2) with a prograde stage passing through epidote‐blueschist facies conditions (330–570 °C, 8–16 kbar) to peak metamorphism in the eclogite facies (550–660 °C, 21–23 kbar) and subsequent retrograde metamorphism to epidote‐amphibolite facies conditions (545–565 °C and 10–11 kbar) that defines a clockwise P–T path. thermocalc (average P–T mode) calculations and other geothermobarometers have been applied for the estimation of P–T conditions. M3 is inferred from the garnet amphibolites and country rock gneisses. Garnet amphibolites that underwent this pervasive HP–HT metamorphism after the eclogite facies equilibrium have a peak metamorphic assemblage of garnet and pargasite. The prograde and peak metamorphic conditions of the garnet amphibolites are estimated to be 600–640 °C; 11–12 kbar and 675–735 °C and 14–15 kbar, respectively. Inclusion phases in porphyroblastic plagioclase in the country rock gneisses suggest a prograde stage of the epidote‐amphibolite facies (477 °C and 10 kbar). The peak mineral assemblage of the country rock gneisses of garnet, plagioclase (An_11–16), phengite, biotite, quartz and rutile indicate 635–745 °C and 13–15 kbar. The P–T conditions estimated for the prograde, peak and retrograde stages in garnet amphibolite and country rock are similar, implying that the third metamorphic event in the garnet amphibolites was correlated with the metamorphism in the country rock gneisses. The eclogites also show evidence of the third metamorphic event with development of the prograde mineral assemblage pargasite, oligoclase and biotite after the retrograde epidote‐amphibolite facies metamorphism. The three metamorphic events occurred in distinct tectonic settings: (i) metamorphism along the hot hangingwall at the inception of subduction, (ii) subsequent subduction zone metamorphism of the oceanic plate and exhumation, and (iii) continent–continent collision and exhumation of the entire metamorphic sequences. These tectonic processes document the initial stage of closure of a palaeo‐ocean subduction to its completion by continent–continent collision.     

Constraints from monazite and xenotime growth modelling in the MnCKFMASH‐PYCe system on the P–T path of a metapelite from Shillong‐Meghalaya Plateau: implications for the Indian shield assembly

The Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic metapelite granulites from northern Garo Hills, western Shillong‐Meghalaya Gneissic Complex (SMGC), northeast India, consist of resorbed garnet, cordierite and K‐feldspar porphyroblasts in a matrix comprising shape‐preferred aggregates of biotite±sillimanite+quartz that define the penetrative gneissic fabric. An earlier assemblage including biotite and sillimanite occurs as inclusions within the garnet and cordierite porphyroblasts. Staurolite within cordierite in samples without matrix sillimanite is interpreted to have formed by a reaction between the sillimanite inclusion and the host cordierite during retrogression. Accessory monazite occurs as inclusions within garnet as well as in the matrix, whereas accessory xenotime occurs only in the matrix. The monazite inclusions in garnet contain higher Ca, and lower Y and Th/U than the matrix monazite outside resorbed garnet rims. On the other hand, matrix monazite away from garnet contains low Ca and Y, and shows very high Th/U ratios. The low Th/U ratios (<10) of the Y‐poor garnet‐hosted monazite indicate subsolidus formation during an early stage of prograde metamorphism. A calculated P–T pseudosection in the MnCKFMASH‐PYCe system indicates that the garnet‐hosted monazite formed at <3 kbar/600 °C (Stage A). These P–T estimates extend backward the previously inferred prograde P–T path from peak anatectic conditions of 7–8 kbar/850 °C based on major mineral equilibria. Furthermore, the calculated P–T pseudosections indicate that cordierite–staurolite equilibrated at ~5.5 kbar/630 °C during retrograde metamorphism. Thus, the P–T path was counterclockwise. The Y‐rich matrix monazite outside garnet rims formed between ~3.2 kbar/650 °C and ~5 kbar/775 °C (Stage B) during prograde metamorphism. If the effect of bulk composition change due to open system behaviour during anatexis is considered, the P–T conditions may be lower for Stage A (<2 kbar/525 °C) and Stage B (~3 kbar/600 °C to ~3.5 kbar/660 °C). Prograde garnet growth occurred over the entire temperature range (550–850 °C), and Stage‐B monazite was perhaps initially entrapped in garnet. During post‐peak cooling, the Stage‐B monazite grains were released in the matrix by garnet dissolution. Furthermore, new matrix monazite (low Y and very high Th/U ≤80, ~8 kbar/850–800 °C, Stage C), some monazite outside garnet rims (high Y and intermediate Th/U ≤30, ~8 kbar/800–785 °C, Stage D), and matrix xenotime (<785 °C) formed through post‐peak crystallization of melt. Regardless of textural setting, all monazite populations show identical chemical ages (1630–1578 Ma, ±43 Ma). The lithological association (metapelite and mafic granulites), and metamorphic age and P–T path of the northern Garo Hills metapelites and those from the southern domain of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) are similar. The SMGC was initially aligned with the southern parts of CITZ and Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex of central/eastern India in an ENE direction, but was displaced ~350 km northward by sinistral movement along the north‐trending Eastern Indian Tectonic Zone in Neoproterozoic. The southern CITZ metapelites supposedly originated in a back‐arc associated with subducting oceanic lithosphere below the Southern Indian Block at c. 1.6 Ga during the initial stage of Indian shield assembly. It is inferred that the SMGC metapelites may also have originated contemporaneously with the southern CITZ metapelites in a similar back‐arc setting.     

