Stable Isotope Investigations on the Granulite Facies Terrains of Brazil: A Review

Stable isotope data from three areas in the granulite facies terrains of Brazil are assembled and discussed. All the three areas (Jequié, Guaxupé and São José do Rio Pardo) are from the São Francisco Craton. The carbon isotope composition of the fluid inclusion CO₂ in the Archean granulite terrain of Jequié indicate the participation of two distinct sources, an upper mantle source and an internal source of Archean organic matter. The isotope data may be interpreted in terms of the granulite genesis due to the intrusion of magma in the lower crust. The singularly uniform carbon isotope data for CO₂ fluid inclusion of plutonic granulites is a clear indication of the magmatic addition of CO₂-rich volatiles from deeper crustal sources. In the São José do Rio Pardo area sulfur and carbon isotope data of scapolites from the granulites imply the derivation of volatiles from internal sources. The whole rock oxygen isotope data of the amphibolite and granulite facies gneisses from Guaxupé indicate a small scale variation of d¹⁸O values, compatible with the chemical data, suggesting the preservation of pre-metamorphic oxygen isotope composition. The isotope data of the granulites from São Francisco Craton indicate non-pervasive fluid flow during metamorphism.     

Archean granulite gneisses from eastern Hebei Province,China: rare earth geochemistry and tectonic implications

The granulite gneisses and their retrograded products of the Qianxi Group from eastern Hebei Province, China, have been investigated for their isotope and trace element geochemistry. A consistent age of about 2.5 AE has been obtained by the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd whole-rock isochron methods, in agreement with the zircon U-Pb data (Pidgeon 1980; D.Y. Liu, unpubl.). Geochemical arguments from initial isotopic ratios (I_Sr and I_Nd) and elemental distribution patterns have led us to conclude that this age of about 2.5 AE represents the time of granulite facies metamorphism, which must have followed closely the primary emplacement of their protoliths. Previous claims for early Archean ages (>3.5 AE) of these granulites are not substantiated. The mineral isotope systematics register an important thermal event at about 1.7 AE, roughly corresponding to the time of the widespread Luliang Orogeny (Ma and Wu 1981) or Chungtiao Movement (Huang 1978).The granulites of the Qianxi Group have diverse compositions ranging from ultrabasic through basic-intermediate to acid. Discriminant function calculations suggest that most analyzed samples have igneous parentage. Only a few show characteristics of metasedimentary rocks. The igneous protoliths apparently belong to two series — tholeiitic and calc-alkaline, with the latter dominating in abundance. The majority of the acid granulites have compositions corresponding to tonalite-granodiorite.Except for ultrabasic and metasedimentary rocks, all REE patterns are significantly fractionated with LREE enrichment. The degree of fractionation, as measured by the (La/Yb)_N ratios, is most important in the acid granulites. These rocks often show positive Eu anomalies and HREE depletions that are typical of Archean TTG rocks (tonalitetrondhjemite-granodiorite).The existence of komatiites has been previously reported in this region. Although a few rocks have a major element chemistry similar to that for peridotitic komatiites, the lack of associated members in a komatiitic series and the scarcity of REE data have not confirmed the true komatiite occurrence in this region.Many Qianxi granulites are highly depleted in Rb relative to K and Sr. This preferential Rb depletion during granulite facies metamorphism has led to very high K/Rb and very low Rb/Sr ratios. The most comparable case is found in Lewisian granulites.Although the fractionated REE patterns of the basic granulites somewhat resemble those of continental flood basalts, the highly different abundances in other incompatible elements (Ti, Zr, and Ba) readily distinguish them from each other. Nevertheless, the LREE enriched patterns of the basic granulites may suggest an origin of their protoliths by partial melting of LREE-enriched mantle sources. On the other hand, the REE patterns of acid granulites suggest that their protoliths could be derived by partial melting of quartz eclogite, amphibolite or basic granulite.The close time relationship for a series of geologic events, namely, from initial melting of mantle peridotites, through fractional crystallisation of basaltic magmas, to granulite facies metamorphism, seems to occur in many granulite terrains. This relationship, together with the juxtaposition of lithologies of different origins and the exceptionally high pressure conditions (>10 Kb) can be best explained by crustal underplating combined with intracrustal thin-skinned thrusting and stacking of crustal slices. The andesitic or island arc model for the formation of the lower continental crust is not in good agreement with the present geochemical data.     

