Protoliths of Paleoproterozoic calciphyres from the Irkut block (Sharyzhalgai uplift of the Siberian craton): composition and origin

The paper presents data on high-grade silicate–carbonate rocks (calciphyres) from the Irkut block (Sharyzhalgai uplift, southwestern Siberian craton). Their origin and age were determined from the rock characteristics, U–Pb dating, REE content, and Hf isotope composition of zircon. The calciphyres occur both as independent section fragments and as interbeds within Paleoproterozoic garnet-bearing and high-alumina (cordierite- and sillimanite-bearing) gneisses. They were produced by metamorphism of terrigenous-carbonate sediments. The terrigenous sediments range in maturity from arenites and wackes to argillaceous rocks; this is consistent with the reconstruction of the sedimentary protoliths of paragneisses, which are predominant in the metasedimentary rocks. The petrogeochemical features of the calciphyres, their LREE enrichment relative to “pure” carbonate rocks, and a distinct Eu anomaly were inherited from the terrigenous component of calc-silicate sediments. The Nd model age (2.4–2.7 Ga) of the calciphyres and the value T_Hf(DM-2st) = 2.5–3.0 Ga for zircon from these rocks indicate that carbonate accumulation was accompanied by the supply of terrigenous material, which formed during the erosion of Archean and Paleoproterozoic crust. Zircon from the calciphyres is similar to metamorphic zircon in REE patterns and Th/U ratios. It might have been of detrital origin and then recrystallized during high-temperature metamorphism. Terrigenous-silicate rocks were metamorphosed at ca. 1.87 Ga. This is close to the previous age estimates for the terrigenous rocks metamorphism (1.85–1.86 Ga) and the age of baddeleyite from apocarbonate metasomatic rocks (1.86 Ga).     

森林沼泽景观元素次生分散富集特征

得尔布干森林沼泽区的景观特征是冬季寒冷,夏季降雨集中,中低山沟谷长而平缓,植被发育,土壤A层和水系沉积物中富泥炭,土壤呈弱酸性、弱还原环境.铅锌矿床形成的异常从岩石、土壤C层、土壤A层到水系沉积物元素含量降低,呈逐步分散.水系沉积物中Pb、Zn元素含量随粒度变细而降低,Ag、有机碳含量增高.水系中泥炭沉积物可吸附活动态金属元素,在背景地段可形成次生富集和"假异常".有机质影响水系沉积物异常,为干扰因素,应消除有机质影响.水系沉积物中碎屑沉积物能较好反映矿化异常.确定合理采样介质、密度,采样到位,可提高中大比例尺地球化学勘查效果.     

攀西地区水系沉积物铂、钯地球化学异常特征及找矿远景预测

水系沉积物地球化学测量表明,攀枝花-西昌地区存在一个与峨眉山玄武岩分布范围基本吻合的P t,Pd区域地球化学异常,玄武岩中铂族元素丰度值普遍较高是一种正常的高背景现象,而峨眉山玄武岩中P t,Pd严重亏损或正异常显著的局部地区则显示出一定程度的成矿潜力。研究根据水系沉积物下伏基岩性质的不同,确定了不同地层单元和侵入岩类的P t,Pd背景值和异常下限,在研究区圈出多处P t,Pd衬值异常。结合有关铂族矿床以及同源玄武岩地球化学特征的认识,通过对水系沉积物P t,Pd综合异常的筛选,初步优选出铂族元素找矿远景区10个。     

Early Precambrian high-grade metamorphosed terrigenous rocks of granulite-gneiss terranes of the Sharyzhalgai uplift (southwestern Siberian craton)

