Blueschist metamorphism and P-T regimes in active subduction zones

Blueschist-type metamorphism involves the progressive development of some of the following minerals: at low grades, zeolites, pumpellyite, lawsonite + quartz, aragonite, jadeitic pyroxene + quartz; then at higher grades, zoisite-epidote, kyanite, omphacite, garnet and blue-green hornblende. Comparisons of natural assemblages with experimentally determined phase equilibria and oxygen isotopic analyses yield apparent physical conditions in the range 150–500° C at fluid (≈ lithostatic) pressures on the order of 3–8 + kbar. The unusually low metamorphic geothermal gradient indicated is on the order of 10–15°C/km.Blueschist belts seem to be confined to oceanic trench-type environments where they are hypothesized to represent subducted material which has buoyantly returned to the surface since recrystallization. Calculated downward deflections of the isotherms in the subducted lithospheric slabs yield similar or even lower geothermal gradients than deduced from the mineral parageneses. The disposition of relatively high-pressure isogradic surfaces in the upper portions of a model subduction zone demonstrates that the observed sequence of metamorphic facies reflects the direction of lithospheric plate descent.The approximate magnitude of inferred underflow can be gauged by the presence or absence of a contemporaneous high-temperature volcanic + plutonic + metamorphic complex in the non-subducted lithospheric plate. Greater amounts of underflow evidently are required to build up larger, relatively high-temperature, low-pressure terranes.Blueschist belts tend to be associated in time and space, indicating that since Late Paleozoic time, many convergent plate junctions have remained in approximately the same positions relative to the stable lithospheric slabs. The fact that, where preserved, older blueschistic belts, hence plate sutures, are located farther inland suggests that in some cases the subduction zones have stepped seaward with time, allowing, for the episodic return towards the surface of old trench melanges, hence growth of the non-subducted plates.     

秦岭大别碰撞造山带根部结晶基底隆升的变质岩石学证迹

秦岭大别碰撞造山带中隆升最高的结晶基底便是大别杂岩，在超高压变质岩和某些高级变质岩中均发现典型的近等温减压（ＩＴＤ）型的退变质结构，多呈后成合晶或冠状体的形式取代或包绕原生矿物晶粒（主晶），显示退变质不平衡反应的过程．然而超高压变质岩与大别杂岩中的高级变质岩，变质地温梯度截然不同，暗示它们形成的构造条件极不相同，超高压变质岩早期由岩石圈深处（１２０ｋｍ±）折返到下地壳与那里的高级变质岩构造混合，平行并置，而后才一起隆升．退变质不平衡结构与寄主岩的面理无关，说明这种近等温的减压退变质作用发生于后造山时期近绝热条件下的隆升体制，近绝热隆升的热源可能是中生代以来大别山地区岩石圈减薄所引起     

Geochemical evidence for the nature of the crust beneath the eastern North Penninic basin of the Mesozoic Tethys ocean

The North Penninic basin was a subbasin in the northern part of the Mesozoic Tethys ocean. Its significance within the framework of this ocean is controversial because it is not clear whether it was underlain by thinned continental or oceanic crust. Remnants of the eastern North Penninic basin are preserved in the Alps of eastern Switzerland (Grisons) as low metamorphic "Bündnerschiefer" sediments and associated basaltic rocks which formed approximately 140–170 Ma ago (Misox Bündnerschiefer zone, Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous). Nb/U, Zr/Nb, and Y/Nb ratios, as well as Nd–Sr isotopic and REE data of most of the metabasalts point to a depleted MORB-type mantle origin. They have been contaminated by magmatic assimilation of Bündnerschiefer sediments and by exchange with seawater, but do not prove the existence of a subcontinental lithospheric mantle or continental crust beneath the North Penninic basin. This suggests that the studied part of the North Penninic realm was underlain by oceanic crust. Only the metabasalts from two melange zones (Vals and Grava melanges) show a more important contamination by crustal material. Since this type of contamination cannot be observed in the other tectonic units, we suggest that its occurrence is related to melange formation during the subduction of the North Penninic basin in the Tertiary. The North Penninic basin was probably, despite the occurrence of oceanic crust, smaller than the South Penninic ocean where the presence of oceanic crust is well established. Modern analogues for the North Penninic basin could be the transitional zone of the Red Sea or the pull-apart basins of the southernmost Gulf of California where local patches of oceanic crust with effusive volcanism have been described.     

