High pressure garnet amphibolites in ophiolitic mélange from the Changning-Menglian suture zone, southeast Tibetan Plateau: P-T-t path and tectonic implication

The garnet amphibolites from the newly identified Wanhe ophiolitic mélange in the Changning-Menglian suture zone(CMSZ)provide a probe to elucidate the evolution of the Triassic Palaeo-Tethys.An integrated petrologic,phase equilibria modeling and geochronological study of the garnet amphibolites,southeast Tibetan Plateau,shows that the garnet amphibolites have a peak mineral assemblage of garnet,glaucophane,lawsonite,chlorite,rutile,phengite and quartz,and a clockwise P-T path with a prograde segment from blueschist-facies to eclogite-facies with a peak-metamorphic P-T conditions of 2000–2100 MPa and 495–515℃,indicating a cold geothermal gradient of about 240–260℃/GPa.Theretrograde metamorphic P-T path is characterized by nearly isothermal decompression to lower amphibolite-facies and subsequent cooling to greenschist-facies.The metamorphic zircons have fractionated HREE patterns and significant negative Eu anomalies,and therefore the obtained zircon U-Pb age of 231±1.5 Ma is interpreted to be the timing of the amphibolite facies metamorphism occurrence.The present study probably indicates that the garnet amphibolites in the Wanhe ophiolitic mélange was the retrograded highpressure eclogite-facies blueschist,instead of the previously proposed eclogites,and the garnet amphibolites recorded the subduction and exhumation process of the Palaeo-Tethys Oceanic crust in the Triassic.

Geochemical Characteristics and LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of Amphibolites in the Songshugou Ophiolite in the Eastern Qinling

Geochemical studies on the arnphibolites in the Songshugou ophiolite from Shangnan County, Shaanxi Province demonstrate that the protolith of the amphibolites is tholeiitic. The arnphibolites can be classified into two groups according to their REE patterns and trace element features. Rocks of the first group are depleted in LREE while rocks of the second group are slightly depleted in LREE or flat from LREE to HREE without significant Eu anomaly. The first group of rocks have (La/Yb)N=0.33-0.55, (La/Sm)N= 0.45-0.65, and their La/Nb, Ce/Zr, Zr/Nb, Zr/Y and Ti/Y ratios are averaged at 1.20, 0.12, 31.02, 2.92 and 198, respectively, close to those of typical N-MORB. The second group of rocks have (La/Yb)N=0.63-0.95, (La/ Sm)N = 0.69--0.90, and their average La/Nb, Ce/Zr, Zr/Nb, Zr/Y and Ti/Y ratios are 0.82, 0.83, 1.15, 0.16, 19.00, 2.58 and 225, respectively, which lie between those of typical N-MORB and E-MORB but closer to the former. The two groups of rocks both exhibit flat patterns from Th to Yb in the highly incompatible elements spider diagram, but the first group of rocks have lower element abundances than the modern N-MORB, indicating a derivation of their mantle source from more depleted mantle source than the present N-MORB. The abundances of Th, Ta, Nb, La and Ce in the second group of rocks are slightly higher than those of the present N-MORB, and other elements, such as Hf, Zr, Sm, Ti, Y and Yb, are close to those of the N-MORB, indicating that the original magma was derived from depleted mantle but mixed with the enriched mantle. These characteristics, combined with the regional geology and previous studies, provide further evidence that the mafic-ultramafic rocks have the features of a typical ophiolite.Zircon grains from the amphibolite are generally rounded, and in most of them a distinguishable core-mantle texture is preserved as shown in the cathodoluminescence (CL) images. The core or core-mantle parts of the zircon grains are also rounded, same as those in basalts from other regions of the world. The LA-ICP-MS trace element and U-Pb isotopic analyses show that the zircon grains from the amphibolites are similar to the typical magmatic zircon in terms of their very low U and Th contents (62.36-0.10 μg/g and 78.47-0.003 μg/g, respectively). Seven pits from the core and core-mantle parts of the zircon grains yielded an average weighted 206Pb/ 238U age of 973±35 (2σ) Ma with the Th/U ratios range from 0.01 to 8.38 and mostly greater than 0.23. This age is consistent within the error range with the whole-rock Sm-Nd isochron age of 1030±46 Ma for the same kind of rocks reported by Dong et al. (1997a). In a combined analysis with the zircon positions on the CL images and the corresponding Th/U ratios, the age of 973±35 Ma is probably the formation age of tholeiite, the protolith of the Songshugou amphibolite. The geochronological determination gives further evidence that the Songshugou ophiolite was formed during the Neoproterozoic. In addition, there is one pit from the rim of a zircon grain giving a 206Pb/ 238U age of 5721199 (1σ) Ma with a Th/U ratio of 0.08. It may represent the age of the accretionary zircon in the amphibolite-facies metamorphism.

