Concepts of the evolution of the Austroalpine basement complex (Eastern Alps) during the Caledonian-Variscan cycle

The Austroalpine basement complex has a complicated pre-Alpidic history which begins with the Caledonian era. In the late Precambrian (?) and early Paleozoic a magmatic-sedimentary rock sequence is formed presumably in an island-arc or active continental margin environment. Subduction with eclogite formation is followed by collision, high-grade metamorphism and anatexis in the Ordovician. This Caledonian basement is preserved in parts of the Austroalpine crystalline mass. The post-Caledonian deposits are mainly shelf type sediments with intercalated volcanics, although there is evidence for an oceanic basin to the south. The Variscan facies zones are arranged in SW-NE direction, oblique to the Alpidic trend. In a first stage of Variscan orogeny in the Carboniferous, south(east)-vergent decollement nappes, syntectonic flysch deposits, and granitoids are formed along with regional metamorphism. This is followed by a second stage in the Permian with north(west)-vergent thrusting, renewed granite formation, and metamorphism. The Variscan nappe pile is today exposed in a deeper level in the west or northwest than in the east or southeast.     

Tracing the high pressure stage in the polymetamorphic Texel Complex (Austroalpine basement unit, Eastern Alps): P–T–t–d constraints

Summary Integration of new mineral chemical, geochronological and structural data from the Texel Complex yielded information on (re)crystallization and deformation processes in metapelites, eclogites and tonalitic orthogneisses during eclogite facies metamorphism. Maximum P–T conditions reached 1.2 to 1.4 GPa and 540–620 °C in the Upper Cretaceous. In tonalitic orthogneisses and metapelites, substantial garnet growth took place prior to eclogite facies metamorphism and Sm–Nd data indicate the presence of pre-Cretaceous mineral relics. In contrast, complex garnet-growth and -resorption processes are inferred for eclogites, which produced characteristic atoll microstructures and occurred close to the pressure peak of a single, coherent high pressure event. Garnet Sm–Nd data indicate eclogite facies crystallization at 85 ± 5 Ma. While eclogites retained information on the maximum burial stage, matrix phases in metapelites and orthogneisses were intensely recrystallized during the amphibolite facies metamorphic decompression. All the meso- and macro-scale deformation structures formed during the high pressure event and subsequent exhumation. The major mylonitic foliation is represented by the high pressure phases but was refolded during amphibolite facies exhumation. A biotite-whole-rock Rb–Sr age of 70–80 Ma indicates that cooling below about 300 °C occurred in the Upper Cretaceous. Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at Appendix available as electronic supplementary material     

Records of Crustal Metasomatism in the Garnet Peridotites of the Ulten Zone (Upper Austroalpine, Eastern Alps)

Peridotites in the Ulten Zone (Upper Austroalpine, Eastern Alps),occur as small bodies within lower-crustal rocks (gneisses andmigmatites) subducted at eclogite-facies conditions during theVariscan orogeny. They record a complex metamorphic and deformationevolution as indicated by the transition from coarse-grainedspinel-bearing peridotites to fine-grained garnet + amphibole-bearingperidotites, and are interpreted as portions of mantle wedgethat were incorporated in a downgoing slab of cold continentalcrust. The transition from spinel- to garnet-bearing assemblagewas accompanied by significant input of metasomatic agents,as shown by the crystallization of abundant amphibole. Herewe present trace-element mineral chemistry data for selectedUlten peridotites, with the aim of unravelling the nature ofthe metasomatic processes. Amphiboles display significant lightrare earth element (LREE) enrichment [Ce_N/Yb_N = 3·90–11·50;LREE up to (20–50) x C1], high Sr (150–250 ppm),K (1910–7280 ppm) and Ba (280–800 ppm) contents,and low concentrations of high field strength elements (HFSE)(Zr = 14–25 ppm, Y = 6·7–16 ppm, Ti = 1150–2500ppm, Nb = 2–7 ppm). On the basis of (1) the evidence formodal orthopyroxene decrease as a result of the garnet-formingreaction rather than abundant orthopyroxene crystallization,(2) the high modal amounts of amphibole (up to 23%) in the mostmetasomatized peridotites and (3) the strong large ion lithophileelement (LILE)/HFSE fractionation in amphiboles, we infer thatthe metasomatic agent was an H₂O–CO₂ fluid with a lowCO₂/H₂O ratio. Petrological investigations and geochronologicaldata indicate that the host metapelites experienced in situpartial melting and migmatization concomitantly with the garnet+ amphibole-facies recrystallization in the enclosed peridotites.We infer that the metasomatizing hydrous fluids could representthe residual fluids left after the crystallization of leucosomes,starting from water-undersaturated melts produced during migmatizationof the host gneisses. KEY WORDS: garnet peridotite; crustal metasomatism; amphibole; hydrous fluids     

