The Ivrea—Verbano and Strona-Ceneri Zones, Northern Italy: A cross-section of the continental crust—New evidence from seismic velocities of rock samples

Seismic velocities under confining pressures to 10 kbar have been measured for rocks of the Ivrea—Verbano and Strona—Ceneri Zones of northern Italy, a metamorphic complex thought to represent a cross-section of the continental crust and crust—mantle boundary. Laboratory-determined compressional wave velocities for schists and gneisses of the amphibolite facies found in the upper levels of the section (having an average density of 2.74 g/cm³) average 6.45 km/sec at pressures between 6 and 10 kbar. These increase with depth to values greater than 7.1 km/sec for amphibolites and rocks of the amphibolite—granulite facies transition and to 7.5 km/sec. (average density 3.06 g/cm³) in intermediate and mafic granulite facies rocks near the base of the section. Compressional wave velocities then abruptly increase to 8.5 km/sec in ultramafic complexes near the Insubric Line. Regional geophysical surveys show that P_g is 6.0 km/sec (density of 2.7 g/cm³), P* is 7.2–7.4 km/sec (density of 3.1 g/cm³) and P_n is 8.1 km/sec, values which are in agreement with the laboratory data when effects of temperature are taken into consideration. Estimated thicknesses of exposed rock units are in reasonable agreement with thicknesses determined for crustal layers in seismic refraction experiments. The agreement between the regional crustal structure and the laboratory-determined values of velocity and density provides strong evidence for the hypothesis that the rocks of this metamorphic complex represent a cross-section of the continental crust of the Po Basin.Using the Ivrea—Verbano and Strona—Ceneri sequence as a model of the continental crust, the crust of northern Italy is shown to consist of a thick series of metamorphic rocks with greenschist facies rocks occupying the uppermost levels. These grade downward into amphibolite facies gneisses and schists with occasional granitic intrusives. The Conrad discontinuity is marked by a change from silicic and intermediate amphibolite facies gneisses to intermediate and mafic granulite facies rocks in which hydrous minerals diminish in abundance and thus represents a distinct transition in terms of both composition and metamorphic grade. The lower crust is dominated by a heterogeneous series of mafic and metapelitic rocks in the granulite facies. Importantly, metasedimentary rocks of intermediate silica content found in the complex can have compressional wave velocities equivalent to velocities in mafic rocks suggesting that the lower continental crust everywhere is not necessarily mafic in composition. Ultramafic complexes near the Insubric Line may represent the upper mantle of the continent and their setting suggests that the continental crust-upper mantle boundary is sharp and is not isochemical.     

Coexisting garnets and biotites from Precambrian gneisses of the south coast of Western Australia

Garnet-biotite (-cordierite) phase relations in high-grade gneisses of the south coast of Western Australia reflect at least two metamorphic episodes. Chemical uniformity of the interiors of garnet and cordierite grains suggest thorough equilibration during a major phase of metamorphism. Narrow Mg-depleted rims on garnet grain boundaries in contact with biotite or cordierite, and complementary Mg-enriched rims on contiguous cordierites are the result of subsequent retrograde re-equilibration. The absence of reaction zoning in biotites suggests more complete retrograde modification of this mineral.Comparison between granulite and amphibolite facies garnet-biotite pairs shows that Mn contents of both minerals are higher, and Ti contents of the biotites are lower, in the lower-grade rocks. These differences, although not entirely unrelated to grade, are more directly controlled by variations in host rock chemistry and modal amounts of garnet and biotite.Partitioning of Mg, Fe²⁺ and Mn between garnet and biotite is fairly uniform, with no clear differences between granulite and amphibolite facies pairs. Application of the Mg-Fe²⁺ distributions to the geothermometers devised by Perchuk, Thompson, and Goldman & Albee yields variable T estimates of 600–680°C, 580–780°C, and 475–715°C respectively, for the main metamorphism. These estimates are low compared with the T indicated for the granulite facies rocks by other evidence (i.e. > 750°C at 5 kb P_T). The Mg-Fe²⁺ distributions between contiguous garnet-biotite rims suggest that retrograde re-equilibration occurred at least 20–140°C below the T of the main metamorphism.     

