Integrated P-T Paths of the High-Pressure Rocks and Their Tectonic Implications for the Mountain-Building of the North Qilian, China

After the integration of petrographic study, geothermobarometry and Gibbs method, the synthetic P-T paths for the rocks from different geological profiles in the North Qilian, China, have been derived. The composite P-T paths from different methods indicate that all the high-pressure rocks in the Qilian area recorded P-T paths with clockwise loops starting at the blueschist facies, later reaching peak metamorphism at the blueschist facies, eclogite fades or epidote-amphibolite facies and ending up with the greenschist facies. The incremental Ar-Ar dating shows that the plateau ages for the high-pressure rocks range from 410 to 443 Ma. The plateau ages could be used as a minimum age constraint for the subduction that resulted in the formation of these high-pressure rocks in the Qilian area. It is proposed that the late-stage decompressional and cooling P-T paths with ends at the greenschist facies for these high-pressure rocks probably reflect the uplift process which could occur after shifting the arc-trench tectonic system to the system of continental orogenic belts. The retrograde paths for the high-pressure rocks in the North Qilian tectonic belt are characterized by dramatic decompression with slight cooling, which suggests very rapid exhumation. Petrography supports that the mountain-building for the Qilian mountain range could undergo a very fast process which caused rapid uplift and denudation.

P-T Paths Derived from Garnet Growth Zoning in Danba Domal Metamorphic Terrain, Sichuan Province, West China

Danba （丹巴） domal metamorphic terrain belongs to Songpan （松潘）-Ganze （甘孜） orogenic belt, where typical Barrovian and Buchan metamorphic zones are preserved. The former included chlorite, biotite, garnet, staurolite, kyanite and sillimanite zones, while the latter only developed silimanite＋muscovite and sillimanite＋K-feldspar zones. Integrated study has been carried on metamorphic reactions of garnet production and consumption, P-T paths and P-T-X-M phase relation and thermal tectonic model for Danba metamorphic zones. Petrological textures in thin sections show that garnet production and consumption in kyanite-sillimanite zone is mainly attributed to ChI＋Ms＋PI＋Q= Grt＋Bt＋H20 and kyanite=sillimanite respectively. Based on mineral compositions, the geothermo- barometry gives an average P, T condition of （4.9±0.3）×10^8 Pa, 543±30 ℃ for the first growth stage of the garnet and （5.8±0.3）×10^8 Pa, 534±29 ℃ for the second stage of garnet growth respectively. Anti-counter clockwise P-T paths were drawn using Gibbs method by NCMnKFMASH system for sample G98686 in the kyanite zone. The P-T-X-M modeling for the first mineral assemblages shows that the prediction is similar to the measured values in gossular, almandine and spessartine but mole fraction of pyrope and Fe/（Fe＋Mg） deviated far from the contours; while that for the second mineral assemblages exhibits that the prediction is consistent with the measured value of pyrope, grossular content and Fe/（Fe＋Mg） of garnet. A thermal tectonic model that there are at least three structure levels across the thrust-decollement zones is presented according to the P-T paths, metamorphic grades and deformation styles for the staurolite-kyanite zone of the Barrovian type metamorphism, which will provide some constraints for the evolution of the nappe complex.

Spinel + quartz-bearing ultrahigh-temperature granulites from Xumayao,Inner Mongolia Suture Zone,North China Craton:Petrology,phase equilibria and counterclockwise p-T path

The Khondalite Belt within the Inner Mongolia Suture Zone （IMSZ） in the North China Craton is a classic example for Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh-temperature （UHT） metamorphism. Here we report new spinel-bearing metapelitic granulites from a new locality at Xumayao within the southern domain of the IMSZ. Petrological studies and thermodynamic modeling of the spinel -- quartz-bearing assemblage shows that these rocks experienced extreme metamorphism at UHT conditions. Spinel occurs in two textural settings：（1） high Xzn（Zn/（Mg ＋ FeH -- Zn） = 0.071--0.232） spinel with perthitic K-feld- spar, sillimanite and quartz in the rock matrix; and （2）low Xzn （0.045-0.070） spinel as inclusions within garnet porphyroblasts in association with quartz and sillimanite. Our phase equilibria modeling indicates two main stages during the metamorphic evolution of these rocks：（l） near-isobaric cooling from 975 ℃ to 875 ℃ around 8 kbar, represented by the formation of garnet porphyroblasts from spinel and quartz; and（2）cooling and decompression from 850 ℃, 8 kbar to below 750 ℃- 6.5 kbar, represented by the break-down of garnet. The spinel ＋ quartz assemblage is considered to have been stable at peak metamorphism, formed through the break-down of cordierite, indi- caring a near isothermal compression process. Our study confirms the regional extent of UHT metamor- phism within the IMSZ associated with the Paleoproterozoic subduction-collision process.

