Multiple Foliations Defined by Different Sillimanite Crystal Habits, Partial Melting and the Late Metamorphic Development of the Cannington Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit, Northeast Australia

A succession of foliations defined by different sillimanite-bearing structural fabrics suggests that the macroscopic, isoclinal synform that dominates the geometry of the Cannington Ag-Pb-Zn deposit, northwest Queensland, Australia formed during D₂. The five foliations in this succession, S₁ to S₅, are defined by aligned sillimanite with habits ranging from individual crystals in S₁ through S₄ to clusters of fibrolite in S₅ in both the matrix and as inclusion trails within garnet and gahnite (Zn-rich spinel) porphyroblasts. S₁, S₃ and S₅ formed as sub-horizontal foliations, whereas S_1a, S₂ and S₄ formed sub-vertically. Foliation intersection/inflexion axes (FIAs) within garnet and gahnite porphyroblasts preserve a succession of trends that shifts from W-E to N-S. This succession indicates that this region experienced N-S followed by W-E bulk crustal shortening. N-S shortening occurred during D₁and D_1a, and W-E shortening occurred from D₂ to D₅. Prismatic and rhombic sillimanite produced during D₁-D₄ accompanied prograde metamorphism to ca. 634 62°C and 4.8 1.3 kbar. The coexistence of fibrous, prismatic and rhombic sillimanite resulted from post peak metamorphic reactivation of the early foliations during D₅. The synformal D₂ fold was intensified during D₄ by W-E bulk shortening. Local partial melting occurred after D₁ in the appropriate bulk rock compositions, based on calculation of P-T pseudosections in the chemical systems KFMASH, KFMASHTO, NCKFMASH and MnNCKFMASH. Zn mineralization related to gahnite growth occurred during D₃ through D₄, and was redistributed by partial melting into structural and rheological sites during D₄ and D₅shearing.     

Tectonic Imprints of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis on the Mesozoic Rocks Exposed in Munda,Mohmand Agency,Northwest Pakistan

Two well-developed mesoscopic folds, D_2 and D_3, which postdate the middle amphibolite metamorphism, were recognized in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. NW–SE trending D_2 folds developed during NE–SW horizontal bulk shortening followed by NE–SW trending D_3 folds, which developed during SE–NW shortening. Micro- to mesoscopically the NW–SE trending S2 crenulation cleavage, boudins and mineral stretching lineations are overprinted by D_3. The newly established NW–SE trending micro- to mesoscopic structures in Munda termed D_2, which postdated F_1/F_2, is synchronously developed with F3 structures in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. We interpret that D_2 and D_3 folds are counterclockwise rotated in the tectonic event that has evolved the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis after the main phase Indian plate and Kohistan Island Arc collision. Chlorite replacement by biotite in the main matrix crenulation cleavages indicates prograde metamorphism related with D_2. The inclusion of muscovite and biotite in garnet porphyroblasts and the presence of staurolite in these rocks indicate that the Barrovian metamorphic conditions predate D_2 and D_3. We interpret that garnet, staurolite and calcite porphyroblasts grew before D_2 because the well developed S2 crenulation cleavage wraps around these porphyroblasts.     

Metamorphic and structural evolution of the Early Proterozoic Puolankajärvi Formation, Finland – I. Structural and textural relations

The amphibolite facies Puolankajärvi Formation (PjF) occupies the western margin of the Early Proterozoic Kainuu Schist Belt (KSB) of northern Finland. The lower and middle parts of the PjF consist of turbiditic psammites and pelites and tempestitic semipelites. This report concentrates on the pelitic lithologies which include quartz–two-mica–plagioclase schists with variable amounts of garnet, staurolite, andalusite and biotite porphyroblasts as well as sillimanite and cordierite segregations. The KSB forms a major north–south-trending synclinorium between two Archaean blocks. It contains both autochthonous and allochthonous units and is cut by faults and shear zones. The PjF lies on the western side of the KSB and is probably allochthonous. The formation has undergone six major deformation phases (D₁, D₂, D_3a, D_3b, D₄ and D₅). During D_3a-D₅ the maximum principal stress (σ₁) changed in a clockwise direction from south-west to north-east. Between D₂ and D₃ the intermediate principal stress (σ₂) changed from horizontal to vertical and the interval between D₂ and D₃ marks a transition from thrust to strike-slip tectonics. Relict structures in the porphyroblasts indicate the following mineral growth–deformation evolution in the PjF. (1) Throughout the PjF there was a successive crystallization of garnet (syn-D₁), poryphyroblastic biotite (inter-D_3/4) and staurolite (inter-D_3/4) during the pre-D₄ stage. (2) A syn-D₄-inter-D_4/5 crystallization of kyanite, sillimanite (fibrolite), porphyroblastic tourmaline, magnetite, rutile, cordierite and muscovite–biotite–plagioclase pseudomorphs after staurolite was most localized at and near D₄ shear zones. (3) A syn- to post-D₅ generation of andalusite, ilmenohematite and sheet silicates after staurolite and after cordierite occurred near D₅ faults. The evolution outlined here permits the relative dating of the PjF parageneses, which is used in the second part of the study (Tuisku & Laajoki, 1990), and, together with the knowledge of the pressure–temperature conditions during various growth events, makes it possible to compile pressure–temperature–deformation paths for the PjF.     