We present results of geochemical and Sm-Nd isotope studies of high-grade metaterrigenous rocks of the Kitoi and northwestern Irkut terranes of the Sharyzhalgai uplift on the Siberian Platform in comparison with paragneisses of the southeastern Irkut terrane. The metasedimentary rocks of the first region are high-alumina garnet-sillimanite-cordierite-bearing paragneisses; their protoliths were mostly mudstones and pelitic mudstones by major-element composition. The low-alumina biotite gneisses of the Kitoi terrane formed, most likely, from magmatic protoliths similar in petrochemical features to intraplate volcanics. The major factor controlling the composition of the studied high-alumina paragneisses is precipitation of most of incompatible trace elements in the clay fraction of sediments, as evidenced from the positive correlation between trace-element and Al₂O3 contents. The Cr and Ni contents, showing a positive correlation with MgO and no correlation with Al₂O3, are an indicator of the contribution of the mafic-source material to the formation of high-alumina rocks. The contribution of a mafic source-derived material to the formation of terrigenous rocks increases in passing from Kitoi to northwestern Irkut terrane. The high-alumina and garnet-biotite paragneisses of the southeastern Irkut terrane are similar in trace-element patterns to the analogous rocks of the Kitoi terrane and northwestern part of the Irkut terrane but show higher Th contents and a distinct negative Eu anomaly related to the change in the composition of the felsic source. The participation of felsic potassic igneous rocks in the formation of the southeastern terrigenous sediments is consistent with their deposition after the Neoarchean collision processes (metamorphism and granite magmatism), whereas sedimentation in the Kitoi and northwestern Irkut terranes preceded them. The Sm-Nd isotope characteristics indicate that the latter sediments formed mostly as a result of the erosion of the Paleo-Mesoarchean crust, whereas the metasediments of the southeastern Irkut terrane formed with the participation of Paleoproterozoic juvenile rocks. Thus, the variations in the trace-element and isotope compositions of the high-grade metamorphosed terrigenous rocks reflect recycling and growth of the continental crust of the Sharyzhalgai uplift during the Neoarchean-Pa- leoproterozoic transition.     

福建浦城双坑铅锌银矿区地质地球化学特征及找矿方向

双坑矿区位于浦城管查-建阳溪东铜多金属找矿远景区内,水系沉积物和土壤金属量测量异常规模大,套合好、峰值高,具明显的浓集中心。区内分布有铅锌银丰度值高的大金山组变质岩和燕山早期黑云母花岗岩,断裂裂隙发育,成矿地质条件有利。通过区域地质条件、异常元素组合与分布特征分析,探讨矿区找矿方向。     

Geochemistry of metamorphic processes in mafic rocks of the Krasnaya Guba area,Belomorian Mobile Belt

New data are obtained on the major-component and minor- and trace-element composition of metamorphosed gabbronorites and Fe-Ti gabbro in the Krasnaya Guba area, Belomorian Mobile Belt. These two magmatic complexes, which are spatially combined but are of different age and were produced in different geodynamic environments, were simultaneously metamorphosed in the Paleoproterozoic to parameters transitional between the amphibolite and eclogite facies. Eclogite metamorphism was associated with perceivable changes in the concentrations of alkalis and alkali earth elements, and the metamorphic transformation of the plagioclase eclogite (which can be metamorphosed gabbronorite and/or gabbro) into amphibolite and biotite amphibolite was associated with changes in the concentrations of practically all trace elements. This implies that the metamorphic processes were not isochemical and were accompanied by significant removal and introduction of incompatible elements. However, some trace-element ratios (such as Ti/Y, Ti/Zr, Zr/Y, La/Sm, and Nb/Th) remained unmodified in the course of metamorphism and remained the same as in the pristine gabbronorite or gabbro and likely can be employed as indicators of the composition of the probable protolith and the conditions under which it was produced.     

Geochemical signature of provenance in sand-size material in soils and stream sediments near the Tobacco Root batholith, Montana, U.S.A.

Trace-element geochemistry of sandstones are being used to determine provenance. We have conducted preliminary and limited experiments to determine to what extent daughter sands retain the geochemical signature of parent rocks. Six sets of first-order stream sediments, soils from adjacent slopes, and a variety of parent rocks were collected from southwestern Montana, U.S.A. Sampling in a low-relief area ensured that climate and residence time of soils on slopes could be eliminated as variables. Sand-size fractions of stream sediments and soils, and the corresponding parent rocks (granodiorite, quartz monzonite, granite gneiss, biotite-tonalite gneiss and amphibolite) were analyzed for most major elements and selected trace elements. Petrologic modal analysis of the parent rocks and the 0.25–0.50-mm fraction of each sand was done to monitor major mineralogic control, if any, on chemical compositions of the samples.