VARIATIONS IN KAMILA AMPHIBOLITES FROM SOUTHEASTERN PART OF THE KOHISTAN ISLAND-ARC TERRANE,PAKISTAN

The Kohistan terrane in N.Pakistan is sandwiched between the Shyok Suture in the north and Indus Suture in the south.The SE base of the terrane is occupied by the stratiform Sapat mafic\|ultramafic complex,which overrides the crust of the Indian plate along the Indus Suture.The complex was intruded into the base of a thick pile of metavolcanics (now amphibolites) of different environments (the Kamila belt).The Kamila amphibolite belt has a vast distribution in southern part of Kohistan.Previously,it was considered that the belt occupies the entire southern part of the Kohistan terrane between the Main Mantle Thrust (MMT) or Indus Suture (IS) in the south and the Chilas Complex in the north.In the Indus Valley,the unit was considered to overlie the Jijal Complex which occupies the hanging wall of the MMT.Recent mapping during this study has revealed that the Kamila amphibolite belt is in direct contact with the MMT only in the extreme eastern (i.e..,Bunar valley) and western parts of the Kohistan terrane.In the area between t he Babusar Pass in the east and the Indus Valley in the west,the belt is separated from the MMT by a basal ultramafic\|mafic layered complex in the hanging wall of the MMT,termed the Sapat Complex.To the north,the belt is bounded by the Chilas Complex which occupies an axial position in the Kohistan terrane.The Kamila amphibolites do not occur as a single,extensive body in the studied area but they occur in three main linear belts (from south to north as Bausar,Jal\|Niat,and Sumal)with small patches and screens within or between plutons of different compositions from diorites to granodiorites,trondhjemites and granites.Sumal is a thin slice within the Jal\|Niat belt.Babusar and Jal\|Niat are tholeiitic while Sumal is calc\|alkaline in nature.The tholeiitic amphibolites are further divided into two:Babusar amphibolites contain low TiO\-2 and very low Zr as compared to the Jal\|Niat.The Jal\|Niat amphibolites show flat patterns with slight increase in slope towards HFS and are unaffected by subduction,this implies that these rocks are developed in mid\|ocean ridge setting from a more heterogeneous and enriched mantle source.The Babusar amphibolites are depleted in LILE,show spiked pattern and the involvement of subduction zone fluids which indicate their affinity with within\|plate oceanic or continental settings.Sumal amphibolites are developed in subduction related island\|arc setting and may be produced due to partial melting of the metasomatized mantle or from a hetrogeneous mantle source.

Magnetic Characterization of Amphibolites from the Fomopéa Pluton(West Cameroon):Their Implication in the Pan-African Deformation of the Central African Fold Belt

The Fomopea granitic pluton is emplaced in gnessic and amphibolitic basement. These gneissic and amphibolitic basement rocks are represented in the pluton＇s body as sub-rounded, elongated or stretched xenoliths. Amphibolitic xenoliths display testimonies of two main tectonic events namely： （i） El flattening deformation event characterized by a NW-SE to E-W foliation with a best pole at 246/57 and a mineral stretched lineation with a best line at 293/47; and （ii） E2 compressive event typified by （1） N-S to NNE-SSW steeply dipping foliation; （2） S-type flexion-fold indicating a sinistral shear movement. These amphibolite rocks indicate a magnetic susceptibility magnitude （Km） range from 418 ~SI to 90092 IISI for 87% of the stations showing a ferromagnetic behavior. K-T curves reveal the presence of Ti-poor magnetite as susceptibility mineral carrier. Magnetic foliation and lineation suggest that the N-S strike direction observed in the Bamendou amphibolite is, as pointed out elsewhere in the Central African Fold Belt, of paramount importance in the tectonic evaluation of the Fomopea area, since it has most likely acted as major deformation phase in the second tectonic event in the belt.