Tectonometamorphic evolution of the Permo-Triassic Songrim (Indosinian) orogeny: evidence from the late Paleozoic Pyeongan Supergroup in the northeastern Taebaeksan Basin,South Korea

The deformed and metamorphosed middle Pennsylvanian to Early Triassic (?) rocks of the Pyeongan Supergroup, occurring in northeastern flank of the Paleozoic Taebaeksan Basin, east central South Korea, record the impact of the Late Permian–Triassic Songrim (Indosinian) collisional orogeny in the eastern Eurasia margin. Analysis of meso- and microstructures and their relationship with porphyroblast growth has revealed that these metasedimentary rocks were affected by four deformation events (D₁–D₄). During the polyphase deformations, successive foliations with alternately steep (S₁ and S₃) and flat-lying (S₂ and S₄) orientations were produced with growth of chloritoid, andalusite and kyanite porphyroblasts during D₁ and D₂, and growth of garnet, staurolite and andalusite porphyroblasts during D₃ and D₄. SHRIMP U–Pb detrital zircon ages (330–310 Ma) from metapelites in the oldest unit of the Pyeongan Supergroup in the study area, combined with the previous data on sandstone compositions, indicate magmatic activity that was contemporaneous with the initial deposition of the Pyeongan Supergroup. This also suggests that the Pyeongan Supergroup was deposited in an arc-related foreland basin at an active continental margin during the Late Carboniferous and Permian time. Two contractional deformation events (D₁ and D₃) and two events related to gravitational flattening (D₂ and D₄), along with Barrovian-type medium-pressure regional metamorphism, may have resulted from the Late Permian–Triassic Songrim orogeny, related to collision between the North and South China blocks and/or collision between the Eastern Eurasia margin and the proto-Japan terrane.     

Episodic porphyroblast growth in the Fleur de Lys Supergroup, Newfoundland: timing relative to the sequential development of multiple crenulation cleavages

Inclusion trails in garnet and albite porphyroblasts in the Fleur de Lys Supergroup preserve successive generations of microstructures, some of which correlate with equivalent microstructures in the matrix. Microstructure–porphyroblast relationships provide timing constraints on a succession of seven crenulation cleavages (S1–S7) and five stages of porphyroblast growth. Significant destruction and alteration of early fabrics has occurred during the microstructural development of the rock mass. Garnet porphyroblasts grew episodically through four growth stages (G1–G4) and preserve a succession of five fabrics (S1–S5) as inclusion trails. Garnet growth during each of the four growth phases did not occur on all pre-existing porphyroblasts, resulting in contrasting growth histories between individual garnet porphyroblasts from the same outcrop. Albite porphyroblasts grew during a single stage of growth and have overgrown microstructures continuous with the matrix. The garnet and albite porphyroblast inclusion trails record a succession of crenulation cleavages without any rotation of the porphyroblasts relative to other porphyroblasts in the population.
Complex microstructural histories are best resolved by preparing multiple oriented thin sections from a large number of samples of different rock types within the area of study. The succession of matrix foliations must be understood, as it provides the most useful time-frame against which to measure the relative timing of phases of porphyroblast growth. Comparable microstructures must be identified in different porphyroblasts and in the rock matrix.     

