The juxtaposition of eclogite and mid‐crustal rocks in the Orlica–Śnieżnik Dome,Bohemian Massif

Eclogite, felsic orthogneiss and garnet–staurolite metapelite occur in a 5 km long profile in the area of Mi?dzygórze in the Orlica–?nie?nik dome (Bohemian Massif). Petrographic observations and mineral equilibria modelling, in the context of detailed structural work, are used to document the close juxtaposition of high‐pressure and medium‐pressure rocks. The structural succession in all lithologies shows an early shallow‐dipping fabric, S1, that is folded by upright folds and overprinted by a heterogeneously developed subvertical foliation, S2. Late recumbent folds associated with a weak shallow‐dipping axial‐plane cleavage, S3, occur locally. The S1 fabric in the eclogite is defined by alternation of garnet‐rich (grs = 22–29 mol.%) and omphacite‐rich (jd = 33–36 mol.%) layers with oriented muscovite (Si = 3.26–3.31 p.f.u.) and accessory kyanite, zoisite, rutile and quartz, indicating conditions of ～19–22 kbar and ～700–750 °C. The assemblage in the retrograde S2 fabric is formed by amphibole, plagioclase, biotite and relict rutile surrounded by ilmenite and sphene that is compatible with decompression and cooling from ～9 kbar and ～730 °C to 5–6 kbar and 600–650 °C. The S3 fabric contains in addition domains with albite, chlorite, K‐feldspar and magnetite indicating cooling to greenschist facies conditions. The metapelites are composed of garnet, staurolite, muscovite, biotite, quartz, ilmenite and chlorite. Chemical zoning of garnet cores that contain straight ilmenite and staurolite inclusion trails oriented perpendicular to the external S2 fabric indicates prograde growth, from ～5 kbar and ～520 °C to ～7 kbar and ～610 °C, during the formation of the S1 fabric. Inclusion trails parallel with the S2 fabric at garnet and staurolite rims are interpreted to be a continuation of the prograde path to ～7.5 and ～630 °C in the S2 fabric. Matrix chlorite parallel to the S2 foliation indicates that the subvertical fabric was still active below 550 °C. The axial planar S2 fabrics developed during upright folding are associated with retrogression of the eclogite under amphibolite facies conditions, and with prograde evolution in the metapelites, associated with their juxtaposition. The shared part of the eclogite and metapelite P–T paths during the development of the subvertical fabric reflects their exhumation together.     

Variations in the transient prograde geothermal gradient from chloritoid-staurolite equilibria: a case study from the Barrovian and Buchan-type domains in the Bohemian Massif

Thermodynamic modelling of metamorphic rocks increases the possibilities of deciphering prograde paths that provide important insights into early orogenic evolution. It is shown that the chloritoid–staurolite transition is not only an indicator of temperature on prograde P–T paths, but also a useful indicator of pressure. The approach is applied to the Moravo‐Silesian eastern external belt of the Bohemian Massif, where metamorphic zones range from biotite to staurolite‐sillimanite. In the staurolite zone, inclusions of chloritoid occur in garnet cores, while staurolite is included at garnet rims and is widespread in the matrix. Chloritoid X_Fe = 0.91 indicates transition to staurolite at 5 kbar and 550 °C and consequently, an early transient prograde geothermal gradient of 29 °C km^?1. The overall elevated thermal evolution is then reflected in the prograde transition of staurolite to sillimanite and in the achievement of peak temperature of 660 °C at a relatively low pressure of 6.5 kbar. To the south and to the west of the studied area, high‐grade metamorphic zones record a prograde path evolution from staurolite to kyanite and development of sillimanite on decompression. Transition of chloritoid to staurolite was reported in two places, with chloritoid X_Fe = 0.75–0.80, occurring at 8–10 kbar and 560–580 °C, and indicating a transient prograde geothermal gradient of 16–18 °C km^?1. These data show variable barric evolutions along strike and across the Moravo‐Silesian domain. Elevated prograde geothermal gradient coincides with areas of Devonian sedimentation and volcanism, and syn‐ to late Carboniferous intrusions. Therefore, we interpret it as a result of heat inherited from Devonian rifting, further fuelled by syntectonic Carboniferous intrusions.     

