Diversité du métamorphisme éclogitique dans le massif ophiolitique du Monviso (Alpes occidentales,Italie)

The Monviso ophiolitic complex is believed to represent a good example of subducted and exhumed oceanic lithosphere. This complex is classically subdivided into lithological units affected similarly by three tectonic events under eclogitic, blueschist and greenschist conditions. We have studied three units belonging to the Monviso Ophiolitic complex: the Viso Mozzo, the Passo Gallarino and the Lago Superiore displaying comparable lithologies. The calculated eclogitic conditions of these three units are distinct whatever the original chemical signature considered. Indeed, the calculated P–T conditions are 450 ± 50 °C and 12 ± 3 kbar for the Viso Mozzo and the Passo Gallarino units and 580 ± 40 °C and 19 ± 2 kbar for the Lago Superiore unit. Moreover the structural study reveals that the tectonic juxtaposition of the three units occurred under blueschist conditions during the exhumation of the units. After the tectonic juxtaposition the 3 units followed a similar tectonic and metamorphic evolution. Based on this data we propose to interpret the Monviso as a accretionary complex made of slabs of the oceanic lithosphere extracted at different depths during the subduction, partly exhumed and stored at 25 km depth under blueschist condition before the final and common exhumation of all the units.     

The Zermatt‐Saas ophiolite: the largest (60‐km wide) and deepest (c. 70–80 km) continuous slice of oceanic lithosphere detached from a subduction zone?

The Western Alps are a classic subduction-related collisional orogen with well-preserved, deeply subducted ophiolitic remnants of oceanic lithosphere. Some (e.g. Monviso, Voltri) were recognized as a palaeo-subduction channel, with tectonic blocks showing a wide range of pressure–temperature conditions. We herein evaluate for the first time the metamorphic homogeneity of the extensive Zermatt-Saas ophiolite. Zermatt-Saas peak eclogitic assemblages are represented by omphacite–garnet ± phengite ± epidote ± lawsonite ± glaucophane in MORB-derived metabasalts and garnet–chloritoid–talc ± lawsonite ± phengite in hydrothermalized metabasalts. Thermobarometric estimates with thermocalc and Raman Spectroscopy of carbonaceous material reveal homogeneous peak burial conditions at around 540 ± 20 °C and 23 ± 1 kbar. P – T paths indicate that the whole of the ophiolite, at least 60 km across, strikingly underwent similar burial and exhumation patterns and detached from the slab at depths around 80 km. The Zermatt-Saas ophiolite thus appears to be the world's largest oceanic lithosphere fragment exhumed from such depths, which provides important constraints on interplate coupling mechanisms.     

Subduction of a fossil slow–ultraslow spreading ocean: a petrology-constrained geodynamic model based on the Voltri Massif,Ligurian Alps,Northwest Italy

Slow–ultraslow spreading oceans are mostly floored by mantle peridotites and are typified by rifted continental margins, where subcontinental lithospheric mantle is preserved. Structural and petrologic investigations of the high-pressure (HP) Alpine Voltri Massif ophiolites, which were derived from the Late Jurassic Ligurian Tethys fossil slow–ultraslow spreading ocean, reveal the fate of the oceanic peridotites/serpentinites during subduction to depths involving eclogite-facies conditions, followed by exhumation.

The Ligurian Tethys was formed by continental extension within the Europe–Adria lithosphere and consisted of sea-floor exposed mantle peridotites with an uppermost layer of oceanic serpentinites and of subcontinental lithospheric mantle at the rifted continental margins. Plate convergence caused eastward subduction of the oceanic lithosphere of the Europe plate and the uppermost serpentinite layer of the subducting slab formed an antigorite serpentinite-subduction channel. Sectors of the rather unaltered mantle lithosphere of the Adria extended margin underwent ablative subduction and were detached, embedded, and buried to eclogite-facies conditions within the serpentinite-subduction channel. At such P–T conditions, antigorite serpentinites from the oceanic slab underwent partial HP dehydration (antigorite dewatering and growth of new olivine). Water fluxing from partial dehydration of host serpentinites caused partial HP hydration (growth of Ti-clinohumite and antigorite) of the subducted Adria margin peridotites. The serpentinite-subduction channel (future Beigua serpentinites), acting as a low-viscosity carrier for high-density subducted rocks, allowed rapid exhumation of the almost unaltered Adria peridotites (future Erro–Tobbio peridotites) and their emplacement into the Voltri Massif orogenic edifice. Over in the past 35 years, this unique geologic architecture has allowed us to investigate the pristine structural and compositional mantle features of the subcontinental Erro–Tobbio peridotites and to clarify the main steps of the pre-oceanic extensional, tectonic–magmatic history of the Europe–Adria asthenosphere–lithosphere system, which led to the formation of the Ligurian Tethys.

Our present knowledge of the Voltri Massif provides fundamental information for enhanced understanding, from a mantle perspective, of formation, subduction, and exhumation of oceanic and marginal lithosphere of slow–ultraslow spreading oceans.     