Episodic gravitational collapse and migration of the mountain chain during orogenic roll‐on in the Himalayas

An ～W–E belt of maximum bulk horizontal shortening (the orogen core) moved North relative to the overlying crust to form the Himalayan Syntaxes due to roll‐on of this portion of the Indian plate. This displacement occurred below a lengthy succession of gently dipping decollements that formed episodically at a depth of ～30 km along the orogen core due to numerous periods of gravitational collapse and spreading of the overlying ductile crust. Successively developed basal decollements were deformed when continued bulk horizontal shortening of the orogen core below reasserted dominance over the effects of gravitational collapse above causing refolding about steeply dipping axial planes. This resulted in northwards migration of the orogen core above depths of ～30 km causing rocks metamorphosing at depths of ～22 km on the north side of the orogen core to be moved to its south side with no change in depth as roll‐on progressed. Garnet porphyroblasts record this lengthy history of lateral migration across the orogen within their inclusion trails. The ～6.4 kbar average pressures accompanying it were obtained from the Mn, Fe and Ca contents of successive garnet cores. Garnet grew at depths of ～22 km until movement towards the surface initiated on successively developed decollements that accommodated the volume constraints of gravitational collapse and spreading on both sides of the orogen. The speed of extrusional displacement increased the further the rocks migrated from the orogen core developing mylonitic schists around the porphyroblasts. This truncated inclusion trails against all matrix foliations as the porphyroblasts were carried towards the surface. Indeed, these rocks were multiply deformed during at least four distinct periods of deformation after mylonitization began and prior to exposure above the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Three or more sub‐vertical and sub‐horizontal foliations were formed during each of the five changes in FIA trend (foliation inflection/intersection axes in porphyroblasts) preserved in these rocks. The inclusion trail asymmetries and P‐T of garnet core growth accompanying each FIA reveal that the first four changes in FIA trend, which define periods of tectonism about one direction of horizontal bulk shortening (relative plate motion), occurred on the north side of the orogen core. The fifth occurred on the south side of the orogen core and the switch in shear sense on gently dipping foliation planes that resulted from this shift to the south eventually led to the development of the MCT. When magnetic anomaly 22 that formed in the Southern Indian Ocean Ridge is taken into account, these five changes in FIA trend correlate markedly with changes in the motion of India relative to a constant Eurasia from 50 to c. 25 Ma. They reveal that Eurasia moved NNW during FIAs 1, 3 and 4 and SSE during FIA 5 when the shear sense on gently dipping foliations switched to top to the S. They suggest collision of India with Eurasia took place at 50 Ma, immediately prior to the development of FIA 1.     

The tectono‐metamorphic evolution of the Balcooma Metamorphic Group,north‐eastern Australia: a multidisciplinary approach

The sequential growth of biotite, garnet, staurolite, kyanite, andalusite, cordierite and fibrolitic sillimanite, their microstructural relationships, foliation intersection axes preserved in porphyroblasts (FIAs), geochronology, P–T pseudosection (MnNCKFMASH system) modelling and geothermobarometry provide evidence for a P–T–t–D path that changes from clockwise to anticlockwise with time for the Balcooma Metamorphic Group. Growth of garnet at ～530 °C and 4.6 kbar during the N–S‐shortening event that formed FIA 1 was followed by staurolite, plagioclase and kyanite growth. The inclusions of garnet in staurolite porphyroblasts that formed during the development of FIAs 2 and 3 plus kyanite growth during FIA 3 reflect continuous crustal thickening from c. 443 to 425 Ma during an Early Silurian Benambran Orogenic event. The temperature and pressure increased during this time from ～530 °C and 4.6 kbar to ～630 °C and 6.2 kbar. The overprinting of garnet‐, staurolite‐ and kyanite‐bearing mineral assemblages by low‐pressure andalusite and cordierite assemblages implies ～4‐kbar decompression during Early Devonian exhumation of the Greenvale Province.     

Early Namaqua low-pressure metamorphism: deformation and porphyroblast growth in the Zoovoorby staurolite schist, South Africa

This paper describes the deformation and metamorphism recorded in the Zoovoorby staurolite schist, a sliver of pelitic supracrustal material in the 1.3–1.0 Ga eastern Namaqua Province, South Africa. The supracrustal Biesjepoort Group, of which the schist is a part, has undergone at least four phases of deformation (D₁–D₄). D₁ and D₂ are preserved in the pelitic schists; staurolite and garnet grew during D₁, with staurolite growth persisting to the very earliest D₂ crenulation. Andalusite, found in more Mg-rich schists, grew during D₂, overprinting both S₁ schistosity and S₀ banding. S₂ has been rotated both with respect to S₁ (preserved as parallel orientated inclusion trails in garnet and staurolite) and with respect to its original orientation (preserved as open D₂ crenulations in staurolite). Staurolite is dissolved against S₂ in zones of progressive shear. The pseudomorphing of staurolite and andalusite by cordierite, and the preservation of relic grains of both minerals in a wide range of garnet–cordierite pelites throughout the eastern Namaqua Province infers that what is preserved fortuitously in the Zoovoorby locality is representative of the early metamorphic history of a much larger terrane. The high thermal gradients needed to attain estimated conditions of 540–550° C and 1.6–2.4 kbar require substantial heat input. Large amounts of foliated (syn-D₂) granite amongst the supracrustal succession are inferred to be the result of delamination of a thickened crust at a destructive plate margin, generating an elevated thermal gradient during D₁–D₂ times.     