Our data show that the abundances of the Si and Al in sediments do not discriminate provenance. Abundances of Ca, Mg, Fe and Ti may broadly distinguish between sands derived from metamorphic and igneous source rocks, at least in the area studied. Differences in abundances of the Ba and Th, and the ratio of La/Lu between granitic, tonalitic and amphibolitic parent rocks are preserved in the daughter sediments that we studied. However, the size of the Eu anomaly in the REE patterns of different daughter sediments is not diagnostic of parent rocks. Abundances of Co and Sc distinguish between sediments derived from felsic and mafic rocks. A better provenance discrimination is obtained if the ratios La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Ba/Sc and Ba/Co are used.

Petrologic modal data show that mineral contents and chemical compositions of parent rocks are compatible with each other. The chemical composition of the sands may be roughly correlated to the petrological modal data but the abundances of some minor and trace elements of sediments cannot be inferred from modal mineralogy. This is expected because these elements may concentrate in accessory minerals and/or may weather out into aqueous or clay mineral fractions; it is also compatible with conclusions of previous studies that some of these elements do not reside in sand-size fractions of siliciclastic sediments.     

Elemental mobility in subduction metamorphism: insight from metamorphic rocks of the Franciscan Complex and the Feather River ultramafic belt,California

The degree of element mobility in subduction metamorphism has generated much debate; some workers advocate considerable mobility during metamorphism, whereas others postulate minimal mobility. We assess this issue by examination of major and trace element concentrations and Pb-, Nd-isotopic data for 39 mafic metavolcanic rocks from the Franciscan subduction complex, related units of coastal California, and the Feather River ultramafic belt of the northern Sierra Nevada, California; these samples span a wide range of metamorphic grade. We conclude that these rocks, despite their metamorphism up to eclogite facies, preserve protolith major and trace elemental compositions and isotopic ratios, with the exception of some mobile large ion lithophile elements such as Ba, Pb, and to a smaller extent La, U, and Sr. Thus subduction metamorphism of these metabasalts occurred in a largely closed system. Lack of light rare earth element enrichment in the rocks demonstrates lack of chemical exchange with subducted metasediments. Relatively low SiO₂ content (<48 wt.%) of many of the metamorphic rocks and the lack of correspondence between silica depletion and metamorphic grade suggests that the silica depletion resulted from seafloor hydrothermal alteration before subduction. In spite of demonstrated mobility of Pb, and possible mobility of Nd, isotopic ratios of Pb and Nd were not modified during subduction metamorphism. In contrast to our results from metabasaltic rocks, our analysis of actinolite-rich rinds from high-grade Franciscan mélange blocks suggests some chemical exchange between metachert and the overlying mantle. The increasing enrichment in Ba and Pb with increasing metamorphic grade suggests that Ba- and Pb-rich fluids interacted more intensely with metabasalt at the higher grades of metamorphism. Comparison of these results with studies of the active Mariana forearc suggests that fluids interacting with the mantle wedge up-dip of the region of magma genesis are derived from subducting sediments overlying the down-going plate.     