Alpine and Pacific styles of Phanerozoic mountain building: subduction-zone petrogenesis of continental crust

A broad continuum exists between two distinct end-member types of mountain building. Alpine-type orogenic belts develop during subduction of an ocean basin between two continental blocks, resulting in collision. They are characterized by an imbricate sequence of oceanward verging nappes; some Alpine belts exhibit superimposed late-stage backthrusting. Sediments are chiefly platform carbonates and siliciclastics, in some cases associated with minor amounts of bimodal volcanics; pre-existing granitic gneisses and related continental rocks constitute an autochthonous–parautochthonous basement. Metamorphism of deeply subducted portions of the orogen ranges from relatively high-pressure (HP) to ultrahigh-pressure (UHP). Calcalkaline volcanic–plutonic rocks are rare, and have peraluminous, S-type bulk compositions. In contrast, Pacific-type orogens develop within and landward from long-sustained oceanic subduction zones. They consist of an outboard oceanic trench–accretionary prism, and an inboard continental margin–island arc. The oceanic assemblage consists of first-cycle, in-part mélanged volcaniclastics, and minor but widespread cherts ± deep-water carbonates, intimately mixed with disaggregated ophiolites. The section recrystallized under HP conditions. Recumbent fold vergence is oceanward. A massive, slightly older to coeval calcalkaline arc is sited landward from the trench complex on the stable, non-subducted plate. It consists of abundant, dominantly intermediate, metaluminous, I-type volcanics resting on old crust; both assemblages are thrown into open folds, intruded by comagmatic I-type granitoids, and metamorphosed locally to regionally under high-T, low-P conditions. In the subduction channel of collisional and outboard Circumpacific terranes, combined extension above and subduction below allows buoyancy-driven ascent of ductile, thin-aspect ratio slices of HP–UHP complexes to midcrustal levels, where most closely approached neutral buoyancy; exposure of rising sheets caused by erosion and gravitational collapse results in moderate amounts of sedimentary debris because exhumed sialic slivers are of modest volume. At massive sialic buildups associated with convergent plate cuSPS (syntaxes), tectonic aneurysms may help transport HP–UHP complexes from mid- to upper-crustal levels. The closure of relatively small ocean basins that typify many intracratonic suture zones provides only limited production of intermediate and silicic melts, so volcanic–plutonic belts are poorly developed in Alpine orogens compared with Circumpacific convergent plate junctions. Generation of a calcalkaline arc mainly depends on volatile evolution at the depth of magma generation. Phase equilibrium studies show that, under typical subduction-zone P–T trajectories, clinoamphibole ± Ca–Al hydrous silicates constitute the major hydroxyl-bearing phases in deep-seated metamorphic rocks of MORB composition; other hydrous minerals are of minor abundance. Ca and Na clinoamphiboles dehydrate at pressures of above approximately 2 GPa, but low-temperature devolatilization may be delayed by pressure overstepping; thus metabasaltic blueschists and amphibolites expel H₂O at melt-generation depths, and commonly achieve stable eclogitic assemblages. Partly serpentinized mantle beneath the oceanic crust dehydrates at roughly comparable conditions. For reasonable subduction-zone geothermal gradients however, white micas ± biotites remain stable to pressures >3 GPa. Accordingly, attending descent to depths of >100 km, mica-rich quartzofeldspathic lithologies that constitute much of the continental crust fail to evolve substantial amounts of H₂O, and transform incompletely to stable eclogite-facies assemblages. Underflow of amphibolitized oceanic lithosphere thus generates most of the deep-seated volatile flux, and the consequent partial melting to produce the calcalkaline suite, along and above a subduction zone; where large volumes of micaceous intermediate and felsic crustal materials are carried down to great depths, volatile flux severely diminishes. Thus, continental collision in general does not produce a volcanic–plutonic arc whereas in contrast, the long-continued contemporaneous underflow of oceanic lithosphere does.     

Early Tertiary eclogite facies metamorphism in the Monviso Ophiolite

Although crucial for the construction of tectonic models of the Alps the timing of high pressure metamorphism is still poorly determined and controversial. It is likely to vary from one tectonic unit to another depending on when each became involved in subduction. This in turn relates to palaeogeographic position with respect to the active ocean basin. Well defined, reliable geochronological data are too few to test this hypothesis. This paper extends the database by determining Sm–Nd mineral isochrons on two samples from the Monviso Ophiolite in the Piemonte Zone, carefully selected to minimize the problems of Sm–Nd dating of eclogites encountered elsewhere in the Alps. The dated samples have eclogite facies mineral assemblages typical of the Lago Superiore unit of the ophiolite; mineral compositions are similar to previously reported samples and indicate pressures of around 2  GPa and temperatures of 400–500  °C. Sm–Nd isochron ages of 60±12 and 62±9  Ma are defined by garnet and clinopyroxene, while the Rb–Sr age on phengite which is part of the high- P assemblage is 40±1  Ma. The new data fit an emerging pattern of ages in which high- P metamorphism in the oceanic realm is Early Tertiary, with slightly older ages in the overlying Sesia Zone and younger, Oligocene ages in the underlying internal basement massifs which only became involved in subduction when closure of the Piemont ocean was complete.     