Elastic properties of granulite facies rocks of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Compressional and shear wave velocities and attenuation measurements have been carried out in some of the borehole samples of acidic, basic and intermediate granulites of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. The results have been obtained at ambient conditions using ‘time-of-flight’ pulse transmission technique at 1.0 MHz frequency. The results show linear relationships between velocity and density, and velocity and attenuation properties of the rocks. The acidic granulites show lower velocities and higher attenuation than the intermediate and basic granulites. The average values of the Poisson’s ratio of acidic, intermediate and basic granulites have been found to be 0.210, 0.241 and 0.279 respectively. The variations in velocities and attenuation in these low porosity crystalline rocks are found to be strongly influenced by their mineral composition. The laboratory velocity data (extrapolated to high pressure) of the present study and the published field velocity data from deep seismic sounding studies indicate that these granulite facies rocks may belong to mid-crustal depths only.     

The Juiz De Fora Granulite Complex of the Central Ribeira Belt, SE Brazil: A Paleoproterozoic Crustal Segment Thrust During the Pan-African Orogeny

The granulites of the Juiz de Fora complex occur within thick basement thrust slices associated with the Pan-African shortening process in the central segment of the Ribeira belt. Five lithological units of the Intermediate tectonic domain of the belt can be identified on the basis of detailed geological mapping: a) orthogranulites, b) orthogneisses; c) kinzigite; d) intrusive garnet charnockite and e) amphibolite facies metasediments of probable Meso to Neoproterozoic age, correlated to the cover of the belt. Petrological data indicate high temperatures and intermediate to low lithostatic pressure conditions for the Paleoproterozoic granulite facies metamorphism. Textures and CO₂-rich fluid inclusions are probably related to an IBC path. Geochemical data do not show relevant compositional change as a result of the granulite metamorphism. Two calc-alkaline suites and tholeiitic to alkaline basic rocks can be related to compressional and extensional settings, respectively. The overall composition of the granulites, the lack of substantial LILE depletion as well as the composition of the fluid inclusion points to granulitization process driven by CO₂-rich fluids. Orthogranulites gave rise to banded gneisses as a result of the Pan-African retrograde metamorphism and intense deformation. The U and Th depletion detected in few rocks is possibly related with the hydrated conditions of the retrograde reactions.     

Rare earth elements in high-grade metamorphic rocks from the western Alps

A sequence of amphibolite to granulite facies metasedimentary and mafic metaigneous rocks from the western Italian Alps has been analysed for rare earth elements (REE). In this sequence, the metasedimentary granulites have probably been affected by a melting event while the metaigneous granulites remained unaffected. Metasedimentary granulites have a less fractionated chondrite-normalized REE pattern than equivalent amphibolite facies rocks. The granulites tend to have a higher content of heavy REE and lower abundances of light REE (LREE). The leucosomes of migmatitic granulites have lower REE content than the melanocratic bands and both these rock types have variable relative abundances of Eu. The mafic granulites have LREE enriched patterns while the amphibolites are slightly depleted in LREE. The differences between the mafic granulites and amphibolites are probably of pre-metamorphic origin.     