Vertical extrusion and middle crustal spreading of omphacite granulite: a model of syn-convergent exhumation (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic)

The exhumation of eclogite facies granulites (Omp–Plg–Grt–Qtz–Rt) in the Rychleby Mts, eastern Czech Republic, was a localised process initiated by buckling of crustal layers in a thickened orogenic root. Folding and post‐buckle flattening was followed by the main stage of exhumation that is characterized by vertical ductile extrusion. This process is documented by structural data, and the vertical ascent of rocks from a depth of c. 70 to c. 35 km is documented by metamorphic petrology. SHRIMP ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb evaporation zircon ages of 342 ± 5 and 341.4 ± 0.7 Ma date peak metamorphic conditions. The next stage of exhumation was associated with sideways flat thrusting associated with lateral viscous spreading of granulites and surrounding rocks over indenting adjacent continental crust at a depth of c. 35–30 km. This stage was associated with syntectonic intrusion of a granodiorite sill at 345–339 Ma, emplaced at a crustal depth of c. 25 km. The time required for cooling of the sill as well as for heating of the country rocks brackets this event to a maximum of 250 000 years. Therefore, similar ages of crystallization for the granodiorite magma and the peak of eclogite facies metamorphism of the granulite suggest a very short period of exhumation, limited by the analytical errors of the dating methods. Our calculations suggest that the initial exhumation rate during vertical extrusion was 3–15 mm yr^?1, followed by an exhumation rate of 24–40 mm yr^?1 during further uplift along a magma‐lubricated shear zone. The extrusion stage of exhumation was associated with a high cooling rate, which decreased during the stage of lateral spreading.     

Thermal and mechanical behaviour of the orogenic middle crust during the syn‐ to late‐orogenic evolution of the Variscan root zone,Bohemian Massif

We combine structural observations, petrological data and ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar ages for a stack of amphibolite facies metasedimentary units that rims high‐P (HP) granulite facies felsic bodies exposed in the southern Bohemian Massif. The partly migmatitic Varied and Monotonous units, and the underlying Kaplice unit, show a continuity of structures that are also observed in the adjacent Blanský les HP granulite body. They all exhibit an earlier NE?SW striking and steeply NW‐dipping foliation (S3), which is transposed into a moderately NW‐dipping foliation (S4). In both the Varied and Monotonous units, the S3 and S4 foliations are characterized by a Sil–Bt–Pl–Kfs–Qtz–Ilm±Grt assemblage, with occurrences of post‐D4 andalusite, cordierite and muscovite. In the Monotonous unit, minute inclusions of garnet, kyanite, sillimanite and biotite are additionally found in plagioclase from a probable leucosome parallel to S3. The Kaplice unit shows rare staurolite and kyanite relicts, a Sil–Ms–Bt–Pl–Qtz±Grt assemblage associated with S3, retrogressed garnet?staurolite aggregates during the development of S4, and post‐D4 andalusite, cordierite and secondary muscovite. Mineral equilibria modelling for representative samples indicates that the Varied unit records conditions higher than ~7 kbar at 725 °C during the transition from S3 to S4, followed by a P?T decrease from ~5.5 kbar/750 °C to ~4.5 kbar/700 °C. The Monotonous unit shows evidence of partial melting in the S3 fabric at P?T above ~8 kbar at 740–830 °C and a subsequent P?T decrease to 4.5–5 kbar/700 °C. The Kaplice unit preserves an initial medium‐P prograde path associated with the development of S3 reaching peak P?T of ~6.5 kbar/640 °C. The subsequent retrograde path records 4.5 kbar/660 °C during the development of S4. ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar geochronology shows that amphibole and biotite ages cluster at c. 340 Ma close to the HP granulite, whereas adjacent metasedimentary rocks preserve c. 340 Ma amphibole ages, but biotite and muscovite ages range between c. 318 and c. 300 Ma. The P?T conditions associated with S3 imply an overturned section of the orogenic middle crust. The shared structural evolution indicates that all mid‐crustal units are involved in the large‐scale folding cored by HP granulites. The retrograde P–T paths associated with S4 are interpreted as a result of a ductile thinning of the orogenic crust at a mid‐crustal level. The ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar ages overlap with U–Pb zircon ages in and around the HP granulite bodies, suggesting a short duration for the ductile thinning event. The post‐ductile thinning late‐orogenic emplacement of the South Bohemian plutonic complex is responsible for a re‐heating of the stacked units, reopening of argon system in mica and a tilting of the S4 foliation to its present‐day orientation.     

