Petrology and zircon U–Pb dating of well‐preserved eclogites from the Thongmön area in central Himalaya and their tectonic implications

The discovery of eclogites is reported within the Great Himalayan Crystalline Complex in the Thongmön area, central Himalaya, and their metamorphic evolution is deciphered by petrographic studies, pseudosection modelling, and zircon dating. For the first time, omphacite has been found in the matrix of eclogites taken from a metamorphic mafic lens. Two groups of garnet have been identified in the Thongmön eclogites on the basis of major and rare earth elements and mineral inclusions. Core and intermediate sections of garnet represent Grt I, in which the major elements (Ca, Mg, and Fe) show a nearly homogenous distribution with little or weak zonation. This Grt I displays an almost flat chondrite‐normalized HREE pattern, and the main inclusions are amphibole, apatite, quartz, and abundant omphacite. Grt II, forms thin rims on large garnet grains, and is characterized by rim‐ward Ca decrease and Mg increase and MREE enrichment relative to HREE and LREE. No amphibole inclusions are found in Grt II, indicating the decomposition of amphibole contributed to its MREE enrichment. Two metamorphic stages, recorded by matrix minerals and inclusions in garnet and zircon, outline the burial of the Thongmön eclogites and progressive metamorphic processes to the pressure peak: (a) the assemblage of amphibole–garnet–omphacite–phengite–rutile–quartz, with the phengite interpreted as having been replaced by Bt+Pl symplectites, represents the prograde amphibole eclogite facies stage M1₍₁₎, (b) in the peak eclogite facies [stage M1₍₂₎], amphibole was lost and melting started. Based on the compositions of garnet and omphacite inclusions, M1₍₁₎ is constrained to 19–20 kbar and 640–660°C and M1₍₂₎ occurred at >21 kbar, >750°C, with appearance of melt and its entrapment in metamorphic zircon. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of zircon from two eclogite samples yielded consistent metamorphic ages of 16.7 ± 0.6 Ma and 17.1 ± 0.4 Ma respectively. The metamorphic zircon grew concurrently with Grt II in the peak eclogite facies. Thongmön eclogites characterized by the prograde metamorphism from amphibolite facies to eclogite facies were formed by the continuing continental subduction of Indian plate beneath the Euro‐Asian continent in the Miocene.     

Olivine‐bearing symplectites in fractured garnet from eclogite,Moldanubian Zone (Bohemian Massif) – a short‐lived,granulite facies event

Recent petrological studies on high‐pressure (HP)–ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks in the Moldanubian Zone, mainly utilizing compositional zoning and solid phase inclusions in garnet from a variety of lithologies, have established a prograde history involving subduction and subsequent granulite facies metamorphism during the Variscan Orogeny. Two temporally separate metamorphic events are developed rather than a single P–T loop for the HP–UHP metamorphism and amphibolite–granulite facies overprint in the Moldanubian Zone. Here further evidence is presented that the granulite facies metamorphism occurred after the HP–UHP rocks had been exhumed to different levels of the middle or upper crust. A medium‐temperature eclogite that is part of a series of tectonic blocks and lenses within migmatites contains a well‐preserved eclogite facies assemblage with omphacite and prograde zoned garnet. Omphacite is partly replaced by a symplectite of diopside + plagioclase + amphibole. Garnet and omphacite equilibria and pseudosection calculations indicate that the HP metamorphism occurred at relatively low temperature conditions of ~600 °C at 2.0–2.2 GPa. The striking feature of the rocks is the presence of garnet porphyroblasts with veins filled by a granulite facies assemblage of olivine, spinel and Ca‐rich plagioclase. These minerals occur as a symplectite forming symmetric zones, a central zone rich in olivine that is separated from the host garnet by two marginal zones consisting of plagioclase with small amounts of spinel. Mineral textures in the veins show that they were first filled mostly by calcic amphibole, which was later transformed into granulite facies assemblages. The olivine‐spinel equilibria and pseudosection calculations indicate temperatures of ~850–900 °C at pressure below 0.7 GPa. The preservation of eclogite facies assemblages implies that the granulite facies overprint was a short‐lived process. The new results point to a geodynamic model where HP–UHP rocks are exhumed to amphibolite facies conditions with subsequent granulite facies heating by mantle‐derived magma in the middle and upper crust.     

Uncoupled U/Pb and REE response in zircon during the transformation of eclogite to mafic and intermediate granulite (Blanský les,Bohemian Massif)