A Clinopyroxene-Orthopyroxene-Plagioclase Symplectite Formed by Garnet Breakdown in Granulite Facies, Guaxupé, Minas Gerais, Brazil

In mafic granulites, garnet can form by reactions such as Opx + Pl = Cpx + Grt + Qtz; Opx + Pl = Grt + Qtz. As a result of isothermal decompression (ITD), garnet can then break down to a characteristic orthopyroxene-plagioclase symplectite. Mafic, iron-rich garnet-pyroxene granulite from the Guaxupé Massif has symplectite that formed by near-isothermal decompression, as a consequence of uplift of the granulite facies terrane. This symplectite was found to consist of vermicular clinopyroxene-orthopyroxene-plagioclase, with clinopyroxene clearly growing from the garnet that is breaking down, modal amounts of clinopyroxene being less than orthopyroxene. Electron probe analyses show clear differences between core (Cpx₁), rim, and symplectite clinopyroxene (Cpx₂). Considering also the presence of magnetite in the symplectite texture, garnet breakdown is thought to be better represented by a reaction such as Cpx₁ + Grt + O₂ = Cpx₂ + Opx + Pl +Mt + Qtz.     

Metamorphic evolution of the Río Santa Rosa Granulites,northern Sierra de Comechingones,Argentina

Highly anhydrous granulites from Río Santa Rosa in the eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina occur as a thick lens surrounded by melt-depleted migmatites. Grt–Crd granulite composed of Qtz+Pl+Grt+Crd+Ilm±Spl±Ath±Phl is the dominant rock, whereas Opx–Grt granulite appears as discontinuous lenses in the center of the granulite body. Grt–Crd granulite includes blocks of metabasite that are relics of refractory lithologic beds interlayered in the supracrustal sequence. A distinct assemblage composed of Qtz, Pl, Grt, Crd, Opx, Spl, Crn, Sil, Bt, Phl, Ath, and Fe–Ti oxides in different combinations was generated in a reaction zone between Grt–Crd granulites and metabasites at peak metamorphism (850–900 °C and 7.6±0.5 kbar). The P–T trajectory of Grt–Crd granulites suggests an early prograde garnet-forming stage followed by nearly isothermal decompression that caused garnet breakdown. Melting and melt draining accompanying garnet growth was active during heating (to 900 °C) at intermediate pressures (∼7.6 kbar). Peak P–T estimates for Opx–Grt granulites are similar to those obtained with Grt–Crd granulites, which indicates that both granulites passed through the highest thermal stage. These results constrain the late evolution of Opx–Grt granulite to a garnet-consuming stage. Furthermore, they imply that garnet formation in Opx–Grt granulite happened at an early prograde P–T trajectory. Garnet growth in Opx–Grt granulite cannot result from heating at high pressure, which would lead to an apparent contradiction in the prograde P–T paths of the two granulites. This discrepancy may be solved by demonstrating that Opx–Grt granulite is the product of synmetamorphic mafic magmatism that was contaminated while cooling. The Río Santa Rosa granulites are inferred to have formed in a thickened crust in which mafic magmatic activity providing a local heat input.     