P–T–t–d evolution of orogenic middle crust of the Roc de Frausa Massif (Eastern Pyrenees): a result of horizontal crustal flow and Carboniferous doming?

Structural, petrological and textural studies are combined with phase equilibria modelling of metapelites from different structural levels of the Roc de Frausa Massif in the Eastern Pyrenees. The pre‐Variscan lithological succession is divided into the Upper, Intermediate and Lower series by two orthogneiss sheets and intruded by Variscan igneous rocks. Structural analysis reveals two phases of Variscan deformation. D1 is marked by tight to isoclinal small‐scale folds and an associated flat‐lying foliation (S1) that affects the whole crustal section. D2 structures are characterized by tight upright folds facing to the NW with steep NE–SW axial planes. D2 heterogeneously reworks the D1 fabrics, leading to an almost complete transposition into a sub‐vertical foliation (S2) in the high‐grade metamorphic domain. All structures are affected by late open to tight, steeply inclined south‐verging NW–SE folds (F3) compatible with steep greenschist facies dextral shear zones of probable Alpine age. In the micaschists of the Upper series, andalusite and sillimanite grew during the formation of the S1 foliation indicating heating from 580 to 640 °C associated with an increase in pressure. Subsequent static growth of cordierite points to post‐D1 decompression. In the Intermediate series, a sillimanite–biotite–muscovite‐bearing assemblage that is parallel to the S1 fabric is statically overgrown by cordierite and K‐feldspar. This sequence points to ~1 kbar of post‐D1 decompression at 630–650 °C. The Intermediate series is intruded by a gabbro–diorite stock that has an aureole marked by widespread migmatization. In the aureole, the migmatitic S1 foliation is defined by the assemblage biotite–sillimanite–K‐feldspar–garnet. The microstructural relationships and garnet zoning are compatible with the D1 pressure peak at ~7.5 kbar and ~750 °C. Late‐ to post‐S2 cordierite growth implies that F2 folds and the associated S2 axial planar leucosomes developed during nearly isothermal decompression to <5 kbar. The Lower series migmatites form a composite S1–S2 fabric; the garnet‐bearing assemblage suggests peak P–T conditions of >5 kbar at suprasolidus conditions. Almost complete consumption of garnet and late cordierite growth points to post‐D2 equilibration at <4 kbar and <750 °C. The early metamorphic history associated with the S1 fabric is interpreted as a result of horizontal middle crustal flow associated with progressive heating and possible burial. The upright F2 folding and S2 foliation are associated with a pressure decrease coeval with the intrusion of mafic magma at mid‐crustal levels. The D2 tectono‐metamorphic evolution may be explained by a crustal‐scale doming associated with emplacement of mafic magmas into the core of the dome.     