An eclogite–mafic granulite occurs as a rare boudin within a felsic kyanite–K‐feldspar granulite in a low‐strain zone. Its boundary is marked by significant metasomatism–diffusional gain of potassium at the centimetre‐scale, and probable infiltration of felsic melt on a larger scale. This converted the eclogite–mafic granulite into an intermediate‐composition, ternary‐feldspar‐bearing granulite. Based on inclusions in garnet, the peak P–T conditions of the original eclogite are 18 kbar at 850–950 °C, with later matrix re‐equilibration at 12 kbar and 950 °C. Four samples from the transition of the eclogite–mafic granulite through to the intermediate granulite were studied. In the eclogite, REE patterns in the garnet core show no Eu anomaly, compatible with crystallization in the absence of plagioclase and consistent with eclogite facies conditions. Towards the rim of garnet, LREE decrease, and a weak negative Eu anomaly appears, reflecting passage into HP granulite facies conditions with plagioclase present. The rims of garnet next to ternary feldspar in the intermediate granulite show the lowest LREE and deepest Eu anomalies. Zircon from the four samples was analysed by LASS (laser ablation–split‐stream inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry). It shows U–Pb ages from 404 ± 4.0 to 331 ± 3.3 Ma, with a peak at 340 ± 4.0 Ma corresponding to the likely exhumation of the rocks to 12 kbar. Older ages from zircon with steep HREE patterns indicate the minimum age of the protolith, and ages <360 ± 4.0 Ma are interpreted to correspond to the eclogite facies metamorphism. Only some zircon grains ≤350 ± 4.0 Ma have flat HREE patterns, suggesting that these are primarily modified protolith grains, rather than new zircon crystallized in the eclogite‐ or granulite facies. The metasomatic processes that converted the eclogite–mafic granulite to an intermediate granulite may have facilitated zircon modification as zircon in the intermediate granulite has flat HREE and ages of 340 ± 4.0 Ma. The difference between the oldest and youngest ages with flat REE patterns indicates a 16 ± 5.6 Ma period of zircon modification in the presence of garnet.     

Metamorphic history of glaucophane‐paragonite‐zoisite eclogites from the Shanderman area,northern Iran

The Shanderman eclogites and related metamorphosed oceanic rocks mark the site of closure of the Palaeotethys ocean in northern Iran. The protolith of the eclogites was an oceanic tholeiitic basalt with MORB composition. Eclogite occurs within a serpentinite matrix, accompanied by mafic rocks resembling a dismembered ophiolite. The eclogitic mafic rocks record different stages of metamorphism during subduction and exhumation. Minerals formed during the prograde stages are preserved as inclusions in peak metamorphic garnet and omphacite. The rocks experienced blueschist facies metamorphism on their prograde path and were metamorphosed in eclogite facies at the peak of metamorphism. The peak metamorphic mineral paragenesis of the rocks is omphacite, garnet (pyrope‐rich), glaucophane, paragonite, zoisite and rutile. Based on textural relations, post‐peak stages can be divided into amphibolite and greenschist facies. Pressure and temperature estimates for eclogite facies minerals (peak of metamorphism) indicate 15–20 kbar at ~600 °C. The pre‐peak blueschist facies assemblage yields <11 kbar and 400–460 °C. The average pressure and temperature of the post‐peak amphibolite stage was 5–6 kbar, ~470 °C. The Shanderman eclogites were formed by subduction of Palaeotethys oceanic crust to a depth of no more than 75 km. Subduction was followed by collision between the Central Iran and Turan blocks, and then exhumation of the high pressure rocks in northern Iran.     

Metamorphic evolution of a newly identified Mesoproterozoic oceanic slice in the Yuka terrane and its implications for a multi‐cyclic orogenic history of the North Qaidam UHPM belt

The North Qaidam Orogenic Belt (NQOB), lying at the northern margin of the Tibet Plateau, records two orogenic cycles: A Proterozoic cycle related to the amalgamation and breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia, and an Early Palaeozoic cycle including oceanic subduction and continental deep subduction. At present, the only information about the Proterozoic cycle is the concurrent c. 1,000–900 Ma magmatic and metamorphic events, which limited the understanding of the Proterozoic evolution of NQOB and the relationship between the Qaidam Block and other Rodinia fragments. In this study, a kyanite‐bearing eclogite was identified in Yuka terrane. It has positive‐slope chondrite‐normalized rare earth element distribution patterns, similar to present‐day N‐MORB. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating obtained a protolith age of 1,273 Ma and an eclogite facies metamorphic age of 437 Ma, which is similar to the continental deep subduction age of the Yuka terrane. Zircon Lu–Hf analysis show that the magmatic zircon cores have high εHf(t) of 8.36–15.98 and T_DM1 of 1,450–1,131 Ma (M = 1,303 ± 55 Ma, consistent with its protolith age within error), indicating a juvenile crust protolith of the eclogite. The MORB‐like whole‐rock composition and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf analysis indicate that the protolith of the kyanite‐bearing eclogite was a Mesoproterozoic oceanic slice. P–T pseudosection analysis shows that the kyanite‐bearing eclogite experienced four metamorphic stages: (1) a prograde stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+talc+lawsonite+phengite+quartz at 22.4–23.2 kbar and 585°C; (2) a peak stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+lawsonite+phengite+coesite at 32.5 kbar and 670°C; (3) an early retrograde stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+kyanite+phengite+coesite/quartz±lawsonite at 27.1–30.0 kbar and 670–690°C; and (4) a late retrograde stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+epidote+hornblende+phengite+quartz at <18.0 kbar. The established clockwise P–T path is similar with other continental‐type eclogites in this area. On the basis of the geochemical and geochronological data, as well as the P–T path, we suggest that the protolith of the kyanite‐bearing eclogite was emplaced in the active margin of the Qaidam Block during the assembly of Rodinia and underwent continental deep subduction in the Early Palaeozoic. We conclude that (1) the Qaidam Block participated in the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. It was situated at or proximal to the margin of the supercontinent and probably close to India, east Antarctica and Tarim; and (2) both Mesoproterozoic and Early Palaeozoic oceanic crust slices occur in the NQOB. Thus, special caution is needed when using the metamorphic ages of oceanic affinity eclogites without protolith ages to constrain the evolution history of the North Qaidam UHPM belt.     