藏南定结地区早中新世淡色花岗岩的形成机制及其构造动力学意义

定结日玛那穹窿位于高喜马拉雅带中段,由花岗片麻岩、变泥质岩、变基性岩及大量淡色花岗岩等组成,经历了角闪岩-麻粒岩相变质作用。为厘定淡色花岗岩的形成机制以及与高级变质岩的关系,我们对淡色花岗岩和高级变质岩进行了全岩元素和Sr和Nd同位素组成和SHRIMP锆石U-Pb地质年代学测试。全岩元素和Sr-Nd同位素测试结果揭示淡色花岗岩具有以下特征:(1)高SiO₂ (>72%),高Al₂O₃ (>12%)和高A/CNK比值 (>1.0);(2)高Rb,低Sr,高Rb/Sr比值(>1.0);(3)高∑REE和明显的负Eu异常;(4)高Sr同位素初始比值(0.7621~0.8846)和低ε_Nd(t)值(-13.0~-20.2)。淡色花岗岩的高Rb/Sr比值和Sr-Nd同位素系统特征表明其形成机制为主要为白云母脱水部分熔融作用,源区为由花岗片麻岩和变泥质岩组成的混合源区。SHRIMP锆石U-Pb年代学研究揭示出定结地区淡色花岗岩具有21.0±0.7Ma和15.8±0.1Ma 2期年龄,花岗片麻岩的锆石变质增生边年龄为22.2±1.4Ma,与该区的榴辉岩退变质年龄一致。这些数据共同表明,花岗片麻岩和 变泥质岩在22~21Ma发生高级变质和深熔作用,形成早期淡色花岗岩岩浆,在~16Ma进一步深熔,形成晚期淡色花岗岩岩浆。     

Trace-elemental anomalies in surface water near a small lead-zinc mineralization at Menez-Albot (Brittany,France)

Sensitive multi-element analysis techniques were applied to water samples collected in the vicinity of a small Zn-Pb-Cu sulfide mineralization in the region of Menez-Albot (Finistère, France).The variation of the trace-element content along a local stream shows the presence of the mineralization, mainly through a simultaneous positive anomaly in solution for a group of about 10 elements (e.g. Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sb) which are connected with this type of mineralization. The anomaly decreases steeply due to the influx of swamp water rich in Fe, Mn and organic matter. The precipitation barrier is reflected in the stream sediment composition. Contamination from fertilizers was observed in some samples.     

Evolution of H2O content in a polymetamorphic terrane: the Plattengneiss Shear Zone (Koralpe, Austria)

The Koralpe of the Eastern European Alps experienced high-temperature/low-pressure metamorphism (∼650 °C and 6.5 kbar) during the Permian and eclogite facies metamorphism (∼700 °C and 14 kbar) during the Eo-Alpine (Cretaceous) metamorphic event. In the metapelitic Plattengneiss shear zone that constitutes much of the Koralpe, the second metamorphism caused only partial re-equilibration of the assemblages formed during the first metamorphism. It is shown here that the Eo-Alpine mineral assemblage, garnet + biotite + muscovite + plagioclase + quartz (with or without kyanite), formed under low water activity conditions that are consistent with the level of dehydration that occurred during the Permian event. This implies that the rocks were essentially closed-system from the peak of the Permian metamorphism through the Eo-Alpine event. The evolution of water content of the rocks is traced through time: that prograde dewatering during the Permian metamorphic event terminated at the metamorphic peak with a water content around 3–4 mol.%. The water content remained then constant and led to water-undersaturation during the subsequent Eo-Alpine metamorphism. From the water content and activity evolution a post-peak isothermal decompression path close to the solidus is inferred for the Eo-Alpine event.     

大别山北淮阳带东段石榴斜长角闪岩石炭纪变质作用的测定

北淮阳带位于大别碰撞造山带北部,相对于南部三叠纪超高压变质带来说,通常被认为是一个相对低级变质的构造岩石单位.以商(城)-麻(城)为界,分为西段和东段.其中,东段未发现与西段相对应的古生代大洋俯冲记录,也缺乏相关的古生代岩浆作用和变质作用方面报道.因而严重地阻碍了对大别造山带形成和演化的深刻理解和准确认识.北淮阳带东段岩石类型丰富,主要包括3类(套)岩石:(1)变质岩,如变质花岗岩(花岗片麻岩)、(石榴)斜长角闪岩、大理岩、云母石英片岩和变质复理石等;(2)岩浆岩,主要为中生代花岗岩、正长岩和火山岩等;(3)盆地沉积岩,主要为中新生代沉积及少量石炭纪沉积.然而,该区一直未发现古生代变质作用的岩石学记录.为此,对北淮阳带东段金寨县铁冲一带与大理岩相共生的石榴斜长角闪岩开展了锆石SHRIMP U-Pb定年和初步的岩石学研究.结果表明,该区石榴斜长角闪岩经历了355±5 Ma变质作用,因而首次发现研究区经历了石炭纪变质作用,为秦岭-桐柏造山带的东延以及大别山碰撞造山带的古生代构造演化过程提供了新的制约.      