Late Archean metamorphism in the Buksefjorden region,Southwest Greenland

Standard state thermodynamic data extracted from experimental studies and applied to mineral assemblages in orthogneisses, metasedimentary gneisses and metabasites show that conditions of late Archean (2,850 m.y.) upper amphibolite facies were P _solid7.0 kb, T630° C, and rose to P _solid10.5 kb, T810° C in adjacent granulite facies. The estimates of solid pressure for the granulite facies suggest a late Archean crustal thickness of ca. 35 km, comparable to present day continental crust. Upper amphibolite facies assemblages were in equilibrium with about one half P _solid, while granulite assemblages equilibrated at much lower , varying from about one tenth P _solid in quartzofeldspathic gneisses to one third P _solid in more basic layers.     

Metamorphic gradient modification in the Early Cretaceous Northern Andes subduction zone: A record from thermally overprinted high-pressure rocks

New field observations and petrological data from Early Cretaceous metamorphic rocks in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes allowed the recognition of thermally overprinted high-pressure rocks derived from oceanic crust protoliths. The obtained metamorphic path suggests that the rocks evolved from blueschist to eclogite facies towards upper amphibolite to high-pressure granulite facies transitional conditions. Eclogite facies conditions, better recorded in mafic protoliths, are revealed by relic lawsonite and phengite, bleb- to worm-like diopside-albite symplectites, as well as garnet core composition. Upper amphibolite to high pressure granulite facies overprinting is supported by coarse-grained brown-colored Ti-rich amphibole, augite, and oligoclase recrystallization, as well as the record of partial melting leucosomes.Phase equilibria and pressure-temperature (P-T) path modeling suggest initial high-pressure metamorphic conditions M1 yielding 18.2–24.5 kbar and 465–580 °C, followed by upper amphibolite to high pressure granulite facies overprinting stage M2 yielding 6.5–14.2 kbar and 580–720 °C. Retrograde conditions M3 obtained through chlorite thermometry yield temperatures ranging around 286–400 °C at pressures below 6.5–11 kbar. The obtained clockwise P-T path, the garnet zonation pattern revealing a decrease in X_grs/X_prp related to Mg# increment from core to rim, the presence of partial melting veins, as well as regional constraints, document the modification of the thermal structure of the active subduction zone in Northern Andes during the Early Cretaceous. Such increment of the metamorphic gradient within the subduction interface is associated with slab roll-back geodynamics where hot mantle inflow was triggered. This scenario is also argued by the reported trench-ward magmatic arc migration and multiple extensional basin formation during this period. The presented example constitutes the first report of Cretaceous roll-back-related metamorphism in the Caribbean and Andean realms, representing an additional piece of evidence for a margin-scale extensional event that modified the northwestern border of South America during the Early Cretaceous.     

A study on metamorphic temperature and pressure of Archean Miyun Group,Beijing

Metamorphic temperatures and pressures of the Archean Miyun Group were determined from orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene, garnet-clinopyroxene, garnet-biotite and δO _Q ¹⁸ -δO _Mt ¹⁸ geothermometers and orthopyroxene barometer. The results show that the temperature in the first metamorphic stage of the Miyun Group is 820°+50°C and the pressure about 10 kb, which suggests that the granulite facies occurs under moderate pressures with a geothermal gradient of 22°–25°C/km. The corresponding burial depth is about 35 km. The temperature prevailing during the second metamorphic stage is in the range 650°–700°C, indicating a moderate condition between granulite and high grade amphibolite facies. Oxygen isotope data also show that the temperature of later superimposed regression metamorphism of high green schist facies in this area may be within the range of 470°–560°C.     