P-T path of metamorphism and U-Pb monazite and zircon age of the Kitoy terrane: Implication for Neoarchean collision in SW Siberian Craton

The first data on P-T metamorphic conditions coupled with U-Pb monazite and zircon age obtained for the Neoarchean Kitoy granulite-gneiss terrane(SW Siberian Craton).Alumina gneisses of the Kitoy terrane indicate two-staged metamorphic evolution.The first stage of regional metamorphism(M1)occurred at high-amphibolite facies conditions at T=780-800℃ and P=8-9 kbar.The second stage(M2)belongs to MT-HT/LP type of metamorphism with the wide temperature interval 600-750℃ and pressure 2-4 kbar.Two age peaks were established on the basis of U-Pb monazite and zircon dating in garnet-anthophyllite gneisses.Both of them correspond to the Neoarchean age:the age of M1 falls into the interval of ca.2489-2496 Ma,the age of M2-ca.2446-2456 Ma.The high-temperature metamorphism of the Kitoy block and nearly coeval granitoid magmatism can be an evidence for the Neoarchean collision in SW Siberian craton.

Anticlockwise P-T Path and Zircon U-Pb Dating of HP Mafic Granulites in Yushugou Granulite-Peridotite Complex, Southern Tianshan Mountains, China

The Yushugou HP granulite-peridotite complex is located at east of northern margin of southern Tianshan mountains,China,which consists of granulite unit and peridotite unit mainly.Because of the rare association of

Recognition of Ophiolite Belt and Granulite in Northern Area of Mian－Lue， Southern Qinling， China and Their Implication

A ophiolite belt associated with the tectonic melange is recoghzed in northern area of Mian-Lue, southern Qinling. The ophiolite is considered to originate in a island arc. The occurrence of the ophiolite indicates that a paleo-ocean or finite oceanic basin existed POSt-Prot6rozoic in southern Qiuling, implying the difference of the continental basement of Southern Qinling from the Yangtze craton. The ophiolitc and themelange may mark the paleo-suture zoic between the two plates. The basic granulite is found in eastern area (Anzishan) of the ophiolite belt. The p-T path for metamorphism of the granulite demonstrates a process of continental collision.

Metamorphism of the East Sector of the Southern Qinling Orogenic Belt and Its Geological Significance

The east sector of the southern Qinling belt is, lithologically, composed mainly of metapelites, ***qüartzites, marbles and small amount of metabasites and gneisses, whose protoliths are the Silurian, Devonian and less commonly the Sinian and Upper Palaeozoic. They have been subjected at least to two epochs of metamorphism. The early epoch belongs to progressive metamorphism which is centered on high amphibolite-granulite fades in the Fuping area and changed outwards into low amphibolite facies (staurolite-kyanite zone), epidote amphibolite facies (garnet zone) and greenschist facies (chlorite and biotite zones), the metamorphic age of which is about 220–260 Ma. This early-epoch metamorphism belongs to different pressure types: the rocks from greenschist to low amphibolite facies belong to the typical medium-pressure type which shows geothermal gradients of about 17–20 ***C/km and was probably produced by a crustal thickening process related to continental collision, and the high amphibolite-granulite facies belongs to the low-pressure type which shows geothermal gradients of about 25–38 ***C/km and was probably affected by some magmatic heats. Based on the basic characteristics of the P-T paths of the different facies calculated from the garnet zonations, it can be deduced that the metamorphism of medium-pressure facies series took place during an imbricated thickening process, rather than during the uplifting process after thickening. The late-epoch metamorphism belongs to dynamic metamorphism of greenschist facies which is overprinted on the early-epoch metamorphic rocks and is Yanshanian or Himalayan in age, probably related to intracontinental orogeny.