Development of P-T prograde and P-retrograde, T-prograde isogradic surfaces during blueschist to eclogite regional deformation/metamorphism in New Caledonia, as indicated by progressively developed porphyroblast microstructures

Abstract The mid-Tertiary blueschists, eclogites and eclogitic gneisses of northern New Caledonia are the products of four phases of regional metamorphism and deformation (D₁–D₄). Omphacite, lawsonite and Mn-rich garnet isogradic surfaces were developed during the second deformation (D₂) under prograde pressure and temperature conditions. Subsequent deformations (D₃–D₄) folded these D₂ isogradic surfaces. However, within the P-retrograde, T-prograde metamorphic environment of the D₄ phase, omphacite altered to albite and chlorite; as a result, a late-stage sub-horizontal isogradic surface developed for omphacite-out where this mineral preserved as relics within syn-D₄ albite porphyroblasts. Other minerals that crystallized for the first time (epidote) or had rim additions (almandine phengite) during D₄, also form nearly horizontal isogradic surfaces. Porphyroblastic garnet and albite contain inclusion trails, which allow their microstructural development and crystallization of the matrix to be traced from D₂ to D₄. Late syn-D₄ the temperature increased markedly in association with an extensive exothermic decarbonation, even though the rocks were in a state of pressure retrogression. This caused considerable neocrystallization, recrystallization and growth of mattix and porphyroblasts such that, although S₂ foliation crenulated by D₃ and D₄ is readily observable, almost all signs of stored strain due to D₃ and D₄ have been removed, and the deeper schists and eclogitic gneisses superficially appear to have undergone a drastic annealing recrystallization, post-dating deformation.     

Dehydration-related deformation during regional metamorphism, NW Sardinia, Italy

The relationship between deformation and dehydration has been investigated in Hercynian regionally metamorphosed rocks exposed on NW Sardinia. Two episodes of prograde mineral growth (M₁ & M₂) involving dehydration are recognized: growth of chlorite/phengite porphyroblasts at anchizone metamorphic conditions, contemporaneous with the first phase of deformation, D₁, and growth of biotite from chlorite and phengite coincident with the second phase of deformation, D₂. Deformation during both episodes of dehydration is characterized by penetrative axial planar foliations defined by well-developed phyllosilicate preferred orientations quantified by XRD textural goniometry, tight to isoclinal similar folds (interlimb angles <40°), and mineral-filled veins (hydrofractures) orientated parallel to axial planar foliations, that formed contemporaneously with the development of the penetrative foliations. No prograde mineral growth occurred during D₂ at chlorite-zone conditions. D₂ deformation in the absence of dehydration is characterized by non-penetrative crenulation cleavages, poorly developed phyllosilicate preferred orientations, relatively open (interlimb angles >40°), low-strain similar folds and minor brittle deformation. Systematic variations in macrofold interlimb angles, with respect to the timing of mineral growth, indicate that enhanced shortening (c. 80%) occurred during dehydration. Microfabrics show that the onset of dehydration is associated with the transition from a crenulation cleavage to a penetrative foliation. The presence of axial planar hydrofractures that formed coevally with dehydration and fabric development requires that supralithostatic fluid pressures and low differential stresses (<c. 20 MPa) accompanied dehydration. These features demonstrate a connection between the timing of dehydration and the style of deformation.     