Geochemistry and metamorphic evolution of the Pohorje Mountain eclogites from the easternmost Austroalpine basement of the Eastern Alps (Northern Slovenia)

Kyanite-rich and quartz-rich eclogites occur as lenses within amphibolite-facies quartzo-feldspathic gneisses in the Pohorje Mountains, Northern Slovenia, that form the easternmost Austroalpine basement. Major and trace elements indicate that the kyanite-rich eclogites were derived from plagioclase-rich gabbroic cumulates, whereas the quartz-rich eclogites represent more fractionated basaltic compositions. Both varieties are characterized by a LREE-depleted N-MORB type REE signature. Geothermobarometry and P-T pseudosections indicate that eclogites equilibrated at 1.8-2.5 GPa and 630-700 °C, consistently with the lack of coesite and with equilibration conditions of the chemically similar eclogites from the adjacent basement units at Koralpe and Saualpe type localities. Decompression reaction textures include (i) clinopyroxene-plagioclase intergrowths after omphacite, (ii) replacement of kyanite by corundum-plagioclase-spinel±sapphirine symplectites, (iii) breakdown of phengite to biotite-plagioclase sapphirine symplectites. The results of this study indicate that Koralpe, Saualpe and Pohorje high-pressure rocks represent former MORB-type oceanic crust that was subducted in the course of the late Cretaceous (approximately 100 Ma ago) collision between the European and the Apulian plates.     

P-T data of Ky-St-Grt gneisses hosting HP amphibolites and eclogites from the Austroalpine Polinik complex, Kreuzeck Mountains, Eastern Alps, Austria

This study focuses on metapelites of the Polinik complex in the Kreuzeck Mts. southeast of the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps, where kyanite — staurolite — garnet gneisses host eclogites and high pressure (HP) amphibolites of the Austroalpine basement. The stable mineral assemblage is garnet — staurolite — biotite — kyanite — quartz. Estimated metamorphic conditions from conventional geothermobarometry are 654±30 °C and 0.9±0.08 GPa, and Average P-T values calculated by THERMOCALC, are 665±15 °C at 0.77±0.09 GPa. Formation of the present mineral association in gneisses is related to the exhumation (D2) stage of hosted eclogites/HP amphibolites within a lateral strike-slip zone.     

Neoproterozoic to Early-Palaeozoic magmatic evolution in the Gondwana-derived Austroalpine basement to the south of the Tauern Window (Eastern Alps)

In the Austroalpine Basement to the south of the Tauern Window, distinct suites of metabasites occur with orthogneisses in pre-Early-Ordovician units. Tholeiitic and alkaline within-plate basalt-type metabasites are associated with acid meta-porphyroids in the post-Early-Ordovician Thurntaler Phyllite Group. According to their correlated trace element abundances, metabasite zircons crystallized with their host rocks. Protolith Pb–Pb zircon ages, whole-rock Ta/Yb–Th/Yb and oxygen, Sr, Nd isotope data define two principal evolution lines. An older evolution at elevated Th/Yb typical of subduction-related magmatism, started by 590-Ma N-MORB-type and 550–530 Ma volcanic arc basalt type basic suites, which mainly involved depleted mantle sources. It finished with mainly crustal-source 470–450-Ma acid magmatites. An other evolution line by tholeiitic and 430-Ma alkaline within-plate basalt-type suites in both pre- and post-Early-Ordovician units is characterized by an intraplate mantle metasomatism and enrichment trend along multicomponent sources. These magmatic evolution lines can be related to a plate tectonic scenario that involved terranes in a progressively mature Neoproterozoic to Ordovician active margin, and a subsequent Palaeo-Tethys passive margin along the north Gondwanan periphery.     

