Recurrent mesoproterozoic continental magmatism in South-Central Norway

We report U–Pb dates and Lu–Hf isotope data, obtained by LAM-ICPMS, for zircons from metamorphic rocks of the Setesdalen valley, situated in the Telemark block south of the classic Telemark region of southern Norway. The samples include infracrustal rocks from the metamorphic basement, metaigneous rocks and metasediments from the Byglandsfjorden supracrustal cover sequence, and metaigneous rocks which intruded the whole succession. The main crustal evolution took place from 1,550–1,020 Ma, beginning with the emplacement of juvenile tonalitic melts; the contribution of older crustal material increased with time. Around 1,320 Ma, further addition of juvenile material occurred, involving both mafic and felsic melts, metamorphism and deformation. Acid magmas with high FeO*/MgO were intruded at 1,215 Ma, coinciding with underplating elsewhere in South Norway. The period starting at 1,215 Ma is represented by supracrustal rocks, principally metarhyolites with minor mafic material and immature sediments of the Byglandsfjorden Group. The crust generation processes ended with the intrusion of diorites and granodiorites at 1,030 Ma, late in the Sveconorwegian orogeny. Regional processes of metamorphism and deformation (around 1,290 and 1,000 Ma) can be related to the assembly of Rodinia. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Metamorphic evolution of the Sesia-Lanzo Zone,Western Alps: time constraints from multi-system geochronology

 The Sesia-Lanzo Zone is a polymetamorphic unit containing Hercynian granulite relics overprinted by eclogite and greenschist facies metamorphism and deformation during the Alpine orogeny. Different parts of the unit record different stages on the P-T-deformation evolution, allowing multi-system isotopic studies to unravel the precise timing of the metamorphic history. New Rb–Sr white mica and U–Pb sphene data constrain the age of eclogite facies metamorphism and deformation to 60–70 Ma. This substantially alters the common view of early- to mid-Cretaceous eclogite facies metamorphism in this unit. The new results are more consistent with the established geotectonic framework for the Alpine orogeny, since they do not require a prolonged period of depressed geothermal gradient at a time when the region was in extension. It is also more concordant with recent studies of other units that demonstrate post-Cretaceous high-pressure metamorphism. Step-heated ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar analysis of phengites yields good plateaux giving ages older than the corresponding Rb–Sr age. Such anomalously high ages indicate the presence of radiogenic argon-rich fluids in the grain boundary network under the fluid/pressure conditions acting during this high-pressure metamorphic event. The U–Pb sphene ages are variable in polymetamorphic rocks, and show inheritance of older Pb or sphene crystals into the high-pressure event. Two monometamorphic assemblages yield concordant ages at 66±1 Ma, reflecting crystallisation of the eclogite facies assemblage. The Gneiss Minuti Complex (GMC) lies structurally below the Eclogitic Micaschists, and its pervasive greenschist facies fabric yields tightly clustered Rb–Sr white mica ages at 38–39 Ma. This greenschist event did not affect the majority of the EMC. The ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar ages of micas formed at this time were very disturbed, whereas micas surviving from an earlier higher pressure assemblage had their ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar system reset. The greenschist event did not strongly affect U–Pb systematics in Hercynian age sphenes, suggesting that the GMC did not uniformly suffer an eclogite facies metamorphism during the Alpine cycle, but was juxtaposed against the EMC later in the orogeny. This model still requires that the locus of deformation and metamorphism (and possibly fluid flux) moved outboard with time, leaving the Sesia-Lanzo basement as a shear-bounded unreactive block within the orogenic wedge. Received: 12 October 1995/Accepted:25 June 1996     

Altered mafic lower continental crust as a source for low δ18O-granodiorites (Damara orogen, Namibia)?

Summary New oxygen isotope data for metaluminous granites from the basement-dominated part of the Damara orogen (Namibia) range from 9.1 to 11.9‰. These data, together with previously published Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data indicate that these granites and associated peraluminous granites originated from felsic meta-igneous basement sources. New and unusually low oxygen isotope data for metaluminous granodiorites extend now the range of δ¹⁸O values from ca. 12 to 6‰ for this rock type. These low oxygen isotope values approach the values observed in mafic quartz diorites for which a model of derivation from depleted mafic lower crust has been established. In view of the higher Pb isotope ratios but lower oxygen isotope values of the granodiorites relative to the mafic quartz diorites, it is concluded that the granodiorites represent partial melts of an undepleted but strongly altered mafic lower crust. Most of the peraluminous and metaluminous granites and the metaluminous granodiorites have identical U–Pb monazite, allanite and zircon ages of ca. 510–500 Ma implying partial melting of distinct basement rocks of Archaean to Proterozoic age at the peak of regional high-grade metamorphism.     

