The West Spitsbergen Fold Belt: The result of Late Cretaceous-Palaeocene Greenland-Svalbard convergence?

The West Spitsbergen Fold Belt, together with the Eurekan structures of northern Greenland and Ellesmere Island, are suggested to be the result of Late Cretaceous-Palaeocene intracontinental compressional tectonics. The Late Palaeozoic –Mesozoic rocks of western Spitsbergen are characterized by near-foreland deformation with ramp-flat, top-to-the east thrust trajectories, whereas structurally higher nappes involving Caledonian complexes are typified by more listric thrusts and mylonite zones. A minimum of 40 km of shortening is estimated for the northern part of the West Spitsbergen Fold Belt. The axial trends in the West Spitsbergen and the North Greenland Eurekan fold belts parallel the principal fault zones which accommodated the separation of Greenland and Svalbard after Chron 25/24. In northern Greenland, north directed Eurekan thrusts associated with mylonites and cleavage formation represent at least 10 km of shortening. Between 50 and 100 km of shortening is estimated for the markedly arcuate Eurekan Fold Belt of Ellesmere Island, but the principal tectonic transport is eastwards. Kinematic reconstructions suggest that Svalbard was linked to North America before the opening of the Eurasian Basin and Norwegian — Greenland Sea. In the Late Cretaceous — Palaeocene interval, the relative motion between Greenland and North America was convergent across the Greenland — Svalbard margin, giving rise to the West Spitsbergen Fold Belt and the Eurekan structures of North Greenland.     

Geological Fluid Mapping in the Tongling Area： Implications for the Paleozoic Submarine Hydrothermal System in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt, East China

The Tongling area is one of the 7 ore-cluster areas in the Middle-Lower Yangtze metallogenic belt,East China,and has tectonically undergone a long-term geologic history from the late Paleozoic continental rifting,through the Middle Triassic continent-continent collision to the Jurassic-Cretaceous intracontinental tectono-magmatic activation.The Carboniferous sedimentary-exhalative processes in the area produced widespread massive sulfides with ages of 303-321 Ma,which partly formed massive pyrite-Cu deposits,but mostly provided significant sulfur and metals to the skarn Cu mineralization associated with the Yanshanian felsic intrusions. To understand the Carboniferous submarine hydrothermal system,an area of about 1046 km~2 was chosen to carry out the geological fluid mapping.Associated with massive sulfide formation,footwall sequences 948 m to 1146m thick,composed of the Lower Silurian-Upper Devonian sandstone,siltstone and thin-layered shale,were widely altered.This hydrothermal alteration is interpreted to reflect large- scale hydrothermal fluid flow associated with the late Paleozoic crustal rifting and subsidence.Three hydrothermal alteration types,i.e.,deep-level semiconformable silicification(S_1),fracture-controlled quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration(S_(2-3)),and upper-level sub-discordant quartz-sericite-chlorite alteration(D_3),were developed to form distinct zones in the mapped area.About 50-m thick semiconformable silicification zones are located at～1-km depth below massive sulfides and developed between an impermeable shale caprock(S_1)and the underlying Ordovician unaltered limestone. Comparisons with modern geothermal systems suggest that the alteration zones record a sub-seafloor aquifer with the most productive hydrothermal fluid flow.Fracture-controlled quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration formed transgressive zones,which downward crosscut the semiconformable alteration zones, and upwards grade into sub-discordant alteration zones that enveloped no economic stringer- stockwork zones beneath massive sulfides.This transgressive zone likely marks an upflow path of high- flux fluids from the hydrothermal aquifer.Lateral zonation of the sub-discordant alteration zones and their relationship to overlying massive sulfide lenses suggest lateral flows and diffusive discharging of the hydrothermal fluids in a permeable sandstone sequence.Three large-sized,14 middle-small massive sulfide deposits,and 40 massive sulfide sites have been mapped in detail.They show regional strata- bound characters and two major styles,i.e.,the layered sheet plus strata-bound stringer-style and the mound-style.Associated exhalite and chemical sedimentary rock suites include(1)anhydrite-barite,(2) jasper-chert,(3)Mg-rich mudstone-pyrite shale,(4)barite lens,(5)siderite-Fe-bearing dolomite,and (6)Mn-rich shale-mudstone,which usually comprise three sulfide-exhalite cyclic units in the area. The spatial distribution of these alteration zones(minerals)and associated massive sulfides and exhalites,and regional variation inδ~(34)S of hydrothermal pyrite and inδ~(18)O-δ~(34)C of hanging wall carbonates,suggest three WNW-extending domains of fluid flow,controlled by the basement faults and syn-depositional faults.Each fluid domain appears to have at least two upflow zones,with estimated even spacing of about 5-8 km in the mapped area.The repeated appearance of sulfide-sulfate or sulfide-carbonate rhythmic units in the area suggests episodically venting of fluids through the upflow conduits by breaking the overlying seals of the hydrothermal aquifer.     