Evidence for multiple burial–partial exhumation cycles from the Onodani eclogites in the Sambagawa metamorphic belt,central Shikoku,Japan

Eclogites from the Onodani area in the Sambagawa metamorphic belt of central Shikoku occur as layers or lenticular bodies within basic schists. These eclogites experienced three different metamorphic episodes during multiple burial and exhumation cycles. The early prograde stage of the first metamorphic event is recorded by relict eclogite facies inclusions within garnet cores (X_Sps 0.80–0.24, X_Alm 0–0.47). These inclusions consist of relatively almandine‐rich garnet (X_Sps 0.13–0.24, X_Alm 0.36–0.45), aegirine‐augite/omphacite (X_Jd 0.08–0.28), epidote, amphiboles (e.g. actinolite, winchite, barroisite and taramite), albite, phengite, chlorite, calcite, titanite, hematite and quartz. The garnet cores also contain polyphase inclusions consisting of almandine‐rich garnet, omphacite (X_Jd 0.27–0.28), amphiboles (e.g. actinolite, winchite, barroisite, taramite and katophorite) and phengite. The peak P–T conditions of the first eclogite facies metamorphism are estimated to be 530–590 °C and 19–21 kbar succeeded by retrogression into greenschist facies. The second prograde metamorphism began at greenschist facies conditions. The peak metamorphic conditions are defined by schistosity‐forming omphacites (X_Jd ≤ 49) and garnet rims containing inclusions of barroisitic amphibole, phengite, rutile and quartz. The estimated peak metamorphic conditions are 630–680 °C and 20–22 kbar followed by a clockwise retrograde P–T path with nearly isothermal decompression to 8–12 kbar. In veins cross‐cutting the eclogite schistosity, resorbed barroisite/Mg‐katophorite occurs as inclusions in glaucophane which is zoned to barroisite, suggesting a prograde metamorphism of the third metamorphic event. The peak P–T conditions of this metamorphic event are estimated to be 540–600 °C and 6.5–8 kbar. These metamorphic conditions are correlated with those of the surrounding non‐eclogitic Sambagawa schists. The Onodani eclogites were formed by subduction of an oceanic plate, and metamorphism occurred beneath an accretionary prism. These high‐P/T type metamorphic events took place in a very short time span between 100 and 90 Ma. Plate reconstructions indicate highly oblique subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the Eurasian continent at a high spreading rate. This probably resulted in multiple burial and exhumation movements of eclogite bodies, causing plural metamorphic events. The eclogite body was juxtaposed with non‐eclogitic Sambagawa schists at glaucophane stability field conditions. The amalgamated metamorphic sequence including the Onodani eclogites were exhumed to shallow crustal/surface levels in early Eocene times (c. 50 Ma).     

Ultrahigh-pressure eclogite transformed from mafic granulite in the Dabie orogen, east-central China

Although ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks are present in many collisional orogenic belts, almost all exposed UHP metamorphic rocks are subducted upper or felsic lower continental crust with minor mafic boudins. Eclogites formed by subduction of mafic lower continental crust have not been identified yet. Here an eclogite occurrence that formed during subduction of the mafic lower continental crust in the Dabie orogen, east‐central China is reported. At least four generations of metamorphic mineral assemblages can be discerned: (i) hypersthene + plagioclase ± garnet; (ii) omphacite + garnet + rutile + quartz; (iii) symplectite stage of garnet + diopside + hypersthene + ilmenite + plagioclase; (iv) amphibole + plagioclase + magnetite, which correspond to four metamorphic stages: (a) an early granulite facies, (b) eclogite facies, (c) retrograde metamorphism of high‐pressure granulite facies and (d) retrograde metamorphism of amphibolite facies. Mineral inclusion assemblages and cathodoluminescence images show that zircon is characterized by distinctive domains of core and a thin overgrowth rim. The zircon core domains are classified into two types: the first is igneous with clear oscillatory zonation ± apatite and quartz inclusions; and the second is metamorphic containing a granulite facies mineral assemblage of garnet, hypersthene and plagioclase (andesine). The zircon rims contain garnet, omphacite and rutile inclusions, indicating a metamorphic overgrowth at eclogite facies. The almost identical ages of the two types of core domains (magmatic = 791 ± 9 Ma and granulite facies metamorphic zircon = 794 ± 10 Ma), and the Triassic age (212 ± 10 Ma) of eclogitic facies metamorphic overgrowth zircon rim are interpreted as indicating that the protolith of the eclogite is mafic granulite that originated from underplating of mantle‐derived magma onto the base of continental crust during the Neoproterozoic (c. 800 Ma) and then subducted during the Triassic, experiencing UHP eclogite facies metamorphism at mantle depths. The new finding has two‐fold significance: (i) voluminous mafic lower continental crust can increase the average density of subducted continental lithosphere, thus promoting its deep subduction; (ii) because of the current absence of mafic lower continental crust in the Dabie orogen, delamination or recycling of subducted mafic lower continental crust can be inferred as the geochemical cause for the mantle heterogeneity and the unusually evolved crustal composition.     

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.     