Mineral Chemistry and Nomenclature of Amphiboles of Garnet Bearing Amphibolites From Thana Bhilwara,Rajasthan,India

Amphiboles are frequently observed in the medium to high grade metamorphic rocks of garnet bearing amphibolites from Thana.In present work,authors have discussed the mineral chemistry and nomenclature of amphiboles.On the basis of mineral chemistry,the amphibole from garnet bearing amphibolite are normally varies from Hastingsite,Ferropargasite to Tschermakite variety.

Geochemistry, Mineral Chemistry and Thermobarometry of Boneh-Shorou Amphibolites in Gelmandeh Massive (Saghand-Central Iran)

The Gelmandeh Massive is located in the Central part of Iranian Microcontinent. Amphibolitic rocks occupy the main portion of Gelmandeh complex, which consists of hornblendite, garnet amphibolites, and gneiss. Geochemical investigations indicate that the ratio of Eu/Eu* separates samples into two categories: first category with ratio of Eu/Eu* > 1 and the second with ratio of Eu/Eu* < 1, which the former indicates an enriched mantle origin while the latter points to crustal contamination. Generally, amphibolites can be differentiated into two separate series. First series is characterized with calc-alkaline to alkaline composition with enriched mantle origin, and the second one has calc-alkaline to tholeiitic nature and it is of continental type that underwent crustal contamination within subduction zone. The microprobe electron analysis shows that the amphiboles were a member of the calcic group and hastingsite-tschermakite series. Geo-barometric studied and mineral paragenesis show that the metamorphism is of Barovian type with PT condition upto 7 K bar and 580°C.

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.

Microstructures, Fabrics, and Seismic Properties of Mylonitic Amphibolites: Implications for Strain Localization in a Thickening Anisotropic Middle Crust of the North China Craton

Strain localization processes in the continental crust generate faults and ductile shear zones over a broad range of scales affecting the long-term lithosphere deformation and the mechanical response of faults during the seismic cycle.Seismic anisotropy originated within the continental crust can be applied to deduce the kinematics and structures within orogens and is widely attributed to regionally aligned minerals,e.g.,hornblende.However,naturally deformed rocks commonly show various structural layers(e.g.,strain localization layers).It is necessary to reveal how both varying amphibole contents and fabrics in the structural layers of strain localization impact seismic property and its interpretations in terms of deformation.We present microstructures,petrofabrics,and calculate seismic properties of deformed amphibolite with the microstructures ranging from mylonite to ultramylonite.The transition from mylonite to ultramylonite is accompanied by a slight decrease of amphibole grain size,a disintegration of amphibole and plagioclase aggregates,and amphibole aspect ratio increase(from 1.68 to 2.23),concomitant with the precipitation of feldspar and/or quartz between amphibole grains.The intensities of amphibole crystallographic preferred orientations(CPOs)show a progressively increasing trend from mylonitic layers to homogeneous ultramylonitic layers,as indicated by the JAm index increasing from 1.9–4.0 for the mylonitic layers and 4.0–4.8 for the transition layer,to 5.1–6.9 for the ultramylonitic layers.The CPO patterns are nearly random for plagioclase and quartz.Polycrystalline amphibole aggregates in the amphibolitic mylonite deform by diffusion,mechanical rotation,and weak dislocation creep,and develop CPOs collectively.The polymineralic matrix(such as quartz and plagioclase)of the mylonite and the ultramylonite deform dominantly by dissolution-precipitation,combined with weak dislocation creep.The mean P and S wave velocities are estimated to be 6.3 and 3.5 km/s,respectively,for three layers of the mylonitic amphibolite.The respective maximum P and S anisotropies are 1.5%–6.4%and 1.8%–4.5%for the mylonite layers of the mylonitic amphibolite,and 6.0%–6.9%and 4.5%–5.0%for the transition layers;but for the ultramylonite layers,these values increase significantly to 8.0%–9.1%and 5.1%–6.0%,respectively.Furthermore,increasing strain(strain localization)generates significant variations in the geometry of the seismic anisotropy.This effect,coupled with the geographical orientations of structures in the Hengshan-Wutai-Fuping complex terrains,can generate substantial variations in the orientation and magnitude of seismic anisotropy for the continental crust as measured by the existing North China Geoscience Transect.Thickened amphibolitic layers by extensively folding or thrusting in the middle crust can explain the strong shear wave splitting and the tectonic boundary parallel fast shear wave polarization beneath the Hengshan-Wutai-Fuping complex terrains.Therefore,signals of seismic anisotropy varying with depth in the deforming continent crust need not deduce depth-varying kinematics or/and tectonic decoupling.