Time‐scale of deformation and intertectonic phases revealed by P–T–D–t relationships in the orogenic middle crust of the Orlica‐Śnieżnik Dome,Polish/Czech Central Sudetes

A section of the orogenic middle crust (Orlica‐?nie?nik Dome, Polish/Czech Central Sudetes) was examined to constrain the duration and significance of deformation (D) and intertectonic (I) phases. In the studied metasedimentary synform, three deformation events produced an initial subhorizontal foliation S1 (D₁), a subsequent subvertical foliation S2 (D₂) and a late subhorizontal axial planar cleavage S3 (D₃). The synform was intruded by pre‐, syn‐ and post‐D₂ granitoid sheets. Crystallization–deformation relationships in mica schist samples document I_1–2 garnet–staurolite growth, syn‐D₂ staurolite breakdown to garnet–biotite–sillimanite/andalusite, I_2–3 cordierite blastesis and late‐D₃ chlorite growth. Garnet porphyroblasts show a linear Mn–Ca decrease from the core to the inner rim, a zone of alternating Ca–Y‐ and P‐rich annuli in the inner rim, and a Ca‐poor outer rim. The Ca–Y‐rich annuli probably reflect the occurrence of the allanite‐to‐monazite transition at conditions of the staurolite isograd, whereas the Ca‐poor outer rim is ascribed to staurolite demise. The reconstructed P–T path, obtained by modelling the stability of parageneses and garnet zoning, documents near‐isobaric heating from ~4 kbar/485 °C to ~4.75 kbar/575 °C during I_1–2. This was followed by a progression to 4–5 kbar/580–625 °C and a subsequent pressure decrease to 3–4 kbar during D₂. Pressure decrease below 3 kbar is ascribed to I_2–3, whereas cooling below ~500 °C occurred during D₃. In the dated mica schist sample, garnet rims show strong Lu enrichment, oscillatory Lu zoning and a slight Ca increase. These features are also related to allanite breakdown coeval with staurolite appearance. As Lu‐rich garnet rims dominate the Lu–Hf budget, the 344 ± 3 Ma isochron age is ascribed to garnet crystallization at staurolite grade, near the end of I_1–2. For the dated sample of amphibole–biotite granitoid sheet, a Pb–Pb single zircon evaporation age of 353 ± 1 Ma is related to the onset of plutonic activity. The results suggest a possible Devonian age for D₁, and a Carboniferous burial‐exhumation cycle in mid‐crustal rocks that is broadly coeval with the exhumation of neighbouring HP rocks during D₂. In the light of published ages, a succession of telescoping stages with time spans decreasing from c. 10 to 2–3 Ma is proposed. The initially long period of tectonic quiescence (I_1–2 phase, c. 10 Ma) inferred in the middle crust contrasts with contemporaneous deformation at deeper levels and points to decoupled P–T–D histories within the orogenic wedge. An elevated gradient of ~30 °C km^?1 and assumed high heating rates of c. 20 °C Ma^?1 are explained by the protracted intrusion of granitoid sheets, with or without deformation, whereas fast vertical movements (2–3 Ma, D₂ phase) in the crust require the activity of deformation phases.     

Foliation development and refraction in metamorphic rocks: reactivation of earlier foliations and decrenulation due to shifting patterns of deformation partitioning

Abstract Reactivation of early foliations accounts for much of the progressive strain at more advanced stages of deformation. Its role has generally been insufficiently emphasized because evidence is best preserved where porphyroblasts which contain inclusion trails are present. Reactivation occurs when progressive shearing, operating in a synthetic anastomosing fashion parallel to the axial planes of folds, changes to a combination of coarse- and finescale zones of progressive shearing, some of which operate antithetically relative to the bulk shear on a fold limb. Reactivation of earlier foliations occurs in these latter zones. Reactivation decrenulates pre-existing or just-formed crenulations, generating shearing along the decrenulated or rotated pre-existing foliation planes. Partitioning of deformation within these foliation planes, such that phyllosilicates and/or graphite take up progressive shearing strain and other minerals accommodate progressive shortening strain, causes dissolution of these other minerals. This results in concentration of the phyllosilicates in a similar, but more penetrative manner to the formation of a differentiated crenulation cleavage, except that the foliation can form or intensify on a fold limb at a considerable angle to the axial plane of synchronous macroscopic folds. Reactivation can generate bedding-parallel schistosity in multideformed and metamorphosed terrains without associated folds. Heterogeneous reactivation of bedding generates rootless intrafolial folds with sigmoidal axial planes from formerly through-going structures. Reactivation causes rotation or ‘refraction’of axial-plane foliations (forming in the same deformation event causing reactivation) in those beds or zones in which an earlier foliation has been reactivated, and results in destruction of the originally axial-plane foliation at high strains. Reactivation also provides a simple explanation for the apparently ‘wrong sense’, but normally observed ‘rotation’of garnet porphyroblasts, whereby the external foliation has undergone rotation due to antithetic shear on the reactivated foliation. Alternatively, the rotation of the external foliation can be due to its reactivation in a subsequent deformation event. Porphyroblasts with inclusion trails commonly preserve evidence of reactivation of earlier foliations and therefore can be used to identify the presence of a deformation that has not been recognized by normal geometric methods, because of penetrative reactivation. Reactivation often reverses the asymmetry between pre-existing foliations and bedding on one limb of a later fold, leading to problems in the geometric analysis of an area when the location of early fold hinges is essential. The stretching lineation in a reactivated foliation can be radically reoriented, potentially causing major errors in determining movement directions in mylonitic schistosities in folded thrusts. Geometric relationships which result from reactivation of foliations around porphyroblasts can be used to aid determination of the timing of the growth of porphyroblasts relative to deformation events. Other aspects of reactivation, however, can lead to complications in timing of porphyroblast growth if the presence of this phenomenon is not recognized; for example, D₂-grown porphyroblasts may be dissolved against reactivated S₁ and hence appear to have grown syn-D₁.     