Temporal links between pluton emplacement,garnet granulite metamorphism,partial melting and extensional collapse in the lower crust of a Cretaceous magmatic arc,Fiordland, New Zealand

Garnet granulite facies mid‐to lower crust in Fiordland, New Zealand, provides evidence for pulsed intrusion and deformation occurring in the mid‐to lower crust of magmatic arcs. ²³⁸U‐²⁰⁶Pb zircon ages constrain emplacement of the ～595 km² Malaspina Pluton to 116–114 Ma. Nine Sm‐Nd garnet ages (multi‐point garnet‐rock isochrons) ranging from 115.6 ± 2.6 to 110.6 ± 2.0 Ma indicate that garnet granulite facies metamorphism was synchronous or near synchronous throughout the pluton. Hence, partial melting and garnet granulite facies metamorphism lasted <5 Ma and began within 5 Ma of pluton emplacement. Garnet granulite facies L‐S tectonites in the eastern part of the Malaspina Pluton record the onset of extensional strain and arc collapse. An Sm‐Nd garnet age and thermobarometric results for these rocks directly below the amphibolite facies Doubtful Sound shear zone provide the oldest known age for extension in Fiordland at ≥112.8 ± 2.2 Ma at ～920 °C and 14–15 kbar. Narrow high Ca rims in garnet from some of these suprasolidus rocks could reflect a ≤ 1.5 kbar pressure increase, but may be largely a result of temperature decrease based on the Ca content of garnet predicted from pseudosections. At peak metamorphic conditions >900 °C, garnet contained ～4000 ppm Ti; subsequently, rutile inclusions grew during declining temperature with limited pressure change. Garnet granulite metamorphism of the Malaspina Pluton is c. 10 Ma younger than similar metamorphism of the Pembroke Granulite in northern Fiordland; therefore, high‐P metamorphism and partial melting must have been diachronous for this >3000 km² area of mid‐to‐lower crust. Thus, two or more pulses of intrusion shortly followed by garnet granulite metamorphism and extensional strain occurred from north to south along the axis of the lower crustal root of the Cretaceous Gondwana arc.     

Quartz and orthopyroxene exsolution lamellae in clinopyroxene and the metamorphic P–T path of Belomorian eclogites

The Shirokaya Salma eclogite‐bearing complex is located in the Archean–Palaeoproterozoic Belomorian Province (Russia). Its eclogites and eclogitic rocks show multiple clinopyroxene breakdown textures, characterized by quartz–amphibole, orthopyroxene and plagioclase lamellae. Representative samples, a fresh eclogite, two partly retrograded eclogites, and a strongly retrograded eclogitic rock, were collected for this study. Two distinct mineral assemblages—(1) omphacite+garnet+quartz+rutile±amphibole and (2) clinopyroxene+garnet+amphibole+plagioclase+quartz+rutile+ilmenite±orthopyroxene—are described. Based on phase equilibria modelling, these assemblages correspond to the eclogite and granulite facies metamorphism that occurred at 16–18 kbar, 750–800°C and 11–15 kbar, 820–850°C, respectively. The quartz–amphibole lamellae in clinopyroxene formed during retrogression with water ingress, but do not imply UHP metamorphism. The superfine orthopyroxene lamellae developed due to breakdown of an antecedent clinopyroxene (omphacite) during retrogression that was triggered by decompression from the peak of metamorphism, while the coarser orthopyroxene grains and rods formed afterwards. The P–T path reconstructed for the Shirokaya Salma eclogites is comparable to that of the adjacent 1.9 Ga Uzkaya Salma eclogite (Belomorian Province), and those of several other Palaeoproterozoic high‐grade metamorphic terranes worldwide, facts allowing us to debate the exact timing of eclogite facies metamorphism in the Belomorian Province.     

Ordovician eclogites from the Chinese Beishan: implications for the tectonic evolution of the southern Altaids

Numerous lenses of eclogite occur in a belt of augen orthogneisses in the Gubaoquan area in the southern Beishan orogen, an eastern extension of the Tianshan orogen. With detailed petrological data and phase relations, modelled in the system NCFMASHTO with thermocalc , a quantitative P–T path was estimated and defined a clockwise P–T path that showed a near isothermal decompression from eclogite facies (>15.5 kbar, 700–800 °C, omphacite + garnet) to high‐pressure granulite facies (12–14 kbar, 700–750 °C, clinopyroxene + sodic plagioclase symplectitic intergrowths around omphacite), low‐pressure granulite facies (8–9.5 kbar, ～700 °C, orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase symplectites and coronas surrounding garnet) and amphibolite facies (5–7 kbar, 600–700 °C, hornblende + plagioclase symplectites). The major and trace elements and Sm–Nd isotopic data suggest that most of the Beishan eclogite samples had a protolith of oceanic crust with geochemical characteristics of an enriched or normal mid‐ocean ridge basalt. The U–Pb dating of the Beishan eclogites indicates an Ordovician age of c. 467 Ma for the eclogite facies metamorphism. An ³⁹Ar/⁴⁰Ar age of c. 430 Ma for biotite from the augen gneiss corresponds to the time of retrograde metamorphism. The combined data from geological setting, bulk composition, clockwise P–T path and geochronology support a model in which the Beishan eclogites started as oceanic crust in the Palaeoasian Ocean, which was subducted to eclogite depths in the Ordovician and exhumed in the Silurian. The eclogite‐bearing gneiss belt marks the position of a high‐pressure Ordovician suture zone, and the calculated clockwise P–T path defines the progression from subduction to exhumation.     

