Geochemistry,origin, and nature of metamorphic rocks of the Batomga granite-greenstone terrane (Aldan Shield)

Two series of volcanic rocks with different petrochemical affinities-calc-alkaline and komatiitetholeiitic series-were identified as protoliths for the Early Proterozoic metamorphic rocks of the Batomga granite-greenstone terrane. The metavolcanic rocks of the calc-alkaline series comprise metabasalts, metaandesites, metadacites, and metarhyolites. The distribution of the trace element abundances in the felsic metavolcanic rocks is similar to that of the Archean grey gneisses from the platform basements, thus suggesting a similar petrological mechanism for the formation of their protoliths. The protoliths for the komatiite-tholeiitic metavolcanic rocks include komatiite and tholeiite basalts. The chemical behavior of the tholeiites tends to support the fractionation of primary high-Mg basaltic magmas in a transient magma chamber at low pressures. The variations in the Nb, Y, and Zr contents of the metatoleiites indicate the derivation of their parental magmas from a plume-related source.     

Petrology and isotope geology of mafic to ultramafic metavolcanic rocks of the Brusque Metamorphic Complex,southern Brazil

The Brusque Metamorphic Complex (BMC) is one of the main units of the Tijucas Terrain within the Dom Feliciano Belt, located in the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. In the Itapema region, the BMC is composed chiefly of metasediments, including subordinate metabasalts, meta-ultramafic rocks, and clinoamphibole schists. The metavolcanic rocks form 4 m-thick lenses interlayered with metapelites and calc-silicate schists. Based on the observed textures and the associated structural, bulk-rock geochemical, and mineral chemical data, these metamafites and ultramafites were ancient lava flows of tholeiitic basalts and ultramafic cumulates. The mineral parageneses of the metabasalts are albite?+?actinolite?+?chlorite?+?epidote?+?titanite?+?magnetite and oligoclase?+?hornblende?+?epidote?+?titanite?+?magnetite, indicating progressive transformations produced under greenschist to amphibolite facies conditions. Volcanogenic metasediments show the same geochemical patterns as the metabasalts, whereas the metamorphosed ultramafic rocks consist of cumulates generated by crystal fractionation and flow segregation. The studied rocks show similar rare-earth element (REE) patterns, characterized by clearly higher normalized contents of light REEs compared with heavy REEs, without Eu anomalies in the metabasalts and positive Eu anomalies in meta-ultramafic rocks and volcanogenic metasediments. In accordance with the trace element contents that indicate a within-plate nature, the corresponding mafic melts apparently formed in the mantle by partial fusion and were subsequently enriched with crustal components during ascent into the sialic crust. The analysed ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios lie between 0.5123 and 0.5126 and 0.7067 and 0.7086, respectively, and are thus typical of tholeiitic basalts of the continental plateau type. Initial ?Nd₍₉₃₆₎ values and derived model ages (T _DM) between 1028 and 1762 million years support a mantle source or sources, with extraction and emplacement in the Neoproterozoic. Field relations and geochemical data (including isotopic data) indicate the generation of the studied mafic and ultramafic rocks in a continental rift. In the regional geologic context, the formation of the BMC volcanic and metasedimentary units marks a period of fragmentation of the Palaeoproterozoic continental crust. This extensional event is preserved regionally in gneisses from the Santa Catarina Granulitic Complex and the Camboriú Complex.     

Die Glaukophangesteine,ihre stofflichen Äquivalente und Uniwandlungsprodukte in Nordcalabrien (Süditalien)

In the southern Apennin (= northern part of the region dealt with) and the Coasta Chain (= southern part) there are metabasalts wich are classified in the northern part as:

1. Glaucophane rocks of the albite-lawsonite-glaucophane-subfacies with the assemblage glaucophane + pumpellyite + lawsonite ±albite ±aragonite ±muscovite (7 rock analyses, 8 mineral analyses). These rocks are conceived as relics of an older burial metamorphism.
2. Rocks with pumpellyite and chlorite or also chlorite alone, that are interpreted as reaction rims between the metastable glaucophane rocks and the country rock (phyllites, quartzites). The assemblages pumpellyite + chlorite and chlorite alone are to be found (2 rock analyses and 2 mineral analyses).
3. Rocks with lawsonite and/or epidote belong to the same mineral facies as the country rock: a facies similar to the greenschist facies (called “lawsonite-albite-chlorite-subfacies”) which is characterized by the assemblages lawsonite + albite + chlorite ±calcite and also epidote ±lawsonite + albite + chlorite ± muscovite. These types are attributed to a younger dynamo-metamorphism (2 rock analyses).