Tectonic evolution of a continental magmatic arc from transpression in the upper crust to exhumation of mid-crustal orogenic root recorded by episodically emplaced plutons: the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex (Bohemian Massif)

The Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex (CBPC) consists of episodically emplaced plutons, the internal fabrics of which recorded tectonic evolution of a continental magmatic arc. The ~354–350 Ma calc-alkaline plutons were emplaced by multiple processes into the upper-crustal Teplá-Barrandian Unit, and their magmatic fabrics recorded increments of regional transpression. Multiple fabrics of the younger, ~346 Ma Blatná pluton recorded both regional transpression and the onset of exhumation of mid-crustal orogenic root (Moldanubian Unit). Continuous exhumation-related deformation during pluton cooling resulted in the development of a wide zone of sub-solidus deformation along the SE margin of the CBPC. Finally, syn-exhumation tabular durbachitic pluton of ultrapotassic composition was emplaced atop the intrusive sequence at ~343–340 Ma, and the ultrapotassic Tábor pluton intruded after exhumation of the orogenic root (~337 Ma). We suggest that the emplacement of plutons during regional transpression in the upper crust produced thermally softened domain which then accommodated the exhumation of the mid-crustal orogenic root, and that the complex nature of the Teplá-Barrandian/Moldanubian boundary is a result of regional transpression in the upper crust, the enhancement of regional deformation in overlapping structural aureoles, the subsequent exhumation of the orogenic root domain, and post-emplacement brittle faulting.     

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.     

Emplacement depths and radiometric ages of Paleozoic plutons of the Neukirchen–Kdyn massif: differential uplift and exhumation of Cadomian basement due to Carboniferous orogenic collapse (Bohemian Massif)

The igneous complex of Neukirchen–Kdyn is located in the southwestern part of the Teplá–Barrandian unit (TBU) in the Bohemian Massif. The TBU forms the most extensive surface exposure of Cadomian basement in central Europe. Cambrian plutons show significant changes in composition, emplacement depth, isotopic cooling ages, and tectonometamorphic overprint from NE to SW. In the NE, the V epadly granodiorite and the Smr ovice diorite intruded at shallow crustal levels (<ca. 7 km depth) as was indicated by geobarometric data. K–Ar age data yield 547±7 and 549±7 for hornblende and 495±6 Ma for biotite of the Smr ovice diorite, suggesting that this pluton has remained at shallow crustal levels (T<ca. 350 °C) since its Cambrian emplacement. A similar history is indicated for the V epadly granodiorite and the Stod granite. In the SW, intermediate to mafic plutons of the Neukirchen–Kdyn massif (V eruby and Neukirchen gabbro, Hoher–Bogen metagabbro), which yield Cambrian ages, either intruded or were metamorphosed at considerably deeper structural levels (>20 km). The Teufelsberg ( ert v kámen) diorite, on the other hand, forms an unusual intrusion dated at 359±2 Ma (concordant U–Pb zircon age). K–Ar dating of biotite of the Teufelsberg diorite yields 342±4 Ma. These ages, together with published cooling ages of hornblende and mica in adjacent plutons, are compatible with widespread medium to high-grade metamorphism and strong deformation fabrics, suggesting a strong Variscan impact under elevated temperatures at deeper structural levels. The plutons of the Neukirchen area are cut by the steeply NE dipping Hoher–Bogen shear zone (HBSZ), which forms the boundary with the adjacent Moldanubian unit. The HBSZ is characterized by top-to-the-NE normal movements, which were particularly active during the Lower Carboniferous. A geodynamic model is presented that explains the lateral gradients in Cambrian pluton composition and emplacement depth by differential uplift and exhumation, the latter being probably related to long-lasting movements along the HBSZ as a consequence of Lower Carboniferous orogenic collapse.     

Calculation of partial melting equilibria in the system Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (NCKFMASH)

A thermodynamic model for haplogranitic melts in the system Na₂O–CaO–K₂O–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O (NCKASH) is extended by the addition of FeO and MgO, with the data for the additional end‐members of the liquid incorporated in the Holland & Powell (1998) internally consistent thermodynamic dataset. The resulting dataset, with the software thermocalc , is then used to calculate melting relationships for metapelitic rock compositions. The main forms for this are P–T and T–X pseudosections calculated for particular rock compositions and composition ranges. The relationships in these full‐system pseudosections are controlled by the low‐variance equilibria in subsystems of NCKFMASH. In particular, the solidus relationships are controlled by the solidus relationships in NKASH, and the ferromagnesian mineral relationships are controlled by those in KFMASH. However, calculations in NCKFMASH allow the relationships between the common metapelitic minerals and silicate melt to be determined. In particular, the production of silicate melt and melt loss from such rocks allow observations to be made about the processes involved in producing granulite facies rocks, particularly relating to open‐system behaviour of rocks under high‐grade conditions.     

