An overview of the metamorphic evolution in Central Nepal

This paper summarizes the studies of the metamorphic evolution of Central Nepal carried out by Nepali and international teams in the last 25 years. In Central Nepal, three metamorphic units are recognized. (1) The southernmost zone is the Lesser Himalaya, which is characterised by an inverted mineral zoning towards the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone; (2) the Kathmandu nappe corresponds to an early (<22 Ma) out-of-sequence thrusting zone over the Lesser Himalaya along the Mahabharat thrust (MT) and is characterised by a Barrovian metamorphic evolution; (3) the Higher Himalayan Crystalline unit (HHC) is bounded at its base by the MCT and at its top by the South Tibetan Detachment system (STDS). It is characterised by successive tectonometamorphic episodes during the period spanning from 35–36 Ma to 2–3 Ma. Recent investigations suggest that the apparent metamorphic inversion througout the MCT zone does not reflect geothermal inversion. Instead, these investigations suggest successive cooling of the HHC along the MCT and the local preservation, above the MCT, of high-grade metamorphic rocks. The overall metamorphic history in Central Nepal from Oligocene to Pliocene, reflects the thermal reequilibration of rocks after thickening by conductive and advective heating and partial melting of the middle crust.