Deep in the Heart of Dixie: Pre-Alleghanian Eclogite and HP Granulite Metamorphism in the Carolina Terrane, South Carolina, USA

The central part of the Carolina terrane in western South Carolina comprises a 30 to 40 km wide zone of high grade gneisses that are distinct from greenschist facies metavolcanic rocks of the Carolina slate belt (to the SE) and amphibolite facies metavolcanic and metaplutonic rocks of the Charlotte belt (to the NW). This region, termed the Silverstreet domain, is characterized by penetratively deformed felsic gneisses, granitic gneisses, and amphibolites. Mineral assemblages and textures suggest that these rocks formed under high‐pressure metamorphic conditions, ranging from eclogite facies through high‐P granulite to upper amphibolite facies. Mafic rocks occur as amphibolite dykes, as metre‐scale blocks of coarse‐grained garnet‐clinopyroxene amphibolite in felsic gneiss, and as residual boulders in deeply weathered felsic gneiss. Inferred omphacite has been replaced by a vermicular symplectite of sodic plagioclase in diopside, consistent with decompression at moderate to high temperatures and a change from eclogite to granulite facies conditions. All samples have been partially or wholly retrograded to amphibolite assemblages. We infer the following P‐T‐t history: (1) eclogite facies P‐T conditions at ≥ 1.4 GPa, 650–730 °C (2) high‐P granulite facies P‐T conditions at 1.2–1.5 GPa, 700–800 °C (3) retrograde amphibolite facies P‐T conditions at 0.9–1.2 GPa and 720–660 °C. This metamorphic evolution must predate intrusion of the 415 Ma Newberry granite and must postdate formation of the Charlotte belt and Slate belt arcs (620 to 550 Ma). Comparison with other medium temperature eclogites and high pressure granulites suggests that these assemblages are most likely to form during collisional orogenesis. Eclogite and high‐P granulite facies metamorphism in the Silverstreet domain may coincide with a ≈570–535 Ma event documented in the western Charlotte belt or to a late Ordovician‐early Silurian event. The occurrence of these high‐P assemblages within the Carolina terrane implies that, prior to this event, the western Carolina terrane (Charlotte belt) and the eastern Carolina terrane (Carolina Slate belt) formed separate terranes. The collisional event represented by these high‐pressure assemblages implies amalgamation of these formerly separate terranes into a single composite terrane prior to its accretion to Laurentia.     

Granulite facies thermal aureoles and metastable amphibolite facies assemblages adjacent to the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss in southwest Fiordland, New Zealand

In southwest New Zealand, a suite of felsic diorite intrusions known as the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss (WFO) were emplaced into the mid to deep crust and partially recrystallized to high‐P (12 kbar) granulite facies assemblages. This study focuses on the southern most pluton within the WFO suite (Malaspina Pluton) between Doubtful and Dusky sounds. New mapping shows intrusive contacts between the Malaspina Pluton and adjacent Palaeozoic metasedimentary country rocks with a thermal aureole ～200–1000 m wide adjacent to the Malaspina Pluton in the surrounding rocks. Thermobarometry on assemblages in the aureole indicates that the Malaspina Pluton intruded the adjacent amphibolite facies rocks while they were at depths of 10–14 kbar. Similar P–T conditions are recorded in high‐P granulite facies assemblages developed locally throughout the Malaspina Pluton. Palaeozoic rocks more than ～200–1000 m from the Malaspina Pluton retain medium‐P mid‐amphibolite facies assemblages, despite having been subjected to pressures of 10–14 kbar for > 5 Myr. These observations contradict previous interpretations of the WFO Malaspina Pluton as the lower plate of a metamorphic core complex, everywhere separated from the metasedimentary rocks by a regional‐scale extensional shear zone (Doubtful Sound Shear Zone). Slow reaction kinetics, lack of available H₂O, lack of widespread penetrative deformation, and cooling of the Malaspina Pluton thermal anomaly within c. 3–4 Myr likely prevented recrystallization of mid amphibolite facies assemblages outside the thermal aureole. If not for the evidence within the thermal aureole, there would be little to suggest that gneissic rocks which underlie several 100 km² of southwest New Zealand had experienced metamorphic pressures of 10–14 kbar. Similar high‐P metamorphic events may therefore be more common than presently recognized.     