In the southern part, the metabasalts can be found only as rocks with epidote and/or lawsonite, a metamorphism with more than one event cannot be proved petrologically (3 rock analyses). Equations of the observed mineral reactions are given. The transitions of one facies into another are represented in the pseudo-quaternary system Al₂O₃-CaO-Na₂O · Al₂O₃-2 Fe₂O₃ + FeO + MnO + MgO-(H₂O). The pressure-temperature conditions are estimated on the basis of published experimental data (300° C and 6–7 kb for the glaucophane rocks; 400° C and about 6 kb for the rocks with lawsonite and/or epidote) and are compared with geologic facts.     

Kalikorva structure and its position in the system of the northern Karelian greenstone belts: Geochemical and geochronological data

New geochemical data on volcanic rocks and the first U-Pb zircon ages for the Kalikorva structure made it possible to determine the time and conditions of their formation and constrain geodynamic models. The lower sequences of the Kalikorva structure is dominated by metatholeiites with high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, high Mg#, and REE distribution patterns close to the mantle level. They contain rare komatiite interlayers and lenses of pyroxenites and peridotites and can be considered as products of the deep melting of mantle material. At the same time, the tholeiitic metabasalts bear island-arc signatures and are intercalated with metagraywackes and metadacites (adakites). This rock association could be formed under spreading conditions at the beginning of an island-arc regime. The upper sequence is dominated by metagraywackes and contains diverse rocks with both MORB (tholeiitic and komatiitic basalts) and island-arc (calc-alkaline andesite and dacites, subalkaline basalts, and picritic basalts) affinity, which is typical of back-arc basins. The U-Pb dating of zircons from the metadacites and detrital zircons from the metagraywackes of the Kalikorva structure yielded similar ages of 2785 ± 13 and 2766 ± 21 Ma, respectively. They coincide with the age of the late volcanic complex of the Hisovaara Group of the Hisovaara structure (2780 Ma). Both complexes include island-arc associations with subduction signatures and contain adakites, Nb-Ti basalts, and basaltic andesites. The metagraywackes and metadacites of the Chupa sequence of the Belomorian mobile belt are older than the similar rocks of the Kalikorva complex and have an age of 2870 ± 30 Ma. Ages of 2735 ± 20 Ma and 2720 ± 4 Ma were previously obtained for the metaandesites of the Kichany volcanogenic complex, which could be an even younger volcanic arc.     

Geochronology,Nd isotopes and reconnaissance geochemistry of volcanic and metavolcanic rocks of the São Luís Craton,northern Brazil: Implications for tectonic setting and crustal evolution

New field work, in addition to zircon geochronology, Nd isotopes and reconnaissance geochemical data allow the recognition of Paleoproterozoic volcanic and metavolcanic sequences in the São Luís Craton of northern Brazil. These sequences record at least five volcanic pulses occurring probably in three distinct epochs and in different tectonic settings. (1) The Pirocaua Formation of the Aurizona Group comprises early arc-related calc-alkaline metapyroclastic rocks of 2240 ± 5 Ma formed from juvenile protoliths in addition to minor older crustal components. (2) The Matará Formation of the Aurizona Group holds mafic tholeiitic and ultramafic metavolcanic rocks of back arc and/or island arc setting, which are likely coeval to the Pirocaua Formation. (3) The Serra do Jacaré volcanic unit is composed of tholeiitic basalts and predominantly metaluminous, normal- to high-K calc-alkaline andesites of 2164 ± 3 Ma formed in mature arc or active continental margin from juvenile protoliths along with subordinate older (Paleoproterozoic) materials and associated to the main calc-alkaline orogenic stage. (4) The Rio Diamante Formation consists of late-orogenic metaluminous, medium-K, calc-alkaline rhyolite to dacite and tuffs of 2160 ± 8 Ma formed in continental margin setting from reworked Paleoproterozoic crust (island arc) with incipient Archean contribution. (5) The Rosilha volcanic unit is composed of weakly peraluminous, medium-K, calc-alkaline dacite and tuff formed probably at about 2068 Ma from reworked crustal protoliths. As a whole the volcanic and metavolcanic rocks record and characterized better the previously proposed orogenic evolution of the São Luís Craton.     

Alkaline basalt from the Central Iran, a mark of previously subducted Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust

In western part of the CEIM (Central-East Iranian Microcontinent) (Bayazeh area, Isfahan province, Iran), a series of Paleozoic basaltic rocks, occur. Major minerals of these basalts are olivine, clinopyroxene (diopside, augite), plagioclase (albite), sanidine, amphibole (kaersutite), phlogopite, ilmenite and magnetite. Secondary minerals include epidote, pumpellyite, albite, calcite and chlorite. Olivine and clinopyroxene are as phenocryst, while feldspars are restricted to groundmass. Chemical composition of clinopyroxenes indicates crystallization during ascending of magma. Geochemical analysis of whole rock samples shows that these rocks are characterized by low SiO₂ (43.21–48.45 wt %), high TiO₂ (1.81–3.00 wt %) and P₂O₅ (0.18–0.34 wt %). Petrography, chemistry of clinopyroxenes and whole rock analyses reveal an alkaline nature of these basalts. They are enriched in alkalis (Na₂O + K₂O = 4.1–7.7 wt %), LILE, HFSE and LREE. The Bayazeh alkali-basalts present strong enrichment in LREE relative to HREE (La/Lu ratio = 77.6–119.6) and were dominantly derived from partial melting of a metasomatized asthenospheric garnet-amphibole lherzolite. Field relationships reveal that junction of faults in west of the Bayazeh prepared a suitable path for ascending of magma from deep regions to surface and intra-plate continental magmatism. The Paleo-Tethys subduction from lower to upper Paleozoic is too enough for mantle enrichment in volatiles and basaltic alkaline magmatisrn in upper Paleozoic of Bayazeh area.     

