Quantifying geological uncertainty in metamorphic phase equilibria modelling;a Monte Carlo assessment and implications for tectonic interpretations

Pseudosection modelling is rapidly becoming an essential part of a petrologist＇s toolkit and often forms the basis of interpreting the tectonothermal evolution of a rock sample, outcrop, or geological region. Of the several factors that can affect the accuracy and precision of such calculated phase diagrams, ＂geological＂ uncertainty related to natural petrographic variation at the hand sample- and/or thin section-scale is rarely considered. Such uncertainty influences the sample＇s bulk composition, which is the primary control on its equilibrium phase relationships and thus the interpreted pressure-temper- ature （P-T） conditions of formation. Two case study examples--a garnet-cordierite granofels and a garnet-staurolite-kyanite schist--are used to compare the relative importance that geological uncer- tainty has on bulk compositions determined via （1） X-ray fluorescence （XRF） or （2） point counting techniques. We show that only minor mineralogical variation at the thin-section scale propagates through the phase equilibria modelling procedure and affects the absolute P-T conditions at which key assemblages are stable. Absolute displacements of equilibria can approach ＋l kbar for only a moderate degree of modal proportion uncertainty, thus being essentially similar to the magnitudes reported for analytical uncertainties in conventional thermobarometry. Bulk compositions determined from multiple thin sections of a heterogeneous garnet-staurolite-kyanite schist show a wide range in major-element oxides, owing to notable variation in mineral proportions. Pseudosections constructed for individual point count-derived bulks accurately reproduce this variability on a case-by-case basis, though averaged proportions do not correlate with those calculated at equivalent peak P-T conditions for a whole-rock XRF-derived bulk composition. The main discrepancies relate to varying proportions of matrix phases （primarily mica） relative to porphyroblasts （primarily staurolite and kyanite）, indicating that point counting preserves small-scale petrographic features that are otherwise averaged out in XRF analysis of a larger sample. Careful consideration of the size of the equilibration volume, the constituents that comprise the effective bulk composition, and the best technique to employ for its determination based on rock type and petrographic character, offer the best chance to produce trustworthy data from pseudosection analysis.

Phase equilibrium modeling of incipient charnockite formation in NCKFMASHTO and MnNCKFMASHTO systems:A case study from Rajapalaiyam,Madurai Block,southern India

Incipient charnockites represent granulite formation on a mesoscopic scale and have received considerable attention in understanding fluid processes in the deep crust. Here we report new petrological data from an incipient charuockite locality at Rajapalaiyam in the Madurai Block, southern India, and discuss the petrogenesis based on mineral phase equilibrium modeling and pseudosection analysis. Rajapalaiyam is a key locality in southern India from where diagnostic mineral assemblages for ultrahigh-temperature （UHT） metamorphism have been reported. Proximal to the UHT rocks are patches and lenses of charnockite （Kfs＋Qtz ＋Pl＋ Bt ＋ Opx＋ Grt ＋Ilm） occurring within Opx-free Grt-Bt gneiss （Kfs ＋Pl ＋ Qtz ＋ Bt ＋ Grt ＋ Ilm ＋ Mt） which we report in this study. The application of mineral equilibrium modeling on the charnockitic assemblage in NCKFMASHTO system yields a p-T range of 820 ℃ and -9 kbar. Modeling of the charnockite assemblage in the MnNCKFMASHTO system indicates a slight shift of the equilibrium condition toward lower p and T （- 760 ℃ and - 7.5 kbar）, which is consistent with the results obtained fiom geothermobarometry （710--760 ℃, 6.7-7.5 kbar）, but significantly lower than the peak temperatures （〉1000 ℃） recorded from the UHT rocks in this locality, suggesting that charnockitization is a post-peak event. The modeling of 7 versus molar H2O content in the rock （M（H2O）） demonstrates that the Opx-bearing assemblage in charnockite and Opx- free assemblage in Grt-Bt gneiss are both stable at M（H2O） = 0.3 mol%--0.6 mol%, and there is no significant difference in water activity between the two domains. Our finding is in contrast to the previous petrogenetic model of incipient charnockite formation which envisages lowering of water activity and stabilization of orthopyroxene through breakdown of biotite by dehydration caused by the infiltration of CO2-rich fluid. T-XFe3＋ （= Fe2O3/（FeO ＋ Fe2O3） in mole） pseudosections suggest that the oxidation condition of the rocks played a major role on the stability of orthopyroxene; Opx is stable at XFe3＋〈0.03 in charnockite, while Opx-free assemblage in Grt-Bt gneiss is stabilized at XFe3＋ 〉0.12. Such low oxygen fugacity conditions of XFe3＋ 〈0.03 in the charnockite compared to Ort-Bt gneiss might be related to the infiltration of a reduced fluid （e.g., H2O ＋ CH4） during the retrograde stage.