塔里木盆地东南缘安南坝地区镁铁质麻粒岩的成因——来自地球化学及Sr-Nd-Pb同位素的制约

甘肃阿克塞县安南坝地区镁铁质麻粒岩呈脉状、透镜状赋存于新太古代米兰岩群和TTG片麻岩中。岩石主要由斜长石(Pl)+斜方辉石(Opx)+单斜辉石(Cpx)+角闪石(Amp)+磁铁矿(Mt)等组成。安南坝镁铁质麻粒岩中Ti、P、Nb、Ta、Th、Hf、Sr及REE等元素与Zr相关性较好,表明其在变质作用过程中保持基本稳定。地球化学数据显示其原岩属于拉斑玄武质岩系列,Si O_2、Ti O_2、Al_2O_3、P_2O_5含量相对较低,Ca O、Mg O含量相对较高。Mg~#值为41.52~43.09,低于原生玄武质岩石的Mg~#值,Fe_2O_3~T、Mg O、Ca O与Si O_2含量呈负相关性,指示原岩岩浆演化过程中可能发生了辉石、角闪石等镁铁质矿物的分异结晶作用。镁铁质麻粒岩∑REE较低,稀土元素配分模式为轻稀土元素弱富集、重稀土元素相对平坦的右倾型,Eu异常不明显(Eu/Eu~*=0.91~1.01)。岩石富集Rb、Ba、Sr等大离子亲石元素,亏损Nb、Ta、Zr、Ti等高场强元素,具有显生宙典型岛弧玄武质岩石的地球化学特征。Sr、Nd、Pb同位素组成显示镁铁质麻粒岩原岩源自富集地幔,并受到一定程度的地壳物质混染。构造环境分析表明安南坝镁铁质麻粒岩原岩形成于与俯冲有关的岛弧环境。在俯冲作用机制下,俯冲板片流体交代使地幔楔发生富集,形成富集地幔,随着(弧后)伸展作用的加强,进一步诱发富集地幔的部分熔融形成镁铁质岩浆,最终岩浆就位形成辉长岩或辉绿岩脉,后期在麻粒岩相变质作用条件下变质为镁铁质麻粒岩。     

Rare-earth element geochemistry of Madras granulites

Archaean granulites from the type charnockite locality of Pallavaram, Madras City, Tamil Nadu, southern India consist of a bimodal suite of basic and silicic orthogneisses, associated with metasedimentary gneisses (khondalites). Charnockite is the dominant rock type. Basic granulites display a tholeiitic trend of strong iron enrichment accompanied by an increase in the concentration of the rare earth elements (REE), and the development of appreciable negative europium anomalies. These trends are considered to reflect low pressure fractional crystallisation of pyroxene-plagioclase assemblages under conditions of lowf _{O 2}. Ultramafic granulites may represent the cumulus material of such a process. The silicic granulites (charnockites) are generally K₂O rich and in marked contrast to the low K₂O (tonalitic) silicic gneisses which dominate most granulite facies terrains. Their REE abundances, however, embrace the complete range of patterns observed in both K-rich and K-poor Archaean gneisses. The presence of a large number of pre-granulite facies potassic pegmatites in the area suggests metasomatism of an originally less potassic suite of rocks. Trace element considerations lead to a model whereby metasomatism and partial fusion of silicic gneisses in the terrain preceded the granulite facies metamorphic event. This sequence of events is best related to fluctuations in the composition of metamorphic fluids in the lower crust.     

Rare earth element mobility during prograde granulite facies metamorphism: significance of fluorine

 Mafic gneisses occur as lenses or thin layers in spatial association with tonalitic leucosomes in a granulite zone of the Quetico subprovince of the Superior Province, Ontario, Canada, and exhibit concentric zoning with a biotite-rich margin, orthopyroxene-rich outer zone, clinopyroxene-rich central zone, and, occasionally, patches of relict amphibolites within the clinopyroxene-rich zone. The granulites (biotite-, orthopyroxene- and clinopyroxene-rich zones) in the mafic gneisses are characterized by significant amounts of rare earth element (REE)-bearing fluorapatite (1–10 vol.%) and other REE-rich minerals (allanite, monazite and zircon). Fluorapatite shows an increase in modal abundance from the biotite- and orthopyroxene-rich zones to the clinopyroxene-rich zone, but is rare in the relict amphibolites. Textural evidence and element partitioning indicate that fluorapatite (and other REE-rich minerals) was part of the peak metamorphic assemblages. Whole-rock geochemical analyses confirm that the granulites in the mafic gneisses contain anomalously high contents of REE and high field strength elements (HFSE), whereas the relict amphibolites are geochemically typical of tholeiitic basalts. Mass-balance calculations reveal that REE and HFSE were introduced into the mafic gneisses during the prograde granulite facies metamorphism, pointing to REE mobility under granulite facies metamorphic conditions. The presence of high F contents in the REE-rich minerals and their associated minerals (e.g. biotite and hornblende) suggests that REE and HFSE may have been transported as fluoride complexes during the granulite facies metamorphism. This conclusion is supported by previously published results of hydrothermal experiments on the partitioning of REE between fluorapatite and F-rich fluids at 700°C and 2 kbar. Received: 2 May 1995 / Accepted: 28 September 1995     