Petrological Investigations and Zircon U-Pb Dating of High Pressure Felsic Granulites from the Yushugou Complex, South Tianshan, China

As a window of insight into the lower crust, high pressure granulite has received much attention since last decade. Yushugou high pressure granulite-peridotite Complex was located in the northeast margin of Southern Tianshan, NW China. Previous ideas agreed that the peridotite unit in Yushugou, combined with the ultramafic rocks in Tonghuashan and Liuhuangshan, represent an ophiolite belt. However, the metamorphic evolution and tectonic mechanism of the Yushugou high pressure （HP） granulite remain controversial. Petrological investigations and phase equilibrium modelling for two representative fclsic granulitc samples suggest two stages metamorphism of the rocks in Yushugou Complex. Granulite facies metamorphism （Stage I） with P-T conditions of 9.8-10.4 kbar at 895-920℃ was recorded by the porphyroblastic garnet core; HP granulite facies metamorphism （Stage II） shows P-T conditions of 13.2-13.5 kbar at 845-860℃, based on the increasing grossular and decreasing pyrope contents of garnet rims. The Yushugou HP felsic granulites have recorded an anti- clockwise P-T path, characterized by the temperature decreasing and pressure increasing simultaneously. The LA-ICP-MS isotopic investigations on zircons from the felsic granulite show that the protolith ages of the granlulites are -430 Ma, with two age groups of-390 Ma and 340-350 Ma from the metamorphic rims of zircon, indicating the Stage I and II metamorphic events, respectively. A tectonic model was proposed to interpret the processes. The investigated felsic granulite was derived from deep rooted hanging wall, with Stage I granulite facies metamorphism of -390 Ma, which may he related to the Devonian arc magmatic intrusion; Stage II HP granulite facies metamorphism （340-350 Ma） may due to the involvement of being captured into the subducting slab and experienced the high pressure metamorphism.

Metamorphic gradient modification in the Early Cretaceous Northern Andes subduction zone:A record from thermally overprinted high-pressure rocks

New field observations and petrological data from Early Cretaceous metamorphic rocks in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes allowed the recognition of thermally overprinted high-pressure rocks derived from oceanic crust protoliths.The obtained metamorphic path suggests that the rocks evolved from blueschist to eclogite facies towards upper amphibolite to high-pressure granulite facies transitional conditions.Eclogite facies conditions,better recorded in mafic protoliths,are revealed by relic lawsonite and phengite,bleb-to worm-like diopside-albite symplectites,as well as garnet core composition.Upper amphibolite to high pressure granulite facies overprinting is supported by coarse-grained brown-colored Ti-rich amphibole,augite,and oligoclase recrystallization,as well as the record of partial melting leucosomes.Phase equilibria and pressure-temperature(P-T)path modeling suggest initial high-pressure metamorphic conditions M1 yielding 18.2-24.5 kbar and 465-580℃,followed by upper amphibolite to high pressure granulite facies overprinting stage M2 yielding 6.5-14.2 kbar and 580-720℃.Retrograde conditions M3 obtained through chlorite thermometry yield temperatures ranging around 286-400℃at pressures below 6.5-11 kbar.The obtained clockwise P-T path,the garnet zonation pattern revealing a decrease in X_(grs)/X_(prp)related to Mg#increment from core to rim,the presence of partial melting veins,as well as regional constraints,document the modification of the thermal structure of the active subduction zone in Northern Andes during the Early Cretaceous.Such increment of the metamorphic gradient within the subduction interface is associated with slab roll-back geodynamics where hot mantle inflow was triggered.This scenario is also argued by the reported trench-ward magmatic arc migration and multiple extensional basin formation during this period.The presented example constitutes the first report of Cretaceous roll-back-related metamorphism in the Caribbean and Andean realms,representing an additional piece of evidence for a margin-scale extensional event that modified the northwestern border of South America during the Early Cretaceous.