Neoproterozoic to Early Cambrian history of an active plate margin in the Teplá–Barrandian unit—a correlation of U–Pb isotopic-dilution-TIMS ages (Bohemia, Czech Republic)

The Teplá–Barrandian unit (TBU) of the Bohemian Massif shared a common geological history throughout the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian with the Avalonian–Cadomian terranes. The Neoproterozoic evolution of an active plate margin in the Teplá–Barrandian is similar to Avalonian rocks in Newfoundland, whereas the Cambrian transtension and related calc-alkaline plutons are reminiscent of the Cadomian Ossa–Morena Zone and the Armorican Massif in western Europe. The Neoproterozoic evolution of the Teplá–Barrandian unit fits well with that of the Lausitz area (Saxothuringian unit), but is significantly distinct from the history of the Moravo–Silesian unit.The oldest volcanic activity in the Bohemian Massif is dated at 609+17/−19 Ma (U–Pb upper intercept). Subduction-related volcanic rocks have been dated from 585±7 to 568±3 Ma (lower intercept, rhyolite boulders), which pre-dates the age of sedimentation of the Cadomian flysch ( t chovice Group). Accretion, uplift and erosion of the volcanic arc is documented by the Neoproterozoic Dob í conglomerate of the upper part of the flysch. The intrusion age of 541+7/−8 Ma from the Zgorzelec granodiorite is interpreted as a minimum age of the Neoproterozoic sequence. The Neoproterozoic crust was tilted and subsequently early Cambrian intrusions dated at 522±2 Ma (T ovice granite), 524±3 Ma (V epadly granodiorite), 523±3 Ma (Smr ovice tonalite), 523±1 Ma (Smr ovice gabbro) and 524±0.8 Ma (Orlovice gabbro) were emplaced into transtensive shear zones.     

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

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

Cenozoic “radiobarite” occurrences in the Ohře (Eger) Rift, Bohemian Massif: Mineralogical and geochemical revision

Barite occurrences related to the Cenozoic (Late Alpine) low-temperature hydrothermal activity are present in the continental Ohře (Eger) Rift area. A specific, Ra-bearing type of barite has been known under the name “radiobarite” from this area since 1904. Revision of 12 localities revealed the presence of alleged radiobarite only in the Teplice (Lahošť–Jeníkov) and Karlovy Vary areas. Barite from other localities is radium-poor. Barite crystals showing concentric oscillation colour zoning totally prevail. Isomorphous substitution of Sr (X×10⁻¹ to X×wt%), Ca (X×10⁻² wt%) and Fe (X×10⁻¹ wt%) for Ba was proved. Average SrO contents of 0.4 wt% are markedly exceeded in some samples from Lahošť–Jeníkov (max. 3.2 wt%) and Karlovy Vary (max. 4.9 wt%). Besides inclusions of stoichiometric iron disulphide, the same samples also contain iron disulphides with unusual high contents of Co (max. 12.2 wt%) and Ni (max. to 8.4 wt%). Specific activity of ²³⁸U in the studied barites is very low while that of ²²⁶Ra reaches 8 Bq/g in several samples. Therefore, ²²⁶Ra is not in equilibrium with its parent uranium. These “radiobarites” or their parts must be therefore relatively young, not older than 10–15 ka. Very low uranium contents (<0.4 ppm) were also confirmed by neutron activation analyses of barite samples.

Unit-cell dimensions refined from X-ray powder diffraction data do not show any systematic variation with the measured chemical composition. Their values agree with the data given in the literature. Reflection half-widths, however, seem to correlate with chemistry. Peaks are wider in samples from Lahošť–Jeníkov and Karlovy Vary.

Sulphur and oxygen stable isotope compositions of the Cenozoic barite mineralization of Teplice area are very uniform (δ³⁴S values between 3.9‰ and 7.1‰ CDT, and δ¹⁸O values between 6.1‰ and 7.7‰ SMOW), while the barites of Děc˘ín area show more variable sulphur sources. Sulphate derived from sediments of the Tertiary Most Basin seems to dominate for the Teplice area, while Cretaceous sediments are a more probable sulphur source in the Děc˘ín area. Calculation of oxygen isotope composition of hydrothermal fluids based on fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures and barite δ¹⁸O data shows δ¹⁸O_fluid values in the range of meteoric waters or δ¹⁸O – shifted deep circulating meteoric or basinal waters.     