Preservation of Permo–Triassic low-pressure assemblages in the Cretaceous high-pressure metamorphic Saualpe crystalline basement (Eastern Alps, Austria)

Metapelites and intercalated metapegmatites of the Saualpe crystalline basement, which forms part of the Austroalpine nappe complex in the Eastern Alps, display a polyphase tectonometamorphic history. Here, we focus on the evolution that these rocks underwent prior to Cretaceous (eo‐Alpine) high‐pressure metamorphism and related penetrative deformation. Geothermobarometry on coarse‐grained porphyroclastic parageneses (garnet–biotite–muscovite–plagioclase–sillimanite–quartz), which occur as relics in kyanite–garnet, two‐mica gneiss, yielded 600 °C/0.4 GPa. Results from a corundum‐bearing lithology suggest that higher temperatures may have been reached in very restricted areas. The matrix of these rocks displays intense recrystallization during a pressure‐dominated metamorphic overprint. Microstructures and mineral chemistry indicate that this low‐pressure metamorphism was the first significant metamorphic imprint in these rocks. Mineral relics in all metapelitic rock types reflect low‐pressure conditions for this interkinematic crystallization phase. The distribution, macroscopic and microscopic observations and the mineralogical composition of intercalated metapegmatites point to regionally elevated temperature conditions during their emplacement. Therefore, pegmatite formation is correlated with mineral formation in metapelites. Sm–Nd‐dating of magmatic garnet from the pegmatite gneiss yielded 249 ± 3 Ma, which is interpreted to represent the age of pegmatite‐emplacement and low‐pressure metamorphism in the metapelites. Since the pegmatites are overprinted by mylonitisation and high‐pressure metamorphism, this Permo–Triassic age also sets an upper age‐limit to the eclogite facies metamorphic event, which affected considerable parts of the Saualpe crystalline basement.     

Early Neoproterozoic granulite facies metamorphism of mafic dykes from the Vestfold Block,east Antarctica

Proterozoic mafic dykes from the southwestern Vestfold Block experienced heterogeneous granulite facies metamorphism, characterized by spotted or fractured garnet‐bearing aggregates in garnet‐absent groundmass. The garnet‐absent groundmass typically preserves an ophitic texture composed of lathy plagioclase, intergranular clinopyroxene and Fe–Ti oxides. Garnet‐bearing domains consist mainly of a metamorphic assemblage of garnet, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, hornblende, biotite, plagioclase, K‐feldspar, quartz and Fe–Ti oxides. Chemical compositions and textural relationships suggest that these metamorphic minerals reached local equilibrium in the centre of the garnet‐bearing domains. Pseudosection calculations in the model system NCFMASHTO (Na₂O–CaO–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O–TiO₂–Fe₂O₃) yield P–T estimates of 820–870 °C and 8.4–9.7 kbar. Ion microprobe U–Pb zircon dating reveals that the NW‐ and N‐trending mafic dykes were emplaced at 1764 ± 25 and 1232 ± 12 Ma, respectively, whereas their metamorphic ages cluster between 957 ± 7 and 938 ± 9 Ma. The identification of granulite facies mineral inclusions in metamorphic zircon domains is also consistent with early Neoproterozoic metamorphism. Therefore, the southwestern margin of the Vestfold Block is inferred to have been buried to depths of ~30–35 km beneath the Rayner orogen during the late stage of the late Mesoproterozoic/early Neoproterozoic collision between the Indian craton and east Antarctica (i.e. the Lambert Terrane or the Ruker craton including the Lambert Terrane). The lack of penetrative deformation and intensive fluid–rock interaction in the rigid Vestfold Block prevented the nucleation and growth of garnet and resulted in the heterogeneous granulite facies metamorphism of the mafic dykes.     

Garnet–clinopyroxene intermediate granulites in the St. Leonhard massif of the Bohemian Massif: ultrahigh‐temperature metamorphism at high pressure or not?