中国东北黑龙江杂岩体蓝闪石片岩岩石学研究

黑龙江杂岩主要由蓝闪石片岩构成,蓝闪石片岩主要包括绿帘石、绿泥石、钠长石、钠质角闪石、多硅白云母和石英以及为数不多的榍石、钛铁矿和黑硬绿泥石。其中,钠质角闪石包括蓝闪石和镁质钠闪石。变质条件的压力（P）温度（T）评价条件为400－425℃和0.69－0.86 MPa,对应岩相为绿帘蓝闪石片岩相。黑龙江杂岩蓝闪石片岩的地球化学研究表明,其原岩是可与洋岛型（OIB）玄武岩和一些洋中脊型（E-MORB）玄武岩相对比的大洋玄武岩,这说明黑龙江杂岩蓝闪石片岩的玄武岩原岩是在海底山或者在大洋隆起条件下由富集源形成的;具有洋岛型玄武岩地球化学特征的变质玄武岩以及富锰的变质燧石、大理石、变质硬砂岩和蛇绿岩鳞片的加入证明黑龙江杂岩是消减—增生杂岩,它含有变形洋壳的碎块和在被改造的前震旦纪佳木斯岩体西边缘上形成于侏罗纪的增生楔岩石;黑龙江杂岩在原岩成分上可与活动大陆边缘许多增生的杂岩相当。     

Petrology of some Glaucophane Schists and Related Rocks from Taiwan

Detailed laboratory study has been made on pre-Tertiary coarse-grainedglaucophane schist, garnet-epidote amphibolite, and epidoteamphibolite in the eastern slope of the Central Mountain Range,Taiwan. These petrotectonic assemblages are considered to beexotic tectonic blocks emplaced within the feebly metamorphosedin situ graphite and quartzose schists of the Yuli belt. Thinlenses of Mn-rich metamorphosed tuff are intercalated withinthe metabasaltic rocks. Such high MnO (2 wt. per cent) and lowMgO (3–4 wt. per cent) tuffaceous rocks are similar inbulk composition to some volcanic clays collected in deep oceanbasins. They consist of the characteristic assemblage Mn-bearinggarnet (5–7 wt. per cent MnO and 30 volume per cent inthe rock)+muscovite+epidote+hornblende+quartz+ albite+rutile?pyrite. Successive stages of conversion of garnet-epidote amphiboliteto blueschist assemblages were noticed. The most recrystallizedschists display abundant Mn-bearing garnet, zoned amphibole,phengite, zoned epidote, stilpnomelane, chlorite, quartz, minoralbite, magnetite, and sphene. The recrystallization processis nearly isochemical except the glaucophane schists appearto be more oxidized and contain more Na₂O than the relict amphibolites.Intimately associated amphibolites of basaltic composition,in contrast, contain the assemblage hornblende+paragonite+epidote+chlorite+quartz+albite+rutile. Microprobe analyses of the coexisting minerals in glaucophaneschists, garnet-epidote amphibolites and epidote amphibolitesyield the following results: (1) garnets, consisting of almandine,spessartine, and grossular components, are less Mn and Mg-richcompared to those in in situ metabasalts of the Franciscan;(2) rim epidotes of the glaucophane schists are more pistastic(X_Fe=0?27–0?30) than that of the garnet-epidote amphibolite(0?2–0?22) implying higher fO₂ values for the glaucophanization;(3) phengitic micas of the glaucophane schist have less Al₂O₃content (29 wt. per cent) than those of the garnet-epidote amphibolite(32 wt. per cent) whereas micas of epidote amphibolites areparagonites with K/(K+Na) ratio of 0?04; (4) the zoned amphibolesshow glaucophane occurring marginal to cores of calcic amphibole.Sodic amphiboles with Al₂O₃ of 6-? to 10?4 wt. per cent arecrossite-glaucophane whereas all calcic amphiboles analyzedare barroisite-pargasite (Al₂O₃ greater than 10 wt. per cent). The garnet-epidote-rutile bearing glaucophane schist of Taiwanprobably recrystallized at temperatures above 350 ?C (the epidotezone) whereas the lawsonite-sphene glaucophane schists of theFranciscan equilibrated below 350 ?C (the lawsonite zone). TheMn-rich basaltic tuffs and their associated flows appear tohave been metamorphosed at profound depths and at the relativelyhigh temperatures of the epidote amphibolite facies, succeededlater by glaucophane schist facies metamorphism at lower temperatures.     