Pressure-temperature Evolution of the Metapelites in the Motuo Area, the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis

The Motuo area is located in the east of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis.There outcrops a sequence of high-grade metamorphic rocks,such as metapelites.Petrology and mineralogy data suggest that these rocks have experienced three stages of metamorphism.The prograde metamorphic mineral assemblages （M1） are mineral inclusions （biotite ＋ plagioclase ＋ quartz ± sillimanite ± Fe-Ti oxides） preserved in garnet porphyroblasts,and the peak metamorphic assemblages （M2） are represented by garnet with the lowest Xsps values and the lowest XFe# ratios and the matrix minerals （plagioclase ＋ quartz ± K-feldspar ＋ biotite ＋ muscovite ＋ kyanite ± siilimanite）,whereas the retrograde assemblages （M3） are composed of biotite ＋ plagioclase ＋ quartz symplectites rimming the garnet porphyroblasts.Thermobarometric computation shows that the metamorphic conditions are 562-714℃ at 7.3-7.4 kbar for the M1 stage,661-800℃ at 9.4-11.6 kbar for the M2 stage,and 579-713℃ at 5.5-6.6 kbar for the M3 stage.These rocks are deciphered to have undergone metamorphism characterized by clockwise P-T paths involving nearly isothermal decompression （ITD） segments,which is inferred to be related to the collision of the India and Eurasia plates.

Crystal Chemistry and Geochronology of Thorium-Rich Monazite from Kovela Granitic Complex,Southern Finland

Abundant porphyritic granites, including Grt-bearing and Bt-bearing porphyritic granites, and porphyritic potash-feldspar granite (trondhjemite-granitic composition) are widely distributed within the Kovela granitic complex Southern Finland, which associated with monazite-bearing dikes (strong trondhjemite composition). The investigated monazite-bearing dikes are dominated by a quartz + K-feldspar + plagioclase + biotite + garnet + monazite assemblage. The monazite forms complexly zoned subhedral to euhedral crystals variable in size (100 - 1500 μm in diameter) characterized by high Th content. The chemical zoning characterised as: 1) concentric, 2) patchy, and 3) intergrowth-like. Textural evidence suggests that these accessory minerals crystallized at an early magmatic stage, as they are commonly associated with clusters of the observed variations in their chemical composition are largely explained by the huttonite exchange , and subordinately by the cheralite exchange with proportions of huttonite (ThSiO4) and cheralite [CaTh(PO4)2] up to 20.4% and 9.8%, respectively. Textural evidence suggests that these monazites and associated Th-rich minerals (huttonite/thorite) crystallized at an early magmatic stage, rather than metamorphic origin. The total lanthanide and actinide contents in monazite and host dikes are strongly correlated. Mineral compositions applied to calculate P-T crystallization conditions using different approaches reveal a temperature range of 700°C - 820°C and pressure 3 - 6 kbars for the garnet-biotite geothermometry. P-T pseudo-section analyses calculated using THERMOCALC software for the bulk compositions of suitable rock types, constrain the PT conditions of garnet growth equilibration within the range of 5 - 6 kbars and 760°C - 770°C respectively. Empirical calculations and pseudo-section approaches indicate a clockwise P-T path for the rocks of the studied area. 207Pb/206Pb dating of monazite by LA-MC-ICPMS revealed a recrystallization period at around 1860 - 1840 Ma. These ages are related to the tectonic-thermal event associated with the intense crustal melting and intra-orogenic intrusions, constraining the youngest time limit for metamorphic processes in the Kovela granitic complex.

Phase Equilibria Modeling and P-T Evolution of the Mafic Lower-Crustal Xenoliths from the Southeastern Margin of the North China Craton