Magmatic and metamorphic evolution of the Shotur Kuh metamorphic complex (Central Iran)

Metamorphic basement rocks, that are exposed beneath the very low-grade to unmetamorphosed Upper Jurassic-Eocene formations north of the Torud fault zone within the Great Kavir Block, were investigated to elucidate the origin of their protoliths and the pressure and temperature conditions of metamorphism. The basement, previously assumed as a pre-Cambrian metamorphic complex, is mostly formed by amphibolite-facies orthogneisses (tonalite, granodiorite, and granite) with amphibolites and small amounts of metasediment-micaschists. Major- and trace-element geochemistry in combination with U–Pb age dating of zircon showed that the protoliths formed during Late Neoproterozoic continental arc magmatism that has also been identified in other tectonic blocks of Central Iran. In addition to quartz, feldspar(s), micas in orthogneisses, and amphibole + plagioclase in amphibolite, all rocks may contain garnet that shows prograde zoning. Kyanite was found only in some Al-rich amphibolite together with gedrite. The PT conditions of the rocks, based on conventional geothermobarometry and the pseudosection method, show a medium-pressure amphibolite-facies metamorphism. Ar–Ar age dating of muscovite reveals that this metamorphism occurred in the Middle Jurassic (166 Ma) and related to the closure of the Neotethyan basin.     

中国早元古代区域变质建造及构造环境的初步研究

根据中国早元古代变质建造研究表明，早元古时期，中朝变质地区华北分区是中国陆壳中可确认的最主要相对稳定的隆起区。其它变质地区及中朝变质地区的其它分区相对于华北分区为较活动的构造区。吕梁运动之后中朝变质地区为相对稳定的准地台，而其它变质地区一般仍一度处于较活动的构造环境。     

The Stream Sediment Geochemistry of the Walawe Ganga Basin of Sri Lanka - Implications for Gondwana Mineralization

A regional geochemical and mineralogical study aimed at investigating the mineralization in the western-part of the Walawe Ganga (river) Basin in Sri Lanka is represented in this paper. The river basin is the 3^rd largest in the country and has within it a boundary zone between two geologically different crustal blocks, which are marked by granulitic grade rocks and amphibolite grade rocks. Size fractions of stream sediments (< 63 μm; 63–125 μm; 125–177 μm and 177–250 μm) developed on the granulite-grade metamorphic terrain have been analysed at their source for their mineralogical and selected element compositions. Thirty-eight (38) sediment samples and 15 representative probable parent rock samples were chemically analysed giving special emphasis to the High Field Strength trace Elements (HFSE) including the Rare Earth Elements (REE). The granulite grade rocks in the study area is geochemically similar to that of post Archean upper crust. However the stream sediments developed from the high-grade rocks during the intense weathering, are markedly enriched with HFSE and REE. The enrichment of HFSE and LREE is accounted for by the presence of HFSE- and REE- rich accessory mineral phases such as zircon, monazite, apatite, garnet and rutile in the sediments. In some samples, the content of heavy minerals contributes as much as 50 wt. %. These minerals act as a source of elements in the sediments. However, extreme hydraulic sorting of HFSE- and REE-bearing minerals during the sediment deposition cannot be expected within a short distance from near the sources except from a mineralized occurrence. Therefore, the higher enrichment of these elements presumably indicates occurrences of scattered mineral sources such as highly differentiated granites and associated pegmatites within the Walawe Ganga drainage basin. These granitic pegmatites are probably intruded during or soon after the main granulite-facies metamorphic event and similar events are seen in other terrains of East-Gondwana.     