Petrology and phase equilibrium modeling of sapphirine ＋ quartz assemblage from the Napier Complex, East Antarctica: Diagnostic evidence for Neoarchean ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism

A synthesis of the petrological characters of granulite facies rocks that contain equilibrium sapphirine ＋ quartz assemblage from two localities （Tonagh Island （TI） and Priestley Peak （PP）） in the Napier Complex,East Antarctica,provides unequivocal evidence for extreme crustal metamorphism possibly associated with the collisional orogeny during Neoarchean.The reaction microstructures associated with sapphirine ＋ quartz vary among the samples,probably suggesting different tectonic conditions during the metamorphic evolution.Sapphirine and quartz in TI sample were probably in equilibrium at the peak stage,but now separated by corona of Grt ＋ Sil ＋ Opx suggesting near isobaric cooling after the peak metamorphism,whereas the Spr ＋ Qtz ＋ Sil ＋ Crd ＋ Spl assemblage replaces garnet in PP sample suggesting post-peak decompression.The application of mineral equilibrium modeling in NCKFMASHTO system demonstrated that Spr ＋ Qtz stability is lowered down to 930 ℃ due to small Fe3＋ contents in the rocks （mole Fe2O3/（FeO ＋ Fe2O3） =0.02）.The TI sample yields a peak p-T range of 950-1100 ℃ and 7.5-11 kbar,followed by cooling toward a retrograde stage of 800-950 ℃ and 8-10 kbar,possibly along a counterclockwise p-T path.In contrast,the peak condition of the PP sample shows 1000-1050 ℃ and ＞12 kbar,which was followed by the formation ofSpr ＋ Qtz corona around garnet at 930-970 ℃ and 6.7-7.7 kbar,suggesting decompression possibly along a clockwise p-T trajectory.Such contrasting p-T paths are consistent with a recent model on the structural framework of the Napier Complex that correlates the two areas to different crustal blocks.The different p-T paths obtained from the two localities might reflect the difference in the tectonic framework of these rocks within a complex Neoarchean subduction/collision belt.

Decoding the Regional～1700 Ma Deformational History from the Rocks of Big Thompson Canyon Region of Colorado Using Monazite Dating of Foliations Preserved within Garnet and Staurolite Porphyroblastic Phases

Dating of monazite grains preserved within foliations defining FIAs(foliation inflection/intersection axes preserved within porphyroblasts)have provided a detailed chronology of deformational and metamorphic events during a regional～1700 Ma orogeny,in Big Thompson region of the Colorado Rockies in the USA.FIAs controlled dating of monazite grains preserved within multiple-foliations of garnet and staurolite porphyroblast have complemented and potentially revolutionized all traditional dating approaches available.With this technique it is possible to accurately differentiate the

Corundum formation by metasomatic reactions in Archean metapelite,SW Greenland:Exploration vectors for ruby deposits within high-grade greenstone belts