Eclogites in the Makuti gneisses of Zimbabwe: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Zambezi Belt in southern Africa

The gneisses of the Makuti Group in north-west Zimbabwe are characterized by complex geometries that resulted from intense non-coaxial deformation in a crustal scale high-strain zone that accommodated extensional deformation along the axis of the Zambezi Belt at c. 800 Ma. Within low-strain domains in the Makuti gneisses, undeformed metagabbroic lenses preserve eclogite and granulite facies assemblages, which record a part of the metamorphic history that predates Pan-African events. Eclogitic rocks can be subdivided into: (1) corona-textured metagabbros that preserve igneous textures, and (2) garnet–omphacite rocks in which primary textures are destroyed. The lenses of eclogitic rocks are enveloped in a mantle of garnet–clinopyroxene–hornblende gneiss, which is a common rock type in the Makuti gneisses. The eclogites preserve multi-staged, domainal, symplectic reaction textures that developed progressively as the rocks experienced loading followed by decompression–heating. In the metagabbros, the original clinopyroxene, plagioclase and olivine domains acted separately during the peak of metamorphism, with plagioclase being replaced by garnet and kyanite, and olivine being replaced by orthopyroxene and possibly omphacite. The peak assemblage was overprinted by: (1) the multi-mineralic corona assemblage pargasite–orthopyroxene–spinel–plagioclase replacing garnet–kyanite–clinopyroxene (possibly at c. 19 kbar, 760±25 °C); (2) orthopyroxene–pargasite–plagioclase–scapolite coronas replacing orthopyroxene (15±1.5 kbar, 750±50 °C); and (3) moats of orthopyroxene–plagioclase replacing garnet (10±1 kbar, 760±50 °C). The garnet–omphacite rocks record similar peak conditions (15±1.1 kbar, 760±60 °C). Garnet–clinopyroxene–hornblende–plagioclase gneisses envelop the eclogites and record matrix conditions of 11±1.5 kbar at 730±50 °C using assemblages that are oriented in the regional fabric. These rocks are characterized by decompression-heating textures, reflecting temperature increases during exhumation of the Makuti gneisses. The eclogite facies rocks formed during a collisional event prior to 850 Ma. Their formation could be related to a suture zone that developed along the axis of the Zambezi Belt during the formation of Rodinia (between 1400 and 850 Ma). The main deformation-metamorphism in the Makuti gneisses occurred around 800 Ma and involved extension and exhumation of the high-P rocks (break-up of Rodinia), which experienced a high-T metamorphic overprint. Around 550–500 Ma, a collisional event associated with the formation of Gondwana resulted in renewed burial and metamorphic recrystallization of the Makuti gneisses.     

Metamorphic patterns and SHRIMP zircon ages of medium‐to‐high grade rocks from the Tongbai orogen,central China: implications for multiple accretion/collision processes prior to terminal continental collision

The Qinling‐Tongbai‐Dabie‐Sulu orogenic belt comprises a Palaeozoic accretion‐dominated system in the north and a Mesozoic collision‐dominated system in the south. A combined petrological and geochronological study of the medium‐to‐high grade metamorphic rocks from the diverse Palaeozoic tectonic units in the Tongbai orogen was undertaken to help elucidate the origins of Triassic ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism and collision dynamics between the Sino‐Korean and Yangtze cratons. Peak metamorphic conditions are 570–610 °C and 9.3–11.2 kbar for the lower unit of the Kuanping Group, 630–650 °C and 6.6–8.9 kbar for the upper unit of the Kuanping Group, 550–600 °C and 6.3–7.7 kbar for the Erlangping Group, 770–830 °C and 6.9–8.5 kbar for the Qinling Group and 660–720 °C and 9.1–11.5 kbar for the Guishan complex. Reaction textures and garnet compositions indicate clockwise P–T paths for the amphibolite facies rocks of the Kuanping Group and Guishan complex, and an anticlockwise P–T path for the granulite facies rocks of the Qinling Group. Sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe U–Pb zircon dating on metamorphic rocks and deformed granite/pegmatites revealed two major Palaeozoic tectonometamorphic events. (i) During the Silurian‐Devonian (c. 440–400 Ma), the Qinling continental arc and Erlangping intra‐oceanic arc collided with the Sino‐Korean craton. The emplacement of the Huanggang diorite complex resulted in an inverted thermal gradient in the underlying Kuanping Group and subsequent thermal relaxation during the exhumation. Meanwhile, the oceanic subduction beneath the Qinling continental arc produced magmatic underplating and intrusion, leading to granulite facies metamorphism followed by a near‐isobaric cooling path. (ii) During the Carboniferous (c. 340–310 Ma), the northward subduction of the Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean generated a medium P/T Guishan complex in the hangingwall and a high P/T Xiongdian eclogite belt in the footwall. The Guishan complex and Xiongdian eclogite belt are therefore considered to be paired metamorphic belts. Subsequent separation of the paired belts is inferred to be related to the juxtaposition of the Carboniferous eclogites with the Triassic HP metamorphic complex during continental subduction and exhumation.     