Geochemical modelling of the tonalitic and trondhjemitic granulites from the Itabuna-Salvador-Curaçá Block,Bahia, Brazil

The studied tonalitic and trondhjemitic granulites are located in the SSE granulitic domain of the São Francisco craton, Bahia, Brazil, where they represent most of the southern part of the Archean and Paleoproterozoic Itabuna-Salvador-Curaçá Block (ISCB). Chemically, the tonalitic and trondhjemitic granulites belong to a low-K calc-alkaline suite; their REE patterns are steep with strong LREE/HREE fractionation and no significant Eu anomaly. Garnet-bearing mafic granulites that occur as enclaves in the tonalitic and trondhjemitic granulites were derived from basalts and/or gabbros of tholeiitic affinity. Geochemical modelling showed that the tonalitic and trondhjemitic granulites were produced by moderate fractional crystallization of an assemblage of hornblende and plagioclase, with subordinate amounts of magnetite, apatite, allanite and zircon. The garnet-bearing mafic granulites would be the source of the magmas that generated these rocks. Partial melting left a residue made up of plagioclase, garnet, orthopyroxene and hornblende.     

Hornblende-dehydration melting in mafic rocks and the link between massif-type charnockite and associated granulites,Eastern Ghats Granulite Belt,India

A massif-type (intrusive) charnockite body in the Eastern Ghats granulite belt, India, is associated with hornblende-bearing mafic granulite, two-pyroxene granulite and enderbitic granulite. The charnockite is characterised by pervasive gneissic foliation (S₁). This is axial planar to the folded layers of hornblende-bearing mafic granulite (F₁ folds), indicating that the granulite protoliths were present before the development of S₁. Two-pyroxene granulite and enderbitic granulite occur as lenticular patches disposed along the foliation and hence could be syngenetic to S₁. The tonalitic to granodioritic, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous compositions and relatively high Sr/Rb of the charnockite are consistent with its derivation by partial melting of a mafic protolith. Strong Y depletion, lack of Sr depletion and strongly fractionated REE patterns with high (La/Yb)_N ratio, but relatively lower HREE (Gd/Lu) fractionation with marked positive Eu anomalies, suggest major residual hornblende (as well as garnet), but not plagioclase, consistent with the hornblende dehydration melting in the source rocks. Such a residual mineralogy is broadly similar to those of some of the hornblende-bearing mafic granulite inclusions, which have compositional features indicative of a restitic nature. Quantitative modelling supports an origin for the charnockite melts by partial melting of a hornblende-rich mafic granulite source, although source heterogeneity is very likely given the rather variable trace element contents of the charnockite. The whole-rock and mineral compositions of the two-pyroxene granulites and enderbitic granulites are consistent with them representing peritectic phase segregations of hornblende-dehydration melting. A clockwise P-T path implies that melting could have occurred in thickened continental crust undergoing decompression.Editorial responsibility: T.L. Grove     

中国与蒙古之地质

东昆仑中部缝合带清水泉一带发育石榴斜长紫苏麻粒岩、紫苏辉石黑云母石榴子石麻粒岩、石榴二辉斜长麻粒岩和石榴单斜辉石麻粒岩,它们与混合岩化黑云母石榴子石变粒岩、黑云母辉石变粒岩、石墨大理岩、含透辉石透闪石大理岩、透辉石大理岩、黑云斜长角闪岩和片麻岩等高级变质岩系以及纯橄岩、辉橄岩、橄长岩、辉长岩、辉绿岩和玄武岩等共同构成蛇绿混杂岩。麻粒岩相变质作用的温压条件为T=760~880℃,p=830~1200MPa,为高温中高压麻粒岩相变质作用,估算其形成深度为40~45km。麻粒岩相变质作用的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb年龄为(507·7±8·3)Ma。清水泉地区蛇绿岩形成于~520Ma,到~508Ma时俯冲至地下40~45km深处而发生中高压麻粒岩相变质作用,然后发生构造折返而剥露至地表。证实了清水泉高级变质岩和基性—超基性岩片是形成于早—中寒武世的蛇绿混杂岩,标志一个古生代早期的非常重要的板块汇聚边界,这对于进一步研究东昆仑造山带构造演化、乃至中国西部大地构造格局具有非常重要的意义。     