Timescales and significance of high-pressure, high-temperature metamorphism and mafic dike anatexis, Snowbird tectonic zone, Canada

New geochronological, isotopic and geochemical data for a spectacular swarm of deep crustal migmatitic mafic dikes offer important insight into processes operative during 1.9 Ga high pressure, high temperature metamorphism along the Snowbird tectonic zone in northern Saskatchewan. High-precision U–Pb zircon dates reveal anatexis of Chipman mafic dikes at 1,896.2 ± 0.3 Ma during syntectonic and synmetamorphic intrusion at conditions of 1.0–1.2 GPa, >750°C. U–Pb zircon dates of 1,894–1,891 Ma for cross-cutting pegmatites place a lower bound on major metamorphism and deformation at the currently exposed crustal levels. The persistence of elevated temperatures for ~14 m.y. following peak conditions is implied by younger U–Pb titanite dates, and by Sm–Nd whole rock isotopic data that suggest the derivation of the pegmatites by melting of a mafic source. Limited melting of the host felsic gneiss at 1.9 Ga despite high temperature is consistent with evidence for their previous dehydration by granulite facies metamorphism in the Archean. Spatial heterogeneity in patterns of mafic dike and tonalitic gneiss anatexis can be attributed to lateral peak temperature and compositional variability. We correlate 1,896 Ma Chipman mafic dike emplacement and metamorphism with substantial 1.9 Ga mafic magmatism over a minimum along-strike extent of 1,200 km of the Snowbird tectonic zone. This suggests a significant, continent-wide period of asthenospheric upwelling that induced incipient continental rifting. Extension was subsequently terminated by hinterland contraction associated with Trans-Hudson accretion and orogenesis. Little activity in the lower crust for ca. 650 m.y. prior to Proterozoic metamorphism and mafic magmatism implies an extended interval of cratonic stability that was disrupted at 1.9 Ga. This episode of destabilization contrasts with the record of long-term stability in most preserved cratons, and is important for understanding the lithospheric characteristics and tectonic circumstances that control the destruction or survival of continents.     

Low-Pressure Metamorphism in the Sierra Albarrana Area (Variscan Belt,Iberian Massif)

A low-pressure metamorphic zonation ranging from biotite tomigmatite zones occurs in the Sierra Albarrana area (VariscanBelt of southwestern Iberian Peninsula) in uppermost Precambrianto Lower Palaeozoic metasedimentary rocks. The principal deformationin this area is related to a major ductile shear zone whosecentral part is localized immediately to the southwest of theSierra Albarrana Quartzites. The metamorphism is synchronouswith respect to this deformation. The metamorphic zones aresymmetrically distributed with respect to the Sierra AlbarranaQuartzites. Pressure–temperature (P–T) conditionsare 3.5–4 kbar and range from 400°C (biotite zone)to 500°C (staurolite–garnet zone) up to 650–700°C(migmatite zone). We have not detected pressure variations alongthe different metamorphic zones. Relic kyanite is observed inthe form of inclusions in andalusite within veins in the lower-gradepart of the staurolite–andalusite zone. The low-pressuremetamorphism of the Sierra Albarrana area arises from a two-stagehistory including moderate crustal thickening followed by subsequentlocalization of deformation in a transcurrent shear zone duringpeak P–T conditions. Channelized fluid flow within themajor ductile shear zone may have contributed to the heat budgetof the low-pressure metamorphism. KEY WORDS: fluid flow; Iberian Massif; low-pressure metamorphism; shear zone; Sierra Albarrana area     

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

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

Mineral Chemistry and Pressure-Temperature Evolution of Two Contrasting High-pressure-Low-temperature Belts in the Chonos Archipelago, Southern Chile