Corundum(ruby-sapphire) is known to have formed in situ within Archean metamorphic rocks at several localities in the North Atlantic Craton of Greenland. Here we present two case studies for such occurrences:(1) Maniitsoq region(Kangerdluarssuk), where kyanite paragneiss hosts ruby corundum, and(2)Nuuk region(Stor?), where sillimanite gneiss hosts ruby corundum. At both occurrences, ultramafic rocks(amphibole-peridotite) are in direct contact with the ruby-bearing zones, which have been transformed to mica schist by metasomatic reactions. The bulk-rock geochemistry of the ruby-bearing rocks is consistent with significant depletion of SiO_2 in combination with addition of Al_2O_3, MgO, K_2O,Th and Sr relative to an assumed aluminous precursor metapelite. Phase equilibria modelling supports ruby genesis from the breakdown of sillimanite and kyanite at elevated temperatures due to the removal of SiO_2. The juxtaposition of relatively silica-and aluminum-rich metasedimentary rocks with low silica ultramafic rocks established a chemical potential gradient that leached/mobilized SiO_2 allowing corundum to stabilize in the former rocks. Furthermore, addition of Al_2O_3 via a metasomatic reaction is required, because Al/Ti is fractionated between the aluminous precursor metapelites and the resulting corundum-bearing mica schist. We propose that Al was mobilized either by complexation with hydroxide at alkaline conditions, or that Al was transported as K-Al-Si-O polymers at deep crustal levels.The three main exploration vectors for corundum within Archean greenstone belts are:(1) amphiboliteto granulite-facies metamorphic conditions,(2) the juxtaposition of ultramafic rocks and aluminous metapelite, and(3) mica-rich reactions zones at their interface.

Differential Evolution of High-Pressure and Ultrahigh-Pressure Metapelites from Habutengsu, Chinese Western Tianshan: Phase Equilibria Modelling and ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar Geochronology

Metapelite is one of the predominant rock types in the high-pressure–ultrahigh-pressure（HP–UHP） metamorphic belt of western Tianshan, NW China; however, the spatial and temporal variations of this belt during metamorphism are poorly understood. In this study, we present comparative petrological studies and 40^Ar/39 ^Ar geochronology of HP and UHP pelitic schist exposed along the Habutengsu valley. The schist mainly comprises quartz, white mica, garnet, albite and bluish amphibole. In the Mn O–Na2O–Ca O–K2O–Fe O–Mg O–Al2O3–Si O2–H2O（Mn NCKFMASH） system, P–T pseudosections were constructed using THERMOCALC 333 for two representative pelitic schists. The results demonstrate that there was a break in the peak metamorphic pressures in the Habutengsu area. The northern schist has experienced UHP metamorphism, consistent with the presence of coesite in the same section, while the southern one formed at lower pressures that stabilized the quartz. This result supports the previous finding of a metamorphic gradient through the HP–UHP metamorphic belt of the Chinese western Tianshan by the authors. Additionally, phengite in the northern schist was modelled as having a Si content of 3.55–3.70（a.p.f.u.） at the peak stage, a value much higher than that of oriented matrix phengite（Si content 3.32–3.38 a.p.f.u.）. This indicates that the phengite flakes in the UHP schist were subjected to recrystallization during exhumation, which is consistent with the presence of phengite aggregates surrounding garnet porphyroblast. The 40^Ar/39^ Ar age spectra of white mica（dominantly phengite） from the two schists exhibit similar plateau ages of ca. 315 Ma, which is interpreted as the timing of a tectonometamorphic event that occurred during the exhumation of the HP–UHP metamorphic belt of the Chinese western Tianshan.

On ultrahigh temperature crustal metamorphism:Phase equilibria,trace element thermometry,bulk composition,heat sources,timescales and tectonic settings