Partitioning and budget of Li, Be and B in high-pressure metamorphic rocks

Partitioning and budget of Li, Be and B in high-pressure metamorphic rocks from the island of Syros (Greece) were studied, using secondary ion mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis. Partitioning between coexisting mineral phases was found to be rather constant and independent of element concentrations. For several mineral pairs, apparent partition coefficients vary in a narrow range, while concentrations vary by more than an order of magnitude. Hence, it was possible to establish sets of inter-mineral partition coefficients for Li, Be and B among 15 different high-pressure minerals. This data set provides important information on the behaviour of the light elements in different lithologies within subducting slabs from the onset of metamorphism to the eclogite stage. It is essential for modelling trace-element and isotope fractionation during subduction and dehydration of oceanic crust.     

俯冲带部分熔融

俯冲带是地幔对流环的下沉翼,是地球内部的重要物理与化学系统。俯冲带具有比周围地幔更低的温度,因此,一般认为俯冲板片并不会发生部分熔融,而是脱水导致上覆地幔楔发生部分熔融。但是,也有研究认为,在水化的洋壳俯冲过程中可以发生部分熔融。特别是在下列情况下,俯冲洋壳的部分熔融是俯冲带岩浆作用的重要方式。年轻的大洋岩石圈发生低角度缓慢俯冲时,洋壳物质可以发生饱和水或脱水熔融,基性岩部分熔融形成埃达克岩。太古代的俯冲带很可能具有与年轻大洋岩石圈俯冲带类似的热结构,俯冲的洋壳板片部分熔融可以形成英云闪长岩-奥长花岗岩-花岗闪长岩。平俯冲大洋高原中的基性岩可以发生部分熔融产生埃达克岩。扩张洋中脊俯冲可以导致板片窗边缘的洋壳部分熔融形成埃达克岩。与俯冲洋壳相比,俯冲的大陆地壳具有很低的水含量,较难发生部分熔融,但在超高压变质陆壳岩石的折返过程中可以经历广泛的脱水熔融。超高压变质岩在地幔深部熔融形成的熔体与地幔相互作用是碰撞造山带富钾岩浆岩的可能成因机制。碰撞造山带的加厚下地壳可经历长期的高温与高压变质和脱水熔融,形成S型花岗岩和埃达克质岩石。     

桐柏—大别山高压超高压变质带

桐柏—大别山高压超高压变质带自南向北可划分为３个带：绿帘－蓝片岩相变质带，高压榴辉岩相变质和超高压榴辉岩相变质带，超高压变质带形成于加里东期洋壳俯冲作用过程中，而前两个高压变质带则是印支期陆－陆俯冲－碰撞作用的产物。     

华北克拉通的形成以及早期板块构造

地球上最早的地壳岩石是高钠的花岗质(TTG)岩石,但是否有更老的洋壳存在过、以及陆壳是怎样形成的,涉及到地球动力学几乎所有的问题。其中板块构造是在什么时候开始的,就是个延续了数十年热度不减的前沿科学问题。流行的说法是板块构造始于新元古代,也有一些学者认为在新太古代就已经开始,或者认为自从地球上有了水的记录,就开始有板块构造。在众多的判别板块构造的标志中,蛇绿岩残片和古老的高压变质岩无疑是两个最具影响力的问题。前者可以确定有远古的古老洋壳存在过并成为缝合带中的残片,后者可以指示曾有地表的岩石单元被俯冲到深部,是俯冲、消减与碰撞的岩石学证据。本文在讨论和比较了太古宙绿岩带与蛇绿岩,以及早前寒武纪高温高压(HTHP)麻粒岩/高温—超高温(HT-UHT)麻粒岩与造山带高压变质带之后,认为尚不能作为板块构造的证据。本文还对华北的新太古代末的稳定大陆形成以及古元古代活动带的裂谷-俯冲-碰撞进行了论述。提出华北克拉通在新太古代末的绿岩带-高级区格局可能标志着热体制下有限的横向活动构造,微陆块被火山-沉积岩系焊接,随后发生变质作用和花岗岩化,完成稳定大陆的克拉通化过程。其构造机制可能是适度规模且多发的地幔柱构造控制下小尺度的横向构造运动的机制。华北克拉通的古元古代活动带有与绿岩带-高级区不同的构造样式,表壳岩带状分布,经受了强烈的变形以及中级变质作用,伴随花岗岩的侵入,虽然没有蛇绿岩和高压变质带,但已表现出板块构造的雏形特征。     

