| Abstract: | Metamorphic rocks from two sections through the North Andean Cordillera Real in Ecuador contain phengites as relics of high-pressure (HP) metamorphism. Their maximum Si contents per formula unit are (1) 3.25 in Al-rich metapelites, (2) 3.35 in ordinary metapelites and garnet-rich metabasites, and (3) 3.45 in garnet-bearing orthogneisses. Detailed pressure–temperature paths were derived by calculating P–T pseudosections. Garnet-bearing metapelite and metabasite yielded a P–T path starting at 1.4 GPa and 525°C. Peak temperature conditions were 560°C at <1.4 GPa. The retrograde path passed through 0.7–0.8 GPa at 500°C. An adjacent metagranitoid experienced a similar P–T evolution at slightly lower temperatures of about 30–50°C. This is the first reported occurrence of HP metamorphism in the Cordillera Real; it is widespread and evidently was the result of continental collision. We hypothesize that a single microcontinent collided with the South American continental margin in Early Cretaceous time. In contrast to our findings, previous models have simply suggested the amalgamation of several terranes in the late Mesozoic or earlier in the region of Ecuador. Therefore, we propose that a widespread search for HP relics should be undertaken. Such relics provide a general criterion for defining subducted terranes and their respective boundaries. |