Ultrahigh temperature （UHT） metamorphism is the most thermally extreme form of regional crustal metamorphism, with temperatures exceeding 900 ℃. UHT crustal metamorphism is recognised in more than 50 localities globally in the metamorphic rock record and is accepted as ＇normal＇ in the spectrum of regional crustal processes. UHT metamorphism is Wpically identified on the basis of diagnostic mineral assemblages such as sapphirine ＋ quartz, orthopyroxene ＋ sillimanite ＋ quartz and osumilite in Mg-Al- rich rock compositions, now usually coupled with pseudosection-based thermobarometry using internally-consistent thermodynamic data sets and/or Al-in-Orthopyroxene and ternary feldspar thermobarometry. Significant progress in the understanding of regional UHT metamorphism in recent years includes： （1） development of a ferric iron activity-composition thermodynamic model for sapphirine, allowing phase diagram calculations for oxidised rock compositions; （2） quantification of UHT conditions via trace element thermometry, with Zr-in-rutile more commonly recording higher temperatures than Ti-in-zircon. Rutile is likely to be stable at peak UHT conditions whereas zircon may only grow as UHT rocks are cooling. In addition, the extent to which Zr diffuses out of rutile is controlled by chemical communication with zircon; （3） more fully recognising and utilising temperature-dependent thermal properties of the crust, and the possible range of heat sources causing metamorphism in geodynamic modelling studies; （4） recognising that crust partially melted either in a previous event or earlier in a long-duration event has greater capacity than fertile, unmelted crust to achieve UHT conditions due to the heat energy consumed by partial melting reactions; （5） more strongly linking U-Pb geochronological data from zircon and monazite to P-T points or path segments through using Y ＋ REE partitioning between accessory and major phases, as well as phase diagrams incorporating Zr and REE; and （6） improved insight into the settings and factors responsible for UHT metamorphism via geodynamic forward models. These models suggest that regional UHT metamorphism is, principally, geodynamically related to subduction, coupled with elevated crustal radiogenic heat generation rates.

Petrology and SHRIMP zircon geochronology of granulites from Vesleknausen, Lützow-Holm Complex, East Antarctica: Neoarchean magmatism and Neoproterozoic high-grade metamorphism

We report new petrological data and geochronological measurements of granulites from Vesleknausen in the highest-grade section of the L＆#252;tzow-Holm Complex, part of the Gondwana-assembling collisional orogen in East Antarctica. The locality is dominated by felsic to intermediate orthogneiss （charnockite and minor biotite gneiss）, mafic orthogneiss, and hornblende-pyroxene granulite, with deformed and undeformed dykes of metagranite and felsic pegmatite. Pseudosection analysis of charnockite in the system NCKFMASHTO, supported by geothermometry of mafic orthogneiss, was used to infer peak metamorphic temperatures of 750e850 ？C, approximately 150 ？C lower than those estimated for met-asedimentary gneisses from Rundv？gshetta, 6 km to the northeast. SHRIMP U-Pb analysis of zircons from feldspar-pyroxene gneiss, which corresponds to a partially molten patch around mafic orthogneiss, yielded a Concordia upper intercept ages of 2507.9 ？ 7.4 Ma, corresponding to the time of formation of the magmatic protolith to the orthogneiss. Partial melting during peak metamorphism probably took place between 591 and 548 Ma, as recorded in rims overgrew around magmatic zircon. Our results suggest that Rundv？gshetta-Vesleknausen-Strandnibba region in southwestern L＆#252;tzow-Holm Bay, where orthogneisses are dominant, consists of a single crustal block, possibly formed by ca. 2.5 Ga arc mag-matism. The Neoarchean magmatic terrane was tectonically mingled with other fragments （such as metasedimentary units in northern L＆#252;tzow-Holm Bay） by subduction/collision events during the as-sembly of Gondwana supercontinent, and subsequently underwent w850 ？C granulite-facies meta-morphosed during Neoproterozoic to Cambrian final collisional event.

Grenvillian and early Paleozoic polyphase metamorphism recorded by eclogite and host garnet mica schist in the North Qaidam orogenic belt