Uranium-lead isotopic evidence from zircons for lower Palaeozoic tectonic activity in the Austroalpine Nappe,the Eastern Alps

U/Pb isotopic data for two zircon suites are presented:

1. a pre D ₁ tonalite gneiss gives an age of 443 ± ₁₆ ¹³ m.y.
2. a post D ₁ leucogranite gneiss gives 427 ± ₁₁ ¹⁰ m.y.

Both zircon suites contain a minor inherited pre-Cambrian component. The data confirm a lower Palaeozoic age for the major, fabric-forming D ₁ event. Hercynian metamorphism which was sufficient to reset muscovite K/Ar ages to ca. 290 m.y. had little effect on the zircons. The possible importance of lower Palaeozoic orogeny in southern Europe and the uncertainties in regional palaeogeography are emphasised.     

Coupling forward modelling of garnet growth with monazite geochronology: an application to the Rappold Complex (Austroalpine crystalline basement)

Results from forward modelling of garnet growth and U–Th–Pb chemical dating suggest three periods of metamorphism that affected metapelitic rocks of the Rappold Complex (Eastern European Alps). Garnet first grew during Barrovian-type metamorphism, possibly during the Carboniferous Variscan orogeny. The second period of metamorphism produced monazite and resulted in minor garnet growth in some samples. Variable garnet growth was controlled by changes to the effective bulk rock composition resulting from resorption of older garnet porphyroblasts. Monazite crystals have variable morphology, textures and composition, but all yield Permian ages (267 ± 12 to 274 ± 17 Ma). In samples in which there was Permian garnet growth, monazite forms isolated and randomly distributed grains. In other samples, monazite formed pseudomorphous clusters after allanite. This difference is attributed to higher transport rates of monazite-forming elements in samples which underwent dehydration reactions during renewed garnet growth. The third and final period of garnet growth took place during Eo-Alpine (Cretaceous) metamorphism. Garnet of this age displays a wart-like texture. This may reflect transport-limited growth, possibly as a result of repeated dehydration during polyphase metamorphism.     

The evolution of the polymetamorphic basement in the Central Alps unravelled by precise U−Pb zircon dating

The U–Pb age determinations of zircon and rutile from the Aar massif reveal a complex evolution of the Central Alpine basement. The oldest components are found in zircons of metasediments, which bear cores of Archean age; the U–Pb age of discordant prismatic zircons of the same rocks ranges between 580 and 680 Ma, an age that is typical for Pan-African metamorphism. The zircons are interpreted as Pan-African detritus with Archean inheritance. The provenance region of the Pan-African zircons is assumed to be a terrane of Gondwana-affinity, i.e. the W. African craton or the Pentevrian microplate. The Caledonian metamorphism left a pervasive structural imprint in amphibolite facies on the rocks of the Aar massif; it is dated at 456±2 and 445 Ma by zircons of a layered migmatitic gneiss and a migmatitic leucosome, respectively, both occurring in the northernmost zones of the massif. Hercynian metamorphism never exceeded greenschist-facies conditions and is recorded by zircon in a garnet-amphibolite and by rutile in a meta-psammite that yield an age of 330 Ma. Both zircon and rutile are considered to be products of retrograde mineral reactions and therefore do not date the peak conditions of Hercynian metamorphism. The Gastern granite at the western end of the Aar massif is a contaminated granite that intruded at 303±4 Ma, contemporaneously with the wide-spread late Hercynian post-collisional I-type magmatism. The study demonstrates the potential of isotope dilution U–Pb dating of single grains and microfractions in deciphering complex evolutionary histories of polymetamorphic terrains.     