Garnet–clinopyroxene intermediate granulites occur as thin layers within garnet–kyanite–K–feldspar felsic granulites of the St. Leonhard granulite body in the Bohemian Massif. They consist of several domains. One domain consists of coarser‐grained coexisting ternary feldspar, clinopyroxene, garnet, quartz and accessory rutile and zircon. The garnet has 16–20% grossular, and the clinopyroxene has 9% jadeite and contains orthopyroxene exsolution lamellae. Reintegrated ternary feldspar and the Zr‐in‐rutile thermometer give temperatures higher than 950 °C. Mineral equilibria modelling suggests crystallization at 14 kbar. The occurrence and preservation of this mineral assemblage is consistent with crystallization from hot dry melt. Between these domains is a finer‐grained deformed matrix made up of diopsidic clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, plagioclase and K‐feldspar, apparently produced by reworking of the coarser‐grained domains. Embedded in this matrix, and pre‐dating the reworking deformation, are garnet porphyroblasts that contain clinopyroxene, feldspar, quartz, rutile and zircon inclusions. In contrast with the garnet in the coarser‐grained domains, the garnet generally has >30% grossular, the included clinopyroxene has 7–27% jadeite and the Zr content of rutile indicates much lower temperatures. Some of these high‐grossular garnet show zoning in Fe/(Fe + Mg), decreasing from 0.7 in the core to 0.6 and then increasing to 0.7 at the rim. These garnet are enigmatic, but with reference to appropriate pseudosections are consistent with localized new mineral growth from 650 to 850 °C and 10 to 17 kbar, or with equilibration at 20 kbar and 770 °C, modified by two‐stage diffusional re‐equilibration of rims, at 10–15 and 8 kbar. The strong pervasive deformation has obscured relationships that might have aided the interpretation of the origin of these porphyroblasts. The evolution of these rocks is consistent with formation by igneous crystallization and subsequent metamorphism to high‐T and high‐P, rather than an origin by ultrahigh‐T metamorphism. Regarding the petrographic complexity, combination of the high grossular garnet with the ternary feldspar to infer ultrahigh‐T metamorphism at high pressure is not justified.     

Dehydration melting of ultrahigh‐pressure eclogite in the Dabie orogen: evidence from multiphase solid inclusions in garnet

Several types of multiphase solid (MS) inclusions are identified in garnet from ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) eclogite in the Dabie orogen. The mineralogy of MS inclusions ranges from pure K‐feldspar to pure quartz, with predominance of intermediate types consisting of K‐feldspar + quartz ± silicate (plagioclase or epidote) ± barite. The typical MS inclusions are usually surrounded with radial cracks in the host garnet, similar to where garnet contains relict coesite. Barite aggregates display significant heterogeneity in major element composition, with total contents of only 57–73% and highly variable SiO₂ contents of 0.32–25.85% that are positively correlated with BaO and SO₃ contents. The occurrence of MS inclusions provides petrographic evidence for partial melting in the UHP metamorphic rock. The occurrence of barite aggregates with variably high SiO₂ contents suggests the coexistence of aqueous fluid with hydrous melt under HP eclogite facies conditions. Thus, local dehydration melting is inferred to take place inside the UHP metamorphic slice during continental collision. This is ascribed to phengite breakdown during ‘hot’ exhumation of the deeply subducted continental crust. As a consequence, the aqueous fluid is internally buffered in chemical composition and its local sink is a basic trigger to the partial melting during the continental subduction‐zone metamorphism.     

柴北缘绿梁山高压基性麻粒岩的变质演化历史：岩石学及锆石SHRIMP年代学证据

高压基性麻粒岩出露在柴北缘HP/UHP变质带的绿梁山地区,它主要呈透镜体状分布在石榴蓝晶(夕线)黑云片麻岩中。岩石学和矿物学数据显示高压基性麻粒岩经历了多阶段变质历史,早期可能经历了榴辉岩相变质作用(p>15kbar),以石榴子石中保留的少量绿辉石为特征;高压麻粒岩组合(Grt-Cpx-Pl-Qtz±Amp±Rt-Ilm)为退变质作用产物,其形成的变质条件为p=9.6~13.5kbar,T=730~870℃。晚期的变质反应以围绕石榴子石和后成合晶生成斜方辉石的为特征,形成的p-T条件为6.2~8.5kbar和720~860℃。高压基性麻粒岩中的锆石SHRIMP测定共获得两组年龄,分别为(448±3)Ma和(421±5)Ma。结合锆石阴极发光和矿物包体研究,前者代表高压麻粒岩阶段的变质年龄,后者代表晚期与斜方辉石形成有关的中低压麻粒岩阶段的变质年龄。这些年龄结果显示麻粒岩相变质作用持续了大约27Ma,这可能与早古生代祁连地块与柴达木地块碰撞作用所引起的地壳加厚和后来的热松驰有关。     

Late‐stage orogenic loading revealed by contact metamorphism in the northern Appalachians,New York