Mineralogy of New Caledonian metamorphic rocks

A Cretaceous to low-Tertiary sequence of interbedded pelites, cherts, basic and acidic volcanics and calcareous lenses has been metamorphosed by an Oligocene event. A complete intergradational metamorphic sequence is exposed in the Ouégoa destrict. The following metamorphic zones have been recognised: — (1) lowest-grade rocks consisting of quartz-sericite phyllites and pumpellyite metabasalts (2) lawsonite zone, characterized by the association of lawsonite and albite (3) epidote zone, characterised by epidote-omphacite-sodic hornblendealmandine bearing metabasalts and epidote-albite-almandine-glaucophane bearing metasediments; calcareous metasediments may also carry omphacite. The epidote and lawsonite zones are separated by a narrow belt of transitional rocks. Garnets occur in metasediments throughout the lawsonite zone as rare tiny crystals (<0.03 mm diam.). Garnets first appear in metabasalts in lawsonite-epidote transitional rocks. Garnets are widespread and abundant in epidote-zone metasediments and metabasalts. 45 garnets from rocks representative of all lithologies and metamorphic grades have been analysed with an electron-probe microanalyser. The garnets were consistently zoned. Garnets in lawsonite and low-grade epidote zones show a “bell-type” zoning with cores enriched in Mn relative to Fe and rims enriched in Fe, Mg and frequently Ca. Garnets from high-grade epidote-zone metapelites and metabasalts show, in addition, a shallow oscillatory zoning with complimentary variations in Mn and Fe equivalent to 5 mole- % spessartine and almandine. The Fe-for-Mn substitutional zoning, believed to be caused by a diffusion/saturation effect similar to that of the Rayleigh fractional model (Hollister, 1966), appears to have had superimposed on it the effects of parent-rock chemistry and metamorphic grade which control in a complex manner the composition of the cores and the rims of garnets. Garnets from different rock types and metamorphic grade are compositionally distinct. Garnets from lawsonite-zone rocks, irrespective of parent-rock chemistry appear to be spessartine. Garnets from epidote-zone metaigneous rocks and most metasediments are almandine. Garnets from epidote-zone metasediments with bulk-rock compositions which are manganiferous, or have high oxidation ratios, or both, may be spessartine-rich. Garnets from metabasalts are consistently more pyropic in both core and rim compositions than garnets from pelitic metasediments; the pyrope content of cores and rims of garnets from equivalent rock types and mineral assemblages increases with increasing metamorphic grade. Cores of garnets from epidote-zone pelites are richer in grossular than garnets from lower-grade pelites. The reaction which brings almandine garnet into Ouégoa district blueschist assemblages simultaneously with the replacement of lawsonite by epidote involves components of chlorites and sodic amphiboles and can be represented by the following simplified equation: ferroglaucophane+Fe-rich chlorite+lawsonite → glaucophane+Mg-rich chlorite+epidote+almandine.     

Geochemistry, petrogenesis, and geodynamic typification of metavolcanics of the Tunka terrane (Baikal–Hövsgöl region)

The geochemical composition of metavolcanics (metabasalts and metaandesites) of the Tunka terrane is considered. They are differently enriched in incompatible elements relative to N-MORB. The geochemical features of the basalts (LILE and LREE enrichment, Zr and Hf negative anomalies) point to the suprasubductional nature of synsedimentary volcanism; at the same time, the rocks lack negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. Comparison of the Tunka metavolcanics with those of modern geodynamic settings shows their analogy to back-arc basin basalts.     

Metamorphic evolution of the late Archaean Cadillac tectonic zone, McWatters, Abitibi belt, Quebec

Abstract Archaean greenstone belts are often cut by major shear zones, for example the Cadillac tectonic zone (CTZ) of the southern Abitibi region in north-western Quebec. At McWatters, the CTZ contains slices of metavolcanic units bounded by corridors of highly strained and altered rocks. Mineral assemblages of the metabasites record the metamorphic evolution of the CTZ.
The McWatters metabasalts and metagabbros have similar chemistry but different mineral assemblages consisting of variable amounts of actinolite, hornblende, chlorite, albite, epidote, quartz, carbonates, titanite, biotite, rutile, magnetite, ilmenite and sulphides. The different mineral assemblages, which coexist in a single tectonic slice, can be divided into three types, characterized by (A) presence of hornblende and actinolite, (B) presence of actinolite and epidote, and (C) absence of amphibole and epidote. Partial replacements indicate that these mineral assemblages are not in equilibrium. The hornblende of the least altered and deformed samples of the type A assemblage is a relict of a prograde metamorphic event, contemporaneous with the development of the main schistosity. The prograde conditions are estimated at P = 5 kbar, T = 475° C with low P_f . The more altered and deformed samples of the type C assemblage record a later retrograde metamorphic event. Conditions of the later event are estimated at P = 4 kbar, T = 400° C with higher P_f . Widespread calcite precipitation occurred during a later episode. The diversity of the mineral assemblages results from permeability variations along the high-strain zones of the CTZ.     