Metamorphic response within different subduction–obduction settings preserved on the NE Arabian margin

Metamorphic rocks form a minor component of the NE Arabian margin in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Conditions span almost the entire range of crustal metamorphism from very high-P/low-T eclogite and blueschist to high-P/moderate-T epidote- to upper-amphibolite and low-P/high-T granulite facies. The NE Arabian margin experienced at least six metamorphic events, each characterized by distinct peak metamorphic temperature, depth of burial, average thermal gradient and timing. Synthesis of the available metamorphic data defines five different tectonic settings that evolved during the middle Cretaceous: [1] The Saih Hatat window exposes former continental margin crust that was buried and metamorphosed in a SW-dipping subduction system. Lower-plate units in the window include relict oceanic crust with eclogite (M1–M2) parageneses that recrystallized at pressures of ~14–23 kbar under very low thermal gradients of 7–10 °C/km. Peak metamorphism occurred at ~110 Ma. Peak assemblages were overprinted by garnet–glaucophane-blueschist foliations (M3) at about ~104–94 Ma that formed at ~10–15 kbar and 10–15 °C/km during the first-stage of isothermal exhumation. [2] Metamorphic soles in the footwall of the Semail ophiolite experienced a two-stage history of deep burial and peak metamorphism at ~96–94 Ma, followed by retrogression during obduction onto the continental margin between ~93 and 84 Ma. Peak metamorphic garnet–clinopyroxene–hornblende–plagioclase assemblages (M4s), exposed at highest structural levels, formed at 743 ± 13 °C and 10.7 ± 0.4 kbar, indicating Barrovian thermal regimes of 20.0 ± 2.2 °C/km. Burial of seafloor sediments and oceanic crust to ~38 km depth, was attained within a short-lived, NE-dipping intra-oceanic subduction system. The relatively high average thermal gradient during the peak of metamorphism was the result of heating after subcretion onto the base of hanging-wall oceanic lithosphere. [3] The Bani Hamid terrane consists of seafloor cherts and calcareous turbidites, metamorphosed to low-P/high-T granulite condition at ~96–94 Ma. Diagnostic assemblages (M4b) such as orthopyroxene–cordierite–quartz–plagioclase and orthopyroxene–sapphirine–hercynite–quartz–plagioclase, formed at conditions averaging ~915 ± 35 °C, ~6.1 ± 0.9 kbar and ~42.9 ± 6.5 °C/km. The elevated average thermal gradient, combined with significant depths of burial, is anomalous for typical oceanic settings. This suggests that these sea-floor sediments were buried to ~22 km depths within the intra-oceanic subduction system, accreted onto the hanging-wall, and metamorphosed at high-T during subduction of a recently active spreading ridge. [4] A plausible plate tectonic arrangement that can account for the different metamorphic elements on the Arabian margin is one composed of divergent subduction systems: a relatively long-lived SW-dipping subduction zone at the continental margin, and a short-lived, NE-dipping intra-oceanic subduction system. Consumption of the intervening oceanic crust led to obduction of the Semail ophiolite and accreted metamorphic soles from the upper-plate of the floundered outboard subduction system. SW-directed obduction was initiated between 93.7 and 93.2 Ma and continued until ~84 Ma, producing lower-amphibolite to sub-greenschist facies retrograde fabrics in the metamorphic soles (M5) and sub-metamorphic melange in the footwall. [5] The lower-plate of the Saih Hatat window was reworked by top-to-NE extensional shear at epidote-greenschist facies grades (M6) between ~84 and 76 Ma. Crustal-scale structures were reactivated as extensional detachments that telescoped the continental margin, leading to isothermal decompression and development of an asymmetric core complex that segmented the Semail ophiolite and formed the Saih Hatat domal window.     

Initial water budget: The key to detaching large volumes of eclogitized oceanic crust along the subduction channel?

We herein investigate the extent to which extensive hydration of the oceanic lithosphere influences the preservation and exhumation of large-scale ophiolite bodies from subduction zones. The Zermatt–Saas ophiolite (ZS, W. Alps), which was subducted during the late stages of oceanic subduction, preserves a complete section of Mesozoic Tethys oceanic lithosphere and particularly fresh eclogites, and represents, so far, the largest and deepest known portion of exhumed oceanic lithosphere. Pervasive hydrothermal processes and seafloor alteration led to the incorporation of large amounts of fluid bound in the hydrated upper layers of the oceanic crust (now as lawsonite eclogites, glaucophanites, and chloritoschists) and in associated ultramafic rocks.Internally, the ZS ophiolite is made up of a series of tectonic slices of oceanic crust (150–300 m thick) which are systematically separated by a 5 to 100 m thick layer of serpentinite. This stack of slices is separated from the underlying eclogitized continental crust (e.g., Monte Rosa) by a thick (~ 500 m) serpentinite sole. Field observations, textural relationships and pseudosection modelling reveal that lawsonite was abundant and widespread in mafic eclogites when the ophiolite detached from the slab at around 550 °C and 24 kbar.Comparison between fresh eclogitic samples and pseudosection modelling shows that (i) water remained in excess from burial to eclogitic peak conditions, (ii) the lightest eclogitized metabasalts correspond to the portions of oceanic crust where metasomatism was the strongest, (iii) crystallization of widespread hydrated parageneses (such as lawsonite, glaucophane and phengite) instead of garnet and omphacite decreased by 5 to 10% the rock density and subsequently enhanced its buoyancy.We propose that this density decrease acted as a ‘float’ which prevented the slices from an irreversible sinking in the mantle. These slices were subsequently detached from the downgoing slab and stacked in the serpentinized subduction channel at pressures between 15 and 20 kbar, in the epidote blueschist facies. Exhumation of the underlying, positively buoyant continental crust dragged this “frozen” nappe-stack from the subduction channel towards the surface.     

