Propagation of orographic barriers along an active range front: insights from sandstone petrography and detrital apatite fission-track thermochronology in the intramontane Angastaco basin, NW Argentina

The arid Puna plateau of the southern Central Andes is characterized by Cenozoic distributed shortening forming intramontane basins that are disconnected from the humid foreland because of the defeat of orogen‐traversing channels. Thick Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary fills in Puna basins have reduced topographic contrasts between the compressional basins and ranges, leading to a typical low‐relief plateau morphology. Structurally identical basins that are still externally drained straddle the eastern border of the Puna and document the eastward propagation of orographic barriers and ensuing aridification. One of them, the Angastaco basin, is transitional between the highly compartmentalized Puna highlands and the undeformed Andean foreland. Sandstone petrography, structural and stratigraphic analysis, combined with detrital apatite fission‐track thermochronology from a ～6200‐m‐thick Miocene to Pliocene stratigraphic section in the Angastaco basin, document the late Eocene to late Pliocene exhumation history of source regions along the eastern border of the Puna (Eastern Cordillera (EC)) as well as the construction of orographic barriers along the southeastern flank of the Central Andes. Onset of exhumation of a source in the EC in late Eocene time as well as a rapid exhumation of the Sierra de Luracatao (in the EC) at about 20 Ma are recorded in the detrital sediments of the Angastaco basin. Sediment accumulation in the basin began ～15 Ma, a time at which the EC had already built sufficient topography to prevent Puna sourced detritus from reaching the basin. After ～13 Ma, shortening shifted eastward, exhuming ranges that preserve an apatite fission‐track partial annealing zone recording cooling during the late Cretaceous rifting event. Facies changes and fossil content suggest that after 9 Ma, the EC constituted an effective orographic barrier that prevented moisture penetration into the plateau. Between 3.4 and 2.4 Ma, another orographic barrier was uplifted to the east, leading to further aridification and pronounced precipitation gradients along the mountain front. This study emphasizes the important role of tectonics in the evolution of climate in this part of the Andes.     

Complex interaction of aluminous metasedimentary xenoliths and siliceous magma; an example from Mt. Amiata (Central Italy)

Aluminous, silica-deficient metasedimentary xenoliths in siliceous lavas of Mt. Amiata have preserved composite zoning-patterns indicative for complex processes of magma-rock interaction. Petrographic observations and small-scale mineralogical and chemical differences between up to five distinct zones (including the core and envelope of lava) provide evidence that:

1. Partial melt formed in and extracted from the xenoliths was more mafic than the host magma and had a Mg/Fe ratio higher than that of the restite, at least during the peak of thermometamorphism.
2. Liquid-state interdiffusion occurred at the interface between partial melt and the enclosing magma.
3. Certain mineral phases in the restite (notably, hercynitic spinel) became unstable in the presence of a siliceous liquid.

Quartz-poor muscovite-biotite schists are considered to be the most likely parent rocks and it is believed that release of volatiles from decomposing micas played a significant role in the high-temperature metamorphic evolution of the xenoliths and their interaction with the magma. The conditions favourable for assimilation were enhanced by injection of mafic magma into the magma chamber. Although this concurrent operation of magma-mixing precludes a quantitative estimate of contamination from the wall-rocks (which was probably of minor importance) the present example indicates that dry acid magma may potentially become more mafic by interaction with partially melted hydrous rocks.     

Quantitative evaluation of the major fracture pattern in Austria

By means of computer programs the major geological units of Austria (fig. 1) are studied and characterized concerning their fracture patterns interpreted fromLandsat data. Some additional remarks on the evaluation of lineaments, on their spatial distribution (fig. 1–3) and on the tectonic development of the study area are given.

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Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe von Computerprogrammen werden die geologischen Großeinheiten Österreichs (Abb. 1) in bezug auf ihre ausLandsat-Daten erfaßten Störungsmuster untersucht und charakterisiert. Weiters werden einige Bemerkungen zur Auswertung der Lineamente, zu deren räumlicher Verteilung (Abb. 1–3) sowie zur strukturellen Entwicklung des untersuchten Raumes gemacht.

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Résumé A l'aide de calculatrices, les grandes unités géologiques de l'Autriche (Fig. 1) sont étudiées et caractérisées quant à leurs systèmes de fracture interprétés à partir de donnéesLandsat. Quelques remarques concernant l'interprétation des linéaments, leur distribution spatiale (Fig. 1–3) ainsi que le dévloppement téctonique de la région examinée son présentés.

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( . 1) LANDSAT'a, . , (. 1 – 3) .