Geochemistry of polymetamorphic ultramafics (Major,Trace, Noble and Rare Earth Elements): An example from the Helvetic basement,Central Alps,Switzerland

Summary Polymetamorphic ultramafic rocks in orogenic terranes rarely preserve relic structures or minerals from their former mantle stages. The determination of their protoliths and their tectonic evolution by chemical discrimination methods is often difficult due to possible metasomatic processes. Ultramafics of the pre-Variscan Helvetic basement (Central Alps, Switzerland) have been investigated geochemically to address these problems. These ultramafics are partially to completely serpentinised. According to field observations several ultramafic lenses were part of an ophiolite suite, but distinct cumulate ultramafic lenses were also recognized. CIPW norms indicate that large parts of the ultramafics are harzburgites, but metasomatic CaO depletion may have produced an overestimation of the importance of the harzburgite protoliths. Major element distributions suggest a depleted mantle protolith. Close to chondritic or slightly depleted REE patterns are characteristics of the studied samples. The REE normalized patterns confirm the presence of harzburgites, lherzolites und cumulates. In some samples light REE enrichment processes have occurred. The noble metal concentrations are both affected (Pt-Pd-Au) und unaffected (Ir-Os-Ru) by melt infiltration processes. They suggest the presence of undepleted or slightly enriched harzburgites und more differentiated, probably cumulate ultramafics. Information obtained by different chemical elements leads to contrasting results. REE and noble metals show enrichment inconsistent with the major element depletion. Refertilization of depleted ultramafics is proposed.

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Geochemie von polymetamorphen Ultramafiten (Haupt-, Spuren-Elemente, Edelmetalle und Seltene Erden): Ein Beispiel vom Helvetischen Grundgebirge (Zentralalpen, Schweiz)

Zusarnmenfassung Ultramafische Gesteine aus polymetamorphen orogenetischen Terrains enthalten selten Strukturen und Mineralien als Relikte aus ihren Mantelstadien. Bestimmung ihrer Protolithe und deren tektonischen Entwicklung durch geochemische Parameter wird durch metasomatische Prozesse erschwert. Ultramafite aus dem prävariszischen Sockel der Schweizer Zentralalpen wurden geochemisch untersucht, um die Aussagekraft dieser Parameter zu bestimmen. Die untersuchten Gesteine sind teilweise bis völlig serpentinisiert. Aufgrund der Felduntersuchungen wurden die Ultramafite als Teile einer ophiolithischen Suite klassifiziert, aber ultramafische Kumulate anderer Entstehungsgeschichte konnten unterschieden wurden. CIPW-Norm Berechnungen zeigen, daß Harzburgite den größten Anteil der Proben ausmachen, aber metasomatische Abreicherung an Caokönnte die Bedeutung der Harzburgite als Protolithe überbewerten. Haupt- und Spurenelemente weisen auf einen abgereicherten Mantel als Ausgangsgesteinhin. Fast chondritische bzw. leicht abgereicherte Seltene Erden verteilungsmuster sind charakteristisch. Sic belegen auch die harzburgitische, lherzolithische bzw. kumulative Natur der untersuchten Gesteine. Die Edelmetallkonzentrationen sind teilweise primär (Ir, Os, Ru) sowie beeinflußt durch Schmelzinfiltrationen (Pr, Pd und Au). Die Verteilungsmuster der Edelmetalle bezeugen die Natur des abgereicherten Mantels sowie die Gegenwart von höher differenzierten—vermutlich kumulativen—Gesteinen. Die Hinweise aus den geochemischen Untersuchungen führen zu konsistenten Ergebnissen. Die Anreicherung der Seltenen Erden und Edelmetalle ist mit der verarmten Signatur der Hauptelemente nicht vereinbar, daher wird eine sekundäre Elementanreicherung durch Schmelzinfiltration der Ultramafite vorgeschlagen.