HP/LT metamorphism in the Volparone Breccia (Northern Corsica, France): evidence for involvement of the Europe/Corsica continental margin in the Alpine subdution zone

The Alpine belt in Corsica (France) is characterized by the occurrence of stacked tectonic slices derived from the Corsica/Europe continental margin, which outcrop between two weakly or non‐metamorphic tectonic domains: the ‘autochthonous’ domain of the Hercynian basement to the west and the Balagne Nappe (ophiolitic unit belonging to the ‘Nappes supérieures’) to the east. These slices, including basement rocks (Permian granitoids and their Palaeozoic host rocks), Late Carboniferous–Permian volcano‐sedimentary deposits, coarse‐grained polymict breccias (Volparone Breccia) and Middle Eocene siliciclastic turbidite deposits, were affected by a polyphase deformation history of Alpine age, associated with a well‐developed metamorphic recrystallization. This study provides new quantitative data about the peak of metamorphism and the retrograde P–T path in the Alpine Corsica: the tectonic slices of Volparone Breccia from the Balagne region (previously regarded as unmetamorphosed) were affected by peak metamorphism characterized by the phengite + chlorite + quartz ± albite assemblage. Using the chlorite‐phengite local equilibria method, peak metamorphic P–T conditions coherent with the low‐grade blueschist facies are estimated as 0.60 ± 0.15 GPa and 325 ± 20 °C. Moreover, the retrograde P–T path, characterized by a decrease of pressure and temperature, is evidence of the first stage of the exhumation path from the peak metamorphic conditions to greenschist facies conditions (0.35 ± 0.06 GPa and 315 ± 20 °C). The occurrence of metamorphic peak at high‐pressure/low‐temperature (HP/LT) conditions is evidence of the fact that these tectonic slices, derived from the Corsica/Europe continental margin, were deformed and metamorphosed in the Alpine subduction zone during their underplating at ～20 km of depth into the accretionary wedge and were subsequently juxtaposed against the metamorphic and non‐metamorphic oceanic units during a complex exhumation history.     

Petrogenesis of kyanite‐ and corundum‐bearing mafic granulite in a meta‐ophiolite,SE Turkey

Although ophiolitic rocks are abundant in Anatolia (Turkey), only in rare cases have they experienced high‐grade metamorphism. Even more uncommon, in Anatolia and elsewhere are high‐grade meta‐ophiolites that retain an oceanic lithosphere stratigraphy from upper crustal mafic volcanic rocks through lower crustal gabbro to mantle peridotite. The Berit meta‐ophiolite of SE Turkey exhibits both features: from structurally higher to lower levels, it consists of garnet amphibolite (metabasalt), granulite facies metagabbro (as lenses in amphibolite inferred to be retrogressed granulite) and metaperidotite (locally with metapyroxenite layers). Whole‐rock major and trace‐element data indicate a tholeiitic protolith that formed in a suprasubduction setting. This paper presents new results for the metamorphic P–T conditions and path of oceanic lower crustal rocks in the Berit meta‐ophiolite, and an evaluation of the tectonic processes that may drive granulite facies metamorphism of ophiolite gabbro. In the Do?an?ehir (Malatya, Turkey) region, granulite facies gabbroic rocks contain garnet (Grt)+clinopyroxene (Cpx)+plagioclase (Pl)+corundum (Crn)±orthopyroxene (Opx)±kyanite (Ky)±sapphirine (Spr)±rutile. Some exhibit symplectites consisting of Crn+Cpx, Ky+Cpx and/or coronas of garnet (outer shell) around a polygonal aggregate of clinopyroxene that in some cases surrounds a polygonal aggregate of orthopyroxene. Coronitic and non‐coronitic textures occur in proximity in mm‐ to cm‐scale layers; corona structures typically occur in plagioclase‐rich layers. Their formation is therefore related primarily to protolith type (troctolite v. gabbro) rather than P–T path. Phase diagrams calculated for a kyanite‐rich granulite, a plagioclase‐rich non‐coronitic granulite, and a plagioclase‐rich coronitic granulite (taking into account changes in effective bulk composition during texture development) predict peak conditions of ~800°C, 1.1–1.5 GPa; these conditions do not require invoking an unusually high geothermal gradient. In the coronitic metagabbro, reaction textures formed along the prograde path: Crn–Cpx symplectites grew at the expense of garnet, sapphirine and plagioclase. Peak conditions were followed by isobaric cooling of ~150°C. Hornblende–plagioclase thermometry results for host amphibolite (Hbl+Pl±Crn±Grt±relict Cpx) indicate retrograde conditions of 620–675°C and 0.5–0.8 GPa accompanied by infiltration of H₂O‐rich fluid. This anticlockwise P–T path differs from an isothermal decompression path previously proposed for these rocks based on the presence of symplectite. Metamorphism of the ophiolitic rocks was driven by closing of the southern Neotethys Ocean, as oceanic lithosphere was obducted (most SE Anatolian ophiolites) or underthrust (Berit meta‐ophiolite). This was followed by subduction of a continental margin, driving cooling of the Berit granulite after the thermal peak at depths of ~40 km.     