P–T modelling of the andalusite–kyanite–andalusite sequence and related assemblages in high-Al graphitic pelites. Prograde and retrograde paths in a late kyanite belt in the Variscan Iberia

The exceptional andalusite–kyanite–andalusite sequence occurs in Al‐rich graphitic slates in a narrow pelite belt on the hangingwall of a ductile normal fault in NW Variscan Iberia. Early chiastolite is replaced by Ky–Ms–Pg aggregates, which are overgrown by pleochroic andalusite near granites intruded along the fault. Slates plot in AKFM above the chloritoid‐chlorite tie‐line. Their P–T grids are modelled with Thermocalc v2.7 and the 1998 databases in the NaKFMASH and KFMASH systems. The univariant reaction Ctd + And/Ky = St + Chl + Qtz + H₂O ends at progressively lower pressure as F/FM increases and A/AFM decreases, shrinking the assemblage Cld–Ky–Chl, and opening a chlorite‐free Cld–Ky trivariant field on the low temperature reaction side. This modelling matches the observed absence of chlorite in high F/FM rocks, which is restricted to low pressure in the andalusite stability field. The P–T path deduced from modelling shows a first prograde event in the andalusite field followed by retrogression into the kyanite field, most likely coupled with a slight pressure increase. The final prograde evolution into the andalusite field can be explained by two different prograde paths. Granite intrusion caused the first prograde part of the path with andalusite growth. The subsequent thermal relaxation, together with a_H2O decrease, generated the retrograde andalusite–kyanite transformation, plus chlorite consumption and chloritoid growth. This transformation could have been related to folding in the beginning, and aided later by downthrowing due to normal faulting. Heat supplied by syntectonic granite intrusion explains the isobaric part of the path in the late stages of evolution, causing the prograde andalusite growth after the assemblage St–Ky–Chl. Near postectonic granites, a prograde path with pressure decrease originated the assemblage St–And–Chl.     

Integrated pressure–temperature–time constraints for the Tso Morari dome (Northwest India): implications for the burial and exhumation path of UHP units in the western Himalaya

Northward subduction of the leading edge of the Indian continental margin to depths greater than 100 km during the early Eocene resulted in high‐pressure (HP) quartz‐eclogite to ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) coesite–eclogite metamorphism at Tso Morari, Ladakh Himalaya, India. Integrated pressure–temperature–time determinations within petrographically well‐constrained settings for zircon‐ and/or monazite‐bearing assemblages in mafic eclogite boudins and host aluminous gneisses at Tso Morari uniquely document segments of both the prograde burial and retrograde exhumation path for HP/UHP units in this portion of the western Himalaya. Poikiloblastic cores and inclusion‐poor rims of compositionally zoned garnet in mafic eclogite were utilized with entrapped inclusions and matrix minerals for thermobarometric calculations and isochemical phase diagram construction, the latter thermodynamic modelling performed with and without the consideration of cation fractionation into garnet during prograde metamorphism. Analysis of the garnet cores document (M1) conditions of 21.5 ± 1.5 kbar and 535 ± 15 °C during early garnet growth and re‐equilibration. Sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb analysis of zircon inclusions in garnet cores yields a maximum age determination of 58.0 ± 2.2 Ma for M1. Peak HP/UHP (M2) conditions are constrained at 25.5–27.5 kbar and 630–645 °C using the assemblage garnet rim–omphacite–rutile–phengite–lawsonite–talc–quartz (coesite), with mineral compositional data and regional considerations consistent with the upper P–T bracket. A SHRIMP U–Pb age determination of 50.8 ± 1.4 Ma for HP/UHP metamorphism is given by M2 zircons analysed in the eclogitic matrix and that are encased in the garnet rim. Two garnet‐bearing assemblages from the Puga gneiss (host to the mafic eclogites) were utilized to constrain the subsequent decompression path. A non‐fractionated isochemical phase diagram for the assemblage phengite–garnet–biotite–plagioclase–quartz–melt documents a restricted (M3) P–T stability field centred on 12.5 ± 0.5 kbar and 690 ± 25 °C. A second non‐fractionated isochemical phase diagram calculated for the lower pressure assemblage garnet–cordierite–sillimanite–biotite–plagioclase–quartz–melt (M4) documents a narrow P–T stability field ranging between 7–8.4 kbar and 705–755 °C, which is consistent with independent multiequilibria P–T determinations. Th–Pb SHRIMP dating of monazite cores surrounded by allanite rims is interpreted to constrain the timing of the M4 equilibration to 45.3 ± 1.1 Ma. Coherently linking metamorphic conditions with petrographically constrained ages at Tso Morari provides an integrated context within which previously published petrological or geochronological results can be evaluated. The new composite path is similar to those published for the Kaghan UHP locality in northern Pakistan, although the calculated 12‐mm a^?1 rate of post‐pressure peak decompression at Tso Morari would appear less extreme.     