U–Pb zircon study of tectonically bounded blocks of 2940–2840 Ma crust with different metamorphic histories,Paamiut region,South-West Greenland: implications for the tectonic assembly of the North Atlantic craton

New fieldwork, map interpretation, petrography and single zircon U–Pb geochronology has allowed the identification of different crustal blocks in the Paamiut region, in the southern portion of the West Greenland Archaean Craton. Changes of metamorphic grade from only amphibolite facies to granulite facies (some subsequently retrogressed) corresponds with zones of Archaean high strain ductile deformation ± mylonites. U–Pb zircon dates are presented for the TTG (tonalite, trondhjemite, granodiorite) protoliths from each block in the Paamiut region, and the southern portion of the previously identified Tasiusarsuaq terrane lying to the north. The southern part of the Tasiusarsuaq terrane contains 2880–2860 Ma TTG rocks and underwent amphibolite facies metamorphism. Structurally underneath the Tasiusarsuaq terrane to the south is the Sioraq block containing 2870–2830 Ma TTG rocks partly retrogressed from granulite facies. Structurally underneath and to the south is the Paamiut block, dominated by 2850–2770 Ma granodioritic rocks that have only undergone amphibolite facies metamorphism. Also structurally overlying the Paamiut block, but cropping out separately from the Sioraq block, is the Neria block. This appears to be dominated by 2940–2920 Ma gneisses that have been totally retrogressed from granulite facies and strongly deformed. In the southernmost part of the region the Neria block overlies the greenschist to lowermost amphibolite facies Sermiligaarsuk block that contains the ⩾2945 Ma Tartoq Group. Rocks from all the blocks record ancient loss of Pb from zircons and some new zircon growth at 2820 Ma, interpreted to indicate a high grade metamorphic event at that time, including granulite facies metamorphism in the Sioraq and Neria blocks. The blocks of different metamorphic grade are interpreted to have moved to their current positions after the 2820 Ma metamorphism, explaining the change in metamorphic history across some mylonites and ductile shear zones which deform and retrogress granulite facies textures. The juxtaposed blocks and their contacts were subsequently folded under amphibolite facies conditions. The contacts are cut by undeformed Palaeoproterozoic dolerite dykes which post-date amphibolite facies metamorphism. These results, together with previously published data from the Godthåbsfjord region (north of Paamiut) shows that the North Atlantic Craton in West Greenland from Ivittuut in the south to Maniitsoq in the north (∼550 km) consists of a mosaic of ductile fault-bounded packages that attained their present relative positions in the late Archaean.     

Heat flow and crustal thermal structure in the Late Archaean Closepet Granite batholith,south India

The Late Archaean Closepet Granite batholith in south India is exposed at different crustal levels grading from greenschist facies in the north through amphibolite and granulite facies in the south along a ∼400 km long segment in the Dharwar craton. Two areas, Pavagada and Magadi, located in the Main Mass of the batholith, best represent the granitoid of the greenschist and amphibolite facies crustal levels respectively. Heat flow estimates of 38 mW m⁻² from Pavagada and 25 mW m⁻² from Magadi have been obtained through measurements in deep (430 and 445 m) and carefully sited boreholes. Measurements made in four boreholes of opportunity in Pavagada area yield a mean heat flow of 39 ± 4 (s.d.) mW m⁻², which is in good agreement with the estimate from deep borehole. The study, therefore, demonstrates a clear-cut heat flow variation concomitant with the crustal levels exposed in the two areas. The mean heat production estimates for the greenschist facies and amphibolite facies layers constituting the Main Mass of the batholith are 2.9 and 1.8 μW m⁻³, respectively. The enhanced heat flow in the Pavagada area is consistent with the occurrence of a radioelement-enriched 2-km-thick greenschist facies layer granitoid overlying the granitoid of the amphibolite facies layer which is twice as thick as represented in the Magadi area. The crustal heat production models indicate similar mantle heat flow estimates in the range 12–14 mW m⁻², consistent with the other parts of the greenstone-granite-gneiss terrain of the Dharwar craton.     