The Chonos Metamorphic Complex forms part of a belt of low-grademetamorphic rocks in the Chilean Coastal Cordillera that areinterpreted as Palaeozoic–Mesozoic accretionary complexes.It comprises metapsammopelitic schists, metabasites and meta-ironstonesoccurring in two contrasting units. Special attention duringmicroprobe study of key samples was given to the chemical zonationof minerals. Subsequently, conventional geothermobarometry andthat using thermodynamic calculations were applied. The Easternbelt comprises rocks that are metamorphosed to pumpellyite–actinolitefacies conditions and show a low degree of deformation withwell-preserved sedimentary and igneous structures. Maximum P–Tconditions were around 5·5 kbar and 250–280°C.The rocks of the Western belt are characterized by a transitionbetween greenschist and albite–epidote–amphibolitefacies metamorphism and show a penetrative tectonic transpositionfoliation S₂ formed close to the pressure maximum. Maximum P–Tconditions vary around 8–10 kbar and 380–500°Coverstepping the stilpnomelane + phengite stability. High pressuresin this belt are confirmed by regionally distributed phengiteswith high Si contents up to 3·5 Si per formula unit.Regional distribution of maximum temperatures is reflected bythe composition of actinolitic hornblendes within the metabasites.In a garnet-bearing metabasite of the Western belt, oscillatorygrowth zoning of garnet was observed. The composition of correspondingmineral inclusions suggests that a prograde P–T path duringgarnet growth evolved from 7·5 kbar and 375°C toabout 9·4 kbar and 500°C. Late garnet grew synkinematicallywith penetrative deformation. The retrograde P–T pathin the rocks of the Western belt is constrained by the compositionof mainly late strain-free minerals and involves slight coolingduring decompression. Both belts are part of a subduction system.The apparent P–T gap between the belts is due to theirjuxtaposition during exhumation. The Eastern belt constitutesthe transition towards the backstop system of the accretionaryprism that is represented by the Western belt, whereas the absenceof very low grade rocks west of the Western belt is attributedto tectonic erosion, which was possibly caused by subductionof a ridge. KEY WORDS: Chonos Metamorphic Complex; accretionary complex; high-pressure–low-temperature metamorphism; oscillatory garnet zonation; phengite; P–T paths     

Geological setting and SHRIMP U–Pb geochronological evidence for ca. 2680–2660 Ma lode-gold mineralization at Jundee–Nimary in the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia

The 7 million oz. Jundee–Nimary lode-gold deposit occurs in the northern portion of the Yandal greenstone belt in the northeastern part of the Archean Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. Gold mineralization at Jundee–Nimary is similar in structural style, mineralogy, geochemistry and relative timing with respect to deformation and metamorphism, to other Western Australian Archean greenstone-hosted gold deposits, but is unusual in the fact that mineralized structures are crosscut by structurally late intermediate to felsic dykes. Within the Deakin South open cut, gold mineralization is hosted in brittle–ductile shear zones primarily developed within the dacitic Mitchell Porphyry. The Moore Porphyry, a broad dyke of porphyritic granodiorite, intrudes the Mitchell Porphyry, crosscutting and post-dating gold mineralization. Analytically indistinguishable SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of 2678 ± 5 Ma for the Mitchell Porphyry and 2669 ± 7 Ma for the Moore Porphyry require that gold mineralization at Jundee–Nimary occurred at ca. 2680–2660 Ma, approximately 40 million years earlier than the majority of published robust ages for gold mineralization in the Yilgarn Craton, which mostly overlap at ca. 2640–2630 Ma. The close spatial and temporal relationship between gold mineralization and felsic to intermediate magmatism at Jundee–Nimary also raises the possibility of a genetic link between hydrothermal and igneous activity. However, additional work is required to establish a firm connection. Current research on lode-gold mineralization in Archean, Paleozoic and Phanerozoic terranes suggests a model which postulates that these deposits formed during transpressional to compressional deformation in accretionary and collisional orogens and that their formation is intimately related to orogenic processes. Consequently, mineralization and regional metamorphism are expected to be diachronous, as terranes are accreted and the front of orogenesis migrates. Consideration of the new data presented in this paper in conjunction with previously published dates supports the hypothesis that gold mineralization, along with regional metamorphism, was generally diachronous from northeast to southwest across the Yilgarn Craton, over a period of approximately 40 million years from ca. 2680–2660 Ma to ca. 2640–2630 Ma. This is directly analogous to the accepted model for the timing of orogenic lode-gold mineralization in other provinces and therefore provides further support for a unified model for this style of deposit through geological time. Received: 17 March 2000 / Accepted: 8 September 2000     

Late Mesozoic magmatism from the Daye region,eastern China: U–Pb ages,petrogenesis, and geodynamic implications