Gold-bearing rocks of Mangalur greenstone belt,Gulbarga District,Karnataka

The Mangalur greenstone belt of Dharwar Craton, South India, is an Archaean schist belt dominated by metavolcanic rocks. The gold mineralization occurs within the metavolcanics and the fabric, mineralogy and geochemistry of these host rocks indicate that they were tholeiitic basalts regionally metamorphosed under medium to low-grade greenschist facies. The basic metavolcanic rocks occur as tholeiitic metabasalts and amphibolites. The rocks have undergone some fractionation and appear to be derived from melts generated by 10 to 25% melting of the mantle at depths 30 to 35 km around temperature 1200°C and pressure 12 kb. The source of gold is mainly in the basalts and not in the surrounding granites.     

Criteria for the identification of ancient volcanic arcs

Characteristic features of recent volcanic arcs must be preserved in the rock record to be useful in determining the magmatic affinities of metavolcanic rocks. This paper reviews criteria suggested by others, and proposes new criteria for the recognition of ancient volcanic arc complexes. Major element abundances, which discriminate magma types in recent volcanic rocks, are very susceptible to modification during low-grade metamorphism, and therefore are of limited value for determining magmatic affinities of altered volcanic rocks. Ti and Zr, Cr and the rare-earth elements, are only slightly affected by low-grade metamorphism. These elements show distinctive trends that allow ocean-floor basalts to be discriminated from most volcanic arc basalts. Clinopyroxene phenocrysts are commonly the only unaltered remnant phase present in metavolcanic rocks. Compositions of clinopyroxene phenocrysts from a suite of fractionated volcanic rocks can be employed as a petrogenetic indicator, because each magma series displays a distinctive CaFeMg trend during differentiation. The much greater abundance of pyroclastic volcanic rocks versus flows in modern volcanic are sequences is a preservable criterion for identifying ancient volcanic arcs. Interbedded with the pyroclastic volcanic rocks are thick deposits of graywackes and mudstones. The volcanic arc deposits are overprinted by high-temperature/low-pressure metamorphism. Parallel to and on the seaward side of the volcanic arc metamorphic belt is a belt of low-temperature/high-pressure metamorphic rocks. These two metamorphic belts comprise a paired metamorphic belt that is diagnostic of Pacific-type convergent plate margins. These criteria together distinguish volcanic arc deposits from other volcanic—sedimentary deposits.     

SOME TRENDS IN THE STUDY OF CARBONATE SEDIMENTS IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

A stratigraphically coherent blueschist terrane near Aksu in northwestern China is unconformably overlain by unmetamorphosed sedimentary rocks of Sinian age (～600 to 800 Ma). The pre-Sinian metamorphic rocks, termed the Aksu Group, were derived from shales, sandstones, basaltic volcanic rocks, and minor cherty sediments. They have undergone multi-stage deformation and transitional blueschist/greenschist-facies metamorphism, and consist of strongly foliated chlorite-stilpnomelane-graphite schist, stilpnomelane-phengite psammitic schist, greenschist, blueschist, and minor quartzite, metachert, and meta-ironstone. Metamorphic minerals of basaltic blueschists include crossitic amphibole, epidote, chlorite, albite, quartz, and actinolite. Mineral parageneses and compositions of sodic amphibole suggest blueschist facies recrystallization at about 4 to 6 kbar and 300 to 400° C. Many thin diabasic dikes cut the Aksu Group; they are characterized by high alkali, TiO₂, and P₂O₅ contents and possess geochemical characteristics of within-plate basalts; some of these diabasic rocks contain sodic clinopyroxene and amphibole as primary phases and have minor pumpellyite, albite, epidote, chlorite, and calcite as the prehnite/pumpellyite-facies metamorphic assemblage. This prehnite/pumpellyite-facies overprint did not affect the host rocks of the blueschist-facies lithologies.

K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages of phengite and whole rocks from pelitic schists are ～690 to 728 Ma, and a ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of crossite from the blueschist is 754 Ma. The basal conglomerate of the overlying Sinian to Eocambrian sedimentary succession contains clasts of both the blueschist and cross-cutting dike rocks, clearly demonstrating that conditions required for blueschist-facies metamorphism were attained and ceased at least 700 Ma. The northward-increasing metamorphic grade of the small blueschist terrane may reflect northward subduction of an accretionary complex beyond the northern edge of the Tarim craton. Abundant subparallel diabasic dikes indicate a subsequent period of Pre-Sinian rifting and diabasic intrusion along the northern margin of Tarim; a Sinian siliciclastic and carbonate sequence was deposited unconformably atop the Aksu Group and associated diabase dikes.     