     

Shock-induced CO2 loss from CaCO3; implications for early planetary atmospheres

We report new results of shock recovery experiments on single crystal calcite. Recovered samples are subjected to thermogravimetric analysis. This yields the maximum amount of post-shock CO₂, the decarbonization interval, ΔT, and the energy of association (or vaporization), ΔEV, for the removal of remaining CO₂ in shock-loaded calcite. Comparison of post-shock CO₂ with that initially present determines shock-induced CO₂ loss as a function of shock pressure. Incipient to complete CO₂ loss occurs over a pressure range of 10to 70GPa. The latter pressure should be considered a lower bound. Comparable to results on hydrous minerals, ΔT and ΔEV decrease systematically with increasing shock pressure. This indicates that shock loading leads to both the removal of structural volatiles and weakening of bonds between the volatile species and remainder of the crystal lattice.Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal structural changes, which are related to the shock-loading. Comparable to previous findings on shocked antigorite is the occurrence of dark, diffuse areas, which can be resolved as highly vesicular areas as observed with a scanning electron microscope. These areas are interpreted as representing quenched partial melts, into which shock-released CO₂ has been injected.The experimental results are used to place bonds on models of impact production of CO₂ during accretion of the terrestrial planets.     

Transformation of blueschist to greenschist facies rocks as a consequence of fluid infiltration,Sifnos (Cyclades), Greece

The transformation from blueschist to greenschist facies forms a major part of the Alpine regional geodynamic evolution of the Cyclades. The transition in metabasic rocks on Sifnos involves the retrogression of eclogites, blueschists and actinolite-bearing rocks from high-pressure conditions which have been estimated at 460±30° C and 15±3 kb. Petrographically observed parageneses are interpreted by a sequence of hydration and carbonation reactions involving the breakdown of omphacite and glaucophane-bearing assemblages to albite+chlorite±actinolite±calcite assemblages. The retrograde processes are calculated to occur at pressures of 10 to 8 kb during the isothermal uplift of the Sifnos units. Oxygen isotope analyses of different rock types show that interlayered lithologies have experienced a large degree of isotopic equilibration during both metamorphic phases. However, chemically equivalent rocks show systematic increases in ¹⁸O from lowest values (8 to 11 in metabasics) in the unaltered blueschists in the upper stratigraphic levels to higher values (>15 in metabasics) associated with greenschists in the deepest stratigraphic levels. Relict eclogites enclosed within greenschists have the lower ¹⁸O values typical of unaltered blueschist facies rocks. These isotopic gradients and the ¹³C and ¹⁸O compositions of carbonates demonstrate an infiltration mechanism involving the upward movement of ¹⁸O-enriched fluids whose compositions were buffered by exchange with marble units. Calculated minimum fluid/rock ratios for the blueschist-to-greenschist transition decrease from 0.4 in the deepest studied level (Central Sifnos) and 0.2 in the intermediate level (Kamares Bay samples) to an assumed value of zero in unaltered blueschists. These ratios may be lower if recycling of fluids occurred between schists and marbles. Infiltration of fluids became inhibited as the transformation advanced as a consequence of sealing effect of the hydration and carbonation reactions. Although infiltration most probably was a pre-requisite for the regional occurrence of the blueschist-to-greenschist transformation in the Cyclades, the evidence on Sifnos does not suggest the introduction of large quantities of fluid.     

87Sr86Sr in Late Proterozoic carbonates: evidence for a “mantle” event at ∼900 Ma ago

Strontium isotopic measurements were made on Late Proterozoic carbonates from West African Craton. Comparison of samples with acceptable trace element patterns with coeval data from southern Africa and with the published Australian results suggests that the ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio of the Late Proterozoic sea water evolved in the following manner about 0.7075 at 1000 ± 50 Ma, 0.7056 to 0.7074 at 900 ± 50 Ma, 0.7068 to 0.7091(0.7106) at 800 ± 50 Ma, 0.7074 to 0.7077 at 700 ± 50 Ma, and 0.7076 to 0.7089(0.7096) at 600 ± 50 Ma ago. The variations are comparable in magnitude and frequency to those described previously for the Phanerozoic. Strontium isotopic values in the radiogenic part of this range suggest that the continental river flux of Sr into Late Proterozoic oceans was of comparable isotopic composition to its present day counterpart (～0.711). Consequently, the non-radiogenic ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ value at ～900 ± 50 Ma ago signifies a large flux of “mantle” strontium into the ocean at this time. Because the present time resolution is only about 75 ± 25Ma, additional sampling as well as better stratigraphie resolution and more definite selection criteria are required for construction of a more detailed Late Proterozoic sea water curve.     

Polyphase metamorphic sedimentary xenoliths from Mt. Amiata volcanics (Central Italy); evidence for a partially disrupted contact aureole

Metasedimentary inclusions in the crustal anatectic rhyodacites of Mt. Amiata volcanic complex can be subdivided into a silica-poor group, rich in aluminous minerals, and a small silica-rich group containing abundant quartz. Textural observations, supported by mineral chemistry provide evidence for three metamorphic events. The regional metamorphic M₀ is often associated with deformation, and two subsequent progressive thermometamorphic events, M₁ and M₂, are caused by the magmatic heat. Mineral assemblages of M₁ are indicative for the pyroxene-hornfels facies, and assemblages of M₂, in combination with evidence for partial melting and sanidinization, suggest sanidinite facies conditions. The inclusions are interpreted mainly as xenolithic fragments of a contact aureole, which were remetamorphosed after incorporation by the magma. The aureole formed in pre-mesozoic formations during accumulation of the melt in a magmachamber. Constraints on pressure conditions for M₁ indicate the possibility of a fairly large depth of the heat-source giving rise to Mt. Amiata geothermal field.