Influence of tectonic overpressure on P–T paths of HP–UHP rocks in continental collision zones: thermomechanical modelling

The principle of lithostatic pressure is habitually used in metamorphic geology to calculate burial/exhumation depth from pressure given by geobarometry. However, pressure deviation from lithostatic, i.e. tectonic overpressure/underpressure due to deviatoric stress and deformation, is an intrinsic property of flow and fracture in all materials, including rocks under geological conditions. In order to investigate the influences of tectonic overpressure on metamorphic P–T paths, 2D numerical simulations of continental subduction/collision zones were conducted with variable brittle and ductile rheologies of the crust and mantle. The experiments suggest that several regions of significant tectonic overpressure and underpressure may develop inside the slab, in the subduction channel and within the overriding plate during continental collision. The main overpressure region that may influence the P–T paths of HP–UHP rocks is located in the bottom corner of the wedge‐like confined channel with the characteristic magnitude of pressure deviation on the order of ～0.3 GPa and 10–20% from the lithostatic values. The degree of confinement of the subduction channel is the key factor controlling this magnitude. Our models also suggest that subducted crustal rocks, which may not necessarily be exhumed, can be classified into three different groups: (i) UHP‐rocks subjected to significant (≥0.3 GPa) overpressure at intermediate subduction depth (50–70 km, P = 1.5–2.5 GPa) then underpressured at depth ≥100 km (P ≥ 3 GPa); (ii) HP‐rocks subjected to ≥0.3 GPa overpressure at peak P–T conditions reached at 50–70 km depth in the bottom corner of the wedge‐like confined subduction channel (P = 1.5–2.5 GPa); (iii) lower‐pressure rocks formed at shallower depths (≤40 km depth, P ≤ 1 GPa), which are not subjected to significant overpressure and/or underpressure.     

Geochemical and zircon U–Pb age constraints on the origin of the Mesozoic Xigaze ophiolite,Yarlung Zangbo suture zone,SW China

The Mesozoic Xigaze ophiolite is a key to understanding the tectonic evolution of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone. Although many studies have been reported, the formation age and petrogenesis of the Xigaze ophiolite remain controversial. In this paper, new geochronological and geochemical data for mafic dikes (diabase, dolerite), lavas, and gabbros of the Xigaze ophiolite are provided to constrain the origin of the Xigaze ophiolite. Combined with previous studies, three new zircon U–Pb ages of samples from two gabbro and one dolerite samples show that the Xigaze ophiolite was produced at two distinct stages of 174–149 Ma and 137–123 Ma. Whole-rock geochemical data indicate that these rocks exhibit N-MORB-like features, but the gabbros are more depleted in trace elements and belong to cumulates. Geochemical characters, combined with their positive ε_Nd(t) values (+3.2 to +9.6), suggest that these samples originated from depleted mantle sources with minor influence of slab-derived fluids. Considering the previous studies on the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, the Xigaze ophiolite was likely generated in an active continental margin fore-arc basin with a multistage model associated with the northward subduction of the Yarlung Zangbo Neo-Tethys Ocean beneath the Lhasa terrane. The Middle–Late Jurassic ophiolitic massifs (174–149 Ma) were produced as the result of slab rollback and were followed by subsequent slab break-off at ~ 150 Ma. The fore-arc lithosphere may be frozen at ~150–137 Ma, consistent with the termination of the Gangdese arc magmatism during this period. The Early Cretaceous ophiolitic massifs (137–123 Ma) were developed in relation to the reinitiation of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere subduction, the retreat of the subduction zone, and the creation of a fore-arc basin with strong hyperextension in a new cycle.     