Geochronology, petrology and geochemistry of the granulite xenoliths from Nushan, east China: implication for a heterogeneous lower crust beneath the Sino-Korean Craton

The occurrence of both Archean granulite terrains and granulite xenoliths in Cenozoic basalts from the Sino-Korean Craton (SKC) provides an ideal opportunity to define composition and evolution of continental lower crust of eastern China. The granulite xenoliths in Quaternary basanites from Nushan (southeastern SKC) show a basic-intermediate composition that is distinctly different from mafic granulites from Hannuoba (western SKC). They instead resemble the Archean granulite terrains in terms of mineral and whole rock compositions. Trace element modeling suggests that the “protoliths” of the Nushan granulites were likely subjected to fractional crystallization and assimilation of old crustal components. Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb dating shows at least two episodes in the formation of the lower crust at Nushan. The protoliths of the Nushan granulites were most likely formed at ca. 2.5 Ga and metamorphosed at 1.9 Ga. This late Archean crustal growth was followed by Mesozoic (∼140 Ma) basaltic underplating, which was probably coeval with the widespread thermo-tectonic lithospheric reactivation in eastern China. The Nushan granulites are therefore interpreted as dominantly derived from the late Archean crystalline basement and subordinately from the mafic layer that was accreted to the basement during late Mesozoic lithospheric thinning. The consistencies between the depth to seismic Moho and the depth to crust-mantle boundary, and between the calculated V_p (mostly < 7.0 km/s) for granulite xenoliths and the observed velocity structure strongly suggest no obvious high-velocity lowermost crust beneath Nushan and the granulite xenoliths as the dominant components in the lower crust at this locality. The modeled composition of the Nushan lower crust has SiO₂ of ca. 52%, which is more basic than that at Hannuoba (SiO₂ ≈ 58%, Liu et al., 2001). Such a compositional difference, in conjunction with contrasting age and seismic velocity structure of the lower crust at the two localities, highlights two fundamentally distinct tectonic domains in the SKC. The data presented in this study also yield implication for the origin of the compositional difference between granulite xenoliths and terrains.     

Premetamorphic lateritisation in Proterozoic metabasites of Rogaland,SW Norway

Heterogeneous layers of granulite facies metamorphic basites of the Proterozoic supracrustal Faurefjell Formation in Rogaland, S.W. Norway, display an extreme chemical variation. Within a single layer the bulk chemical composition gradually changes from approximately basaltic in basic granulites to alumina-iron-rich in granofelses. Component-ratios and composition-volume relations indicate open-system chemical reactions mainly involving the extraction of silica. Apparent enrichment in Fe, Ti, P, Al, Zr, Ni, Co, Zn, Y, Nb, Hf and REE and variations in resulting metamorphic mineral assemblages are related to premetamorphic progressive lateritisation of a basaltic protolith. The weathering generated a continuous chemical suite from SiO₂=48 wt%, Fe₂O₃=10 wt% and Al₂O₃=19 wt% in the basic granulites to 14 wt%, 40 wt% and 25 wt% in the Fe-Al granofelses. Metasomatism during diagenesis and during (very) high-grade metamorphism (1200–900 Ma) further perturbed the concentrations of relatively mobile elements Ca, Mg, K, Rb, Sr, Ba, Na and Li in the laterites without affecting the transition metal ratios. In particular, the REE did not fractionate differentially during the supracrustal and metasomatic alteration.     