Carbonate dykes associated with Arch˦an lode-Au mineralisation,Barberton greenstone belt,South Africa

Carbonate dykes, exposed within the Barberton greenstone belt, display geochemical signatures similar to altered carbonatite. The trace element signature normalised to primordial mantle, and the chondrite-normalised REE trends of the Ulundi Dyke display geochemical similarities to carbonatites. In addition, stable isotope results from the Ulundi Dyke (δ¹³C_{whole rock} and δ¹⁸O_{whole rock} range from -3.7 to -4.9‰ and 12.8 to 13.2‰, respectively) are similar to values found for samples of wall rock and vein carbonate from Arch˦an Au-quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein systems studied in the Barberton greenstone belt. Although the data do not plot in the field of primary igneous carbonatite, they are similar to data of deuterically-altered carbonatite. These associations strengthen the deduction that Iode-Au mineralised fractures and shear zones in the Barberton greenstone belt were open to mantle-tapping fundamental faults.     

Tectonic inheritance and kinematic strain localization as trigger for the formation of the Helvetic nappes,Switzerland

The Helvetic nappes in Switzerland consist of sediments, which have been sheared off and thrust over the crystalline basement of the European passive continental margin during Alpine orogeny. Their basal shear zones usually root above the external crystalline massifs. However, the mechanisms that initiated the shear zones and the associated nappe formation are still debated. We perform two-dimensional numerical simulations of the shearing of linear viscous fluids above a linear viscous fluid with considerably higher viscosity (quasi-undeformable). The boundary between the fluid, mimicking the sediments, and the quasi-undeformable fluid, mimicking the basement, exhibits geometrical perturbations, mimicking half-grabens. These geometrical perturbations can trigger significant strain localization and the formation of shear zones within the linear viscous fluid although no rheological softening mechanism is active. This kinematic, ductile strain localization is caused by the half-grabens and the viscosity ratio between basement and sediments. The viscosity ratio has a strong control on the kinematics of strain localization, whereas the depth of the half-grabens has a weak control. For sediment viscosities in the order of 10²¹ Pas and typical half-graben geometries of 5 km depth and 25 km width the localization generates (a) low-angle shear zones at the basement-sediment interface, but also entirely within the sediments, (b) horizontal transport >10 km associated with the shear zones, (c) shear zones with thickness in the order of 100 m, (d) an ordered stacking of model nappes and (e) shear zones that root above the basement. The results suggest that tectonic inheritance in the form of half-grabens and associated kinematic strain localization could have been the triggering mechanism for Helvetic nappe formation, and not rheological softening mechanisms, which might, however, have subsequently further intensified shear localization significantly.     

A transform margin in the Mesozoic Tethys: evidence from the Swiss Alps

Remnants of the Liguria-Piemont Ocean with its Jurassic ophiolitic basement are preserved in the South Pennine thrust nappes of eastern Switzerland. Analysis of South Pennine stratigraphy and comparison with sequences from the adjacent continental margin units suggest that South Pennine nappes are relics of a transform fault system. This interpretation is based on three arguments: (1) In the highly dismembered ophiolite suite preserved, Middle to Late Jurassic pelagic sediments are found in stratigraphic contact not only with pillow basalts but also with serpentinites indicating the occurrence of serpentinite protrusions along fracture zones. (2) Ophiolite breccias (»ophicalcites«) occurring along distinct zones within peridotite-serpentinite host rocks are comparable with breccias from present-day oceanic fracture zones. They originated from a combination of tectonic and sedimentary processes: i.e. the fragmentation of oceanic basement on the seafloor and the filling of a network of neptunian dikes by pelagic sediment with locally superimposed hydrothermal activity and gravitational collapse. (3) The overlying Middle to Late Jurassic radiolarian chert contains repeated intercalations of massflow conglomerates mainly comprising components of oceanic basement but clasts of acidic basement rocks and oolitic limestone also exist. This indicates a close proximity between continental and oceanic basement. The rugged morphology manifested in the mass-flow deposits intercalated with the radiolarites is draped by pelagic sediments of Early Cretaceous age.     