Cold subduction of the Neotethys: the metamorphic record from finely banded lawsonite and epidote blueschists and associated metabasalts of the Nagaland Ophiolite Complex,India

In this study, we have deduced the thermal history of the subducting Neotethys from its eastern margin, using a suite of partially hydrated metabasalts from a segment of the Nagaland Ophiolite Complex (NOC), India. Located along the eastern extension of the Indus‐Tsangpo suture zone (ITSZ), the N–S‐trending NOC lies between the Indian and Burmese plates. The metabasalts, encased within a serpentinitic mélange, preserve a tectonically disturbed metamorphic sequence, which from west to east is greenschist (GS), pumpellyite–diopside (PD) and blueschist (BS) facies. Metabasalts in all the three metamorphic facies record prograde metamorphic overprints directly on primary igneous textures and igneous augite. In the BS facies unit, the metabasalts interbedded with marble show centimetre‐ to metre‐scale interlayering of lawsonite blueschist (LBS) and epidote blueschist (EBS). Prograde HP/LT metamorphism stabilized lawsonite + omphacite (X_Jd = 0.50–0.56 to 0.26–0.37) + jadeite (X_Jd = 0.67–0.79) + augite + ferroglaucophane + high‐Si phengite (Si = 3.6–3.65 atoms per formula unit, a.p.f.u.) + chlorite + titanite + quartz in LBS and lawsonite + glaucophane/ferroglaucophane ± epidote ± omphacite (X_Jd = 0.34) + chlorite + phengite (Si = 3.5 a.p.f.u.) + titanite + quartz in EBS at the metamorphic peak. Retrograde alteration, which was pervasive in the EBS, produced a sequence of mineral assemblages from omphacite and lawsonite‐absent, epidote + glaucophane/ferroglaucophane + chlorite + phengite + titanite + quartz through albite + chlorite + glaucophane to lawsonite + albite + high‐Si phengite (Si = 3.6–3.7 a.p.f.u.) + glaucophane + epidote + quartz. In the PD facies metabasalts, the peak mineral assemblage, pumpellyite + chlorite + titanite + phengitic white mica (Si = 3.4–3.5 a.p.f.u.) + diopside appeared in the basaltic groundmass from reacting titaniferous augite and low‐Si phengite, with prehnite additionally producing pumpellyite in early vein domains. In the GS facies metabasalts, incomplete hydration of augite produced albite + epidote + actinolite + chlorite + titanite + phengite + augite mineral assemblage. Based on calculated T–M(H₂O), T–M(O₂) (where M represents oxide mol.%) and P–T pseudosections, peak P–T conditions of LBS are estimated at ~11.5 kbar and ~340 °C, EBS at ~10 kbar, 325 °C and PD facies at ~6 kbar, 335 °C. Reconstructed metamorphic reaction pathways integrated with the results of P–T pseudosection modelling define a near‐complete, hairpin, clockwise P–T loop for the BS and a prograde P–T path with a steep dP/dT for the PD facies rocks. Apparent low thermal gradient of 8 °C km^?1 corresponding to a maximum burial depth of 40 km and the hairpin P–T trajectory together suggest a cold and mature stage of an intra‐oceanic subduction zone setting for the Nagaland blueschists. The metamorphic constraints established above when combined with petrological findings from the ophiolitic massifs along the whole ITSZ suggest that intra‐oceanic subduction systems within the Neotethys between India and the Lhasa terrane/the Karakoram microcontinent were also active towards east between Indian and Burmese plates.     

Tectonic significance of mafic volcanic rocks in a Mesozoic sequence of the Menderes Massif, West Turkey