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

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

The deformation and recrystallization of biotite in the Woodroffe Thrust mylonite zone

The deformation and recrystallization microstructures in biotite from the Woodroffe Thrust mylonites are described and interpreted. The degree of strain causing recrystallization and the nucleation mechanisms differ across the mylonite zone. These differences are associated with the contrast in water content between the granulite and amphibolite facies felsic gneisses on either side of the zone. p]In moderately mylonitized granulite facies felsic gneisses (0.1–0.6% H₂O) subgrains form in intensely deformed host biotite and recrystallization mechanisms involve subgrain rotation both on host grain boundaries and associated with kink band bulge. In the amphibolite facies felsic gneisses (0.9–1.2% H₂O) the biotite recrystallizes by a mechanism involving localized internal kinking of the host and subsequent migration of high angle boundaries generated on the kink limbs. This combined with rotation due to the concurrent deformation generates high angle grain boundaries around the entire original kink limb and thus a new grain.     

Syn-kinematic emplacement of the Pangong metamorphic and magmatic complex along the Karakorum Fault (N Ladakh)

This paper investigates the age, P–T conditions and kinematics of Karakorum Fault (KF) zone rocks in the NW part of the Himalaya–Karakorum belt. Granulite to greenschist facies assemblages were developed within the KF zone during strike-slip shearing. The granulites were formed at high temperature (800 °C, 5.5 kbar), were subsequently retromorphosed into the amphibolite facies (700–750 °C, 4–5 kbar) and the greenschist facies (350–400 °C, 3–4 kbar). The Tangtse granite emplaced syn-kinematically at the contact between a LT and the HT granulite facies. Intrusion occurred during the juxtaposition of the two units under amphibolite conditions. Microstructures observed within the Tangtse granite exhibit a syn-magmatic dextral S–C fabric. Compiled U–Pb and Ar–Ar data show that in the central KF segment, granulite facies metamorphism occurred at a minimum age of 32 Ma, subsequent amphibolite facies metamorphism at 20–18 Ma. Further shearing under amphibolite facies (650–500 °C) was recorded at 13.6 ± 0.9 Ma, and greenschist-facies mica growth at 11 Ma. These data give further constrains to the age of initiation and depth of the Karakorum Fault. The granulite-facies conditions suggest that the KF, accommodating the lateral extrusion of Tibet, could be at least a crustal or even a Lithosphere-scale shear zone comparable to other peri-Himalayan faults.     

Kinematic and rheological model of exhumation of high pressure granulites in the Variscan orogenic root: example of the Blanský les granulite, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic

Summary A large-scale relict domain of granulite facies deformation fabrics has been identified within the Blansky les granulite body. The granulite facies mylonitic fabric is discordant to the dominant amphibolite facies structures of the surrounding retrograde granulite. The complex geometry of retrograde amphibolite facies fabric indicates a large-scale fold-like structure, which is interpreted to be a result of either crustal-scale buckling of an already exhumed granulite sheet or active rotation of a rigid granulite facies ellipsoidal domain in kinematic continuity with the regional amphibolite facies deformation. We argue that both concepts allow similar restoration of the original granulite facies fabrics prior to the amphibolite facies deformation and “folding”. The geometry of the granulite facies foliations coincides with the earliest fabrics in the nearby mid-crustal units suggesting complete mechanical coupling between the deep lower crust and the mid-crustal levels during the vertical movements of crustal materials. Microstructures indicate grain-size sensitive flow enhanced by the presence of silicate melts at deep crustal levels and a beginning of an exhumation process of low viscosity granulites through a vertical channel. The amphibolite facies fabrics developed at middle crustal levels and their microstructures indicate significant hardening of feldspar-made rigid skeleton of the retrograde granulite. Increase in the strength of the granulite allowed an active buckling or a rigid body rotation of the granulite sheet, which acted as a strong layer inside the weaker metasediments.     