The Precambrian lower crust rocks at the southeastern margin of the North China Craton （NCC） are mainly exposed as granulite xenoliths hosted by Mesozoic dioritic porphyry and metamorphic terrains in the Xuzhou-Suzhou area. Garnet amphiholites and garnet granulites are two kinds of typical lower-crustal xenoliths and were selected to reconstruct different stages of the metamorphic process. In this study, in view of multistage metamorphic evolution and reworking, phase equilibria modeling was used for the first time to better constrain peak P-T conditions of the xenoliths. Some porphyroblastic garnets have a weak zonal structure in composition with homogeneous cores and were surrounded by thin rims with an increase in XMg and a decrease in X Ca （or X Mg）- Clinopyroxene contain varying amounts of Na2O and Al2O3 as well as amphibole of TiO2, while plagioclases are different in calcium contents. Peak metamorphic P-T conditions are calculated by the smallest garnet x（g） （Fe2＋/（Fe2＋＋Mg）） contours and the smallest plagioclase ca（pl） （Ca/（Ca＋Na）） contours in NCFMASHTO （Na2O-CaO-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2- H20-TiO2-Fe2O3） system, which are consistent with those estimated by conventional geothermobarometry. The new results show that the peak and decompressional P-T conditions for the rocks are 850-900 ℃/ 1.4-1.6 GPa and 820-850 ℃/0.9-1.3 GPa, respectively, suggestive of high and middle-low pressure granulite-facies metamorphism. Combined with previous zircon U-Pb dating and conventional geothermobarometry data, it is indicated that the xenoliths experienced a clockwise P-T-t evolution with nearisothermal deeompressional process, suggestive of the Paleoproterozoic subduction-collision setting. In this regard, the studied region together with Jiao-Liao-Ji belt is further documented to make up a Paleopro- terozoic collisional orogen in the eastern block of the NCC.

Phase Equilibrium Modeling of Retrograded Eclogite at the Kekesu Valley, Eastern Segment of SW Tianshan Orogen and Tectonic Implications

In this study, we report newly found strongly retrograded eclogite blocks in the Kekesu Valley, eastern segment of southwestern Tianshan, northwestern China. Based on detailed petrographi- cal studies and mineral chemistry analyses, we constrain P-T evolution of two representative samples via phase equilibrium modeling method using THERMOCALC software. The peak stage is evidenced by the primary inclusions of omphacite＋glaucophane＋lawsonite （inferred）＋chlorite＋white mica in garnet. Using grossular and pyrope isopleth thermobarometry in garnet, the P peak conditions for this stage were con- strained to be -23 kbar, 480-500℃ and the T peak conditions were constrained to be 19-20 kbar, 500-520℃. Subsequent exhumation led to the transformation of lawsonite to epidote. Using Si-in- phengite barometry, the P was constrained to be 16-20 kbar at T of 500-520 ℃ for this stage. Further retrograde stage was evidenced by the mineral assemblages of glaucophane＋garnet＋epidote＋paragonite＋ chlorite＋white mica＋quartz. Later stage retrogression is evidenced by glaucophane＋epidote＋chlorite＋ quartz＋white mica＋albite＋aetinolite with P of 5-9 kbar when T〈490 ~C, indicating the eclogite may have been exhumed to the middle crust level and overprinted by blueschist-greenschist facies metamorphism. The results show that eclogite at the eastern segment of SW Tianshan shares similar P-T path to the HP rocks from the western segment, implying a similar P-T evolution for these rocks.

Petrology of Garnet Amphibolites from the Hualong Group: Implications for Metamorphic Evolution of the Qilian Orogen, NW China

The Qilian Orogen marks the junction of the North China, South China and Tarim cratons. The mechanism of continental growth during the formation of the orogen remains unclear. Based on detailed fieldwork, we present a systematic study of petrography, mineral chemistry and phase equilibria of garnet amphibolites from the Hualong Group, which represents the Precambrian basement in the southern accretionary belt of the Qilian Orogen. The garnet amphibolites mainly consist of amphibole, plagioclase, garnet and quartz, with minor pyroxene, biotite and ilmenite. A peak stage of upper amphibolite facies to low-temperature granulite facies metamorphism and retrograde metamorphism in the amphibolite facies affected the samples. Garnet has a homogeneous composition of Alm66-71Grs14-17Prp9_12Sps3-s, amphibole is ferro-hornblende, biotite belongs to the ferro-biotite species and pyroxene is dominated by orthopyroxene with few clinopyroxene. Pseudosection modeling of the garnet amphibolite samples indicates clockwise P-T paths. The samples witness peak metamorphism at conditions of -4.9-6.3 kbar and -755-820 ℃ in the upper amphibolite facies to low- temperature granulite facies, and retrograde cooling and decompression at conditions of-2.5-3.1 kbar and -325-545 ℃. It is inferred that peak metamorphism with high temperature and low pressure occurred at ca. 450 Ma during northward subduction of the South Qilian oceanic crust beneath the central Qilian Block. When continental collision occurred between the central Qilian and the Qaidam blocks, the Hualong Block was aecreted onto the South Qilian accretionary complex and experienced amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism at ca. 440 Ma.