Textural relations,P-T path,polymetamorphism and also geodynamic significance of metamorphic rocks of the Aligudarz-Khonsar region,Sanandaj-Sirjan zone,Iran

The metamorphic rocks of the Aligudarz-Khonsar region can be divided into nine groups: slate, phyllite, sericite schist, biotite-muscovite schist, garnet schist, garnet-staurolite schist, staurolite schist, mylonitic granite, and marble. In this metamorphic region, four phases of metamorphism can be identified (dynamothermal, thermal, dynamic and retrograde metamorphism) and there are three deformation phases (D1, D2 and D3). Paleozoic pelagic shales experienced prograde metamorphism and polymetamorphism from the greenschist to amphibolite facies along the kyanite geotherm. The metapelites show prograde dynamothermal metamorphism from the greenschist to amphibolite facies. Maximum degree of dynamothermal metamorphism is seen in the Nughan bridge area. Also development of the mylonitic granites in the Nughan bridge area shows that dynamic metamorphism in this area was more intense than in other parts of the AligudarzKhonsar metapelitic zone. The chemical zoning of garnets shows three stages of growth and syn-tectonic formation. With ongoing metamorphism, staurolite appeared, and the rocks reached amphibolite facies, but the degree of metamorphism did not increase past the kyanite zone. Thus, metamorphism of the pelitic sediments occurred at the greenschist to amphibolite facies (kyanite zone). Thermodynamic studies of these rocks indicate that the metapelites in the Aligudarz-Khonsar region formed at 490–550°C and 0.47–5.6 kbar.     

Metamorphic evidence for an inverted crustal section, with constraints on the Main Karakorum Thrust, Baltistan, northern Pakistan

Abstract The Shyok Suture Zone separates rocks in the Asian plate from rocks in the Kohistan-Ladakh island arc. In Baltistan, this suture has been reactivated by the late 'break-back'Main Karakorum Thrust (MKT). The P-T histories of metamorphic rocks both north and south of the MKT have been determined in an effort to place constraints on the tectonic history of this zone. The terranes north and south of the MKT have different, unrelated metamorphic histories. Rocks from the Kohistan-Ladakh island arc south of the MKT have undergone a static low- P (2–4 kbar, c. 500° C) thermal metamorphism. The P-T paths and metamorphic textures of these rocks are consistent with metamorphism due to emplacement of plutonic rocks into the island arc. This metamorphism pre-dates folding and deformation of these rocks. Rocks in the Karakorum Metamorphic Complex, north of the MKT, have experienced a complex deformational and metamorphic history. Prograde metamorphic isograds have been deformed by subsequent south-verging folding and by gneiss dome emplacement. However, decompression metamorphic reactions occurred during nappe emplacement. Higher pressure rocks are associated with higher level nappes, creating an inverted pressure metamorphic sequence (8–9-kbar rocks over 5–6-kbar rocks). There is little variation in temperature with structural level (550–625° C). These two different terranes have been juxtaposed after metamorphism by the late south-directed MKT.     

Redistribution of trace elements during prograde metamorphism from lawsonite blueschist to eclogite facies; implications for deep subduction-zone processes

The transfer of fluid and elements from subducting crust to the overlying mantle wedge is a fundamental process affecting arc magmatism and the chemical differentiation of the Earth. While the production of fluid by breakdown of hydrous minerals is well understood, the liberation of trace elements remains generally unconstrained. In this paper, we evaluate the behaviour of trace elements during prograde metamorphism and dehydration using samples of high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic rocks from New Caledonia. Samples examined include mafic and pelitic rock-types that range in grade from lawsonite blueschist to eclogite facies, and represent typical lithologies of subducting crust. Under lawsonite blueschist facies conditions, the low temperatures of metamorphism inhibit equilibrium partitioning between metamorphic minerals and allow for the persistence of igneous and detrital minerals. Despite this, the most important hosts for trace-elements include lawsonite, (REE, Pb, Sr), titanite (REE, Nb, Ta), allanite (LREE, U, Th), phengite (LILE) and zircon (Zr, Hf). At epidote blueschist to eclogite facies conditions, trace-element equilibrium may be attained and epidote (REE, Sr, Th, U, Pb), garnet (HREE), rutile (Nb, Ta), phengite (LILE) and zircon (Zr, Hf) are the major trace-element hosts. Chlorite, albite, amphibole and omphacite contain very low concentrations of the investigated trace elements. The comparison of mineral trace-element data and bulk-rock data at different metamorphic grades indicates that trace elements are not liberated in significant quantities by prograde metamorphism up to eclogite facies. Combining our mineral trace-element data with established phase equilibria, we show that the trace elements considered are retained by newly-formed major and accessory minerals during mineral breakdown reactions to depths of up to 150 km. In contrast, significant volumes of fluid are released by dehydration reactions. Therefore, there is a decoupling of fluid release and trace element release in subducting slabs. We suggest that the flux of trace elements from the slab is not simply linked to mineral breakdown, but results from complex fluid-rock interactions and fluid-assisted partial melting in the slab.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00410-003-0495-5.Editorial responsibility: J. Hoefs     