The North Qaidam orogenic belt(NQOB) is generally considered to be an early Paleozoic ultrahigh pressure metamorphic belt,but increasing reports of the Neoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic events indicate that the NQOB probably also experienced the assembly of the Rodinia.However,the Neoproterozoic evolution of the NQOB is not well constrained due to the sparse records and ambiguous nature of the Neoproterozoic metamorphism.In order to reveal the multi-orogenic history of the NQOB,an integrated study of petrology,phase equilibrium modelling and geochronology was conducted on an epidote eclogite and host garnet mica schist from the Yuka–Luofengpo terrane.New zircon and monazite U–Pb ages show that the protolith of the garnet mica schist was deposited during 994–920 Ma and experienced Neoproterozoic(920–915 Ma) and early Paleozoic(451–447 Ma) polyphase metamorphism together with the enclosed eclogite.Relic omphacite inclusions were first identified in garnet and early Paleozoic zircon domains from the garnet mica schist,which provide solid evidence for the early Paleozoic eclogite facies metamorphism of the mica schist.Similar early Paleozoic peak P–T conditions of >27.4 kbar/613–670 ℃ and 30.2–30.8 kbar/646–655 ℃ were obtained for the garnet mica schist and enclosed eclogite,respectively,indicating that eclogites and their host paragneisses in this region underwent continental deep subduction as a coherent metamorphic terrane in early Paleozoic.The peak P–T conditions of the Neoproterozoic metamorphism were roughly constrained at 7.7–12.0 kbar and 634–680 ℃ for the garnet mica schist,based on stability field of mineral inclusions in Neoproterozoic zircons domains in P–T pseudosection,the relic garnet core composition and Ti-in-zircon thermometer.The high thermal gradients(16–37 ℃/km) defined by presently our and previously reported P–T conditions indicate that the Neoproterozoic metamorphism likely occurred in continental collision setting at >945–890 Ma.Since the Grenvillian syn-orogenic granitic magmatism and metamorphism(ca.1.0–0.9 Ga) in the NQOB are much younger than the Grenvillian orogeny in the central part of Rodinia,the Qaidam Block was probably located at the north margin of Rodinia in Neoproterozoic.

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.

Characterization of partial melting events in garnet-cordierite gneiss from the Kerala Khondalite Belt,India

Phase equilibria modelling coupled with U–Pb zircon and monazite ages of garnet–cordierite gneiss from Vallikodu Kottayam in the Kerala Khondalite Belt,southern India are presented here.The results suggest that the area attained peak P–T conditions of^900
C at 7.5–8 kbar,followed by decompression to 3.5–5 kbar and cooling to 450–480
C,preserving signatures of the partial melting event in the field of high to ultra-high temperature metamorphism.Melt reintegration models suggest that up to 35%granitic melt could have been produced during metamorphism at^950
C.The U–Pb age data from zircons(~1.0–~0.7 Ga)and chemical ages from monazites(~540 Ma and^941 Ma)reflect a complex tectonometamorphic evolution of the terrain.The^941 Ma age reported from these monazites indicate a Tonian ultra-high temperature event,linked to juvenile magmatism/deformation episodes reported from the Southern Granulite Terrane and associated fragments in Rodinia,which were subsequently overprinted by the Cambrian(~540 Ma)tectonothermal episode.

Cordierite-bearing granulites from Ihosy,southern Madagascar:Petrology,geochronology and regional correlation of suture zones in Madagascar and India

Madagascar,a major fragment of Gondwana,is mainly composed of Precambrian basenent rocks formed by Mesoarchean to Neoproterozoic tectono-thernial events and recording a Pan-African metamorphic overprint.The Ranotsara Shear Zone in southern Madagascar has been correlated with shear zones in southern India and eastern Africa in the reconstruction of the Gondwana supercontinent.Here we present detailed petrology,mineral chemistry,metamorphic P-T constraints using phase equilibrium modelling and zircon U-Pb geochronological data on high-grade metamorphic rocks from Ihosy within the Ranotsara Shear Zone.Garnet-cordierite gneiss from Ihosy experienced two stages of metamorphism.The peak mineral assemblage is interpreted as garnet+sillimanite+cordierite+quartz+plagioclase+Kfeldspar+magnetite+spinel+ilmenite,which is overprinted by a retrograde mineral assemblage of biotite+garnet+cordierite+quartz+plagioclase+K-feldspar+magnetite+spinel+ilmenite.Phase equilibria nodelling in the system Na2 O-CaO-K2 O-FeO-MgO-Al2 O3-SiO2-H2 O-TiO2-Fe2 O3(NCKFMASHTO)indicates peak metamorphic conditions of 850-960℃ and 6.9-77 kbar,and retrograde P-Tconditions of<740℃ and<4.8 kbar,that define a clockwise P-T path.Near-concordant ages of detrital zircon grains in the garnet-cordierite gneiss dominantly exhibit ages between 2030 Ma and 1784 Ma,indicating dominantly Paleoproterozoic sources.The lower intercept age of 514±33 Ma probably indicates the timing of high-grade metamorphism,which coincides with the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.The comparable rock types,zircon ages and metamorphic P-T paths between the Ranotsara Shear Zone and the Achankovil Suture Zone in southern India support an interpretation that the Ranotsara Shear Zone is a continuation of the Achankovil Suture Zone.