Thermobarometry and Geotectonic Significance of High-Pressure Granulites: Examples from the Moldanubian Zone of the Bohemian Massif in Lower Austria

Petrographic details together with mineral and whole-rock compositiondata are provided for acid-intermediate garnet granulites fromexposed granulite complexes in Lower Austria. Thermobarometricevaluation integrated with available isotopic age data indicatesthe initial equilibration of early Variscan ({small tilde}370Ma) high-pressure granulite assemblages at {small tilde}16 kbarand 1000C and their partial overprinting by retrograde assemblageswhich reflect the blocking of mineral exchange reaction equilibriaat {small tilde}6•5 kbar and 725C during subsequent Variscanuplift and cooling. These calculated P-T estimates, togetherwith general phase equilibria constraints and evidence frompreserved prograde coronitic reaction textures and garnet compositionalzoning profiles, indicate a clockwise P-T-t evolutionary pathof the type expected during crustal thickening in a major platecollision orogen and characterized by near-isothermal decompressionduring initial uplift. Geochemical characterization of the rockprotoliths as calc-alkaline igneous rocks and the high metamorphictemperatures suggest that garnet granulite formation involvedthe subduction of a magmatic arc at a continental plate margin. Reviewed evidence from granulites in the Central European Variscidesruns counter to suggestions by Bohlen (1987, 1991) that high-pressuregranulites are of little regional geotectonic significance incomparison with low- to medium-pressure granulites. The differentevolutionary P-T paths for these two important groups of granulitespoint to formation in contrasting plate settings. However, questionsare raised regarding petrogenetic models for low- to medium-pressuregranulites which have emphasized the importance of magmatic,rather than tectonic, crustal thickening and the recognitionof stabilization along deduced anti-clockwise P-T-t paths characterizedby post-peak near-isobaric cooling. It is suggested here that the reality of stabilization of atleast some low- to medium-pressure granulites in a collisionaltectonic regime may have been concealed either because lower-pressureassemblages have overprinted mineralogical evidence for an earlierhigh-pressure history at deeper crustal levels or through invaliddeduction of near-isobaric cooling trajectories as a resultof the different closure temperatures for the mineral reactionsused to monitor the equilibration temperatures and pressuresin granulites. However, the sequential underthrusting modelfavoured for the tectonometamorphic evolution of the Variscannappe pile in the Bohemian Massif renders it unlikely that alllate Variscan low- to medium-pressure granulites have experiencedthe early Variscan high-pressure metamorphism.     

Hercynite–quartz-bearing granulites from Brejões Dome area, Jequié Block, Bahia, Brazil: Influence of charnockite intrusion on granulite facies metamorphism

In the present study, we describe and discuss the geology of aluminous–magnesian granulites and associated garnet-bearing charnockitic granulite from the Brejões Dome area, located in the Jequié Block, part of the São Francisco Craton in Bahia, Brazil. Investigation of metamorphic mineral assemblages allows the evaluation of P–T conditions for the formation of these rocks, and therefore to obtain constraints for the better understanding of the geological evolution of the area. We conclude that the rocks from the Brejões Dome area were formed under granulite facies conditions of low to intermediate pressure (5–8 kbar). Temperatures determined in samples of aluminous–magnesian granulites collected away from the dome are in the order of 850 °C, similar to those determined elsewhere in the southern part of the Itabuna–Salvador–Curaçá Orogen. However, samples of the same rock type collected close to the Brejões Dome are hercynite + quartz-bearing and record higher temperatures of about 900–1000 °C. It is suggested that the intrusion of the Brejões charnockite diapir was responsible for a local increase in temperature above the peak temperature of regional granulite metamorphism.     