Middle Carboniferous crustal melting in the Variscan Belt: New insights from U–Th–Pbtot. monazite and U–Pb zircon ages of the Montagne Noire Axial Zone (southern French Massif Central)

In France, the Devonian–Carboniferous Variscan orogeny developed at the expense of continental crust belonging to the northern margin of Gondwana. A Visean–Serpukhovian crustal melting has been recently documented in several massifs. However, in the Montagne Noire of the Variscan French Massif Central, which is the largest area involved in this partial melting episode, the age of migmatization was not clearly settled. Eleven U–Th–Pb_tot. ages on monazite and three U–Pb ages on associated zircon are reported from migmatites (La Salvetat, Ourtigas), anatectic granitoids (Laouzas, Montalet) and post-migmatitic granites (Anglès, Vialais, Soulié) from the Montagne Noire Axial Zone are presented here for the first time. Migmatization and emplacement of anatectic granitoids took place around 333–326 Ma (Visean) and late granitoids emplaced around 325–318 Ma (Serpukhovian). Inherited zircons and monazite date the orthogneiss source rock of the Late Visean melts between 560 Ma and 480 Ma. In migmatites and anatectic granites, inherited crystals dominate the zircon populations. The migmatitization is the middle crust expression of a pervasive Visean crustal melting event also represented by the “Tufs anthracifères” volcanism in the northern Massif Central. This crustal melting is widespread in the French Variscan belt, though it is restricted to the upper plate of the collision belt. A mantle input appears as a likely mechanism to release the heat necessary to trigger the melting of the Variscan middle crust at a continental scale.     

Poly-orogenic multi-stage metamorphic evolution inferred via P–T pseudosections: An example from Aspromonte Massif basement rocks (Southern Calabria, Italy)

The metamorphic evolution of a key sector of the western Mediterranean internal Alpine orogenic belt (southern Calabrian Peloritani Orogen) is identified and described by means of P–T pseudosections calculated for selected metapelite specimens, showing evidence of multi-stage metamorphism.Attention focused on the two lowermost basement nappes of the Aspromonte Massif (southern Calabria), which were differently affected by poly-orogenic multi-stage evolution. After a complete Variscan orogenic cycle, the upper unit (Aspromonte Peloritani Unit) was involved in a late-Alpine shearing event. In contrast, the several underlying metapelite slices, here grouped together as Lower Metapelite Group, show exclusive evidence of a complete Alpine orogenic cycle.In order to obtain reliable P–T constraints, an integrated approach was employed, based on: a) garnet isopleth thermobarometry; and b) theoretical predictions of the P–T stability fields of representative equilibrium assemblages. This approach, which takes into account the role of the local equilibrium volumes in controlling textural developments, yielded reliable information about P–T conditions from early to peak metamorphic stages, as well as estimates of the retrograde trajectory in the pseudosection P–T space.According to inferred detailed P–T paths, the evolution of the Aspromonte Peloritani Unit is characterised by a multi-stage Variscan cycle, subdivided into an early crustal thickening stage with P–T conditions ranging from 0.56 ± 0.05 GPa at 570 ± 10 °C to 0.63–0.93 GPa at 650–710 °C (peak conditions) and evolving to a later crustal thinning episode in lower P–T conditions (0.25 GPa at 540 °C), as documented by the retrograde trajectory.Conversely, the prograde evolution of the rocks of the Lower Metapelite Group shows evidence of a HP-LT early Alpine multi-stage cycle, with P–T evolving from 0.75–0.90 GPa at 510–530 °C towards peak conditions, with pressure increasing northwards from 1.12 ± 0.02 GPa to 1.24 ± 0.02 GPa, and temperatures of 540–570 °C.A late-Alpine mylonitic overprint affected the rocks of both the Aspromonte Peloritani Unit and the Lower Metapelite Group. This overprint was characterised by an initial retrograde decompression trajectory (0.75 ± 0.05 GPa at 570–600 °C), followed by a joint cooling history, ranging from 0.38 ± 0.14 at temperature from 450 to 520 °C.These inferred results were then used: a) to interpret the Lower Metapelite Group as a single crystalline basement unit exclusively affected by a complete Alpine orogenic cycle, according to the very similar features of P–T paths, comparable petrography and analogous structural characteristics; b) as a tool for more reliable correlations between the Aspromonte Massif, the other Calabrian terranes and the north African Orogenic Complexes. They may therefore consider a contribution to the geodynamic modelling of the western Mediterranean.     