Late Mesozoic dioritic and quartz dioritic plutons are widespread in the Daye region, eastern Yangtze craton, eastern China. Detailed geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic studies have been undertaken for most of these plutons, in an attempt to provide a comprehensive understanding in the age, genesis and geodynamical control of the extensive magmatism. SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating indicate that the plutons were emplaced in the range of latest Jurassic (ca. 152 Ma) to early Cretaceous (ca. 132 Ma), which was followed by dyke emplacement between 127 and 121 Ma and volcanism during the 130–113 Ma interval. Both diorites and quartz diorites are sodic, metaluminous, high-K calc-alkaline, and characterized by strongly fractionated, sub-parallel REE patterns without obvious Eu anomalies. The rocks are enriched in highly incompatible elements and large ion lithophile elements, but depleted in high field strength elements. Samples of diorite and quartz diorite have similar Sr–Nd isotopic compositions that are consistent with the early Cretaceous basalts and mafic intrusions throughout the eastern Yangtze craton. The geochemical and isotopic data, together with results of geochemical modeling, indicate an enriched mantle source for the plutonic rocks. The quartz diorites have geochemical signatures resembling adakites, such as high Al₂O₃ (15–19 wt.%), Sr (630–2,080 ppm), Na₂O (>3.5 wt.%), negative Nb–Ta anomalies, low Y (7–19 ppm), Yb (0.5–1.8 ppm), Sc (5–15 ppm), and resultant high Sr/Y (45–200) and La/Yb (31–63) ratios. Genesis of the adakitic quartz diorites is best explained in terms of low-pressure intracrustal fractional crystallization of cumulates consisting of hornblende, plagioclase, K-feldspar, magnetite, and apatite from mantle-derived dioritic magmas. Mantle-derived magmatism broadly coeval with that of the Daye region also is widespread in other regions of the eastern Yangtze craton, reflecting large-scale melting of the lithospheric mantle during the Late Mesozoic. The large-scale magmatism was most likely driven by lithospheric extension associated with thinning of lithospheric mantle beneath the eastern China continent.     

Reactive monazite and robust zircon growth in diatexites and leucogranites from a hot,slowly cooled orogen: implications for the Palaeoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the central Fennoscandian Shield,Sweden

Monazite in melt-producing, poly-metamorphic terranes can grow, dissolve or reprecipitate at different stages during orogenic evolution particularly in hot, slowly cooling orogens such as the Svecofennian. Owing to the high heat flow in such orogens, small variations in pressure, temperature or deformation intensity may promote a mineral reaction. Monazite in diatexites and leucogranites from two Svecofennian domains yields older, coeval and younger U–Pb SIMS and EMP ages than zircon from the same rock. As zircon precipitated during the melt-bearing stage, its U–Pb ages reflect the timing of peak metamorphism, which is associated with partial melting and leucogranite formation. In one of the domains, the Granite and Diatexite Belt, zircon ages range between 1.87 and 1.86 Ga, whereas monazite yields two distinct double peaks at 1.87–1.86 and 1.82–1.80 Ga. The younger double peak is related to monazite growth or reprecipitation during subsolidus conditions associated with deformation along late-orogenic shear zones. Magmatic monazite in leucogranite records systematic variations in composition and age during growth that can be directly linked to Th/U ratios and preferential growth sites of zircon, reflecting the transition from melt to melt crystallisation of the magma. In the adjacent Ljusdal Domain, peak metamorphism in amphibolite facies occurred at 1.83–1.82 Ga as given by both zircon and monazite chronology. Pre-partial melting, 1.85 Ga contact metamorphic monazite is preserved, in spite of the high-grade overprint. By combining structural analysis, petrography and monazite and zircon geochronology, a metamorphic terrane boundary has been identified. It is concluded that the boundary formed by crustal shortening accommodated by major thrusting.     

Protolith and metamorphic ages of the Haiyangsuo Complex, eastern China: a non-UHP exotic tectonic slab in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane

Summary The Haiyangsuo Complex in the NE Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrane has discontinuous, coastal exposures of Late Archean gneiss with amphibolitized granulite, amphibolite, Paleoproterozoic metagabbroic intrusives, and Cretaceous granitic dikes over an area of about 15 km². The U–Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons indicates that theprotolith age of a garnet-biotite gneiss is >2500 Ma, whereas the granulite-facie metamorphism occurred at around 1800 Ma. A gabbroic intrusion was dated at ∼1730 Ma, and the formation of amphibolite-facies assemblages in both metagabbro and granulite occurred at ∼340–460 Ma. Petrologic and geochronological data indicate that these various rocks show no evidence of Triassic eclogite-facies metamorphism and Neoproterozoic protolith ages that are characteristics of Sulu-Dabie HP-UHP rocks, except Neoproterozoic inherited ages from post-collisional Jurassic granitic dikes. Haiyangsuo retrograde granulites with amphibolite-facies assemblages within the gneiss preserve relict garnet formed during granulite-facies metamorphism at ∼1.85 Ga. The Paleoproterozoic metamorphic events are almost coeval with gabbroic intrusions. The granulite-bearing gneiss unit and gabbro-dominated unit of the Haiyangsuo Complex were intruded by thin granitic dikes at about 160 Ma, which is coeval with post-collisional granitic intrusions in the Sulu terrane. We suggest that the Haiyangsuo Complex may represent a fragment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Paleoproterozoic terrane developed at the eastern margin of the Sino-Korean basement, which was juxtaposed with the Sulu terrane prior to Jurassic granitic activity and regional deformation.     

Petrology and 40Ar–39Ar dating of shear zones in the Lanterman Range (northern Victoria Land, Antarctica): implications for metamorphic and temporal evolution at terrane boundaries

Summary The Lanterman Fault Zone, a major terrane boundary in northern Victoria Land, displays a polyphase structural evolution. After west-over-east thrusting, it experienced sinistral strike-slip shearing. Sheared metabasites from the Wilson Terrane (inboard terrane) preserve a record of retrograde metamorphic evolution. Shearing took place under amphibolite-facies metamorphic conditions (roughly comparable to those reached during regional metamorphism) which later evolved to greenschist-facies conditions. In contrast, the Bowers Terrane (outboard terrane) preserves a prograde metamorphic evolution which developed from greenschist-facies to amphibolite-facies metamorphism during shearing, followed by greenschist-facies metamorphism during the late deformational stages. Laser step-heating ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar analyses of syn-shear amphibolite-facies amphiboles yielded ages of 480–460 Ma, in agreement with a ∼480-Ma age obtained from a biotite aligned along the mylonitic foliation. These ages are younger than those (∼492 to ∼495 Ma) obtained from pre-shear amphibole relics linked to regional metamorphism of the Wilson Terrane. Results attribute the structural and metamorphic reworking during shearing to the late stages of the Cambrian-Ordovician Ross Orogeny and to the Middle-Late Ordovician probably in relation to the beginning of deformation in the Lachlan Orogen, thus precluding any appreciable impact of the Devonian-Carboniferous Borchgrevink event in the study area.     

Petrology of eclogites from north of Shahrekord, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Iran

Summary Metabasic rocks were recently found within a ductile shear zone in the north of Shahrekord, being a part of the structural zone of Sanandaj-Sirjan, SW Iran. The rocks give evidence of a so far unrecognized eclogite facies metamorphic event and testify to high pressure metamorphism in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, near the Main Zagros Reverse Fault, which is the assumed suture zone between the Arabian plate and the Iranian block. The eclogites occur as lenses or blocks within ortho- and paragneisses. The petrographic features and reaction textures display at least two main metamorphic stages: (1) a peak eclogite facies stage, and (2) a subsequent amphibolite facies stage. The eclogite facies metamorphism is indicated by omphacite + garnet + sodic-calcic amphiboles (barroisite, magnesiokatophorite and magnesiotaramite) + phengite + rutile + (clino-)zoisite + quartz ± dolomite. The garnets are mainly almandine-rich, which fits with the C-type eclogite classification. Calcic amphiboles (hornblende, tschermakite and pargasite) + plagioclase are secondary phases formed during the retrograde amphibolite-facies metamorphism. P-T estimates for the eclogite facies give pressures of 21–24 kbar and temperatures of 590–630 °C (geothermometry) and 470–520 °C (THERMOCALC), respectively. Geothermobarometry for the amphibolite-facies metamorphism yields 10–11 kbar and 650–700 °C. Author’s address: Ali Reza Davoudian, Department of Natural Resources, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran     

Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Chinese South Tianshan Orogen: constraints from SHRIMP zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry of basaltic and dioritic rocks from Xiate,NW China