     

Glaucophane and pyroxene breakdown reactions in the Pennine units of the Eastern Alps

Abstract New occurrences of crossite and jadeitic pyroxene are described from a thick metabasite unit within the upper levels of the Peripheral Schieferhülle in the Tauern Window, Austria. Unusual textures are preserved which provide evidence for the reactions and mechanisms involved in the breakdown of crossite and jadeitic pyroxene. Zones of albite and chlorite, produced by reaction between crossite and paragonite, have been preserved due to sluggish reaction kinetics during decompression from the blueschist to the greenschist facies. The zonal sequence is interpreted in terms of chemical potential gradients in Na, Mg and Al, which have been established by overstepping the equilibrium boundary. Breakdown textures of jadeite-acmite pyroxene to a symplectite of albite + hematite + actinolite, and of crossite to talc and actinolite are also described.
The occurrence of crossite and jadeitic pyroxene at high levels within the Peripheral Schieferhülle implies that even upper levels of the structural sequence have undergone blueschist facies metamorphism with pressures in excess of 8 kbar during the Alpine collisional event.     

Staurolite in garnet amphibolite from Sölden, Ötztal old crystalline basement,Austria

Summary Textural and compositional relations of coexisting staurolite, hornblende, garnet and kyanite in a garnet amphibolite of undoubted igneous origin are reported. The bulk chemistry of the staurolite bearing rock is determined and compared with the composition of those amphibolites of the same locality, which contain no staurolite. The important difference seems to be the CaO-content. The staurolite bearing rock has 24.41 molecular percent CaO whereas the neighbouring amphibolites have a higher value ranging from 27 to 31 molecular percent. The Mg-value (100 Mg/Mg+Fe) of the analysed staurolite is 31.77, similar to the staurolite analysis 41001 ofGibson (1978), thus probably indicating the similarity of the host rocks. This study unequivocally demonstrates the formation of staurolite in metabasic rocks as has been reported byGibson (1978).

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Staurolith im Granatamphibolit von Sölden, Ötztaler Altkristallin, Österreich

Zusammenfassung In einem Granatamphibolit eindeutig magmatischen Ursprungs werden Gefüge und Zusammensetzung der Paragenese Staurolith-Homblende-Granat-Disthen beschrieben. Der Pauschalchemismus dieses Gesteins wird mit dem der Nachbargesteine ohne Staurolithe verglichen, dabei wirkt sich der Hauptunterschied im Gehalt von CaO aus, der im Gestein mit Staurolith 24.42 Mol.-% CaO beträgt, während die Nachbargesteine einen deutlich höheren (27–31%) Gehalt haben. Der Mg-Gehalt (100 Mg/Mg+Fe) der Staurolithe beträgt 31.77 und ist somit ähnlich dem Wert vonGibson (1978), wodurch die Ähnlichkeit des Vorkommens belegt wird In der vorlieenden Arbeit wird die metamorphe Bildung von Staurolithe in einem Metabasit, wie bereits vonGibson (1978) beschneben eindeutig belegt.

     

Eoalpine tectonics of the Eastern Alps: implications from the evolution of monometamorphic Austroalpine units (Schneeberg and Radenthein Complex)

Monometamorphic metasediments of Paleozoic or Mesozoic age constituting Schneeberg and Radenthein Complex experienced coherent deformation and metamorphism during Late Cretaceous times. Both complexes are part of the Eoalpine high-pressure wedge that formed an intracontinental suture and occur between the polymetamorphosed Ötztal–Bundschuh nappe system on top and the Texel–Millstatt Complex below. During Eoalpine orogeny Schneeberg and Radenthein Complexes were south-dipping and they experienced a common tectonometamorphic history from ca. 115 Ma onwards until unroofing of the Tauern Window in Miocene times. This evolution is subdivided into four distinct tectonometamorphic phases. Deformation stage D1 is characterized by WNW-directed shearing at high temperature conditions (550–600°C) and related to the initial exhumation of the high-pressure wedge. D2 and D3 are largely coaxial and evolved during high- to medium-temperature conditions (ca. 450 to ≥550°C). These stages are related to advanced exhumation and associated with large-scale folding of the high-pressure wedge including the Ötztal-Bundschuh nappe system above and the Texel–Millstatt Complex below. For the area west of the Tauern Window, F2/F3 fold interference results in the formation of large-scale sheath-folds in the frontal part of the nappe stack (formerly called “Schlingentektonik” by previous authors). Earlier thrusts were reactivated during Late Cretaceous normal faulting at the base of the Ötztal–Bundschuh nappe system and its cover. Deformation stage D4 is of Oligo-Miocene age and accounted for tilting of individual basement blocks along large-scale strike-slip shear zones. This tilting phase resulted from indentation of the Southern Alps accompanied by the formation of the Tauern Window.     