Tectonic style of the Appalachian allochthonous zone of southern Quebec: Seismic and gravimetric evidence

An integrated interpretation of seismic reflection and gravity results yields an image of the structural units (nappes, overthrust sheets and underthrust slabs) of the Cambrian-Ordovician metasedimentary and metavolcanic sequences of the Appalachian province of southern Quebec at depth and the relative position of the underlying Precambrian crystalline basement. The tectonics related to crystalline Precambrian basement may be correlated with four interpretations and combinations of these. A décollement of Paleozoic sedimentary and volcanic piles over a rigid crystalline basement is most probable considering the interpretation of gravity and especially seismic data. The tectonic style at depth is rather unresolved from surface geological information. The elaboration of a two-dimensional model is constrained by physical properties of rocks, maximum depth extents of individual bodies and seismic reflectors in addition to surface geology. Finally, a minimum of 1500 km of shortening and Iapetan closing is suggested.     

内蒙古大兴安岭中北段铜铅锌金银多金属矿床成矿规律与找矿方向

本文根据内蒙古大兴安岭中北段地质构造演化、成矿特征、中俄蒙邻近地区矿产分布和近年来的地质和找矿工作进展,划分了地质构造单元和成矿区带,总结了该地区主要矿床类型和成矿时代分布规律,提出了多金属矿的找矿方向。本文将大兴安岭中北段可以划分为额尔古纳地块、鄂伦春晚华力西褶皱带和东乌旗早华力西褶皱带三个Ⅲ级构造单元,细分为满洲里-新右旗中生代火山-深成岩隆起区等14个Ⅳ级构造单元。工作区主要矿床类型有矽卡岩型、斑岩型、热液型,其次为海相沉积型、岩浆熔离型、砂矿型和云英岩型,其中斑岩型和热液型矿床是主要矿床类型,热液型矿床可以细分为6个子类型。矿床的分布总体上具有北东呈带、北西向成行特点,根据矿床的分布和区域构造特征可以分为德尔布干和东乌旗-兴安两个北东向Ⅲ级成矿带,13个Ⅳ级成矿区。从成矿时代上看,矿床的形成经历了从早古生代至晚中生代的很长时间,而已晚中生代为主。但不同类型矿床的成矿时代分布有很大差异。单一的斑岩型铜（钼金）矿从早古生代延续至燕山期,而其他类型矿床均形成于燕山期。提示在大兴安岭今后的找矿工作中对于矽卡岩型和热液型矿床主要集中于燕山期构造岩浆活动区,而斑岩型矿床找矿则应同时注意古生代和中生代等构造岩浆活动区。     

Zonal Metamorphic Complex in the Tongulack Mountain Ridge, Altai, Russia, and Explanation of Its Origin with the Help of Thermal Modelling

A moderate pressure / high temperature zonal metamorphic complex in the Tongulack Mountain Ridge, Altai, Russia, is described, and the applicability of the models of magmatic intrusion and fluid flow to explanation of its origin discussed. The Precambrian complex was formed at 500-700℃ and 3.0-5.5 kbars; it is a linear, 25-30 km wide, thermal anticline with a curved axis showing symmetric metamorphic zoning. The metamorphism was isochemical by its nature, as is corroborated by the chemical compositions of the rocks. Four zones can be recognized within the metamorphic complex: chloritic (on the peripheries), cordieritic, sillimanitic and staurolite-out (in the centre). The zones are separated by successive isograds: cordierite, staurolite-in or sillimanite and staurolite-out. It is argued that the origin of the metamorphic zoning can be explained best by a combined fluid-magmatic model; conductive heat flow from the intrusion predominated considerably over the fluid flux in heat transfer: the fluid flow     