Structural kinematics,metamorphic P–T profiles and zircon geochronology across the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex in south‐central Tibet: implication for a revised channel flow

A specific question about the Himalayas is whether the orogeny grew by distributed extrusion or discrete thrusting. To place firm constraints on tectonic models for the orogeny, kinematic, thermobarometric and geochronological investigations have been undertaken across the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex (GHC) in the Nyalam region, south‐central Tibet. The GHC in this section is divided into the lower, upper and uppermost GHC, with kinematically top‐to‐the‐south, alternating with top‐to‐the‐north shear senses. A new thrust named the Nyalam thrust is recognized between the lower and upper GHC, with a 3 kbar pressure reversion, top‐to‐the‐south thrust sense, and was active after the exhumation of the GHC. Peak temperature reached ～749 °C in the cordierite zone, and decreased southwards to 633–667 °C in the kyanite and sillimanite‐muscovite zones, and northwards to greenschist facies at the top of the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS). Pressure at peak temperature reached a maximum value in the kyanite zone of 9.0–12.6 kbar and decreased northwards to ～4.1 kbar in the cordierite zone. Zircon U‐Pb ages of a sillimanite migmatite and an undeformed leucogranite dyke cutting the mylonitized rocks in the STDS reveal a long‐lived partial melting of the GHC, which initiated at 39.7–34 Ma and ceased at 14.1 Ma. Synthesizing the obtained and collected results, a revised channel flow model is proposed by considering the effect of heat advection and convection by melt and magma migration. Our new model suggests that distributed processes like channel flow dominated during the growth of the Himalayan orogen, while discrete thrusting occurred in a later period as a secondary process.     

Microstructural and metamorphic evolution of a high‐pressure granitic orthogneiss during continental subduction (Orlica–Śnieżnik dome,Bohemian Massif)

A microstructural and metamorphic study of a naturally deformed medium‐ to high‐pressure granitic orthogneiss (Orlica–?nie?nik dome, Bohemian Massif) provides evidence of behaviour of the felsic crust during progressive burial along a subduction‐type apparent thermal gradient (～10 °C km^?1). The granitic orthogneisses develops three distinct microstructural types, as follows: type I – augen orthogneiss, type II – banded orthogneiss and type III – mylonitic orthogneiss, each representing an evolutionary stage of a progressively deformed granite. Type I orthogneiss is composed of partially recrystallized K‐feldspar porphyroclasts surrounded by wide fronts of myrmekite, fully recrystallized quartz aggregates and interconnected monomineralic layers of recrystallized plagioclase. Compositional layering in the type II orthogneiss is defined by plagioclase‐ and K‐feldspar‐rich layers, both of which show an increasing proportion of interstitial minerals, as well as the deformation of recrystallized myrmekite fronts. Type III orthogneiss shows relicts of quartz and K‐feldspar ribbons preserved in a fine‐grained polymineralic matrix. All three types have the same assemblage (quartz + plagioclase + K‐feldspar + muscovite + biotite + garnet + sphene ± ilmenite), but show systematic variations in the composition of muscovite and garnet from types I to III. This is consistent with the equilibration of the three types at different positions along a prograde P?T path ranging from <15 kbar and <700 °C (type I orthogneiss) to 19–20 kbar and >700 °C (types II and III orthogneisses). The deformation types thus do not represent evolutionary stages of a highly partitioned deformation at constant P?T conditions, but reflect progressive formation during the burial of the continental crust. The microstructures of the type I and type II orthogneisses result from the dislocation creep of quartz and K‐feldspar whereas a grain boundary sliding‐dominated diffusion creep regime is the characteristic of the type III orthogneiss. Strain weakening related to the transition from type I to type II microstructures was enhanced by the recrystallization of wide myrmekite fronts, and plagioclase and quartz, and further weakening and strain localization in type III orthogneiss occurred via grain boundary sliding‐enhanced diffusion creep. The potential role of incipient melting in strain localization is discussed.     

Rare earth element transport and fractionation in small streams of a mixed basaltic–granitic catchment basin (Massif Central, France)

We present dissolved load (< 0.45 μm) rare earth element (REE) patterns of small streams from a catchment basin in the Massif Central in order to characterize the individual fractionation stages for the dissolved REE from the source to the catchment outlet. The upper part of the catchment is located on a basalt plateau, followed downstream by deep and narrow valleys with granitic and orthogneissic bedrock. Stream water has basalt-like REE patterns on the basaltic plateau close to the source, followed by a continuous depletion in light REE (La-Sm, LREE) downstream. Strontium and neodymium isotope ratios of stream water demonstrate that the dissolved REE are essentially of basaltic origin, even in the lower, granitic and gneissic part of the catchment. Mixing with gneiss or granite derived REE thus cannot explain the observed evolution of the REE patterns. There seems also to be no link with the calculated speciation of the dissolved REE. In contrast, a correlation between saturation indexes for hematite and La/Yb ratios suggests that REE fractionation is mainly controlled by precipitation of Fe-oxide particles that preferentially remove LREE from solution.     