Gas reservoirs in the Dead Sea area: evidence from chemistry of combustion metamorphic rocks in Nabi Musa fossil mud volcano

Nabi Musa located at the northern tip of the Dead Sea at 31°48′ N, 35°25′ E is one of fifteen complexes of the Hatrurim Formation or the so-called “Mottled Zone” (MZ) which are fossil mud volcanoes. Self ignition of methane during their eruptions in the Middle–Late Pleistocene caused combustion metamorphism of sediments. Melting foci have been discovered in two craters of Nabi Musa volcano, with numerous veins of paralavas having particular calcic-silicic compositions (Ca₂SiO₄- and CaSiO₃-normative). Their major- and trace-element spectra bear signature of a mixed sedimentary protolith consisting of Cretaceous marine carbonates, marl, and quartz sand. The paralavas inherit high Sr, P, and U enrichments, positive La/La* and Y anomalies, and a negative Ce/Ce* anomaly from calcareous marine sediments, including bituminous and apatite-rich chalks. The presence of quartz arenite in the protolith is responsible for relatively high Ti, Nb, Zr, and Hf while the marl pelitic component accounts for MREE and LREE depletion. The suggested mixing models predict that the Nabi Musa paralavas result from combustion metamorphism of a sediment mixture with 53–60 wt.% chalk, 5–14 wt.% marl, and 27–44 wt.% quartz arenite. The history of mud volcanism at Nabi Musa began with small eruptions that mobilized gas and water from shallow (within 300 m) Turonian carbonate aquifers, and later explosive activity triggered violent gas blowouts from the older terrigenous reservoir of Aptian–Albian Nubian-type sandstone lying as deep as 1300–1500 m.     

北大别的高温超高压变质作用与多阶段折返

近期的变质岩石学、地球化学及同位素年代学研究表明,北大别整体经历了高温超高压变质作用和多阶段折返历史,因而表现为广泛发育的多期减压结构和极少保留早期的超高压变质记录。北大别榴辉岩以高温变质作用以及折返期间因麻粒岩相和角闪岩相退变质变质作用而形成的多期后成合晶为显著特征。石榴子石中伴有放射状胀裂纹的单晶和多晶石英包体指示早期柯石英的转变结果,这已被锆石中发现的柯石英残晶所证实。结合北大别北部榴辉岩和片麻岩中发现的金刚石等超高压证据以及三叠纪变质记录,由此证明北大别整体经历过深俯冲和印支期超高压变质作用。北大别榴辉岩的多阶段高温条件主要来自石榴子石-绿辉石矿物对温度计、单斜辉石中紫苏辉石+石英针状矿物出熔体以及金红石中较高的Zr含量和变质锆石中较高的Ti含量等得出的温度证据。此外,多期后成合晶以及石榴子石和单斜辉石等矿物中成分分带的存在,证明该区榴辉岩经历了一个多阶段、快速折返过程;而不同变质阶段的温度、压力和形成时代,却反映该区榴辉岩经历了长时间的高温变质演化与缓慢冷却过程。长时间的高温变质作用与缓慢冷却过程也许正是北大别长期难以发现柯石英和有关超高压记录的重要原因。因此,这些成果为大别山三个不同超高压岩片的差异折返模型的建立提供了新的证据。