P–T evolution and episodic zircon growth in barroisite eclogites of the Lanterman Range,northern Victoria Land,Antarctica

Prograde P–T–t paths of eclogites are often ambiguous owing to high variance of mineral assemblages, large uncertainty in isotopic age determinations and/or variable degree of retrograde equilibration. We investigated these issues using the barroisite eclogites from the Lanterman Range, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica, which are relatively uncommon but free of retrogression. These eclogites revealed three stages of prograde metamorphism, defining two distinctive P–T trajectories, M_1–2 and M₃. Inclusion minerals in garnet porphyroblasts suggest that initial prograde assemblages (M₁) consist of garnet+omphacite+barroisite/Mg‐pargasite+epidote+phengite+paragonite+rutile/titanite+quartz, and subsequent M₂ assemblages of garnet+omphacite+barroisite+phengite+rutile±quartz. The inclusion‐rich inner part of garnet porphyroblasts preserves a bell‐shaped Mn profile of the M₁, whereas the inclusion‐poor outer part (M₂) is typified by the outward decrease in Ca/Mg and X_Fe (=Fe²⁺/(Fe²⁺+Mg)) values. A pseudosection modelling employing fractionated bulk‐rock composition suggests that the eclogites have initially evolved from ~15 to 20 kbar and 520–570°C (M₁) to ~22–25 kbar and 630–650°C (M₂). The latter is in accordance with P–T conditions estimated from two independent geothermobarometers: the garnet–clinopyroxene–phengite (~25 ± 3 kbar and 660 ± 100°C) and Zr‐in‐rutile (~650–700°C at 22–27 kbar). The second segment (M_3A–B) of prograde P–T path is recorded in the grossular‐rich overgrowth rim of garnet. Apart from disequilibrium growth of the M_3A garnet, ubiquitous overgrowth of the M_3B garnet permits us to estimate the P–T conditions at ~26 ± 3 kbar and 720 ± 80°C. The cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of zircon grains separated from a barroisite eclogite revealed three distinct zones with bright rim, dark mantle and moderately dark core. Eclogitic phases such as garnet, omphacite, epidote and rutile are present as fine‐grained inclusions in the mantle and rim of zircon, in contrast to their absence in the core. The sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe U–Pb dating on metamorphic mantle domains and neoblasts yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 515 ± 4 Ma (tσ), representing the time of the M₂ stage. On the other hand, overgrowth rims as well as bright‐CL neoblasts of zircon were dated at 498 ± 11 Ma (tσ), corresponding to the M₃. Average burial rates estimated from the M₂ and M₃ ages are too low (<2 mm/year) for cold subduction regime (~5–10°C/km), suggesting that an exhumation stage intervened between two prograde segments of P–T path. Thus, the P–T–t evolution of barroisite eclogites is typified by two discrete episodes with an c. 15 Ma gap during the middle Cambrian subduction of the Antarctic Ross Orogeny.     

Pseudosection modelling and garnet Lu–Hf geochronology of HP amphibole schists constrain the closure of an ocean basin between the northern and southern Lhasa blocks,central Tibet

The P–T–t path of high‐P metamorphic rocks in subduction zones may reveal valuable information regarding the tectonic processes along convergent plate boundaries. Herein, we present a detailed petrological, pseudosection modelling and radiometric dating study of several amphibole schists of oceanic affinity from the Lhasa Block, Tibet. The amphibole schists experienced an overall clockwise P–T path that was marked by post‐P_max heating–decompression and subsequent isothermal decompression following the attainment of peak high‐P and low‐T conditions (~490°C and 1.6 GPa). Pseudosection modelling shows that the amphibole schists underwent water‐unsaturated conditions during prograde metamorphism, and the stability field of the assemblage extends to lower temperatures and higher pressures within the water‐unsaturated condition relative to water‐saturated model along the prograde path. The high‐P amphibole schists were highly reduced during retrograde metamorphism. Precise evaluation of the ferric iron conditions determined from the different compositions of epidote inclusions in garnet and matrix epidote is crucial for a true P–T estimate by garnet isopleth thermobarometry. Lu–Hf isotope analyses on garnet size separates from a garnet‐bearing amphibole schist yield four two‐point garnet–whole‐rock isochron ages from 228.2 ± 1.2 Ma to 224.3 ± 1.2 Ma. These Lu–Hf dates are interpreted to constrain the period of garnet growth and approximate the timing of prograde metamorphism because of the low peak metamorphic temperature of the rock and the well‐preserved Mn/Lu growth zoning in garnet. The majority of zircon U–Pb dates provide no constraints on the timing of metamorphism; however, two concordant U–Pb dates of 222.4 ± 3.9 Ma and 223.3 ± 4.2 Ma were obtained from narrow and uncommon metamorphic rims. Coexistence of zircon and sphene in the samples implies that the metamorphic zircon growth was likely assisted by retrogression of rutile to sphene during exhumation. The near coincident radiometric dates of zircon U–Pb and garnet Lu–Hf indicate rapid burial and exhumation of the amphibole schists, suggesting a closure time of c. 224–223 Ma for the fossil ocean basin between the northern and southern Lhasa blocks.     