扬子板块与华南板块对接带萍乡区段构造特征

扬子板块与华南板块对接带由江西中部通过,其中萍乡地区自燕山运动末期以来,在北部以逆冲推覆作用为主,形成了大规模的逆冲推覆构造,南部在重力滑脱作用下,形成变质-岩浆热穹隆和一系列滑褶构造带及滑块构造,中部则形成相互叠覆的南、北构造对接带。在这些推、滑覆体之下多处掩覆了含煤岩系,这为寻找隐伏煤田开辟了一个新天地,同时,南、北构造对接带也是钴多金属矿有利的成矿区段。      

Upper crustal structure of the Tamworth Belt,New South Wales: constraints from new gravity data

New gravity data along five profiles across the western side of the southern New England Fold Belt and the adjoining Gunnedah Basin show the Namoi Gravity High over the Tamworth Belt and the Meandarra Gravity Ridge over the Gunnedah Basin. Forward modelling of gravity anomalies, combined with previous geological mapping and a seismic-reflection transect acquired by Geoscience Australia, has led to iterative testing of models of the crustal structure of the southern New England Fold Belt, which indicates that the gravity anomalies can generally be explained using the densities of the presently exposed rock units. The Namoi Gravity High over the Tamworth Belt results from the high density of the rocks of this belt that reflects the mafic volcanic source of the older sedimentary rocks in the Tamworth Belt, the burial metamorphism of the pre-Permian units and the presence of some mafic volcanic units. Modelling shows that the Woolomin Association, present immediately east of the Peel Fault and constituting the most western part of the Tablelands Complex, also has a relatively high density of 2.72 – 2.75 t/m³, and this unit also contributes to the Namoi Gravity High. The Tamworth Belt can be modelled with a configuration where the Tablelands Complex has been thrust over the Tamworth Belt along the Peel Fault that dips steeply to the east. The Tamworth Belt is thrust westward over the Sydney – Gunnedah Basin for 15 – 30 km on the Mooki Fault, which has a shallow dip (～25°) to the east. The Meandarra Gravity Ridge in the Gunnedah Basin was modelled as a high-density volcanic rock unit with a density contrast of 0.25 t/m³ relative to the underlying rocks of the Lachlan Fold Belt. The modelled volcanic rock unit has a steep western margin, a gently tapering eastern margin and a thickness range of 4.5 – 6 km. These volcanic rocks are assumed to be Lower Permian and to be the western extension of the Permian Werrie Basalts that outcrop on the western edge of the Tamworth Belt and which have been argued to have formed in an extensional basin. Blind granitic plutons are inferred to occur near the Peel Fault along the central and the southern profiles.     

Abundances and sources of rare-earth elements in the modern volcanogenic hydrothermal systems of Kamchatka

Sources of modern hydrothermal systems are considered on the basis of high-precision REE data on representative samples of characteristic hydrochemical types of hydrothermal systems of the Eastern Volcanic Belt of Kamchatka and data available on modern magmatogenic fluid systems of the Kamchatka, Kuriles, and oceanic rift zones. It was found that modern high-temperature chloride-sodium hydrothermal vents have elevated REE contents and that all considered hydrochemical types of the Kamchatka hydrothermal systems are characterized by similar REE patterns. High REE contents in the hydrothermal vents with pH up to 5.0 show bimodal distribution. Correlations established between La/Yb ratios in the hydrothermal vents of various types and in the igneous rocks of the Eastern Volcanic Belt of Kamchatka are interpreted in genetic terms. A positive correlation was found between rare-earth elements, chlorine and boron contents. It was noted that all considered hydrochemical types show distinct negative europium anomaly, whereas submarine hydrothermal vents of oceanic rift zones are characterized by positive europium anomaly. It was proposed that REE was transported in the hydrothermal vents from apical zones of deep-seated magma chambers containing acid derivatives.     