A Problem of High-Grade Polymetamorphism

A problem of evolution of high-grade polymeta- morphic terrain appeared in last decades:in worldwide complexes the identification of true stages of polymetamorphism encounters a problem of zircon zoning(or garnet etc.)that is the function of fluid activity and therefore the newly formed zone can not always be recorded.Structural geology allows discriminating between different stages of metamor-

Metamorphic Evolution of the Amphibolites from Bundelkhand Craton, Central India: P-T Constraints and Phase Equilibrium Modelling

The amphibolites from the Mauranipur and Babina regions are located in the central part of the Bundelkhand Craton(BuC),northern India.During the geodynamic evolution of the BuC,these amphibolites underwent medium-grade metamorphism.This study combines textural observations of amphibolites from two distinct regions(Mauranipur and Babina)with mineral chemistry and phase equilibrium modelling.Observations suggest that the amphibolites of both areas have gone through three stages of metamorphism.The pre-peak stage in the amphibolites from the Mauranipur and Babina regions is marked by the assemblages Ep-Amp-Cpx-Pl-Ilm-Ru-Qz and Ep-Amp-Cpx-Pl-Ab-Ilm-Qz respectively;the peak metamorphic stage is characterized by the mineral assemblages Amp-Cpx-Pl-Ilm-Ru-Qz and Amp-Cpx-Pl-Ilm-Qz-H_(2)O,which is formed during the burial process,and the post-peak stage is represented by the assemblages Amp-Pl-Ilm-Ru-Qz and Amp-Pl-Ilm-Qz-H_(2)O respectively,which is formed by exhumation event.By applying the phase equilibria modelling in the NCFMASHTO system,the P-T conditions estimated from pre-peak,peak to post-peak stages are characterized as 6.7 kbar/510 oC,7.3 kbar/578ºC and>3.0 kbar/>585ºC,respectively,for the Mauranipur amphibolites;and 6.27 kbar/520ºC,5.2 kbar/805ºC and>3.0 kbar/>640ºC respectively for Babina amphibolites.The textural association and P-T conditions of both amphibolites suggest that these rocks were affected by burial metamorphism followed by an exhumation process during subduction tectonism in the BuC.

Metamorphism and zircon U–Pb dating of garnet amphibolite in the Baoyintu Group, Inner Mongolia

Garnet amphibolite in the Baoyintu Group, Inner Mongolia, is mainly composed of garnet, hornblende, plagioclase, quartz and minor rutile/ilmenite. Garnet occurs as porphyroblasts surrounded by plagioclase, forming typical ＂white-eye socket＂ texture. Garnet shows grossular content of 0.26-0.28 and pyrope of 0.11-0.13, without significant zoning. Plagioclase is generally zoned with anorthite （An） increasing from core to rim. The P-T pseu- dosection calculated using THERMOCALC in the system MnNCKFMASHTO shows that the garnet amphibolite experienced a clockwise P-T path with a peak at 1.3 GPa/725 ℃ defined from the minimum An content in plagioclase and maximum pyrope content in garnet, followed by an isothermal decompression. LA-ICP-MS zircon dating for the garnet amphibolite indicates metamorphic ages of 399 ± 6 Ma. The peak P-T condition corresponds to a thermal gradient of ～ 18 ℃/km, indi- cating typical medium-pressure type that commonly occurs in orogenic process with crustal thickening. We prefer to interpret this orogenic event to be a result of collision, following the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean before the early Devonian although there is a popular view that the Paleo-Asian Ocean may have lasted to the early Mesozoic.