Exhumation of oceanic eclogites: thermodynamic constraints on pressure,temperature, bulk composition and density

The exhumation mechanism of high‐pressure (HP) and ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) eclogites formed by the subduction of oceanic crust (hereafter referred to as oceanic eclogites) is one of the primary uncertainties associated with the subduction factory. The phase relations and densities of eclogites with MORB compositions are modelled using thermodynamic calculations over a P–T range of 1–4 GPa and 400–800 °C, respectively, in the NCKFMASHTO (Na₂O–CaO–K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O–TiO₂–Fe₂O₃) system. Our modelling suggests that the mineral assemblages, mineral proportions and density of oceanic crust subducted along a cold P–T path are quite different from those of crust subducted along a warm P–T path, and that the density of oceanic eclogites is largely controlled by the stability of low‐density hydrous minerals, such as lawsonite, chlorite, glaucophane and talc. Along a cold subduction P–T path with a geotherm of ~6 °C km^?1, lawsonite is always present at 1.1 to >4.0 GPa, and chlorite, glaucophane and talc can be stable at pressures of up to 2.3, 2.6 and 3.6 GPa respectively. Along such a P–T path, the density of subducted oceanic crust is always lower than that of the surrounding mantle at depths shallower than 110–120 km (< 3.3–3.6 GPa). However, along a warm subduction P–T path with a geotherm of ~10 °C km^?1, the P–T path is outside the stability field of lawsonite, and the hydrous minerals of chlorite, epidote and amphibole break down completely into dry dense minerals at relatively lower pressures of 1.5, 1.85 and 1.9 GPa respectively. Along such a warm subduction P–T path, the subducted oceanic crust becomes denser than the surrounding mantle at depths >60 km (>1.8 GPa). Oceanic eclogites with high H₂O content, oxygen fugacity, bulk‐rock X_Mg [ = MgO/(MgO + FeO)], X_Al [ = Al₂O₃/(Al₂O₃ + MgO + FeO)] and low X_Ca [ = CaO/(CaO + MgO + FeO + Na₂O)] are likely suitable for exhumation, which is consistent with the bulk‐rock compositions of the natural oceanic eclogites on the Earth's surface. On the basis of natural observations and our calculations, it is suggested that beyond depths around 110–120 km oceanic eclogites are not light enough and/or there are no blueschists to compensate the negative buoyancy of the oceanic crust, therefore explaining the lack of oceanic eclogites returned from ultradeep mantle (>120 km) to the Earth's surface. The exhumed light–cold–hydrous oceanic eclogites may have decoupled from the top part of the sinking slab at shallow depths in the forearc region and are exhumed inside the serpentinized subduction channel, whereas the dense–hot–dry eclogites may be retained in the sinking slab and recycled into deeper mantle.     

The P–T path of the ultra-high pressure Lago Di Cignana and adjoining high-pressure meta-ophiolitic units: insights into the evolution of the subducting Tethyan slab

The Lago di Cignana ultra‐high‐pressure unit (LCU), which consists of coesite–eclogite facies metabasics and metasediments, preserves the most deeply subducted oceanic rocks worldwide. New constraints on the prograde and early retrograde evolution of this ultra‐high pressure unit and adjoining units provide important insights into the evolution of the Piemontese–Ligurian palaeo‐subduction zone, active in Paleocene–Eocene times. In the LCU, a first prograde metamorphic assemblage, consisting of omphacite + Ca‐amphibole + epidote + rare biotite + ilmenite, formed during burial at estimated P < 1.7 GPa and 350 < T < 480 °C. Similar metamorphic conditions of 400 < T < 650 °C and 1.0 < P < 1.7 GPa have been estimated for the meta‐ophiolitic rocks juxtaposed to the LCU. The prograde assemblage is partially re‐equilibrated into the peak assemblage garnet + omphacite + Na‐amphibole + lawsonite + coesite + rutile, whose conditions were estimated at 590 < T < 605 °C and P > 3.2 GPa. The prograde path was characterized by a gradual decrease in the thermal gradient from ～9–10 to ～5–6 °C km^?1. This variation is interpreted as the evidence of an increase in the rate of subduction of the Piemonte–Ligurian oceanic slab in the Eocene. Accretion of the Piemontese oceanic rocks to the Alpine orogen and thermal relaxation were probably related to the arrival of more buoyant continental crust at the subduction zone. Subsequent deformation of the orogenic wedge is responsible for the present position of the LCU, sandwiched between two tectonic slices of meta‐ophiolites, named the Lower and Upper Units, which experienced peak pressures of 2.7–2.8 and <2.4 GPa respectively.     

Jurassic formation and Eocene subduction of the Zermatt–Saas-Fee ophiolites: implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Central and Western Alps

The Zermatt–Saas-Fee ophiolites (ZSFO) are one of the best preserved slices of eclogitic oceanic crust in the Alpine chain. They formed during the opening of the Mesozoic Tethys and underwent subduction to HP/UHP conditions during Alpine compression. A cathodoluminescence-based ion microprobe (SHRIMP) dating of different zircon domains from metagabbros and oceanic metasediments was carried out to constrain the timing of formation and subduction of this ophiolite, two fundamental questions in Alpine geodynamics. The formation of the ophiolitic sequence is constrained by the intrusion ages of the Mellichen and the Allalin metagabbros (164.0 ± 2.7 Ma and 163.5 ± 1.8 Ma) obtained on magmatic zircon domains. These data are in line with the maximum deposition age for Mn-rich metasediments which overlie the mafic rocks at Lago di Cignana (161 ± 11 Ma) and at Sparrenflue (ca. 153–154 Ma). An Eocene age of 44.1 ± 0.7 Ma was obtained for whole zircons and zircon rims from an UHP eclogite and two metasediments at Lago di Cignana. One of the Eocene zircons contains a rutile inclusion indicating formation at HP conditions. As the temperature and pressure peak of these rocks nearly coincide, the Eocene zircons probably constrain the age for the deepest subduction of the ZSFO. This Eocene age for the UHP metamorphism implies that the ZSFO were subducted later than the Adriatic margin (Sesia-Lanzo Zone) and before the Late Eocene subduction of the European continental crust below Apulia. A scenario with three subduction episodes propagating in time from SE to NW is proposed for the geological evolution of the Central and Western Alps. Received: 1 December 1997 / Accepted: 8 April 1998     

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.     