Pelitic schists from contact aureoles surrounding mafic–ultramafic plutons in Westchester County, NY record a high‐P (~0.8 GPa) high‐T (~790 °C) contact overprint on a Taconic regional metamorphic assemblage (~0.5 GPa). The contact metamorphic assemblage of a pelitic sample in the innermost aureole of the Croton Falls pluton, a small (<10 km²) gabbroic body, consists of quartz–plagioclase–biotite–garnet–sillimanite–ilmenite–graphite–Zn‐rich Al‐spinel. Both K‐feldspar and muscovite are absent, and abundant biotite, plagioclase, sillimanite, quartz and ilmenite inclusions are found within subhedral garnet crystals. Unusually low bulk‐rock Na and K contents imply depletion of alkalic components and silica through anatexis and melt extraction during contact heating relative to typical metapelites outside the aureole. Thermobarometry on nearby samples lacking a contact overprint yields 620–640 °C and 0.5–0.6 GPa. In the aureole sample, WDS X‐ray chemical maps show distinct Ca‐enriched rims on both garnet and matrix plagioclase. Furthermore, biotite inclusions within garnet have significantly higher Mg concentration than matrix biotite. Thermobarometry using GASP and garnet–biotite Mg–Fe exchange equilibria on inclusions and adjacent garnet host interior to the high‐Ca rim zone yield ~0.5 ± 0.1 GPa and ~620 ± 50 °C. Pairs in the modified garnet rim zone yield ~0.9 ± 0.1 GPa and ~790 ± 50 °C. Thermocalc average P–T calculations yield similar results for core (~0.5 ± ~0.1 GPa, ~640 ± ~80 °C) and rim (~0.9 ± ~0.1 GPa, ~800 ± ~90 °C) equilibria. The core assemblages are interpreted to record the P–T conditions of peak metamorphism during the Taconic regional event whereas the rim compositions and matrix assemblages are interpreted to record the P–T conditions during the contact event. The high pressures deduced for this later event are interpreted to reflect loading due to the emplacement of Taconic allochthons in the northern Appalachians during the waning stages of regional metamorphism (after c. 465 Ma) and before contact metamorphism (c. 435 Ma). In the absence of contact metamorphism‐induced recrystallization, it is likely that this regional‐scale loading would remain cryptic or unrecorded.     

Three generations of monazite in Austroalpine basement rocks to the south of the Tauern Window: evidence for Variscan, Permian and Eo-Alpine metamorphic events

Three monazite generations were observed in garnet-bearing micaschists from the Schobergruppe in the basement to the south of the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps. Low-Y monazite of Variscan age (321?±?14?Ma) and high-Y monazite of Permian age (261?±?18?Ma) are abundant in the mica-rich rock matrix and in the outer domains of large garnet crystals. Pre-Alpine monazite commonly occurs as polyphase grains with low-Y Variscan cores and high-Y Permian rims. Monazite of Eo-Alpine age (112?±?22?Ma) is rarer and was observed as small, partly Y-enriched grains (3?wt. %?Y₂O₃) in the rock matrix and within garnet. Based on monazite-xenotime thermometry, Y?+?HREE values in monazite indicate minimum crystallization conditions of 500?°C during the Variscan and 650?°C for the Permian and Alpine events, respectively. Garnet zoning and thermobarometric calculations with THERMOCALC 3.21 record an amphibolite facies, high-pressure stage of ~600?°C/13?C16?kbar, followed by a thermal maximum at 650?C700?°C and 6?C9?kbar. The Eo-Alpine age for these two events is supported by inclusions of Cretaceous monazite in the garnet domains used for thermobarometric constraints and through the high growth temperatures of Eo-Alpine monazite, which is consistent with that of the thermal maximum (~700?°C). The age and growth conditions of a few Mn-rich garnet cores, sporadically present within Eo-Alpine garnet, are unclear because inclusions of monazite, plagioclase and biotite necessary for thermobarometric- and age constraints are absent. However, based on monazite thermometry, Permian and Variscan metamorphic conditions were high enough for the growth of pre-Alpine garnet. The formation of Variscan garnet and its later resorption, plus Y-release, would also explain the high Y in Permian monazite, which cannot originate from preexisting Variscan monazite only. Monazite of Variscan, Permian and/or Eo-Alpine ages were also observed in other garnet-bearing micaschists from the Schobergruppe. This suggests that the basement of the Schobergruppe was overprinted by three discrete metamorphic events at conditions of at least lower amphibolite facies. While the Variscan event affected all parts of this basement, the younger events are more pronounced in its structurally lower units.