O–H isotope ratios of high pressure ultramafic rocks: implications for fluid sources and mobility in the subducted hydrous mantle

We examine the O-H isotope signatures of Alpine ultramafic rocks and eclogitic metagabbros of the Erro-Tobbio peridotite Unit (western Italian Alps), which record a subduction and exhumation cycle. Localization of subduction-related deformation along serpentinite mylonite shear zones favoured preservation of pre-subduction mantle and low temperature (oceanic) alteration assemblages within undeformed (meta)peridotite that underwent partial static recrystallization to high-pressure metamorphic parageneses. Bulk rock and mineral separate (clinopyroxene and serpentine) oxygen isotope ratios of the serpentinized mantle peridotites (5-8‰) are slightly enriched in ¹⁸O compared with those of the high-pressure metaperidotites and the serpentinite mylonites (4.4-7.6‰). The lowest values occur in high-pressure veins (3.5-5.7‰) and eclogitic metagabbros (3.1-5.3‰). These variations are comparable to variations observed in modern oceanic rocks and in non-subducted ophiolites. Preservation of pre-eclogitic '¹⁸O signatures of the Erro-Tobbio rocks and a lack of oxygen isotope re-equilibration between different shear zones imply local-scale fluid flow at low water/rock ratios and closed system behaviour during high-pressure metamorphism. Different serpentine generations show a bimodal distribution in 'D values: pre-eclogitic lizardite and chrysotile range from -102 to -77‰; high-pressure antigorite in the mylonites and in low strain metaperidotites range from -71 to -57‰ and -83 to -60‰, respectively. Comparable ranges occur in antigorite in the associated high-pressure veins, suggesting that the hydrogen signatures were acquired prior to veining. We propose that the isotopic variations reflect multiple events of fluid uptake in different geodynamic environments. The H- and O-isotope ratios in the eclogitic mylonites suggest that initial hydration occurred over a range of temperatures during local interaction with altered seawater along oceanic shear zones. The ¹⁸O-enriched and H-depleted compositions of chrysotile and lizardite in the mantle peridotites suggest that a second hydration event may have occurred as a result of interaction with metamorphic fluids at the early stages of burial in a forearc setting, where slabs undergo large-scale, low-temperature fluid fluxing. The oceanic mantle is thus a candidate for continuous hydration during its oceanic and early subduction history. The Erro-Tobbio unit thus represents an example of cycling of internally-derived fluids, whereby the different structural and textural domains behaved as relatively closed systems to fluid circulation during high-pressure metamorphism.     

Redox evolution of western Tianshan subduction zone and its effect on deep carbon cycle

Knowing the phase relations of carbon-bearing phases at high-pressure(HP) and high-temperature(HT) condition is essential for understanding the deep carbon cycle in the subduction zones.In particular,the phase relation of carbon-bearing phases is also strongly influenced by redox condition of subduction zones,which is poorly explored.Here we summarized the phase relations of carbon-bearing phases(calcite,aragonite,dolomite,magnesite,graphite,hydrocarbon) in HP metamorphic rocks(marble,metapelite,eclogite) from the Western Tianshan subduction zone and high-pressure experiments.During prograde progress of subduction,carbonates in altered oceanic crust change from Ca-carbonate(calcite) to Ca,Mg-carbonate(dolomite),then finally to Mgcarbonate(magnesite) via Mg-Ca cation exchange reaction between silicate and carbonate,while calcite in sedimentary calcareous ooze on oceanic crust directly transfers to high-pressure aragonite in marble or amorphous CaCO3 in subduction zones.Redox evolution also plays a significant effect on the carbon speciation in the Western Tianshan subduction zone.The prograde oxygen fugacity of the Western Tianshan subduction zone was constrained by mineral assemblage of garnet-omphacite from FMQ-1.9 to FMQ-2.5 at its metamorphic peak(maximum P-T) conditions.In comparison with redox conditions of other subduction zones,Western Tianshan has the lowest oxygen fugacity.Graphite and light hydrocarbon inclusions were ubiqutously identified in Western Tianshan HP metamorphic rocks and speculated to be formed from reduction of Fe-carbonate at low redox condition,which is also confirmed by high-pressure experimental simulation.Based on petrological observation and high-pressure simulation,a polarized redox model of reducing slab but oxidizing mantle wedge in subduction zone is proposed,and its effect on deep carbon cycle in subduction zones is further discussed.     