Multi-Stage Metamorphism of the UHP Pelitic Gneiss from the Southern Altyn Tagh HP/UHP Belt,Western China:Petrological and Geochronological Evidence

The kyanite-bearing garnet pelitic gneiss from the Jianggalesavi area in southern Altyn Tagh high pressure/ultra-high pressure belt was proved to have been experienced UHP metamorphism (>12 GPa) by the discovery of kyanite and spinel exsolution microstructure in quartz (precursor stishovite). In this study, three stages of retrograded metamorphism (M2-M4) after the UHP metamorphism (Ml) were identified for the UHP pelitic gneiss. The HP granulite-facies stage (M2) was characterized by the mineral assemblage of garnet+kyanite+K?feldspar+nitile+qiiartz±ilinenite, recording the P-T condition of >1.12 GPa and ?850-930℃. The granulite-facies stage (M3) was represented by the mineral assemblage of garnet rim+K-feldspar+sillimanite (SillJ+biotite (Bti)+plagioclase (Pli)+ilmenite+quartz, and confined under P-T conditions of 0.5-0.8 GPa and^770-795℃. The late cooling stage M4 was accompanied by the appearance of fine-grained Pl2, Sill2 and Bt2 in the matrix, and the P-T conditions were 0.4-0.6 GPa and <675℃. A clockvvised P-T path was obtained for the pelitic gneiss in the P-T pseudosection, which showed a deep subduction/collision processes with subsequent exhumation and cooling. Com? bined with the corresponding multistage metamorphic assemblages, the age dating results implied that the zircons from the gneiss have integrated the recording peak metamorphic (Ml,484±3 Ma) and retrograded metamorphic ages (M2 to M3, 450±2 Ma). There was about 32 Ma interval during the first exhumation from the upper mantle depth (>350 km) to the lower crust depth (-40-20 km), resulting in an average exhumation rate of 9.11-9.70 mm/yr. In the southern Altyn Tagh region, the HP and UHP rocks from different areas had identical peak metamorphic ages. Therefore, contemporary UHP and HP rocks with different metamorphic evolutions were recognized coexisting in the same orogenic belt, which can be interpreted by the model of subduction channel. The continental crustal were subducted to different depths along the direction of the subduction channels at ~500 Ma, suffered different grade metamorphism, and then returned to the surface along the subduction channel.

Petrological evidence for isobaric cooling of ultrahightemperature pelitic granulites from the Khondalite Belt,North China Craton

The ultrahigh-temperature(UHT) pelitic granulites from the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton(NCC), contain ilmenite in the matrix, which has been partially replaced by rutile. Based on this observation and the growth of biotite by garnet-consuming reaction, the UHT rocks are inferred to have recorded three metamorphic stages: the peak metamorphic stage(M1) and two retrograde metamorphic stages(M2 and M3). The M1 stage is represented by the assemblage of perthite+sillimanite+ ilmenite in the matrix, and quartz inclusions bearing(in the cores) garnet porphyroblasts. The M2 stage is defined by rutile-replacing ilmenite and growth of garnet mantles and rims containing acicular sillimanite inclusions, with the garnet+ perthite+ sillimanite+rutile+ ilmenite+ quartz assemblage. The M3 stage is recorded by the growth of biotite in the matrix, with the garnet+ biotite+ perthite+ sillimanite+rutile+ilmenite+quartz assemblage. Based on phase equilibrium modeling, an isobaric cooling path is reconstructed, which is consistent with the idea that mantle-derived magma provided the heat for the UHT metamorphism in the Khondalite Belt, NCC.