Polyphase deformation and garnet growth in pelitic schists of Sausar Group in Ramtek area,Maharashtra, India: A study of porphyroblast-matrix relationship

Polyphase deformation and metamorphism of pelitic schists of Chorbaoli Formation of Sausar Group in and around Ramtek area, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India has led to the development of garnet and sataurolite porphyroblasts in a predominantly quartz-mica matrix. Microstructural study of oriented thin sections of these rocks shows that garnet and staurolite have different growth histories and these porphyroblasts share a complex relationship with the matrix. Garnet shows at least two phases of growth — first intertectonic between D₁ and D₂ (pre-D₂ phase) and then syn-tectonic to post-tectonic with respect to D₂ deformation. Growth of later phase of garnet on the earlier (pre-D₂) garnet grains has led to the discordance of quartz inclusion trails between core and rim portion of the same garnet grain. Staurolite develops only syn-D₂ and shows close association with garnet of the later phase. The peak metamorphic temperature thus coincided with D₂ deformation, which developed the dominant crenulation schistosity (S₂), regionally persistent in the terrain. The metamorphic grade reached up to middle amphibolite facies in the study area, which is higher than the adjoining southern parts of Sausar Fold Belt.     

Geological observations in high‐grade mid‐Proterozoic rocks from Else Platform,northern Prince Charles mountains region,east Antarctica

Granulite facies rocks on Else Platform in the northern Prince Charles Mountains, east Antarctica, consist of metasedimentary gneiss extensively intruded by granitic rocks. The dominant rock type is a layered garnetbiotite‐bearing gneiss intercalated with minor garnet‐cordierite‐sillimanite gneiss and calc‐silicate. Voluminous megacrystic granite intruded early during a mid‐Proterozoic (ca 1000 Ma) granulite event, M₁, widely recognized in east Antarctica. Peak metamorphic conditions for M₁ are in the range of 650–750 MPa at ～800°C and were associated with the development of a gneissic foliation, S₁ and steep east‐plunging lineation, L₁. Strain partitioning during progressive non‐coaxial deformation formed large D₂ granulite facies south‐dipping thrusts, with a steep, east‐plunging lineation. In areas of lower D₂ strain, large‐scale upright, steep east‐plunging fold structures formed synchronously with the D₂ high‐strain zones. Voluminous garnet‐bearing leucogneiss intruded at 940 ±20 Ma and was deformed in the D₂ high‐strain zones. Textural relationships in pelitic rocks show that peak‐M2 assemblages formed during increasing temperatures via reactions such as biotite + sillimanite + quartz ± plagioclase = spinel + cordierite + ilmenite + K‐feldspar + melt. In biotite‐absent rocks, re‐equilibration of deformed M₁ garnet‐sillimanite‐ilmenite assemblages occurred through decompressive reactions of the form, garnet + sillimanite + ilmenite = cordierite + spinel + quartz. Pressure/temperature estimates indicate that peak‐M₂ conditions were 500–600 MPa and 700±50°C. At about 500 Ma, north‐trending granitic dykes intruded and were deformed during D₃‐M₃ at probable upper amphibolite facies conditions. Cooling from peak D₃‐M₃ conditions was associated with the formation of narrow greenschist facies shear zones, and the intrusion of pegmatite. Cross‐cutting all features are abundant north‐south trending alkaline mafic dykes that were emplaced over the interval ca 310–145 Ma, reflecting prolonged intrusive activity. Some of the dykes are associated with steeply dipping faults that may be related to basin formation during Permian times and later extension, synchronous with the formation of the Lambert Graben in the Cretaceous.     