Traditionally the Chinese South Tianshan has been regarded as a late Paleozoic orogenic belt. However, little is known about the early Paleozoic tectonic architecture of the region. This paper presents the first evidence of Cambrian–Ordovician MORB-type basalts and adakitic diorites on the southern margin of the Yili plate in China. Basalts from Xiate in southwestern Tianshan show a typical transitional (T-) MORB and ferrobasalt composition, which indicate a formation at a propagating spreading ridge. The basalts give a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U crystallization age of 516.3 ± 7.4 Ma by SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating and have experienced contact metamorphism due to the intrusion of a dioritic pluton. The dioritic pluton has a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U crystallization age of 470 ± 12 Ma and geochemical characteristics resembling that of adakitic rocks. The pluton is considered to have been formed by partial melting of garnet amphibolites from thickened lower crust in arc or continental collision settings. The basalts and diorites are considered to outline the eastern extension of the early Paleozoic suture zone, the Nikolaev Line, which stretches east–west for hundreds of kilometers between the Northern Tianshan and Central Tianshan terranes of Kyrgyzstan. Our findings substantiate that the Yili and Central Tianshan plates were separated by the early Paleozoic Terskey ocean. The Terskey ocean probably closed during the early stage of the late Ordovician (Lomize et al. in Geotectonics 31(6):463–482, 1997), resulting in the final amalgamation of the Yili and Central Tianshan plates. Consequently, an early Paleozoic suture zone is documented in the Chinese Tianshan region, which is most likely represented by the North Nalati fault.     

Zircon and monazite response to prograde metamorphism in the Reynolds Range, central Australia

We report an extensive field-based study of zircon and monazite in the metamorphic sequence of the Reynolds Range (central Australia), where greenschist- to granulite-facies metamorphism is recorded over a continuous crustal section. Detailed cathodoluminescence and back-scattered electron imaging, supported by SHRIMP U–Pb dating, has revealed the different behaviours of zircon and monazite during metamorphism. Monazite first recorded regional metamorphic ages (1576 ± 5 Ma), at amphibolite-facies grade, at ∼600 °C. Abundant monazite yielding similar ages (1557 ± 2 to 1585 ± 3 Ma) is found at granulite-facies conditions in both partial melt segregations and restites. New zircon growth occurred between 1562 ± 4 and 1587 ± 4 Ma, but, in contrast to monazite, is only recorded in granulite-facies rocks where melt was present (≥700 °C). New zircon appears to form at the expense of pre-existing detrital and inherited cores, which are partly resorbed. The amount of metamorphic growth in both accessory minerals increases with temperature and metamorphic grade. However, new zircon growth is influenced by rock composition and driven by partial melting, factors that appear to have little effect on the formation of metamorphic monazite. The growth of these accessory phases in response to metamorphism extends over the 30 Ma period of melt crystallisation (1557–1587 Ma) in a stable high geothermal regime. Rare earth element patterns of zircon overgrowths in leucosome and restite indicate that, during the protracted metamorphism, melt-restite equilibrium was reached. Even in the extreme conditions of long-lasting high temperature (750–800 °C) metamorphism, Pb inheritance is widely preserved in the detrital zircon cores. A trace of inheritance is found in monazite, indicating that the closure temperature of the U–Pb system in relatively large monazite crystals can exceed 750–800 °C. Received: 7 April 2000 / Accepted: 12 August 2000     

Zircon U–Pb and phlogopite <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar–<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age of the Chengchao and Jinshandian skarn Fe deposits,southeast Hubei Province,Middle–Lower Yangtze River Valley metallogenic belt,China

The Chengchao and Jinshandian deposits in the southeast Hubei Province are the two largest skarn Fe deposits in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Valley metallogenic belt (MLYRVMB), China. They are characterized by NW-striking orebodies that are developed along the contacts between the Late Mesozoic granitoid and Triassic carbonate and clastic rocks. New sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating of the mineralization-related quartz diorite and granite at Chengchao yield ages of 129 ± 2 and 127 ± 2 Ma, respectively, and those at Jinshandian of 127 ± 2 and 133 ± 1 Ma, respectively. These results are interpreted as the crystallization age of these intrusions. Hydrothermal phlogopite samples from the skarn ores at Chengchao and Jinshandian have the plateau ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar ages of 132.6 ± 1.4 and 131.6 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively. These results confirm that both intrusions and associated skarn Fe mineralization were formed contemporaneously in the middle Early Cretaceous time. New zircon U–Pb and phlogopite ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar ages in this study, when combined with available precise geochronological data, demonstrate that there were two discontinuous igneous events, corresponding to two episodes of skarn Fe-bearing mineralization in the southeast Hubei Province: (1) 140–136 Ma diorites and quartz diorites and 141–137 Ma skarn Cu–Fe or Fe–Cu deposits and (2) 133–127 Ma quartz diorites and granites and 133–132 Ma skarn Fe deposits. This scenario is similar to that proposed for the entire MLYRVMB. The intrusions related to skarn Fe deposits show obviously petrological and geochemical differences from those related to skarn Cu–Fe or Fe–Cu deposits. The former are quartz diorite and diorite in petrology and have similar adakitic geochemical signatures and in equilibrium with a garnet-rich residue, whereas the latter are petrologically granite and quartz diorite that are distinguishable from adakitic rocks and in equilibrium with a plagioclase residue. These features indicated that two episodes of magmatism and the formation of skarn Fe-bearing deposits in the southeast Hubei Province, MLYRVMB, might be associated lithosphere thinning induced by asthenosphere upwelling during the Late Mesozoic.     