The Mesozoic platform sequence of the Menderes Massif consists of thick succession of detrital and carbonate rocks. In this sequence there are mafic metavolcanic rocks at two different levels. The first level of mafic metavolcanic intercalations is in the Late Triassic detrital-rich series located in the ÇaltayL Formation, which is the lowermost unit of the Mesozoic platform. The second level of the mafic metavolcanic rocks is located in the Late Cretaceous-(?)Paleocene Selçuk Formation laying on top of the platform sequence. The ÇaltayL Formation, which is composed of mica-schists, thinly-bedded cherts, calc-schist and mafic volcanic intercalations unconformably overlie the BayLndLr Formation, which consists of mica-schists, phyllites, and white quartzites of Palaeozoic or probably older age. The mafic volcanic rocks in the ÇaltayL Formation are alkaline basalts with within plate characteristics and are formed during an intraplate extension. The ÇaltayL Formation is conformably overlain by the KayaaltL Formation represented by calc-schists, dolomitic marbles, and rudist- and emery-bearing massive marbles in ascending order. The Selçuk Formation overlies the KayaaltL Formation and consists of a mica-schist matrix with allochthonous blocks of mafic volcanic rocks, metaperidotites, metagabbros and massive marbles. The mafic volcanic rocks in the Selçuk Formation are tholeiitic basalts and are petrologically similar to mid-oceanic basalts. The geological and geochemical characteristics of the mafic metavolcanic rocks in the ÇaltayL Formation indicate that during the Late Triassic, the Menderes platform was segmented, probably by the opening of a branch of the Neotethyan Ocean. Between the Late Triassic and the Late Cretaceous, the Menderes carbonate platform was built up. During the Latest Cretaceous-Early Paleocene, a slab of oceanic crust obducted on this platform and provided slices of mafic metavolcanic rocks into the Selçuk Formation.     

Mineralogy of New Caledonian metamorphic rocks

Variations in chemistry and related physical properties of sheet silicates in the Ouégoa district with metamorphic grade are investigated. Weakly metamorphosed rocks prior to the crystallization of lawsonite contain phengite (d ₀₀₆=3.317–3.323 Å), chlorite and occasionally paragonite while interstratified basaltic sills contain chlorite, minor phengite and stilpnomelane. Pyrophyllite crystallizes before lawsonite in some metamorphosed acid tuffs and is also stable in the lawsonite zone. Paragonite, phengite and chlorite appear to be stable through the sequence from weakly metamorphosed rocks into high-grade “eclogitic” schists and gneisses. Optical, chemical and some X-ray diffraction data is given for representative sheet silicates. Electron probe analyses of 55 phengites, 21 paragonites, 57 chlorites, 12 vermiculites, 2 stilpnomelanes, and 2 chloritoids are presented in graphical form. All K-micas analysed are consistently phengitic (3.29–3.55 Si^iv ions per formula unit) and show limited solid solution with paragonite (4 to 13% Pa). The K∶Na ratio of the phengite is strongly dependant on the assemblage in which it occurs; the amount of phengite component and its Fe∶Mg ratio depends on bulk-rock composition. Phengites from acid volcanics have the highest Fe∶Mg ratio, highest phengite component and β refractive indices. Phengites from basic volcanics and metasediments of the epidote zone have the lowest Fe∶Mg ratio. Phengites from lawsonite-zone metasediments have intermediate Fe∶Mg ratios. The phengites show a small decrease in phengite component with increasing metamorphic grade. d ₀₀₆ for phengites varied from 3.302 to 3.323 Å but at least in the lawsonite and epidote zones appears to reflect composition and had little systematic variation with metamorphic grade; phengites from very low-grade rocks showed the longest values of d ₀₀₆. Paragonite shows almost no phengite-type substitution and only limited solid solution (4–12%) with muscovite. All paragonites (6) and most phengites (20) which have been examined are 2M₁ polymorphs; one Fe²⁺-phengite appears to be a 1M polymorph. The chemistry of chlorites closely reflects parent-rock chemistry. Chlorites from metasediments have distinctly higher Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios than chlorites from basic igneous rocks; chlorites from the lawsonite and lawsonite-epidote transitional zone metasediments have the highest Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios. In metabasalts Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios appear to reflect individual variations in bulk-rock chemistry and show no direct correlation with metamorphic grade. There is little difference in Al/(Si+Al) ratio between chlorites from sediments and basic igneous rocks although in both lithologies the chlorites from the epidote zone appear to be slightly more aluminous. Fe-rich chlorites of the lawsonite zone metasediments have been altered by a process involving leaching of Fe and Mg and introduction of alkalies to a brown pleochroic Fe-vermiculite. Chemical and physical data for this vermiculite are given. The decrease in Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratio in chlorites and phengites on passing from the lawsonite to the epidote zone can be correlated with the crystallization of Fe-rich epidote and almandine in the epidote zone. Elemental partitioning between coexisting minerals has shown Ti to be partitioned into phengite, while Fe and Mn are strongly partitioned into chlorite. When either stilpnomelane or chloritoid coexists with phengite or chlorite, Fe and Mn are slightly enriched in the stilpnomelane or chloritoid relative to the chlorite.     