Relics of eclogite facies metamorphism in the Austroalpine basement,Hochgrössen (Speik complex), Austria

Summary Retrograde eclogites and serpentinites from the Hochgr?ssen massif, Styria, are parts of the Speik complex in the Austroalpine basement nappes of the Eastern Alps. They are in tectonic contact with pre-Alpine gneisses, amphibolites, and Permo-Triassic quartz phyllites (Rannach Series). The eclogites are derived from ocean-floor basalts with affinities to mid-ocean ridge and back-arc basin basalts. Fresh eclogites are rare and contain omphacite with a maximum of 39 mol% jadeite content, garnet (Py_15–19) and amphibole. Retrograde eclogites consist of amphibole and symplectites of Na-poor clinopyroxene (5–8 mol% Jd) + albite ± amphibole. Amphiboles are classified as edenite, pargasite, tschermakite, magnesiohornblende and actinolite. In relatively fresh eclogite, edenite is a common amphibole and texturally coexists with omphacite and garnet. An average temperature of 700 °C was obtained for eclogite facies metamorphism using garnet-pyroxene thermometry. A minimum pressure of 1.5 GPa is indicated by the maximum jadeite content in omphacite. Thermobarometric calculations using the TWEEQ program for amphibole in textural equilibrium with omphacite and garnet give pressures of 1.8–2.2 GPa at 700 °C. The equilibrium assemblage of Na-poor clinopyroxene, albite, amphibole and zoisite in the symplectites gives a pressure of about 0.6–0.8 GPa at 590–640 °C. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar radiometric dating of edenitic amphibole in textural equilibrium with omphacite gave a plateau age of 397.3 ± 7.8 Ma, and probably indicates retrograde cooling through the closure temperature for amphibole (∼500 °C). The age of the high-pressure metamorphism thus must be pre-Variscan and points to one of the earliest metamorphic events in the Austroalpine nappes known to date. Received June 11, 2000; revised version accepted January 2, 2001     

Evidence for Jurassic subduction from the Northern Calcareous Alps (Berchtesgaden; Austroalpine,Germany)

The closure of the western part of the Neotethys Ocean started in late Early Jurassic. The Middle to early Late Jurassic contraction is documented in the Berchtesgaden Alps by the migration of trench-like basins formed in front of a propagating thrust belt. Due to ophiolite obduction these basins propagated from the outer shelf area (=Hallstatt realm) to the interior continent (=Hauptdolomit/Dachstein platform realm). The basins were separated by nappe fronts forming structural highs. This scenario mirrors syn-orogenic erosion and deposition in an evolving thrust belt. Active basin formation and nappe thrusting ended around the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary, followed by the onset of carbonate platforms on structural highs. Starved basins remained between the platforms. Rapid deepening around the Early/Late Tithonian boundary was induced by extension due to mountain uplift and resulted in the reconfiguration of the platforms and basins. Erosion of the uplifted nappe stack including obducted ophiolites resulted in increased sediment supply into the basins and final drowning and demise of the platforms in the Berriasian. The remaining Early Cretaceous foreland basins were filled up by sediments including siliciclastics. The described Jurassic to Early Cretaceous history of the Northern Calcareous Alps accords with the history of the Western Carpathians, the Dinarides, and the Albanides, where (1) age dating of the metamorphic soles prove late Early to Middle Jurassic inneroceanic thrusting followed by late Middle to early Late Jurassic ophiolite obduction, (2) Kimmeridgian to Tithonian shallow-water platforms formed on top of the obducted ophiolites, and (3) latest Jurassic to Early Cretaceous sediments show postorogenic character.     