Superposition of gold mineralisation on pre‐existing carbonate alteration: Structural evidence from the Mulgarrie gold deposit,Yilgarn Craton

Carbonate alteration at the Mulgarrie gold mine in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia, is represented by porphyroblasts, veins and pervasive, texturally destructive, carbonatisation. Two foliations, S_1M and S_2M, were produced by two separate deformation events at the mine‐scale, D_1M and D_2M. D_1M and D_2M both occurred in response to regional D₂ tectonism. Carbonate alteration was the product of two separate episodes of fluid ingress: the earlier produced magnesite and the latter Fe‐dolomite. Both periods of carbonate alteration occurred pre‐ to early syn‐D_2M, when mafic to ultramafic komatiitic rocks reacted with fluids that moved along regional faults and pre‐date the alteration associated with regional peak metamorphism. Gold at Mulgarrie overprints pre‐ and late syn‐D₂ quartz veins in zones of massive carbonate alteration, suggesting it has a late‐ to post‐D₂ timing. This late timing agrees with the generally accepted syn‐D₃ (and younger) age for gold mineralisation in the Eastern Goldfields. We suggest that carbonate alteration at Mulgarrie is not a product of the hydrothermal event responsible for the gold mineralisation. Rather, the different relative timing of magnesite, Fe‐dolomite and gold indicates there were two carbonate‐producing fluid systems and a fluid transporting the gold overprinted these. Similarly, early carbonate alteration may play a role in localising auriferous vein deposits throughout the Yilgarn and other Archaean cratons.     

Preliminary magnetic susceptibility characteristics of the Bharati promontory (Grovness Peninsula), Larsemann Hills,Prydz Bay region,East Antarctica

The coastal tract of the Prydz Bay region in the East Antarctica exposes Archean to Late Proterozoic magmatic and medium- to high grade (amphibolite — granulite facies) metamorphic rocks. The para- and ortho gneisses from the Bharati promontory (Grovness Peninsula) forming a part of the Larsemann Hills in the southern segment of Prydz Bay were investigated for magnetic characterization. In this small peninsula the upper amphibolite facies gneisses occur as NE-trending bands. The para-gneisses show a range of mineral assemblages (± cordierite ± sillimanite ±garnet) while ortho-gneiss mineralogy includes quartz, feldspar, biotite, garnet. All the lithological units in Bharati promontory contain ubiquitous magnetite, however, with wide variation in the volume proportions. This has resulted in a wide range in magnetic susceptibility (10^?4 to 10^?2 SI). Magnetic foliations show a correspondence with the general trend of lithounits (050° NE) and define a resulting geometry of mainly D₁ and D₂ foliations. The magnetic lineations show a preferred orientation with moderate easterly plunge (mean vector 093/36). The findings have implications for the magnetic field survey because such fabrics would impart a strong horizontal component of induced magnetization.     

Porphyroblast inclusion trails: the key to orogenesis

Detailed microstructural analysis of inclusion trails in hundreds of garnet porphyroblasts from rocks where spiral-shaped inclusion trails are common indicates that spiral-shaped trails did not form by rotation of the growing porphyroblasts relative to geographic coordinates. They formed instead by progressive growth by porphyroblasts over several sets of near-orthogonal foliations that successively overprint one another. The orientations of these near-orthogonal foliations are alternately near-vertical and near-horizontal in all porphyroblasts examined. This provides very strong evidence for lack of porphyroblast rotation.
The deformation path recorded by these porphyroblasts indicates that the process of orogenesis involves a multiply repeated two-stage cycle of: (1) crustal shortening and thickening, with the development of a near-vertical foliation with a steep stretching lineation; followed by (2) gravitational instability and collapse of this uplifted pile with the development of a near-horizontal foliation, gravitational spreading, near-coaxial vertical shortening and consequent thrusting on the orogen margins. Correlation of inclusion trail overprinting relationships and asymmetry in porphyroblasts with foliation overprinting relationships observed in the field allows determination of where the rocks studied lie and have moved within an orogen. This information, combined with information about chemical zoning in porphyroblasts, provides details about the structural/metamorphic ( P-T-t ) paths the rocks have followed.
The ductile deformation environment in which a porphyroblast can rotate relative to geographic coordinates during orogenesis is spatially restricted in continental crust to vertical, ductile tear/transcurrent faults across which there is no component of bulk shortening or transpression.     