P–T conditions of the cratonic rocks and Eastern Ghats granulites along the Eastern Ghats Frontal Thrust,Jeypore (Orissa), India

The Eastern Ghats Frontal Thrust (EGFT) demarcates the boundary between the Archaean/Paleoproterozoic cratonic rocks to the west, and the Meso/Neoproterozoic granulites of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) to the east. At Jeypore (Orissa, India), mafic schists and granites of the cratonic domain document a spatial increase in the metamorphic grade from greenschist facies (garnet, clinozoisite – absent varieties) in the foreland to amphibolite facies (clinozoisite- and garnet-bearing variants) progressively closer to the EGFT. Across the EGFT, the enderbite–charnockite gneisses and mafic granulites of EGMB preserves a high-grade granulite facies history; amphibolite facies overprinting in the enderbite–charnockite gneisses at the cratonic fringe is restricted to multi-layered growth of progressively Al, Ti – poor hornblende at the expense of pyroxene and plagioclase. In associated mafic granulites, the granulite facies gneissic layering is truncated by sub-centimeter wide shear bands defined by synkinematic hornblende + quartz intergrowth, with post-kinematic garnet stabilized at the expense of hornblende and plagioclase. Proximal to the contact, these granulites of the Eastern Ghats rocks are intruded by dolerite dykes. In the metadolerites, the igneous assemblage of pyroxene–plagioclase is replaced by intergrown hornblende + quartz ± calcite that define the thrust-related fabric and are in turn mantled by coronal garnet overgrowth, while scapolite is stabilized at the expense of recrystallized plagioclase and calcite. Petrogenetic grid considerations and thermobarometry of the metamorphic assemblages in metadolerites intrusive into granulites and mafic schists within the craton confirm that the rocks across the EGFT experienced prograde heating (T_max value ∼650–700 °C at P ∼ 6–8 kbar) along the prograde arm of a seemingly clockwise P–T path. Since the dolerites were emplaced post-dating the granulite facies metamorphism, the prograde heating is correlated with renewed metamorphism of the granulites proximal to the EGFT. A review of available age data from rocks neighboring the EGFT suggests that the prograde heating of the cratonic granites and the re-heating of the Eastern Ghats granulites are Pan – African in age. The re-heating may relate to an Early Paleozoic Pan-Gondwanic crustal amalgamation of older terrains or reactivation along an old suture.     

Metamorphic evolution of kyanite–staurolite-bearing epidote–amphibolite from the Early Palaeozoic Oeyama belt, SW Japan

Early Palaeozoic kyanite–staurolite‐bearing epidote–amphibolites including foliated epidote–amphibolite (FEA), and nonfoliated leucocratic or melanocratic metagabbros (LMG, MMG), occur in the Fuko Pass metacumulate unit (FPM) of the Oeyama belt, SW Japan. Microtextural relationships and mineral chemistry define three metamorphic stages: relict granulite facies metamorphism (M1), high‐P (HP) epidote–amphibolite facies metamorphism (M2), and retrogression (M3). M1 is preserved as relict Al‐rich diopside (up to 8.5 wt.% Al₂O₃) and pseudomorphs after spinel and plagioclase in the MMG, suggesting a medium‐P granulite facies condition (0.8–1.3 GPa at > 850 °C). An unusually low‐variance M2 assemblage, Hbl + Czo + Ky ± St + Pg + Rt ± Ab ± Crn, occurs in the matrix of all rock types. The presence of relict plagioclase inclusions in M2 kyanite associated with clinozoisite indicates a hydration reaction to form the kyanite‐bearing M2 assemblage during cooling. The corundum‐bearing phase equilibria constrain a qualitative metamorphic P–T condition of 1.1–1.9 GPa at 550–800 °C for M2. The M2 minerals were locally replaced by M3 margarite, paragonite, plagioclase and/or chlorite. The breakdown of M2 kyanite to produce the M3 assemblage at < 0.5 GPa and 450–500 °C suggests a greenschist facies overprint during decompression. The P–T evolution of the FPM may represent subduction of an oceanic plateau with a granulite facies lower crust and subsequent exhumation in a Pacific‐type orogen.     