苏鲁超高压带内石桥浅变质岩的地质成因及其研究意义

苏鲁造山带超高压变质带内部出露仅经过绿片岩相变质作用的浅变质岩系,地质调查显示,石桥浅变质岩与周边超高压变质岩呈构造接触(构造片岩);地球化学研究证实,该浅变质岩形成于扬子板块北缘大陆边缘厚地壳上裂陷或沉积盆地的构造背景;单矿物电子探针分析结果显示,其部分浅变质岩发育多硅白云母,形成于中-高压相变质环境,说明这些浅变质岩曾经历大陆板块俯冲的动力变质作用过程。在此基础上,进一步讨论浅变质岩的成因机制及其与超高压变质岩和扬子板块俯冲之间的关系。     

A general model for the intrusion and evolution of 'mantle' garnet peridotites in high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure metamorphic terranes

Garnet‐bearing peridotite lenses are minor but significant components of most metamorphic terranes characterized by high‐temperature eclogite facies assemblages. Most peridotite intrudes when slabs of continental crust are subducted deeply (60–120 km) into the mantle, usually by following oceanic lithosphere down an established subduction zone. Peridotite is transferred from the resulting mantle wedge into the crustal footwall through brittle and/or ductile mechanisms. These ‘mantle’ peridotites vary petrographically, chemically, isotopically, chronologically and thermobarometrically from orogen to orogen, within orogens and even within individual terranes. The variations reflect: (1) derivation from different mantle sources (oceanic or continental lithosphere, asthenosphere); (2) perturbations while the mantle wedges were above subducting oceanic lithosphere; and (3) changes within the host crustal slabs during intrusion, subduction and exhumation. Peridotite caught within mantle wedges above oceanic subduction zones will tend to recrystallize and be contaminated by fluids derived from the subducting oceanic crust. These ‘subduction zone peridotites’ intrude during the subsequent subduction of continental crust. Low‐pressure protoliths introduced at shallow (serpentinite, plagioclase peridotite) and intermediate (spinel peridotite) mantle depths (20–50 km) may be carried to deeper levels within the host slab and undergo high‐pressure metamorphism along with the enclosing rocks. If subducted deeply enough, the peridotites will develop garnet‐bearing assemblages that are isofacial with, and give the same recrystallization ages as, the eclogite facies country rocks. Peridotites introduced at deeper levels (50–120 km) may already contain garnet when they intrude and will not necessarily be isofacial or isochronous with the enclosing crustal rocks. Some garnet peridotites recrystallize from spinel peridotite precursors at very high temperatures (c. 1200 °C) and may derive ultimately from the asthenosphere. Other peridotites are from old (>1 Ga), cold (c. 850 °C), subcontinental mantle (‘relict peridotites’) and seem to require the development of major intra‐cratonic faults to effect their intrusion.     

碧口群不同岩片火山岩微量元素组成差异与古构造意义

对碧口群内部大茅坪和筏子坝2个岩片变火山岩微量元素的研究表明,二者在岩石组合、源区组成及产出的构造环境等方面均存在系统差异。大茅坪岩片主要由偏碱性与非碱性的玄武质岩石组成,二者分别具有类似OIB和MORB的微量元素组成,起源于相对富集和相对亏损的地幔,并受到陆源物质不同程度的混染。偏碱性与非碱性的玄武质岩石分别显示板内火山岩（WPB）与洋脊玄武岩（MORB）的属性,表明大茅坪岩片火山岩主要形成于裂谷－有限洋盆环境。筏子坝岩片由玄武质与中酸性火山岩组成,岩石化学显示明显的“双峰式”组成特征,二者分别具有类似MORB和壳源岩石的微量元素组成,为亏损地幔与壳源岩石部分熔融的产物,形成于大陆裂谷环境。根据不同火山岩构造属性及组合特征,推断碧口群主要形成于陆内裂谷－有限洋盆构造环境。     

Two-dimensional numerical modeling of tectonic and metamorphic histories at active continental margins