Differences between Southalpine and Austroalpine quartzphyllite complexes Eastern Alps: results from zircon chemical compositions and Pb/Pb dating

We applied the zircon evaporation method and zircon typological and compositional studies to detrital-zircon populations of quartzphyllite complexes of the Eastern Alps, including the Southalpine (Vetriolo and Recoaro) and the Austroalpine (Goldeck, Gailtal, and Thurntaler) complexes. Combined zircon morphology and geochemical and geochronological analyses (single-zircon evaporation technique) provided significant constraints for the age of the studied protoliths. The morphological study points out that zircons from Austroalpine and Southalpine quartzphyllites show substantial differences in terms of shape, colour, size, type of inclusions, cracks, and turbidity. Electron microprobe analyses (Si, Zr, Hf, P: HREE) indicate homogeneous compositions, suggesting common source areas characterized by granitoid rocks, whereas typology indicates the existence of two distinct groups. Zircon ages from the quartzphyllites are rather different, those from Austroalpine samples being younger than Southalpine ones. Pb–Pb zircon ages define two principal evolutionary sequences. The Austroalpine complexes are characterized by an older evolution typical of subduction-related magmatism. This started by 598 Ma N-MORB-type, mainly involving depleted mantle sources, and finished with 379–341 Ma acid suites typical of a crustal source. Southalpine complexes zircon ages show an evolution characterized by tholeiitic and 473 Ma alkaline within-plate basalt-type suites in both pre- and post-Early Ordovician units. It involved intraplate mantle metasomatism and an enrichment trend along multicomponent sources. These magmatic evolution lines can be related to a plate-tectonic scenario that involved terrane accretion in a progressively mature Neoproterozoic to Ordovician active margin and a subsequent Palaeo-Tethys passive margin along the north Gondwanan periphery.     

Reversal of Fe-Mg Partitioning Between Garnet and Staurolite in Eclogite-facies Metapelites from the Champtoceaux Nappe (Brittany, France)

This paper concentrates on the petrology of eclogite-faciesmetapelites and, particularly, the significance of staurolitein these rocks. A natural example of staurolite-bearing eclogitic micaschistsfrom the Champtoceaux nappe (Brittany, France) is first described.The Champtoceaux metapelites present, in addition to quartz,phengite, and rutile, two successive parageneses: (1) chloritoid+staurolite+garnetcores, and (2) garnet rims+kyanite?chloritoid. Detailed microprobe analyses show that garnet and chloritoidevolve towards more magnesian compositions and that stauroliteis more Fe-rich than coexisting garnet. A comparison of thestudied rocks with other known occurrences of eclogitic metapelitesshows that whereas staurolite is always more Fe-rich than garnetin high-pressure eclogites, the reverse is true in low- to medium-pressuremicaschists. Phase relations between garnet, staurolite, chloritoid, biotite,and chlorite are analysed in the KFMASH system (with excessquartz, phengite, rutile, and H₂O). The topology of univariantreactions is depicted for a normal and a reverse Fe-Mg partitioningbetween garnet and staurolite. Mineral compositional changesare also predicted for varying bulk-rock chemistries. In the studied micaschists, the zonal arrangement of garnetinclusions and the progressive compositional changes of ferromagnesianphases record part of the prograde P–T path, before theattainment of ‘peak’ metamorphic conditions (atabout 65O–7OO?C, 18–20 kb). The retrograde path,which records the uplift of the Champtoceaux nappe, occurs underdecreasing temperatures.     

Some thoughts on the pre-Alpine metamorphic history of the austridic basement of the Eastern Alps

Summary In several places of the old crystalline basement of the Eastern Alps a classification of the pre-Alpine metamorphic effects into an older, high-to intermediate-pressure metamorphism (eclogites, kyanite) and a younger, lower-pressure one (and±ky±cord) is recognizable. Some local geological situations allow a sharp chronological distinction to be made between these two events; and the available radiometric age values demonstrate the Caledonian age (500 m.y.) of the older metamorphism and the Hercynian age (320 m.y.) of the younger one. Elements exist showing that the Caledonian metamorphism, belongs to a complex cycle of geological processes which took place substantially during the Ordivician age (?) and has all the ingredients of the orogenic cycles. This evolutional picture represents a possible model for the whole of the Eastern Alps.