Incipient eclogite facies metamorphism in the Moldanubian granulites revealed by mineral inclusions in garnet

We investigated several mineral phases and their replacement products which occur as inclusions in garnets from felsic and mafic granulites of the Gföhl Unit in the Moldanubian Zone. The most important mineral inclusions, Ti-rich muscovite and omphacite, were used for the reconstruction of the metamorphic history of granulites. Some inclusions were transformed during high-temperature granulite facies metamorphism, partial melting and decompression to other phases, and so the original mineral can only be deduced from the inclusion morphology and reaction products. These inclusions have columnar shapes and consist of K-feldspar + kaolinite, albite + Fe-oxide, plagioclase + Fe-oxide, or albite + K-feldspar, respectively. The pseudomorphs with albite/plagioclase occur in a Ca-rich garnet that shows prograde zoning. Pressure–temperature (PT) evolution, derived from mineral assemblages in granulite and based on the inclusions, suggests a prograde metamorphism from amphibolite through eclogite to granulite facies conditions with subsequent amphibolite facies overprint during exhumation. The estimated PT trajectory for the studied granulites, which also host lenses or boudins of eclogites and garnet peridotites, allows reconstruction of the complete clockwise metamorphic path that is consistent with subduction geotherm prior to the tectonic amalgamation within the continental collisional root.     

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

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

Precambrian metamorphic conditions and crustal evolution,northeastern Alberta,Canada

A complex of Precambrian polymetamorphic gneisses and granitoids of the Churchill structural province, northeastern Alberta, Canada has been examined structurally, petrographically, chemically and geochronologically. An Archean basement gneiss complex is indicated by Rb-Sr dating of pegmatites which cut both gneisses and granitoids (2470 ± 26 Ma with an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7030 ± 0.0008). A high-pressure granulite facies (M₁) mineral assemblage and older structures (D₁) are assigned to the Archean. A moderate-pressure granulite facies (M_2.1), a low-pressure amphibolite facies (M_2.2), a greenschist facies (M_2.3), and younger structures (D₂) are of Aphebian age. Formation of granitoids by anatexis of the pre-existing Archean basement complex during M_2.1 is indicated by their Aphebian ages (ca. 1900 Ma) and high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7100 ± 0.0018). The path of retrograde metamorphism is linked with relatively slow rates of uplift and cooling. Late Aphebian sediments attained low-grade greenschist facies metamorphism only and are younger than the other metamorphic rocks. The tectonic evolution of this Precambrian mobile belt during the Aphebian contrasts with the stable Archean cratonic block in the Slave province to the north.     

Counterclockwise tectonometamorphic evolution of the Pringles Metamorphic Complex,Sierras Pampeanas of San Luis (Argentina)

The crystalline basement of the Sierra de San Luis, which belongs to the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas in central Argentina, consists of three main units: (1) Conlara, (2) Pringles, and (3) Nogolí metamorphic complexes. In the Pringles Metamorphic Complex, mafic–ultramafic bodies occur as discontinuous lenses along a narrow central belt concordant with the general NNE–SSW structural trend. A metamorphic gradient from granulite to greenschist facies is apparent on both sides of the mafic–ultramafic bodies. This work focuses on the characteristics of the mylonitization overprinted on the mafic–ultramafic intrusives in the Pringles Metamorphic Complex and their gneissic–migmatitic surroundings, both previously metamorphosed within the granulite facies. Petrogenetic grid and geothermobarometry applied to the paragenesis equilibrated during the mylonitic event, together with mineral deformation mechanisms, indicate that mafic and adjacent basement mylonites developed under upper amphibolite transitional to granulite facies metamorphic conditions at intermediate pressures (668–764 °C, 6.3–6.9 kbar, 0.3 < XCO₂ < 0.7). However, the following mylonitic assemblages can be distinguished from the external limits of the Pringles Metamorphic Complex to its center: lower amphibolite facies ⇒ middle amphibolite facies ⇒ upper amphibolite transitional to granulite facies. Geothermobarometry applied to mylonitic assemblages indicate a temperature gradient from 555 °C to 764 °C and pressures of 6–7 kbar for the mylonitic event. This event is considered to have developed on a preexisting temperature gradient attributed to the intrusion of mafic–ultramafic bodies. The concentration of sulfides in mylonitic bands and textural relationships provide evidence of remobilization of primary magmatic sulfides of the mafic–ultramafic rocks (+PGM) during the mylonitic event. A lower-temperature final overprint produced brittle fracturing and localized retrogression on mafic–ultramafic minerals and ores by means of a water-rich fluid phase, which gave rise to a serpentine + magnetite ± actinolite association. Concordantly in the adjacent country rocks, fluids channeled along preexisting mylonitic foliation planes produced local obliteration of the mylonitic texture by a randomly oriented replacement of the mylonite mineralogy by a chlorite + sericite/muscovite + magnetite assemblage. Observed mineral reactions combined with structural data and geothermobarometry suggest a succession of tectonometamorphic events for the evolution of the Pringles Metamorphic Complex of Sierra de San Luis, developed in association with a counterclockwise P–T–d path. The most likely geological setting for this type of evolution is a backarc basin, associated with east-directed Famatinian subduction initiated in Mid-Cambrian times and closed during the collision of the allochthonous Precordillera terrane in Mid-Ordovician times.     