Metamorphism and Zircon Geochronological Studies of Metagabbro Vein in the Yushugou Granulite-Peridotite Complex from South Tianshan,China

Yushugou granulite-peridotite complex,located at the east part of the northern margin of South Tianshan,may represent an ophiolitic slice subducted to 40–50 km depth with high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism.Although a lot of studies have been conducted on rocks in this belt,the rock association and tectonic background of the ophiolitic slice are still in dispute.A detailed study on petrology,phase equilibrium modeling and U-Pb zircon ages have been performed on the metagabbro vein in peridotite unit to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Yushugou granulite-peridotite complex.Three stages of mineral assemblage in the metagabbro were defined as stage I:Cpx^A+Opx^A+Pl^A,which represents the original minerals of the metagabbro vein;stage II:Cpx^B+Opx^B+Pl^B+Spl,which represents the mineral assemblage of granulite facies metamorphism with peak P-T conditions of 4.2–6.9 kbar and 940–1070℃;stage III is characterized by the existence of prehnite,thomsonite and amphibole in the matrix,indicating that the metagabbro vein may be influenced by fluids during retrograde metamorphism.Combined with the crosscut relationship,it can be deduced that the metagabbro vein,together with the peridotite in Yushugou granulite-peridotite complex has experienced similar high-temperature granulite facies metamorphism.The zircon chronological data shows that the protolith age of the metagabbro vein is 400.5±6.2 Ma,reflecting Devonian magmatism event and the granulite facies metamorphism occurred at^270 Ma which may be related to the post-collisional magmatism.

Thermodynamic modelling of the phengite geobarometry

Using the updated models of activity-composition relations for solid solutions,P-T pseudosections and Si isopleths of phengite in the system KFMASH (K2O-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O) are calculated with the software THERMOCALC 323 for three bulk compositions of the average,Al-rich and K-rich metapelites. The Si isopleths of phengite in the calculated pseudosections are highly dependent on mineral as-semblages. In the chlorite-and biotite-bearing di-and trivariant fields,and in the garnet + kyanite-bearing trivariant fields,the phengite can be used as a good geobarometer. But in the carpho-lite-present and chlorite-absent fields,the Si contents of phengite mainly indicate variance of tem-perature. For a given Si value,the phengite in kyanite-bearing assemblages shows higher pressures than in the K-feldspar-bearing assemblages. Addition of Na2O into the KFMASH leads to reduction of stability of the AFM phases. The Si isopleths of phengite in the mineral assemblages containing only one Na-phase are similar to those in the corresponding KFMASH assemblages. But in the assemblages with two or more Na-phases,the phengite Si isopleths differ remarkably from those in the KFMASH.

Timanide(Ediacaran–Early Cambrian) Metamorphism at the Transition from Eclogite to Amphibolite Facies in the Beloretsk Complex,SW-Urals,Russia

The Beloretsk Metamorphic Complex in the SW Urals formed at a convergent eastern margin of Baltica during the Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian Timanide orogeny.It comprises three major units with lenses of facies-critical metabasites within metasedimentary rocks:A lowermost eclogite unit,an intermediate garnet amphibolite unit and an upper amphibolite-greenschist unit.Pressure(P)-temperature(T)-paths of four rocks from the two lowermost units were determined mainly by PT pseudosection techniques showing similar clockwise loops at different peak metamorphic,watersaturated conditions:A phengite-bearing eclogite shows peak PT conditions of 16.5–18.5 kbar/525–550℃(stage I)followed by stage II at 11.5–13.0 kbar/585–615℃.A garnet amphibolite from the intermediate unit yields lower peak conditions of 11.7–14.5 kbar/480–510℃(stage I)followed by stage II at 9.5–11.0 kbar/535–560℃.However,a granite gneiss in the eclogite unit shows similar maximum pressures as the eclogite,but higher temperatures at 15.6–16.2 kbar/660–675℃,whereas a garnet micaschist contains comparable high pressure relicts,but underwent an advanced midcrustal reequilibration at 7.5–9.0 kbar/555–610℃.We dated the eclogite by a 7-point Rb/Sr mineral isochron(phengite,omphacite,apatite)at 532.2±9.1 Ma interpreted as age of crystallisation of the eclogitic peak PT assemblage.This age is the youngest compared to the known Timanide metamorphic and magmatic ages.