High‐pressure metamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone): Constraints from phase equilibria modelling coupled with Lu‐Hf and U‐Pb geochronology

As is common in suture zones, widespread high‐pressure rocks in the Caribbean region reached eclogite facies conditions close to ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism. Besides eclogite lenses, abundant metapelitic rocks in the Chuacús complex (Guatemala Suture Zone) also preserve evidence for high‐pressure metamorphism. A comprehensive petrological and geochronological study was undertaken to constrain the tectonometamorphic evolution of eclogite and associated metapelite from this area in central Guatemala. The integration of field and petrological data allows the reconstruction of a previously unknown segment of the prograde P–T path and shows that these contrasting rock types share a common high‐pressure evolution. An early stage of high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphism at 18–20 kbar and 530–580°C is indicated by garnet core compositions as well as the nature and composition of mineral inclusions in garnet, including kyanite–jadeite–paragonite in an eclogite, and chloritoid–paragonite–rutile in a pelitic schist. Peak high‐pressure conditions are constrained at 23–25 kbar and 620–690°C by combining mineral assemblages, isopleth thermobarometry and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry. A garnet/whole‐rock Lu‐Hf date of 101.8 ± 3.1 Ma in the kyanite‐bearing eclogite indicates the timing of final garnet growth at eclogite facies conditions, while a Lu‐Hf date of 95.5 ± 2.1 Ma in the pelitic schist reflects the average age of garnet growth spanning from an early eclogite facies evolution to a final amphibolite facies stage. Concordant U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS zircon data from the pelitic schist, in contrast, yield a mean age of 74.0 ± 0.5 Ma, which is equivalent to a U‐Pb monazite lower‐intercept age of 73.6 ± 2.0 Ma in the same sample, and comparable within errors with a less precise U‐Pb lower‐intercept age of 80 ± 13 Ma obtained in post‐eclogitic titanite from the kyanite‐bearing eclogite. These U‐Pb metamorphic ages are interpreted as dating an amphibolite facies overprint. Protolith U‐Pb zircon ages of 167.1 ± 4.2 Ma and 424.6 ± 5.0 Ma from two eclogite samples reveal that mafic precursors in the Chuacús complex originated in multiple tectonotemporal settings from the Silurian to Jurassic. The integration of petrological and geochronological data suggests that subduction of the continental margin of the North American plate (Chuacús complex) beneath the Greater Antilles arc occurred during an Albian‐Cenomanian pre‐collisional stage, and that a subsequent Campanian collisional stage is probably responsible of the amphibolite facies overprint and late syncollisional exhumation.     

Petrology,geochemistry and P–T–t path of lawsonite‐bearing retrograded eclogites in the Changning–Menglian orogenic belt,southeast Tibetan Plateau

The Changning–Menglian orogenic belt (CMOB) in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, is considered as the main suture zone marking the closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean between the Indochina and Sibumasu blocks. Here, we investigate the recently discovered retrograded eclogites from this suture zone in terms of their petrological, geochemical and geochronological features, with the aim of constraining the metamorphic evolution and protolith signature. Two types of metabasites are identified: retrograded eclogites and mafic schists. The igneous precursors of the retrograded eclogites exhibit rare earth element distribution patterns and trace element abundance similar to those of ocean island basalts, and are inferred to have been derived from a basaltic seamount in an intra‐oceanic tectonic setting. In contrast, the mafic schists show geochemical affinity to arc‐related volcanics with the enrichment of Rb, Th and U, and depletion of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti, and their protoliths possibly formed at an active continental margin tectonic setting. Retrograded eclogites are characterized by peak metamorphic mineral assemblages of garnet, omphacite, white mica, lawsonite and rutile, and underwent five‐stage metamorphic evolution, including pre‐peak prograde stage (M₁) at 18–19 kbar and 400–420°C, peak lawsonite‐eclogite facies (M₂) at 24–26 kbar and 520–530°C, post‐peak epidote–eclogite facies decompression stage (M₃) at 13–18 kbar and 530–560°C, subsequent amphibolite facies retrogressive stage (M₄) at 8–10 kbar and 530–600°C, and late greenschist facies cooling stage (M₅) at 5–8 kbar and 480–490°C. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) U–Pb spot analyses of zircon show two distinct age groups. The magmatic zircon from both the retrograded eclogite and mafic schist yielded protolith ages of 451 ± 3 Ma, which is consistent with the ages of Early Palaeozoic ophiolitic complexes and ocean island sequences in the CMOB reported in previous studies. In contrast, metamorphic zircon from the retrograded eclogite samples yielded consistent Triassic metamorphic ages of 246 ± 2 and 245 ± 2 Ma, which can be interpreted as the timing of closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean. The compatible peak metamorphic mineral assemblages, P–T–t paths and metamorphic ages, as well as the similar protolith signatures for the eclogites in the CMOB and Longmu Co–Shuanghu suture (LCSS) suggest that the two belts formed part of a cold oceanic subduction system in the Triassic. The main suture zone of the Palaeo‐Tethyan domain extends at least 1,500 km in length from the CMOB to the LCSS in the Tibetan Plateau. The identification of lawsonite‐bearing retrograded eclogites in the CMOB provides important insights into the tectonic framework and complex geological evolution of the Palaeo‐Tethys.     