Eclogite facies metarodingites – phase relations in the system SiO2-Al2O3-Fe2O3-FeO-MgO-CaO-CO2-H2O: an example from the Zermatt-Saas ophiolite

Eclogite facies metarodingites occur as deformed dykes in serpentinites of the Zermatt‐Saas ophiolite (Western Alps). They formed during the subduction of the Tethys oceanic lithosphere in the Early Tertiary. The metarodingites developed as a consequence of serpentinization of the oceanic mantle. Three major types of metarodingites (R1, R2 & R3) can be distinguished on the basis of their mineralogical composition. All metarodingites contain vesuvianite, chlorite and hydrogrossular in high modal amounts. In addition they contain: R1 – diopside, tremolite, clinozoisite, calcite; R2 – hydroandradite, diopside, epidote, calcite; and R3 – hydroandradite. Both garnets contain a small but persistent amount of hydrogarnet component. The different metarodingites reflect different original dyke rocks in the mantle. In each group of metarodingite, textural relations suggest that reactions adjusted the assemblages along the P–T path travelled by the ophiolite during subduction and exhumation. Reactions and phase relations derived from local textures in metarodingite can be modelled in the eight‐component system: SiO₂‐Al₂O₃‐Fe₂O₃‐FeO‐MgO‐CaO‐CO₂‐H₂O. This permits the analysis of redox reactions in the presence of andradite garnet and epidote in many of the rocks. Within this system, the phase relations in eclogite facies metarodingites have been explored in terms of T–X_CO2, T–μ(SiO₂), μ(Cal)–μ(SiO₂) and P–T sections. It was found that rodingite assemblages are characterized by low μ(SiO₂) and low X_CO2 conditions. The low SiO₂ potential is externally imposed onto the rodingites by the large volume of antigorite‐forsterite serpentinites enclosing them. Moreover, μ(SiO₂) decreases consistently from metarodingite R1 to R3. The low μ(SiO₂) enforced by the serpentinites favours the formation of hydrogarnet and vesuvianite. Rodingite formation is commonly associated with hydrothermal alteration of oceanic lithosphere at the ocean floor, in particular to ocean floor serpentinization. Our analysis, however, suggests that the metarodingite assemblages may have formed at high‐pressure conditions in the subduction zone as a result of serpentinization of oceanic mantle by subduction zone fluids.     

Integration of natural data within a numerical model of ablative subduction: a possible interpretation for the Alpine dynamics of the Austroalpine crust

A numerical modelling approach is used to validate the physical and geological reliability of the ablative subduction mechanism during Alpine convergence in order to interpret the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of an inner portion of the Alpine belt: the Austroalpine Domain. The model predictions and the natural data for the Austroalpine of the Western Alps agree very well in terms of P–T peak conditions, relative chronology of peak and exhumation events, P–T–t paths, thermal gradients and the tectonic evolution of the continental rocks. These findings suggest that a pre‐collisional evolution of this domain, with the burial of the continental rocks (induced by ablative subduction of the overriding Adria plate) and their exhumation (driven by an upwelling flow generated in a hydrated mantle wedge) could be a valid mechanism that reproduces the actual tectono‐metamorphic configuration of this part of the Alps. There is less agreement between the model predictions and the natural data for the Austroalpine of the Central‐Eastern Alps. Based on the natural data available in the literature, a critical discussion of the other proposed mechanisms is presented, and additional geological factors that should be considered within the numerical model are suggested to improve the fitting to the numerical results; these factors include variations in the continental and/or oceanic thickness, variation of the subduction rate and/or slab dip, the initial thermal state of the passive margin, the occurrence of continental collision and an oblique convergence.     

Eclogite and carpholite-bearing metasedimentary rocks in the North Qilian suture zone, NW China: implications for Early Palaeozoic cold oceanic subduction and water transport into mantle