The evolution of an active continental margin is simulated in two dimensions, using a finite difference thermomechanical code with half-staggered grid and marker-in-cell technique. The effect of mechanical properties, changing as a function of P and T, assigned to different crustal layers and mantle materials in the simple starting structure is discussed for a set of numerical models. For each model, representative P–T paths are displayed for selected markers. Both the intensity of subduction erosion and the size of the frontal accretionary wedge are strongly dependent on the rheology chosen for the overriding continental crust. Tectonically eroded upper and lower continental crust is carried down to form a broad orogenic wedge, intermingling with detached oceanic crust and sediments from the subducted plate and hydrated mantle material from the overriding plate. A small portion of the continental crust and trench sediments is carried further down into a narrow subduction channel, intermingling with oceanic crust and hydrated mantle material, and to some extent extruded to the rear of the orogenic wedge underplating the overriding continental crust. The exhumation rates for (ultra)high pressure rocks can exceed subduction and burial rates by a factor of 1.5–3, when forced return flow in the hanging wall portion of the self-organizing subduction channel is focused. The simulations suggest that a minimum rate of subduction is required for the formation of a subduction channel, because buoyancy forces may outweigh drag forces for slow subduction. For a weak upper continental crust, simulated by a high pore pressure coefficient in the brittle regime, the orogenic wedge and megascale melange reach a mid- to upper-crustal position within 10–20 Myr (after 400–600 km of subduction). For a strong upper crust, a continental lid persists over the entire time span covered by the simulation. The structural pattern is similar in all cases, with four zones from trench toward arc: (a) an accretionary complex of low-grade metamorphic sedimentary material; (b) a wedge of mainly continental crust, with medium-grade HP metamorphic overprint, wound up and stretched in a marble cake fashion to appear as nappes with alternating upper and lower crustal provenance, and minor oceanic or hydrated mantle interleaved material; (c) a megascale melange composed of high-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic oceanic and continental crust, and hydrated mantle, all extruded from the subduction channel; (d) zone represents the upward tilted frontal part of the remaining upper plate lid in the case of a weak upper crust. The shape of the P–T paths and the time scales correspond to those typically recorded in orogenic belts. Comparison of the numerical results with the European Alps reveals some similarities in their gross structural and metamorphic pattern exposed after collision. A similar structure may be developed at depth beneath the forearc of the Andes, where the importance of subduction erosion is well documented, and where a strong upper crust forms a stable lid.     

蛇绿岩型金刚石和铬铁矿深部成因

地球上的原生金刚石主要有3种产出类型,分别来自大陆克拉通下的深部地幔金伯利岩型金刚石、板块边界深俯冲变质岩中超高压变质型金刚石,和陨石坑中的陨石撞击型金刚石。在全球5个造山带的10处蛇绿岩的地幔橄榄岩或铬铁矿中均发现金刚石和其他超高压矿物的基础上,我们提出地球上一种新的天然金刚石产出类型,命名为蛇绿岩型金刚石。认为蛇绿岩型金刚石普遍存在于大洋岩石圈的地幔橄榄岩中,并提出蛇绿岩型金刚石和铬铁矿的深部成因模式。认为早期俯冲的地壳物质到达地幔过渡带(410~660 km深度)后被肢解,加入到周围的强还原流体和熔体中,当熔融物质向上运移到地幔过渡带顶部,铬铁矿和周围的地幔岩石以及流体中的金刚石等深部矿物一并结晶,之后,携带金刚石的铬铁矿和地幔岩石被上涌的地幔柱带至浅部,经历了洋盆的拉张和俯冲阶段,最终在板块边缘就位。     

中国大陆构造及动力学若干问题的认识

中国(东亚)大陆受特提斯、古亚洲和太平洋构造体系的制约,具有复杂的地体构架和特殊的岩石圈结构。本文从地学前沿——大陆动力学的视野出发,围绕中国大陆构造及动力学四个方面的研究,总结已有的进展并提出新的思考:①中国大陆板块下的构造和整个地幔运动的构架:地震层析资料揭示西太平洋板片向西俯冲到东亚大陆之下,其倾角逐渐减小,最后近水平地插进400～600km深度的地幔过渡带中,成为箕状几何形态的超深俯冲板片。印度岩石圈板片超深俯冲至青藏高原之下～800km的深度,在喜马拉雅西构造结部位发生双向不对称深俯冲,印度岩石圈板片向东俯冲至东构造结东侧之下300～500km的深度。②中国大陆变质基底的再活化:中国大陆的大部分陆块未受显生宙以来构造、变质和岩浆事件的改造与激活,在冈瓦纳大陆北缘的印度陆块和阿拉伯陆块北缘还发育有形成于泛非期(530～470Ma)的造山带,其影响范围至高喜马拉雅、拉萨地体和三江地区。新生代的变质活化普遍出现在喜马拉雅、南迦巴瓦、拉萨地体和三江-缅甸地区,最新的变质年龄仅2～1Ma(南迦巴瓦)。③中国主要高压-超高压变质带的大地构造背景及深俯冲-折返机制:中国及邻区含榴辉岩的高压-超高压(HP/UHP)变质带有洋壳(深)俯冲和陆壳(深)俯冲之分。青藏高原中,大部分洋壳俯冲形成的高压/超高压变质带与原-古特提斯洋盆中诸多微陆块之间的小洋盆的汇聚碰撞有关,陆壳深俯冲作用有两种机制,它们分别是大陆块之间剪式碰撞和撕裂式岩石圈舌形板片的深俯冲。④中国大陆造山带的深部物质可经3类机制挤出,即深部地壳物质"牙膏式"挤出、侧向挤出和"挤压转换式"挤出。     