The Cerro Rajón Formation—a new lithostratigraphic unit proposed for a Cambrian (Terreneuvian) volcano-sedimentary succession from the Caborca region,northwest Mexico

A new mappable rock unit, the Cerro Rajón Formation, is proposed for the Cambrian succession of the Caborca region, Sonora, México. Formerly Unit 1 of the Puerto Blanco Formation, the Cerro Rajón Formation is interpreted as a volcano-sedimentary succession deposited along the coast of a passive margin that was impacted by rift-related volcanism. At its proposed type locality, in Cerro Rajón, the Cerro Rajón Formation consists of 270–285 m of tuffaceous conglomerate, metabasalt, mafic tuff, mafic lapillistone, mafic agglomerate, and quartzite with minor siltstone, limestone, and dolostone- and quartzite-dominated conglomerate. The unit contains a major disconformity near its base, where m-to dm-thick conglomerate locally replaces the fine-grained clastics that make up the base of the Cerro Rajón Formation. δ¹³C chemostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the Rajón and its bounding strata limits Rajón deposition to the Fortunian Stage of the Terreneuvian Series. Volcanic rocks in the Cerro Rajón Formation are represented by mafic to ultramafic flows, including picrobasalts and metabasalts with hydrothermal alteration characteristics, evidenced by replacement of clinopyroxenes by chlorite, actinolite, and epidote. The mineral paragenesis of these volcanic rocks suggests the succession experienced greenschist grade metamorphism. Basalt geochemistry is consistent with low silica (34.32–48.21%) magmatism with high TiO₂ concentrations (3.63–7.52%), related to continental rift volcanism with OIB characteristics. This volcanism could represent the last southern evidence of the rifting process that occurred along the western margin of Laurentia or could be related to volcanic rift deposits further afield.     

Ordovician volcanism of the Peloritan Mountains (Sicily): Implications for evolution of Palaeozoic basins in the Calabrian-Peloritan Arc

The palaeontologically dated Ordovician associations of the Peloritan Mountains consist of metasilts, metapelites, calc-schists and metavolcanic rocks. These rocks form a portion of a terrigenous-volcanic-carbonate sequence of Cambro-Ordovician to Carboniferous age. This Palaeozoic sequence occupies the lower tectonic position in a Variscan orogen, affected by later Alpine deformation. The upper portion of this orogen is formed by low to high grade metamorphic rocks and some rare magmatic rocks. The Ordovician section of the sequence is divisible into a lower part (probably Arenigian), characterized by frequent and extensive within-plate alkaline metabasalts, and an upper part characterized by metadacites and metarhyolites intercalated with metasediments, commonly carbonates. The chemical characteristics of the metavolcanic rocks and the composition and structure of the metasediments indicate the persistence of tensional conditions during the Lower Ordovician. In contrast, the Upper Ordovician was marked by reducing tension, stagnation of basaltic magmas at different crustal levels, and consequent formation of dacitic and rhyolitic melts by partial melting of the surrounding crust. A comparison of the Ordovician sequences of the Peloritan Mountains with those of the Calabrian Palaeozoic basins shows several geodynamic similarities. Among other circum-Mediterranean basins, only that of north-western Bulgaria shows good analogies.     

P–T–X controls on phase stability and composition in LTMP metabasite rocks – a thermodynamic evaluation

The stability of pumpellyite + actinolite or riebeckite + epidote + hematite (with chlorite, albite, titanite, quartz and H₂O in excess) mineral assemblages in LTMP metabasite rocks is strongly dependent on bulk composition. By using a thermodynamic approach (THERMOCALC), the importance of CaO and Fe₂O₃ bulk contents on the stability of these phases is illustrated using P–T and P–X phase diagrams. This approach allowed P–T conditions of ～4.0 kbar and ～260 °C to be calculated for the growth of pumpellyite + actinolite or riebeckite + epidote + hematite assemblages in rocks containing variable bulk CaO and Fe₂O₃ contents. These rocks form part of an accretionary wedge that developed along the east Australian margin during the Carboniferous–Triassic New England Orogen. P–T and P–X diagrams show that sodic amphibole, epidote and hematite will grow at these conditions in Fe₂O₃‐saturated (6.16 wt%) metabasic rocks, whereas actinolite and pumpellyite will be stable in CaO‐rich (10.30 wt%) rocks. With intermediate Fe₂O₃ (～3.50 wt%) and CaO (～8.30 wt%) contents, sodic amphibole, actinolite and epidote can coexist at these P–T conditions. For Fe₂O₃‐saturated rocks, compositional isopleths for sodic amphibole (Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ on the M2 site), epidote (Fe³⁺/Fe³⁺ + Al³⁺) and chlorite (Fe²⁺/Fe²⁺ + Mg) were calculated to evaluate the efficiency of these cation exchanges as thermobarometers in LTMP metabasic rocks. Based on these calculations, it is shown that Al³⁺ in sodic amphibole and epidote is an excellent barometer in chlorite, albite, hematite, quartz and titanite buffered assemblages. The effectiveness of these barometers decreases with the breakdown of albite. In higher‐P stability fields where albite is absent, Fe²⁺‐Mg ratios in chlorite may be dependent on pressure. The Fe³⁺/Al and Fe²⁺/Mg ratios in epidote and chlorite are reliable thermometers in actinolite, epidote, chlorite, albite, quartz, hematite and titanite buffered assemblages.