Jadeite–garnet glaucophane schists in the Bizan area,Sambagawa metamorphic belt,eastern Shikoku,Japan: significance and extent of eclogite facies metamorphism

Eclogite facies metamorphic rocks have been discovered from the Bizan area of eastern Shikoku, Sambagawa metamorphic belt. The eclogitic jadeite–garnet glaucophane schists occur as lenticular or sheet‐like bodies in the pelitic schist matrix, with the peak mineral assemblage of garnet + glaucophane + jadeite + phengite + quartz. The jadeitic clinopyroxene (X_Jd 0.46–0.75) is found exclusively as inclusions in porphyroblastic garnet. The eclogite metamorphism is characterized by prograde development from epidote–blueschist to eclogite facies. Metamorphic P–T conditions estimated using pseudosection modelling are 580–600 °C and 18–20 kbar for eclogite facies. Compared with common mafic eclogites, the jadeite–garnet glaucophane schists have low CaO (4.4–4.5 wt%) and MgO (2.1–2.3 wt%) bulk‐rock compositions. The P–T– pseudosections show that low X_Ca bulk‐rock compositions favour the appearance of jadeite instead of omphacite under eclogite facies conditions. This is a unique example of low X_Ca bulk‐rock composition triggered to form jadeite at eclogite facies conditions. Two significant types of eclogitic metamorphism have been distinguished in the Sambagawa metamorphic belt, that is, a low‐T type and subsequent high‐T type eclogitic metamorphic events. The jadeite–garnet glaucophane schists experienced low‐T type eclogite facies metamorphism, and the P–T path is similar to lawsonite‐bearing eclogites recently reported from the Kotsu area in eastern Shikoku. During subduction of the oceanic plate (Izanagi plate), the hangingwall cooled gradually, and the geothermal gradient along the subduction zone progressively decreased and formed low‐T type eclogitic metamorphic rocks. A subsequent warm subduction event associated with an approaching spreading ridge caused the high‐T type eclogitic metamorphism within a single subduction zone.     

A cold Early Palaeozoic subduction zone in the North Qilian Mountains, NW China: petrological and U-Pb geochronological constraints

The north Qilian high‐pressure (HP)/low‐temperature (LT) metamorphic belt is composed mainly of blueschists, eclogites and greenschist facies rocks. It formed within an Early Palaeozoic accretionary wedge associated with the subduction of the oceanic crust and is considered to be one of the best preserved HP/LT metamorphic belts in China. Here we report new lawsonite‐bearing eclogites and eclogitic rocks enclosed within epidote blueschists in the North Qilian Mountains. Five samples contain unaltered lawsonite coexisting with omphacite and phengite as inclusions in garnet, indicating eclogite facies garnet growth and lawsonite pseudomorphs were observed in garnet from an additional 11 eclogites and eclogitic rocks. Peak pressure conditions estimated from lawsonite omphacite‐phengite‐garnet assemblages were 2.1–2.4 GPa at temperatures of 420–510 °C, in or near the stability field of lawsonite eclogite, and implying formation under an apparent geothermal gradient of 6–8 °C km^?1, consistent with metamorphism in a cold subduction zone. SHRIMP U‐Pb dating of zircon from two lawsonite‐bearing eclogitic metabasites yields ages of 489 ± 7 Ma and 477 ± 16 Ma, respectively. CL images and mineral inclusions in zircon grains indicate that these ages reflect an eclogite facies metamorphism. An age of 502 ± 16 Ma is recorded in igneous cores of zircon grains from one lawsonite pseudomorph‐bearing eclogite, which is in agreement with the formation age of Early Ordovician for some ophiolite sequences in the North Qilian Mountains, and may be associated with a period of oceanic crust formation. The petrological and chronological data demonstrate the existence of a cold Early Palaeozoic subduction zone in the North Qilian Mountains.     

P–T evolution of glaucophane–omphacite bearing HP–LT rocks in the western Tianshan Orogen, NW China:new evidence for 'Alpine-type' tectonics

The late Palaeozoic western Tianshan high‐pressure /low‐temperature belt extends for about 200 km along the south‐central Tianshan suture zone and is composed mainly of blueschist, eclogite and epidote amphibolite/greenschist facies rocks. P–T conditions of mafic garnet omphacite and garnet–omphacite blueschist, which are interlayered with eclogite, were investigated in order to establish an exhumation path for these high‐pressure rocks. Maximum pressure conditions are represented by the assemblage garnet–omphacite–paragonite–phengite–glaucophane–quartz–rutile. Estimated maximum pressures range between 18 and 21 kbar at temperatures between 490 and 570 °C. Decompression caused the destabilization of omphacite, garnet and glaucophane to albite, Ca‐amphibole and chlorite. The post‐eclogite facies metamorphic conditions between 9 and 14 kbar at 480–570 °C suggest an almost isothermal decompression from eclogite to epidote–amphibolite facies conditions. Prograde growth zoning and mineral inclusions in garnet as well as post‐eclogite facies conditions are evidence for a clockwise P–T path. Analysis of phase diagrams constrains the P–T path to more or less isothermal cooling which is well corroborated by the results of geothermobarometry and mineral textures. This implies that the high‐pressure rocks from the western Tianshan Orogen formed in a tectonic regime similar to ‘Alpine‐type’ tectonics. This contradicts previous models which favour ‘Franciscan‐type’ tectonics for the southern Tianshan high‐pressure rocks.