Geochronology of the Duguer range metamorphic rocks,Central Tibet: implications for the changing tectonic setting of the South Qiangtang subterrane

The Duguer area represents one of the few occurrences of high-grade metamorphic rocks in the ‘Central Uplift’ zone of the Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet. The metamorphic rocks consist mainly of orthogneiss, paragneiss, and schist. To better understand the formation of these rocks, seven samples of gneiss and schist from the Duguer area were selected for in situ zircon U–Pb analysis and Ar–Ar dating of metamorphic minerals. The results suggest two distinct metamorphic stages, during the Late Triassic (229–227 Ma) and Late Jurassic (150–149 Ma). These stages correspond to the closure of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean and northward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Neo-Tethys oceanic crust, respectively. We suggest that the Late Triassic metamorphic rocks of the Duguer area in the central South Qiangtang subterrane provide evidence of continental collision between the North and South Qiangtang subterranes, following the subduction of oceanic crust. It is likely that deep subduction of oceanic crust occurred along the Longmu Co–Shuanghu–Lancangjiang suture zone (LSLSZ), which would have hindered exhumation owing to the high density of oceanic crust. Subsequent break-off and delamination of the subducted oceanic slab at ~220 Ma may have resulted in exhumation of high-pressure and high-grade metamorphic rocks in the South Qiangtang subterrane. The Late Jurassic ages of metamorphism and deformation obtained in this study indicate the occurrence of an Andean-type orogenic event within the South Qiangtang subterrane. This hypothesis is further supported by an apparent age gap in magmatic activity (150–130 Ma) along the magmatic arc, and the absence of Late Jurassic sediments.     

Exhumation of high-pressure rocks: a review of concepts and processes

The exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks requires either the removal of the overburden that caused the high pressures, or the transport of the metamorphic rocks through the overburden. Exhumation cannot be achieved simply by thrusting or strike-slip faulting. It may be caused by erosion of shortened and thickened crust, but this is unlikely to be the only mechanism for exhuming rocks from depths greater than about 20 km. One or more of the following additional mechanisms may be involved. 1 Corner flow of low-viscosity material trapped between the upper and lower plates in a subduction zone can cause upward flow of deeply buried rock, and may explain some occurrences of high-pressure tectonic blocks in mélange. This process does not, however, appear to be adequate to explain the exhumation of regional high-pressure terrains. 2 Buoyancy forces acting directly on metamorphic rock bodies may cause them to rise relative to more dense surroundings. This is likely to be the most important mechanism of exhumation of crustal rocks subducted into the mantle, but cannot explain the emplacement of coherent tracts of high-density metamorphic rock into shallow crustal levels. Some high-pressure blocks emplaced at shallow levels in accretionary terrains may have been entrained in diapiric intrusions of low-density mud or serpentinite. 3 Extension driven by the forces associated with contrasts in surface elevation may explain the exhumation and structural setting of many high-pressure terrains. Extension may occur in the upper part of an accretionary wedge thickened by underplating; or it may affect the whole lithosphere in a region of intracontinental convergence, if surface elevation has been increased by the removal of a lithospheric root. In the second case extension may be accompanied by magmatism and an evolution towards higher temperature during decompression of the metamorphic terrain.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987115000948