Nappe displacement in the Scandinavian Caledonides

Large areas of the Scandinavian Caledonides are eroded to the level of the basement/cover contact. Relationships between the Precambrian crystalline basement (largely Svecofennian-Dalslandian, 1800-1000 m.y.) and cover sequences are exposed both in transverse profiles through the mountain belt and along the belt in the various windows. These relationships provide an unique opportunity for studying the basement configuration, character of basement involvement and general nappe geometry. Major allochthonous units of the central part of the Scandinavian Caledonides — the Offerdal, Särv and Seve-Köli Nappe Complex — have been shown to wedge out westwards, having been displaced eastwards from environments along and west of the present Norwegian coast. Recent investigations have shown that these units (the Offerdal, Särv and Seve) reappear in western Norway as major pinch-and-swell structures, the lenses reaching thicknesses in the order of 2 km and with long axes of several tens of kilometres. Within the western parts of the Swedish Caledonides the thicker parts of the lenses approximately coincide with the axes of the late synforms which fold basement and cover together. Further west, in Norway, the tensing appears to be unrelated to the geometry of these major folds.This evidence increases estimates of nappe displacement distance (now thought to be in the order of at least 1000 km). At the same time it emphasizes that translation may account for only about half of this amount, the rest being achieved by stretching of the nappes. Apparently, a nappe sequence built up in the west which subsequently collapsed, leading to continued displacement eastwards on to the Baltoscandian Platform. Whereas basement shortening is of the order of several tens to perhaps hundreds of kilometres in the western part of the central Scandes, it is of lesser importance from central Trøndelag eastwards, a distance of about two hundred kilometres, to the Caledonian Front.Biostratigraphic evidence from the late-orogenic intramontane basins, taken in relation to the youngest units involved in the nappes, requires nappe translation into western Norway to have occurred after the Llandoverian (Köli Supergroup) and prior to the (Ludlovian?) Downtonian (Hitra Formation) deposition in the intramontane basins. The nappes contain sequences derived from a variety of probable oceanic and continental margin environments, and this translation may greatly exceed the minimum estimate of five hundred kilometres. Further displacement eastwards occurred during uplift of seaboard Norway and accompanied sedimentation both in the intra- and extramontane basins. The latter were not finally influenced by the décollement tectonics until after the Early Devonian.This evidence suggests that a compressive regime dominated the early phases of orogenesis during basement shortening, build up of the nappe pile and translation of these denser units on to the western margin of the Baltoscandian Platform. This compression subsequently gave way to a gravity regime, collapse and stretching of the nappes dominating the late phases of displacement on to the Baltoscandian Platform.     

A Large-scale Tertiary Salt Nappe Complex in the Leading Edge of the Kuqa Foreland Fold-Thrust Belt, the Tarim Basin, Northwest China

The tectono-stratigraphic sequences of the Kuqa foreland fold-thrust belt in the northern Tarim basin, northwest China, can be divided into the Mesozoic sub-salt sequence, the Paleocene-Eocene salt sequence and the Oligocene-Quaternary supra-salt sequence. The salt sequence is composed mainly of light grey halite, gypsum, marl and brown elastics. A variety of salt-related structures have developed in the Kuqa foreland fold belt, in which the most fascinating structures are salt nappe complex. Based on field observation, seismic interpretation and drilling data, a large-scale salt nappe complex has been identified. It trends approximately east-west for over 200 km and occurs along the west Qiulitag Mountains. Its thrusting displacement is over 30 km. The salt nappe complex appears as an arcuate zone projecting southwestwards along the leading edge of the Kuqa foreland fold belt. The major thrust fault is developed along the Paleocene-Eocene salt beds. The allochthonous nappes comprise large north-dipping     

The nappe structure of the central Northern Calcareous Alps and its disintegration during Miocene tectonic extrusion—a contribution to understanding the orogenic evolution of the Eastern Alps

The classical concept of the nappe structure of the central Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA) is in contradiction with modern stratigraphic, structural, metamorphic and geochronological data. We first perform a palinspastic restoration for the time before Miocene lateral tectonic extrusion, which shows good continuity of structures, facies and diagenetic/metamorphic zones. We present a new nappe concept, in which the Tirolic unit practically takes the whole area of the central NCA and is divided into three subunits (nappes): Lower and Upper Tirolic subunit, separated by the Upper Jurassic Trattberg Thrust, and the metamorphic Ultra-Tirolic unit. The Hallstatt (Iuvavic) nappe(s) formed the highest unit, but were completely destroyed by erosion after nappe stacking. Remnants of the Hallstatt nappes are only represented by components of up to 1 km in size in Middle/Upper Jurassic radiolaritic wildflysch sediments ("Hallstatt Mélange" belonging to the Tirolic unit). Destruction of the continental margin started in Middle to Upper Jurassic time and prograded from the oceanic side towards the shelf. The original substratum of the external nappes (Bavaric units) of the NCA was largely the Austroalpine crystalline basement, of the internal nappes (Tirolic units) the weakly metamorphosed Palaeozoic sequences (Greywacke Zone and equivalents). Eocene movements caused limited internal deformation in the Tirolic unit.     

TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE GARZE—LITANG PLATE JUNCTION, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE GOLD DEPOSITS

TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE GARZE—LITANG PLATE JUNCTION, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE GOLD DEPOSITS     

Application of ASTER data for exploration of porphyry copper deposits: A case study of Daraloo–Sarmeshk area,southern part of the Kerman copper belt,Iran

The Cenozoic Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Belt (UDMB) of Iran is a major host to porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits (PCDs). Most known PCDs in the UDMB occur in the southern section of the belt, also known as the Kerman Copper Belt (KCB). Three major clusters of PCDs are distinguished in the KCB and include the Miduk, Sarcheshmeh and Daraloo clusters. The Daraloo and Sarmeshk deposits occur in a northwest–southeast-trending fault zone that is characterized by the presence of a narrow zone of alteration–mineralization that contains a series of Oligocene granitoids and Miocene porphyritic tonalite–granodiorite plutons that cut Eocene andesitic lava flows and pyroclastic rocks. Here we use various techniques, including different ratio images, minimum noise fraction, pixel purity index, and matched filter processing to process ASTER data (14 bands) and generate maps that portray the distribution of hydrothermal minerals (e.g., sericite, kaolinite, chlorite, epidote and carbonate) related to PCD alteration zones. In order to validate the ASTER data, follow-up ground proofing and related mineralogical work was done which, in all cases, proved to be positive. The results of this work have identified the regional distribution of hypogene alteration zones (i.e., phyllic, argillic, propylitic and silicic), in addition to areas of secondary Fe-oxide formation, which are coincident with known sites of PCDs. The regional distribution and extent of the alteration zones identified also highlighted the role of regional structures in focusing the mineralizing/altering fluids. These results demonstrate very convincingly that ASTER imagery that uses the appropriate techniques is reliable and robust in mapping out the extent of hydrothermal alteration and lithological units, and can be used for targeting hydrothermal ore deposits, particularly porphyry copper deposits where the alteration footprint is sizeable.     

Copper‐gold mineralisation in New Guinea: Numerical modelling of collision,fluid flow and intrusion‐related hydrothermal systems

Two‐ and three‐dimensional numerical modelling techniques, constrained by key geodynamic data, provide insights into the controls on development of porphyry‐related Cu–Au mineralisation in the Tertiary collision zone of New Guinea. Modelling shows that the creation of local dilation to facilitate magma emplacement can be caused by reactivation of arc‐normal transfer faults, where they cut the weakened fold belt. Additionally, dilation occurs where fluid overpressuring is caused by collision‐related, south‐directed fluid flow being localised into the more permeable units of the Mesozoic passive‐margin sedimentary succession. Rapid uplift and erosion, which may be a mechanism for magmatic fluid release in these systems, is shown to be greatest in the west of West Papua, where the stronger Australian crust acts as a buttress. Within the Papuan Fold Belt, uplift is greatest near the margins, where the weaker fold belt abuts the stronger crust and/or major faults have been reactivated. Increased orographically induced precipitation and erosion exposes the lower parts of the stratigraphy within or on the margins of these uplifted zones. On a smaller scale, 2–D coupled fluid‐flow ‐ thermal‐chemical modelling uses a scenario of fluid mixing to calculate metal precipitation distribution and magnitude around an individual intrusive complex. Modelling highlights the interdependence of the spatial permeability structure, the regional temperature gradient, and the geometry of the convection cells and how this impacts on the distribution of metal precipitation.     

Anatomy of a subduction complex: architecture of the Franciscan Complex,California, at multiple length and time scales