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Zusammenfassung Metasedimentäre Einschlüsse in den krustal anatektischen Rhyodaziten des vulkanischen Komplexes Monte Amiata lassen sich untergliedern in eine Silica-arme Gruppe, reich an Aluminium-Mineralien, und eine kleine Silica-reiche Gruppe mit Quarz im Übermaß. Die beobachteten Texturen, unterstützt von der Mineralchemie weisen auf drei metamorphe Ereignisse. Die Regionalmetamorphose M₀ ist häufig verbunden mit Deformation, während zwei nachfolgende progressive Thermometamorphosen M₁ und M₂ verursacht worden sind von der magmatischen Wärme. Die Mineralgesellschaften des M₁ sind representativ für die Pyroxen-Hornfels Fazies und die Gesellschaften des M₂, in Kombination mit Anweisungen für partielle Aufschmelzung und Sanidinisation, suggerieren Umstände der Sanidinit-Fazies. Die Einschlüsse werden interpretiert als xenolithische Fragmente einer Kontaktaureole, die nochmals metamorphosiert wurden nach der Aufnahme ins Magma. Die Aureole entstand in pre-mesozoischen Formationen während der Akkumulation des Schmelzes in einer Magmakammer. Die geschätzten Druckbedingungen für M₁ sind im Einklang mit der Möglichkeit einer ziemlich tiefen Position der Wärmequelle gehörend zum Geothermalfeld des Monte Amiata.

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Résumé Les enclaves métasédimentaires des rhyodacites anatectiques crustales du complexe volcanique du Monte Amiata se laissent subdiviser en deux groupes: l'un pauvre en silice avec des minéraux alumineux abondants, et l'autre, moins important, contenant un excès de quartz. Les textures, supportées par la minéralogie chimique témoignent de trois événements métamorphiques. Le métamorphism régional M₀ est souvent associé avec une déformation tandis que deux événements successifs de métamorphisme progressif, M₁ et M₂, ont été causés par la chaleur magmatique. Les assemblages des minéraux de M₁ représentent le faciès des cornéennes à pyroxene, et les assemblages de M₂, en combinaison avec indications de fusion partielle et sanidisation, suggèrent les conditions du faciès des sanidinites. Les enclaves sont interprétées comme des fragments xénolithiques d'une auréole de contact, qui ont été remétamorphosés après incorporation par le magma. L'auréole s'est formée dans les formations pré-mésozoiques pendant l'accumulation du magma dans un réservoir. Les conditions P-T de M₁ permettent de supposer que la source thermique donnant lieu au champ géothermique du Monte Amiata, occupe une position assez profonde.

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: , , . , , . ₀ , — M₁ M₂ — . M₁ - , ₂ , . , , . - , . M₁, , , .

     

Tektonische Untersuchungen an Molasse-Geröllen

Zusammenfassung An einer orientiert entnommenen Kollektion von Geröllen aus der Unteren Süßwasser-Molasse bei Immenstadt (Allgäu, Bayern) wird ein neues Verfahren zur Messung von Geröllen angewandt. Die Gerölle werden in Gerölldiagrammen dargestellt, die es ermöglichen, Form, Größe und Orientierung und alle Gefügemerkmale der Gerölloberfläche exakt abzubilden und zu vergleichen. Striemen und Lösungsgruben auf den Geröllen werden geometrisch erfaßt und statistisch ausgewertet. Danach ergeben sich Rückschlüsse auf die felsmechanische Beanspruchung des Geröllverbandes durch die Alpen.

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A collection of orientated pebbles from the subalpine, lower freshwater Molasse near Immenstadt (Allgäu, Bavaria) was studied by a novel measuring method. The pebbles are presented in diagrams that allow to portray and to compare exactly shape, roundness, size, orientation and all structures on the surface. Striation and excavations by solution on the pebbles are recorded geometrically and interpretated statistically. Hence follow conclusions about the alpine strain of the frame.

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Résumé Une nouvelle méthode de mesure des galets est appliquée à une collection de galets orientés de la molasse d'eau douce inférieure d'Immenstadt (Allgäu, Bavière). Des diagrammes sont faits, qui permettent de figurer et de comparer exactement la forme, la taille et l'orientation des galets, ainsi que toutes les caractéristiques structurelles de leur surface. Les stries et les trous de dissolution sur les galets sont représentés avec leur géométrie et sont exprimés statistiquement. On en tire des conclusions sur la sollicitation tectonique de cette formation de galets par les Alpes.

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Immenstadt (Allgäu, Bayern) . , , , . . . , . , .