The formation of continents involves a combination of magmatic and metamorphic processes. These processes become indistinguishable at the crust-mantle interface, where the pressure-temperature(P-T)conditions of(ultra) high-temperature granulites and magmatic rocks are similar. Continents grow laterally, by magmatic activity above oceanic subduction zones(high-pressure metamorphic setting), and vertically by accumulation of mantle-derived magmas at the base of the crust(high-temperature metamorphic setting). Both events are separated from each other in time; the vertical accretion postdating lateral growth by several tens of millions of years. Fluid inclusion data indicate that during the high-temperature metamorphic episode the granulite lower crust is invaded by large amounts of low H_2O-activity fluids including high-density CO_2 and concentrated saline solutions(brines). These fluids are expelled from the lower crust to higher crustal levels at the end of the high-grade metamorphic event. The final amalgamation of supercontinents corresponds to episodes of ultra-high temperature metamorphism involving large-scale accumulation of these low-water activity fluids in the lower crust.This accumulation causes tectonic instability, which together with the heat input from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, leads to the disruption of supercontinents. Thus, the fragmentation of a supercontinent is already programmed at the time of its amalgamation.     

中祁连地块北缘退变榴辉岩的发现及其地质意义

1∶5万区域地质调查首次在中祁连地块北缘发现的退变榴辉岩,呈构造岩块分布于大羊陇一带的变质基底中。岩相学和矿物学研究显示,石榴石的矿物包体和化学成分具有进变质环带的特征,属于C类榴辉岩。石榴石核部成分以及残留于核部的黑云母、斜长石等矿物包体代表了进变质阶段(M1)矿物组合,计算得到其温压条件为568～580 ℃和0.80～0.82 GPa。大致估算得峰期榴辉岩相阶段(M2)温压条件为(669±5) ℃和(2.1±0.2) GPa。石榴石“白眼圈”结构指示了等温减压退变质作用,利用局部的平衡矿物获得高角闪岩相退变质阶段(M3)的温压条件为681～705 ℃和0.68～0.71 GPa。进一步的退变质作用发生在低角闪岩相条件下,以基质中出现粗粒的角闪石和斜长石为特征,估算得到这一阶段(M4)温压分别为500～545 ℃和0.38～0.43 GPa。上述变质过程形成一个顺时针的p-T演化轨迹,暗示板片经历过快速俯冲和折返。榴辉岩的锆石CL图像显示锆石大部分发光度低,为无分带、弱分带或海绵状分带,边部发育宽约5 μm的强阴极发光带,主体表现为变质增生锆石的特征。LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年获得峰期榴辉岩相变质的上限年龄为(485±22) Ma。根据岩石地球化学特征和构造环境判别,大羊陇榴辉岩的原岩为MORB,推测属于北祁连洋壳的组成部分。结合中祁连地块北缘广泛发育弧岩浆岩,确定了晚寒武世-中奥陶世北祁连洋壳存在向南的俯冲作用,其俯冲极性为南北双向俯冲。     

柴北缘从大洋俯冲到陆陆碰撞:来自开屏沟造山带M型橄榄岩的证据

造山带幔源（M型）橄榄岩虽然在高压/超高压变质带分布不多,但由于其来自俯冲板块上覆的岩石圈地幔,因此是研究俯冲隧道内俯冲板片与地幔楔之间相互作用的重要对象,对于还原超高压变质带的演化有重要意义.柴北缘鱼卡榴辉岩-片麻岩区边部附近的开屏沟存在一套橄榄岩,其岩石类型、成因、时代等都缺乏研究.对开屏沟橄榄岩全岩的主量和微量元素及铂族元素、橄榄石主量元素、锆石U-Pb年龄和Hf同位素进行了研究.结果显示,其全岩具有高的Mg#、Mg/Si和Ni值,同时表现出亏损难溶的HFSE和HREE,轻微富集LILE和LREE中与流体活动性相关的元素;橄榄石具有较高的Fo值（90.11~92.77）与NiO含量（0.32%~0.45%）、低的CaO含量（< 0.02%）;PGEs的球粒陨石标准化配分模式与交代橄榄岩和残留橄榄岩近似;两组变质锆石年龄为459.5±3.6 Ma和417.5±2.7 Ma,对应的ε_Hf（t）值为-0.71~9.45和-11.96~-1.20,分别反映了洋壳流体（或早期大陆俯冲板片流体）和陆壳流体交代的性质和时限.开屏沟橄榄岩来源于俯冲带上覆地幔楔,遭受了不同来源流体不同程度的交代作用而获得地壳特征,同时为柴北缘大洋俯冲到陆陆碰撞的构造演化提供了新证据.