The Franciscan Complex of California records over 150 million years of continuous E-dipping subduction that terminated with conversion to a dextral transform plate boundary. The Franciscan comprises mélange and coherent units forming a stack of thrust nappes, with significant along-strike variability, and downward-decreasing metamorphic grade and accretion ages. The Franciscan records progressive subduction, accretion, metamorphism, and exhumation, spanning the extended period of subduction, rather than events superimposed on pre-existing stratigraphy. High-pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks lack a thermal overprint, indicating continuity of subduction from subduction initiation at ca. 165 Ma to termination at ca. 25 Ma. Accretionary periods may have alternated with episodes of subduction erosion that removed some previously accreted material, but the complex collectively reflects a net addition of material to the upper plate. Mélanges (serpentinite and siliciclastic matrix) with exotic blocks have sedimentary origins as submarine mass transport deposits, whereas mélanges formed by tectonism comprise disrupted ocean plate stratigraphy and lack exotic blocks. The former are interbedded with and grade into coherent siliciclastic units. Palaeomegathrust horizons, separating nappes accreted at different times, appear restricted to narrow zones of <100 m thickness. Exhumation of Franciscan units, both coherent and mélange, was accommodated by significant extension of the hanging wall and cross-sectional extrusion. The amount of total exhumation, as well as exhumation since subduction termination, needs to be considered when comparing Franciscan architecture to modern and ancient subduction complexes. Equal dextral separation of folded Franciscan nappes and late Cenozoic (post-subduction) units across strands of the (post-subduction) San Andreas fault system shows that the folding of nappes took place prior to subduction termination. Dextral separation of similar clastic sedimentary suites in the Franciscan and the coeval Great Valley Group forearc basin is approximately that of the San Andreas fault system, precluding major syn-subduction strike-slip displacement within the Franciscan.     

The emplacement of giant ophiolite nappes I. Mesozoic—cenozoic examples

The occurrence of ophiolite nappes has been considered evidence for the siting of ancient subduction zones. A study of the detailed stratigraphy and plate motions associated with Upper Mesozoic to Pliocene ophiolite nappes of the Pacific, Indian and Mediterranean shows that transcurrent faulting during changes in relative plate motions is the major cause of initial ophiolite nappe emplacement. Giant ophiolite nappes are not related to subduction zones or island arcs.     

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Amphibolites, Kolar Schist Belt, South India: Evidence for Komatiitic Magma Derived by Low Percentages of Melting of the Mantle

The Kolar Schist Belt of the Dharwar Craton of South India isan Archean greenstone belt dominated by metavolcanic rocks.The mafic metavolcanic rocks occur as komatiitic and tholeiiticamphibolites. The komatiitic amphibolites occur along the marginsof the N–S trending, synformal belt. They are much lessabundant than the tholeiitic amphibolites and have 14 to 21–3wt. per cent MgO. The komatiitic amphibolites from the west/centralpart of the belt have two distinctive REE patterns: (1) thoseenriched in the middle to light REE but depleted in Ce relativeto Nd; and (2) those with patterns that are convex up, i.e.depleted in both light and heavy REE, although more depletedin the light REE. Associated tholeiites have light REE depletedto flat REE patterns. Komatiitic and tholeiitic amphibolitesfrom the eastern part of the belt have enriched light REE patterns. The tholeiitic amphibolites from the Kolar Schist Belt are similarto the TH I and TH II types of Archean tholeiites of Condie(1981). The komatiitic amphibolites are similar to komatiitesand komatiitic basalts of Barberton Mountainland, but have higherFeO and TiO2 abundances and lower Yb/Gd ratios. The petrogenetic interpretations for these rocks are based primarilyon a modification of the MgO-FeO diagram of Hanson & Langmuir(1978), and modelling of Zr, Ni and REE. All of the rocks haveundergone some fractionation. While the modelling does not giveaccurate temperatures, pressures, compositions and extents ofmelting of the mantle sources for the various amphibolites,it does present an approach which can be used for estimatingthese parameters. For example, the komatiitic amphibolites appearto be derived from melts generated by 10 to 25 per cent meltingof the mantle over a range of depths and temperatures greaterthan 80 km and 1575?C. The variation in the P-T conditions ofmagma generation is possibly due to adiabatic melting in mantlediapirs with a range of FeO/MgO ratios. If the tholeiitic amphibolitesare derived from similar mantle sources (it is not clear thatthey are), their parent melts may have been generated by similarextents of melting, but at depths of less than 80 km. The komatiiticamphibolites from the west central part of the belt were generatedfrom light REE depleted mantle, whereas those from the easternpart of the belt appear to have been generated from light REEenriched mantle. The sources for the komatiitic amphibolitesin both areas were significantly enriched in FeO relative topyrolite. Thus, a light REE depleted and a light REE enrichedsource appear to have provided mafic volcanics with similarmajor element chemistry to this belt during its evolution.