Low‐temperature eclogite and eclogite facies metapelite together with serpentinite and marble occur as blocks within foliated blueschist that was originated from greywacke matrix; they formed a high‐pressure low‐temperature (HPLT) subduction complex (mélange) in the North Qilian oceanic‐type suture zone, NW China. Phengite–eclogite (type I) and epidote–eclogite (type II) were recognized on the basis of mineral assemblage. Relic lawsonite and lawsonite pseudomorphs occur as inclusions in garnet from both types of eclogite. Garnet–omphacite–phengite geothermobarometry yields metamorphic conditions of 460–510 °C and 2.20–2.60 GPa for weakly deformed eclogite, and 475–500 °C and 1.75–1.95 GPa for strongly foliated eclogite. Eclogite facies metasediments include garnet–omphacite–phengite–glaucophane schist and various chloritoid‐bearing schists. Mg‐carpholite was identified in some high‐Mg chloritoid schists. P–T estimates yield 2.60–2.15 GPa and 495–540 °C for Grt–Omp–Phn–Gln schist, and 2.45–2.50 GPa and 525–530 °C for the Mg‐carpholite schist. Mineral assemblages and P–T estimates, together with isotopic ages, suggest that the oceanic lithosphere as well as pelagic to semi‐pelagic sediments have been subducted to the mantle depths (≥75 km) before 460 Ma. Blueschist facies retrogression occurred at c. 454–446 Ma and led to eclogite deformation and dehydration of lawsonite during exhumation. The peak P–Tconditions for eclogite and metapelite in the North Qilian suture zone demonstrate the existence of cold subduction‐zone gradients (6–7 °C km^?1), and this cold subduction brought a large amount of H₂O to the deep mantle in the Early Palaeozoic times.     

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。     

The East Anatolia-Lesser Caucasus ophiolite:An exceptional case of large-scale obduction,synthesis of data and numerical modelling

We present new,geological,metamorphic,geochemical and geochronological data on the East Anatolian-Lesser Caucasus ophiolites.These data are used in combination with a synthesis of previous data and numerical modelling to unravel the tectonic emplacement of ophiolites in this region.All these data allow the reconstruction of a large obducted ophiolite nappe,thrusted for>100 km and up to 250 km on the Anatolian-Armenian block.The ophiolite petrology shows three distinct magmatic series,highlighted by new isotopic and trace element data:(1)The main Early Jurassic Tholeiites(ophiolite s.s.)bear LILEenriched,subduction-modified,MORB chemical composition.Geology and petrology of the Tholeiite series substantiates a slow-spreading oceanic environment in a time spanning from the Late Triassic to the Middle-Late Jurassic.Serpentinites,gabbros and plagiogranites were exhumed by normal faults,and covered by radiolarites,while minor volumes of pillow-lava flows infilled the rift grabens.Tendency towards a subduction-modified geochemical signature suggests emplacement in a marginal basin above a subduction zone.(2)Late Early Cretaceous alkaline lavas conformably emplaced on top of the ophiolite.They have an OIB affinity.These lavas are featured by large pillow lavas interbedded a carbonate matrix.They show evidence for a large-scale OIB plume activity,which occurred prior to ophiolite obduction.(3)Early-Late Cretaceous calc-alkaline lavas and dykes.These magmatic rocks are found on top of the obducted nappe,above the post-obduction erosion level.This series shows similar Sr-Nd isotopic features as the Alkaline series,though having a clear supra-subduction affinity.They are thus interpreted to be the remelting product of a mantle previously contaminated by the OIB plume.Correlation of data from the Lesser Caucasus to western Anatolia shows a progression from back-arc to arc and fore-arc,which highlight a dissymmetry in the obducted oceanic lithosphere from East to West.The metamorphic P-T-t paths of the obduction sole lithologies define a southward propagation of the ophiolite:(1)P-T-t data from the northern Sevan-Akera suture zone(Armenia)highlight the presence and exhumation of eclogites(1.85±0.02 GPa and 590±5℃)and blueschists below the ophiolite,which are dated at ca.94 Ma by Ar-Ar on phengite.(2)Neighbouring Amasia(Armenia)garnet amphibolites indicate metamorphic peak conditions of 0.65±0.05 GPa and 600±20 C with a U-Pb on rutile age of 90.2±5.2 Ma and Ar-Ar on amphibole and phengite ages of 90.8±3.0 Ma and 90.8±1.2 Ma,respectively.These data are consistent with palaeontological dating of sediment deposits directly under(Cenomanian,i.e.>93.9 Ma)or sealing(Coniacian-Santonian,i.e.,≤89.8 Ma),the obduction.(3)At Hinis(NE Turkey)PT-t conditions on amphibolites(0.66±0.06 GPa and 660±20℃,with a U-Pb titanite age of80.0±3.2 Ma)agree with previous P-T-t data on granulites,and highlight a rapid exhumation below a top-to-the-North detachment sealed by the Early Maastrichtian unconformity(ca.70.6 Ma).Amphibolites are cross-cut by monzonites dated by U-Pb on titanite at 78.3±3.7 Ma.We propose that the HT-MP metamorphism was coeval with the monzonites,about 10 Ma after the obduction,and was triggered by the onset of subduction South of the Anatolides and by reactivation or acceleration of the subduction below the Pontides-Eurasian margin.Numerical modelling accounts for the obduction of an"old"~80 Myr oceanic lithosphere due to a significant heating of oceanic lithosphere through mantle upwelling,which increased the oceanic lithosphere buoyancy.The long-distance transport of a currently thin section of ophiolites(<1 km)onto the Anatolian continental margin is ascribed to a combination of northward mantle extensional thinning of the obducted oceanic lithosphere by the Hinis detachment at ca.80 Ma,and southward gravitational propagation of the ophiolite nappe onto its foreland basin.