Pressure dependence and anisotropy of P-wave velocities in ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks from the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt (China): Implications for seismic properties of subducted slabs and origin of mantle reflections

The compressional wave velocities (Vp), pressure derivatives (Vp′) and anisotropy (A) of three types of eclogites and country rocks from the Dabie–Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, China, have been measured under confining pressures up to 800 MPa. Type-1 eclogites, which are coarse-grained and subjected to almost no retrograde metamorphism, experienced recovery-accommodated dislocation creep at peak metamorphic conditions (in the diamond stability field). Type-2 eclogites are fine-grained reworked Type-1 materials that experienced recrystallization-accommodated dislocation creep under quartz/coesite boundary conditions during the early stage of exhumation. Type-3 eclogites are retrogressed samples that were overprinted by significant amphibolite facies metamorphism during a late stage of exhumation within the crust. Type-1 eclogites are richer in Al₂O₃ and MgO but poorer in SiO₂ and Na₂O than Type-2 and Type-3 eclogites. Anisotropy of Type-1 and Type-2 eclogites is generally low (<4%) because volumetrically important garnet is elastically quasi-isotropic, while Type-3 eclogites can exhibit high anisotropy (>10%) due to the presence of strongly anisotropic retrograde minerals such as amphibole, plagioclase and mica. The transition of the pressure dependence of velocity from the poroelastic to elastic regimes occurs at a critical pressure (P_c), which depends mainly on the density and distribution of microcracks and in turn on the exhumation history of rocks. The Vp–pressure relationship can be expressed by Vp=a(lnP)²+blnP+c (P≤P_c) and Vp=V₀+DP (P≥P_c), where P is the confining pressure, a and b are constants describing the closure of microcracks below P_c, c is the velocity when P is equal to one (MPa), V₀ is the projected velocity of a crack-free sample at room pressure, and D is the intrinsic pressure derivative above P_c. When data are curve-fit, pressure derivatives and anisotropy as functions of pressure are determined. The average Vp of the eclogites in the linear regime is 8.42+1.41×10⁻⁴P for Type-1, 7.80+1.58×10⁻⁴P for Type-2, and 7.33+2.04×10⁻⁴P for Type-3, where Vp is in km/s and P in MPa. The decrease in V₀ and increase in D from Type-1 to Type-3 eclogites are attributed to a decrease in garnet content and an increase in retrograde minerals. The NE–SW trending, NW-dipping, slab-like high Vp anomaly (8.72 km/s at a depth of 71 km) which extends from the Moho to at least 110 km beneath the Dabie–Sulu region, can be interpreted as the remnant of a subducted slab which is dominated by Type-1 eclogites and has frozen in the upper mantle since about 200–220 Ma. Such relic crustal materials, subducted and preserved as eclogite layers intercalated with felsic gneiss, garnet–jadeite quartzite, marble and serpentinized peridotite, could be responsible for regionally observed seismic reflectors in the upper mantle.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of the Taishan sanukitoids (Shandong): Implications for Neoarchean subduction in the Eastern Block, North China Craton

Elemental, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic and geochronological data are presented for the Taishan high-mg dioritic rocks (western Shandong) from the Eastern Block of the North China Craton in order to better understand the Archean tectonic evolution and crustal growth of the Craton. The rocks gave the zircon U–Pb age of 2536–2540 Ma. They show low SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents, high MgO, mg-number, Cr, Ni, Y, Yb, Sr and Ba, enriched LILEs and LREEs, depleted HFSEs and HREEs with (Nb/La)_N of 0.07–0.12. They exhibit _Nd(t) values of 1.53–3.30, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i of 11.20–15.30, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i of 14.14–14.83 and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_I of 31.10–33.93. Such geochemical features with an affinity to both a mantle- and crust-like source for the Taishan dioritic rocks are similar to those of the typical Archean sanukitoids, suggesting an origination from a sub-arc mantle wedge variably metasomatized by the slab-derived dehydration fluids and melts before 50–100 Ma of the emplacement of the Taishan sanukitoid plutons. It is proposed that the Taishan sanukitoids resulted from the sudden change of the downgoing slab from a flat subduction to subsequently steeper subduction in an active continental margin regime during Neoarchean time.