Ultra high temperature metamorphism of mafic granulites from South Altyn Orogen,West China: A result from the rapid exhumation of deeply subducted continental crust

The South Altyn orogen in West China contains ultra high pressure (UHP) terranes formed by ultra‐deep (>150–300 km) subduction of continental crust. Mafic granulites which together with ultramafic interlayers occur as blocks in massive felsic granulites in the Bashiwake UHP terrane, are mainly composed of garnet, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole, rutile/ilmenite, and quartz with or without kyanite and sapphirine. The kyanite/sapphirine‐bearing granulites are interpreted to have experienced decompression‐dominated evolution from eclogite facies conditions with peak pressures of 4–7 GPa to high pressure (HP)–ultra high temperature (UHT) granulite facies conditions and further to low pressure (LP)–UHT facies conditions based on petrographic observations, phase equilibria modelling, and thermobarometry. The HP–UHT granulite facies conditions are constrained to be 2.3–1.6 GPa/1,000–1,070°C based on the observed mineral assemblages of garnet+clinopyroxene+rutile+plagioclase+amphibole±quartz and measured mineral compositions including the core–rim increasing anorthite in plagioclase (X_An = 0.52–0.58), core–rim decreasing jadeite in clinopyroxene (X_Jd = 0.20–0.15), and TiO₂ in amphibole (Ti^M2/2 = 0.14–0.18). The LP–UHT granulite facies conditions are identified from the symplectites of sapphirine+plagioclase+spinel, formed by the metastable reaction between garnet and kyanite at <0.6–0.7 GPa/940–1,030°C based on the calculated stability of the symplectite assemblages and sapphirine–spinel thermometer results. The common granulites without kyanite/sapphirine are identified to record a similar decompression evolution, including eclogite, HP–UHT granulite, and LP–UHT granulite facies conditions, and a subsequent isobaric cooling stage. The decompression under HP–UHT granulite facies is estimated to be from 2.3 to 1.3 GPa at ~1,040°C on the basis of textural records, anorthite content in plagioclase (X_An = 0.25–0.32), and grossular content in garnet (X_Grs = 0.22–0.19). The further decompression to LP–UHT facies is defined to be >0.2–0.3 GPa based on the calculated stability for hematite‐bearing ilmenite. The isobaric cooling evolution is inferred mainly from the amphibole (Ti^M2/2 = 0.14–0.08) growth due to the crystallization of residual melts, consistent with a temperature decrease from >1,000°C to ~800°C at ~0.4 GPa. Zircon U–Pb dating for the two types of mafic granulite yields similar protolith and metamorphic ages of c. 900 Ma and c. 500 Ma respectively. However, the metamorphic age is interpreted to represent the HP–UHT granulite stage for the kyanite/sapphirine‐bearing granulites, but the isobaric cooling stage for the common granulites on the basis of phase equilibria modelling results. The two types of mafic granulite should share the same metamorphic evolution, but show contrasting features in petrography, details of metamorphic reactions in each stage, thermobarometric results, and also the meaning of zircon ages as a result of their different bulk‐rock compositions. Moreover, the UHT metamorphism in UHP terranes is revealed to represent the lower pressure overprinting over early UHP assemblages during the rapid exhumation of ultra‐deep subducted continental slabs, in contrast to the cause of traditional UHT metamorphism by voluminous heat addition from the mantle.