REE distribution and petrogenesis of the Spanish peaks igneous complex,Colorado

The petrogenesis of the igneous complex in the Spanish Peaks region, Colorado, is reevaluated with Sr isotopic data (published and new) and new trace element data of REE and other transition metals. These data indicate that the diverse rock types ranging from ultrabasic lamprophyres to granitic porphyry of the igneous complex have independent origins.The lamprophyric magmas could be derived from the upper mantle by small degrees of partial melting of garnet peridotite source(s). Limited intra-type crystal fractionation is responsible for the small differences in REE and other elemental abundances. The intermediate syenodiorites were also derived by partial melting of some mantle sources with garnet as a residual phase. However, the major and trace element data suggest that the source for the syenodiorites is distinctly different from that of the lamprophyres. The narrow range of K/Rb ratios observed in minettes (449–464), camptonites (384–450) and syenodiorites (370–460) suggest that amphibole fractionation is not important in the generation of these intra- and intertype rocks.The granitic rocks were derived by melting of a lower crust whose composition varied from that of a granodioritic granulite to an amphibolite. It is suggested that the high alkali contents of the granitic porphyries are due to the introduction of alkalis into the source granulites shortly prior to the melting.     

SmNd isotopes and ree geochemistry of madras granulites,india: an introductory statement

Major and trace elements including REE as well as SmNd isotope analyses of eight granulite samples from the Madras area are presented. The data provide evidence for the origin of some of the granulites, but in other cases demonstrate metasomatic changes in major and trace element contents, including LREE. The data furthermore demonstrate that the analysed granulites are not cogenetic. However, when plotted in a SmNd isochron diagram, the samples yield a linear array which corresponds to an age T = 2555 ± 140 Ma and ϵNd(T) = +1 ± 1.4. This age of 2555 ± 140 Ma could represent the time of granulite facies metamorphism immediately preceded by the formation of the protolith. The ϵNd(T) = 1 value may be indicative of a near chondritic mantle source, or alternatively of mixing between a depleted mantle and a crustal component.     

Internal Differentiation of the Archean Continental Crust: Fluid-Controlled Partial Melting of Granulites and TTG-Amphibolite Associations in Central Finland

Fault bound blocks of granulite and enderbite occur within upperamphibolite-facies migmatitic tonalitic–trondhjemitic–granodioritic(TTG) gneisses of the Iisalmi block of Central Finland. Theseunits record reworking and partial melting of different levelsof the Archean crust during a major tectonothermal event at2·6–2·7 Ga. Anhydrous mineral assemblagesand tonalitic melts in the granulites formed as a result ofhydrous phase breakdown melting reactions involving amphiboleat peak metamorphic conditions of 8–11 kbar and 750–900°C.A nominally fluid-absent melting regime in the granulites issupported by the presence of carbonic fluid inclusions. Thegeochemical signature of light rare earth element (LREE)-depletedmafic granulites can be modelled by 10–30 wt % partialmelting of an amphibolite source rock leaving a garnet-bearingresidue. The degree of melting in intermediate granulites isinferred to be less than 10 wt % and was restricted by the availabilityof quartz. Pressure–temperature estimates for the TTGgneisses are significantly lower than for the granulites at660–770°C and 5–6 kbar. Based on the P–Tconditions, melting of the TTG gneisses is inferred to haveoccurred at the wet solidus in the presence of an H₂O-rich fluid.A hydrous mineralogy, abundant aqueous fluid inclusions andthe absence of carbonic inclusions in the gneisses are in accordancewith a water-fluxed melting regime. Low REE contents and strongpositive Eu anomalies in most leucosomes irrespective of thehost rock composition suggest that the leucosomes are not meltcompositions, but represent plagioclase–quartz assemblagesthat crystallized early from felsic melts. Furthermore, similarplagioclase compositions in leucosomes and adjacent mesosomesare not a ‘migmatite paradox’, as both record equilibrationwith the same melt phase percolating along grain boundaries. KEY WORDS: Archean continental crust; fluid inclusion; granulite; migmatite; partial melting