Phase Equilibria Modeling and Zircon Dating for Precambrian Metapelites from the Xinghuadukou Complex in the Lulin Forest of the Erguna Massif,Northeast China

The nature and formation time of the Xinghuadukou complex in Northeast China are important for determining the tectonic evolution of the Precambrian geological evolution of the Erguna massif. In this study, we present the results of zircon U-Pb dating of two metapelites from the complex. Detrital and metamorphic zircons from the metapelites yield a depositional age of -601 Ma and a metamorphic age of 496-509 Ma, indicating that the supracrustal rocks formed during the Neoproterozoic and recorded pan-African metamorphic events in the Erguna massif. Garnet porphyroblasts in SiI-Grt-Bt-Ms paragneiss show diffusion zoning, implying a decreasing P-T trend. Based on mineral transformation and P-T estimates using conventional geothermobarometers and phase equilibria modeling, three metamorphic stages were determined, including an early prograde metamorphic stage, a near peak upper amphibolite facies metamorphic stage, and a near-isobaric cooling stage with P-T conditions of 6.1 kb, 645 ℃, 5-6 kb, 710-740 ℃, and 4.4 kb, 625℃, respectively. The metamorphic history of the Xinghuadukou complex is thus defined by a clockwise P-T trajectory, which implies that the metamorphism of the metapelites documented the subduction, subsequent uplift and post collision process.

Blueschist from the Toudaoqiao Area, Inner Mongolia, NE China: Evidence for the Suture between the Ergun and the Xing'an Blocks

Blueschist accompanied by pelitic schist expose along the Xinlin-Xiguitu fault in the Toudaoqiao area, northeastern China. In this paper, the blueschist is systematically studied on the petrography and mineral chemistry. The amphiboles in the blueschist are zoned from winchite core to magnesioriebeckite/glaucophane rim to winchite outermost rim. The peak metamorphic conditions are defined by the mineral assemblage of magnesioriebeckite/glaucophane, epidote, high-Si phengite（Si〈7.1）, chlorite, albite, hematite and quartz, indicating an epidote-blueschist facies metamorphism. The P-T conditions are estimated as T=350–400 ℃ and P=10-12 kbar. The occurrence of the blueschist along the Xinlin-Xiguitu fault strongly suggests the fault is the suture between the Ergun and the Xing＇an blocks situated in the eastern portions of the Central Asia Orogenic Belt（CAOB）.

Metamorphic Evolution of Chloritoid-Bearing Micaschist from the Variscan Elstergebirge: Evidences for Stacking of High-Pressure Rocks in the Saxothuringian Zone of Central Europe

A chloritoid-garnet-bearing micaschist from the southern part of the Elstergebirge was studied to better understand the Variscan orogenic evolution in the Saxothuringian zone of the northwestern Bohemian Massif.Based on the textural relations and compositions of minerals,especially of zoned garnet and potassic white mica,a P-T path was reconstructed using contoured P-T pseudosections.The U-Th-Pb dating of monazite in the micaschist was undertaken with the electron microprobe.The micaschist experienced P-T conditions along a clockwise path between 16 kbar at 510℃and 5 kbar at 555℃followed by isobaric heating to about 600℃.Monazite ages range between 315 and 480 Ma with the most prominent maxima and side maxima at 346.0±1.1(2σ),357.3±2.3,and 368.3±1.7 Ma.Ages older than 380 Ma were related to detrital monazite pointing to a Devonian sedimentary protolith.Other ages around 325 Ma were assigned to the isobaric heating by nearby post-tectonic granites.The high-pressure event,being the result of the collision of Laurussia and Gondwana after closure of the Rheic Ocean,occurred in the Late Devonian.The exhumation to 15-20 km(5 kbar)ended probably in the Early Carboniferous.The high-pressure micaschists from the Fichtelgebirge to the Erzgebirge crystalline complexes are suggested to represent a single nappe within a metamorphic nappe pile.This nappe is composed of metasedimentary slices,which experienced different peak pressures rather than representing a coherent crustal section.