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Überlegungen zur Entwicklung der voralpidischen Metamorphose im Ostalpin

Zusammenfassung An mehreren Stellen im altkristallinen Grundebirge der Ostalpen ist eine Gliederung der voralpidischen metamorphen Ereignisse in eine ältere Metamorphose, die einer hoch-bis mitteldruckbetonten Faziesserie (Eklogite, Disthen) angehört und eine jüngere weniger druckbetonte Metamorphose (Andalusit±Disthen±Cordierit) erkennbar. Einzelne lokale geologische Situationen erlauben eine scharfe chronologische Trennung dieser zwei Ereignisse; das Caledonische Alter ( 500m.y.) der älteren und das Hercynische Alter ( 320 m.y.) der jüngeren Metamorphose wird durch radiometrische Altersdaten demonstriert. Es gibt Hinweise, daß die Caledonische Metamorphose zu einem komplexen geologischen Ereignis mit allen Kennzeichen eines orogenen Zyklusses gehört, das im wesentlichen während des Ordoviziums stattgefunden hat. Diese genetischen Vorstellungen scheinen als mögliches Modell für die gesamten Ostalpen annehmbar.

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With 3 Figures     

Li-bearing, disordered Mg-rich tourmaline from a pegmatite-marble contact in the Austroalpine basement units (Styria, Austria)

Pale-blue to pale-green tourmalines from the contact zone of Permian pegmatites to mica schists and marbles from different localities of the Austroalpine basement units (Rappold Complex) in Styria, Austria, are characterized. All these Mg-rich tourmalines have small but significant Li contents, up to 0.29 wt% Li₂O, and can be characterized as dravite, with FeO contents of ?~?0.9–2.7 wt%. Their chemical composition varies from ^X (Na_0.67Ca_0.19?K_0.02?_0.12) ^Y (Mg_1.26Al_0.97Fe²⁺ _0.36Li_0.19Ti⁴⁺ _0.06Zn_0.01?_0.15) ^Z (Al_5.31?Mg_0.69) (BO₃)₃ Si₆O₁₈ ^V (OH)₃? ^W [F_0.66(OH)_0.34], with a?=?15.9220(3), c?=?7.1732(2) Å to ^X (Na_0.67Ca_0.24?K_0.02?_0.07) ^Y (Mg_1.83Al_0.88Fe²⁺ _0.20Li_0.08Zn_0.01Ti⁴⁺ _0.01?_0.09) ^Z (Al_5.25?Mg_0.75) (BO₃)₃ Si₆O₁₈ ^V (OH)₃? ^W [F_0.87(OH)_0.13], with a?=?15.9354(4), c?=?7.1934(4) Å, and they show a significant Al-Mg disorder between the Y and the Z sites (R1?=?0.013–0.015). There is a positive correlation between the Ca content and?<?Y-O?>?distance for all investigated tourmalines (r?≈?1.00), which may reflect short-range order configurations including Ca and Fe²⁺, Mg, and Li. The tourmalines have X_Mg (X_Mg?=?Mg/Mg?+?Fe_total) values in the range 0.84–0.95. The REE patterns show more or less pronounced negative Eu and positive Yb anomalies. In comparison to tourmalines from highly-evolved pegmatites, the tourmaline samples from the border zone of the pegmatites of the Rappold Complex contain relatively low amounts of total REE (~8–36 ppm) and Th (0.1–1.8 ppm) and have low La_N/Yb_N ratios. There is a positive correlation (r?≈?0.91) between MgO of the tourmalines and the MgO contents of the surrounding mica schists. We conclude that the pegmatites formed by anatectic melting of mica schists and paragneisses in Permian time. The tourmalines crystallized from the pegmatitic melt, influenced by the metacarbonate and metapelitic host rocks.