K-feldspar–quartz and K-feldspar–plagioclase phase boundary interactions in garnet–orthopyroxene gneiss's from the Val Strona di Omegna, Ivrea–Verbano Zone, northern Italy

A detailed study based on textural observations combined with microanalysis [back scattered electron imaging (BSE) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA)] and microstructural data transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been made of K-feldspar micro-veins along quartz–plagioclase phase and plagioclase–plagioclase grain boundaries in granulite facies, orthopyroxene–garnet-bearing gneiss's (700–825 °C, 6–8 kbar) from the Val Strona di Omegna, Ivrea–Verbano Zone, northern Italy. The K-feldspar micro-veins are commonly associated with quartz and plagioclase and are not found in quartz absent regions of the thin section. This association appears to represent a localised reaction texture resulting from a common high grade dehydration reaction, namely: amphibole + quartz = orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + K-feldspar + H₂O, which occurred during the granulite facies metamorphism of these rocks. There are a number of lines of evidence for this. These include abundant Ti-rich biotite, which was apparently stable during granulite facies metamorphism, and total lack of amphibole, which apparently was not. Disorder between Al and Si in the K-feldspar indicates crystallisation at temperatures >500 °C. Myrmekite and albitic rim intergrowths in the K-feldspar along the K-feldspar–plagioclase interface could only have formed at temperatures >500–600 °C. Symplectic intergrowths of albite and Ca-rich plagioclase between these albitic rim intergrowths and plagioclase suggest a high temperature grain boundary reaction, which most likely occurred at the start of decompression in conjunction with a fluid phase. Relatively high dislocation densities (>2 × 10⁹ to 3 × 10⁹/cm²) in the K-feldspar suggest plastic deformation at temperatures >500 °C. We propose that this plastic deformation is linked with the extensional tectonic environment present during the mafic underplating event responsible for the granulite facies metamorphism in these rocks. Lastly, apparently active garnet grain rims associated with side inclusions of K-feldspar and quartz and an exterior K-feldspar micro-vein indicate equilibrium temperatures within 20–30 °C of the peak metamorphic temperatures estimated for the sample (770 °C). Contact between these K-feldspar micro-veins and Fe-Mg silicate minerals, such as garnet, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene or biotite along the interface, is observed to be very clean with no signs of melt textures or alteration to sheet silicates. This lends support to the idea that these micro-veins did not originate from a melt and, if fluid induced, that the water activity of these fluids must have been relatively low. All of these lines of evidence point to a high grade origin for the K-feldspar micro-veins and support the hypothesis that they formed during the granulite facies metamorphism of the metabasite layers in an extensional tectonic environment as the consequence of localised dehydration reactions involving the breakdown of amphibole in the presence of quartz to orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, K-feldspar and H₂O. It is proposed that the dehydration of the metabasite layers to an orthopyroxene–garnet-bearing gneiss over a 4-km traverse in the upper Val Strona during granulite facies metamorphism was a metasomatic event initiated by the presence of a high-grade, low H₂O activity fluid (most likely a NaCl–KCl supercritical brine), related to the magmatic underplating event responsible for the Mafic Formation; and that this dehydration event did not involve partial melting. Received: 15 February 2000 / Accepted: 26 June 2000     

Long length scales of element transport during reaction texture development in orthoamphibole-cordierite gneiss: Thor-Odin dome,British Columbia,Canada