Development of early composite cleavage in pelites from West Donegal

In the Portnoo-Rosbeg area of west Donegal the main penetrative cleavage, S₂, generally dips to the south with F₂ folds facing up to the north. In places the S₂ cleavage is cut by a gently SW-dipping crenulation cleavage (S₃) verging and facing south on the long limbs of F₂ folds.A series of structural domains have been mapped in which the relationship of S₂ and S₃ changes from cross-cutting at a large angle (Rosbeg domain) to the development of a composite $\text{S}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>2</mtext><mtext>3</mtext>}}$ cleavage (Portnoo domain). The relationship between the two phases and the composite cleavage was investigated by mapping out cleavages (megascopic scale), detailed mesoscopic field observations and on a microscopic scale using textural relationships to widespread post D₂-pre D₃ garnet porphyroblasts.In addition to demonstrating the composite nature of the cleavage, the examples of D₂/D₃ interference and the rotation of, and drag patterns around, the garnet porphyroblasts allow discussion of the kinematics of D₃. D₃ appears to have involved either bulk pure shear or north-directed bulk simple shear, or any intermediate type of deformation history, and was promoted by southerly directed active slip parallel to S₂.     

Spiral and staircase inclusion trail axes within garnet and staurolite porphyroblasts from schists of the Bolton Syncline, Connecticut: timing of porphyroblast growth and the effects of fold development

In the Littleton Formation, garnet porphyroblasts preserve three generations of growth that occurred before formation of the Bolton Syncline. Inclusion trails of foliations overgrown by these porphyroblasts are always truncated by the matrix foliation suggesting that garnet growth predated the matrix foliation. In contrast, many staurolite porphyroblasts grew synchronously with formation of the Bolton Syncline. However, local rim overgrowths of the matrix foliation suggest that some staurolite porphyroblasts continued to grow after development of the fold during younger crenulation producing deformations. The axes of curvature or intersection of foliations defined by inclusion trails inside the garnet porphyroblasts lie oblique to the axial plane of the Bolton Syncline but do not change orientation across it. This suggests the garnets were not rotated during the subsequent deformation associated with fold development or during even younger crenulation events. Three samples also contain a different set of axes defined by curvature of inclusion trails in the cores of garnet porphyroblasts suggesting a protracted history of garnet growth. Foliation intersection axes in staurolite porphyroblasts are consistently orientated close to the trend of the axial plane of the Bolton Syncline on both limbs of the fold. In contrast, axes defined by curvature or intersection of foliations in the rims of staurolite porphyroblasts in two samples exhibit a different trend. This phase of staurolite growth is associated with a crenulation producing deformation that postdated formation of the Bolton Syncline. Measurement of foliation intersection axes defined by inclusion trails in both garnet and staurolite porphyroblasts has enabled the timing of growth relative to one another and to the development of the Bolton Syncline to be distinguished in rocks where other approaches have not been successful. Consistent orientation of foliation intersection axes across a range of younger structures suggests that the porphyroblasts did not rotate relative to geographical coordinates during subsequent ductile deformation. Foliation intersection axes in porphyroblasts are thus useful for correlating phases of porphyroblastic growth in this region.     

The chemistry and origin of zincian spinel associated with the Aggeneys Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag deposits,Namaqualand, South Africa

Zincian spinel or gahnite [(Zn,Fe,Mg)Al₂O₄] occurs in metamorphosed sulphide-rich rocks, garnet quartzites, quartz-magnetite rocks, aluminous metasediments, barite-magnetite rocks, quartz veins, and pegmatites associated with the Aggeneys base metal deposits, Namaqualand, South Africa. Zincian spinel in, sulphide-bearing rocks, is considered to have formed predominantly by desulphurization reactions involving a member of the system Fe-S-O and sphalerite with sillimanite or garnet. Gahnite in sulphide-free garnet quartzites, quartz-magnetite rocks and barite-magnetite rocks probably formed from Zn and Al that were hydrothermally derived whereas gahnite in aluminous metasediments was derived from the metamorphism of metalliferous shales, in which Zn may originally have been linked to organic material. Gahnite is Zn-rich in sulphide-bearing rock, but is Fe-rich in sulphide-free garnet quartzites and quartz-magnetite rocks. Although Zn-rich spinels represent guides to ore in the Aggeneys area and elsewhere in the Namaqualand Metamorphic Complex, Fe-rich spinels should not be discounted because Zn-rich and Fe-rich spinels occur within metres of sulphides at Aggeneys.