First-order factors controlling the textural and chemical evolution of metamorphic rocks are bulk composition and pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path. Although it is common to assume that major element bulk composition does not change during regional metamorphism, rocks with reaction textures such as corona structures record evidence for major changes in effective bulk composition (EBC) and therefore provide significant insight into the scale, pathways, and mechanisms of element transport during metamorphism. Quantifying changes in EBC is essential for petrologic applications such as calculation of phase diagrams (pseudosections). The progressive growth of complex corona structures on garnet and Al₂SiO₅ porphyroblasts in orthoamphibole-cordierite gneiss Thor-Odin dome (British Columbia, Canada) reduced the EBC volume of the rock during metamorphism and therefore had a dramatic effect on the evolution of the stable mineral assemblage. These rocks contain a chemical and textural record of metamorphic reactions and preserve 3D networks (reaction pathways) connecting corona structures. These coronal networks record long (>cm) length scales of localized element transport during metamorphism. P–T, T–X, and P–X pseudosections are used to investigate the control of effective bulk composition on phase assemblage evolution. Despite textural complexity and evidence for disequilibrium, mineral assemblages and compositions were successfully modeled and peak metamorphic conditions estimated at 750°C and 9 kbar. These results illustrate how textural and chemical changes during metamorphism can be evaluated using an integrated petrographic and pseudosection approach, highlight the importance of effective bulk composition choice for application of phase equilibria methods in metamorphic rocks, and show how corona structures can be used to understand the scale of compositional change and element transport during metamorphism.     

The effects of metamorphism on O and Fe isotope compositions in the Biwabik Iron Formation, northern Minnesota

The Biwabik Iron Formation of Minnesota (1.9 Ga) underwent contact metamorphism by intrusion of the Duluth Complex (1.1 Ga). Apparent quartz–magnetite oxygen isotope temperatures decrease from ∼700°C at the contact to ∼375°C at 2.6 km distance (normal to the contact in 3D). Metamorphic pigeonite at the contact, however, indicates that peak temperatures were greater than 825°C. The apparent O isotope temperatures, therefore, reflect cooling, and not peak metamorphic conditions. Magnetite was reset in δ¹⁸O as a function of grain size, indicating that isotopic exchange was controlled by diffusion of oxygen in magnetite for samples from above the grunerite isograd. Apparent quartz–magnetite O isotope temperatures are similar to calculated closure temperatures for oxygen diffusion in magnetite at a cooling rate of ∼5.6°C/kyr, which suggests that the Biwabik Iron Formation cooled from ∼825 to 400°C in ∼75 kyr at the contact with the Duluth Complex. Isotopic exchange during metamorphism also occurred for Fe, where magnetite–Fe silicate fractionations decrease with increasing metamorphic grade. Correlations between quartz–magnetite O isotope fractionations and magnetite–iron silicate Fe isotope fractionations suggest that both reflect cooling, where the closure temperature for Fe was higher than for O. The net effect of metamorphism on δ¹⁸O–δ⁵⁶Fe variations in magnetite is a strong increase in δ¹⁸O_Mt and a mild decrease in δ⁵⁶Fe with increasing metamorphic grade, relative to the isotopic compositions that are expected at the low temperatures of initial magnetite formation. If metamorphism of Iron Formations occurs in a closed system, bulk O and Fe isotope compositions may be preserved, although re-equilibration among the minerals may occur for both O and Fe isotopes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Application of mineral equilibria modeling to constrain T and X CO2 conditions during the evolution of the Magdala gold deposit, Stawell, Victoria, Australia

Mineral equilibria modeling involving solid solution calculations has been combined with mineral assemblage information from the alteration zones associated with gold mineralization to determine the T and X _CO2 conditions for the formation of the Magdala gold deposit at Stawell, Victoria, Australia. Economic gold mineralization is primarily hosted within the stilpnomelane alteration zone of the Stawell Facies that is adjacent to the Magdala Basalt. Evolution of the Magdala gold deposit involved at least three fluid infiltration events: (1) a CO₂-bearing fluid during the D₂ deformation event produced carbonate spots throughout the chlorite zone; (2) a CO₂–S–K-bearing fluid, accompanied the D_3–4ab deformation and produced a muscovite zone and siderite rims on ankerite; and (3) a CO₂–K–S–Au-bearing fluid during the D_4c deformation event produced the stilpnomelane zone of the Stawell Facies, the proximal and distal alteration zones within the Magdala Basalt, and the main economic gold mineralization. Mineral equilibria modeling constrains the temperature of formation of the Magdala deposit to T = 345–390°C at 3kbar, substantially lower than indicated by other previous classical thermobarometry methods. Furthermore, this method has allowed the characterization of the mineralizing fluid and constrained its composition to X _CO2 < 0.08 at 3kbar. The timing and composition of the mineralizing fluids are similar to that of metamorphic fluid generated from devolatilization of a greenstone pile with peak of metamorphism occurring earlier and at deeper levels in the crust.