Metamorphic P-T conditions and zircon U-Pb ages of amphibolite in Laojinchang area,southern Jilin Province

The Longgang Block is one of the most important parts of the eastern North China Craton,characterized by extensive Late Neoarchean(~2.5 Ga)granulite facies metamorphism.However,it remains uncertain whether it was influenced by Paleoproterozoic magmatism-metamorphism.The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of amphibolite in Laojinchang area,southern Jilin Province,through petrographic,geochemical,mineralogical,and zircon dating.The main findings are as follows:The mineral assemblage of amphibolite is Hb+Pl+Cpx+Bi+Kf+Q,characteristic of amphibolite facies;zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the metamorphic age of amphibolite is 1834±33 Ma;the amphibolite has geochemical characteristics of calcium alkaline,with depletion of Nb,Ta,Ti and P.The plagioclase in the amphibolite is oligoclase,belonging to acidic plagioclase.It is speculated that the protolith of the amphibolite is diorite;using geothermobarometer,the peak metamorphic P-T conditions of amphibolite are determined to be 536–593℃/3.4–5.0 kbar,and the post-peak conditions are 429–566℃/1.3–3.1 kbar.The above results indicate that the Paleoproterozoic metamorphism has been superimposed on Longgang Block,linked to a new orogenic event on the northern edge of North China Craton.

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.

Magnetic Fabric and Petrofabric of Amphibolites from the Namcha Barwa Complex, Eastern Himalaya

The magnetic fabric and petrofabric are often used as tectonic indicators of geological and geodynamic processes that a rock has experienced such as growth, deformation and metamorphism. This study presents the low field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility(AMS) and the crystallographic preferred orientation(CPO) of constituent minerals in amphibolites from the Namcha Barwa Complex in the eastern Himalayan Syntaxis, Tibet. The bulk magnetic susceptibility varies significantly from 7.3×10^(-4) to 3.314×10^(-2) SI, with the Jelínek's anisotropy values(Pj) ranges from 1.094 to 1.487. The maximum susceptibility is approximately parallel to the lineation while the minimum susceptibility is subnormal to the foliation plane. Electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD) analyses show pronounced CPOs of amphibole in all samples, with a preferred alignment of the [001] axes along the lineation and the [100] axes spreading along a girdle normal to the lineation. Numerical simulations and comparison with laboratory measurements suggest that the magnetic anisotropy of amphibolite is largely controlled by the CPOs of amphibole. If present, the well oriented iron-titanium oxides such as ilmenite along rock foliation and lineation could increase the susceptibility and the anisotropy of a rock. Our results show a strong correlation between the magnetic anisotropy and the petrofabric of amphibolite, which could provide constraint for the interpretation of strong magnetic anomalies observed in the tectonic syntaxes of Tibet.

Experimental studies on elastic and rheological properties of amphibolites at high pressure and high temperature

Laboratory measurements of compressional-wave velocities and rheological properties are carried out on natural amphibolites collected from Chencai, Zhejiang Province at high pressures and high temperatures. The experiments of elastic wave velocity find that the compressional-wave velocities travel faster along the lineation(X-direction) within the foliation plane than those normal to the foliation (Z-direction). The velocity anisotropies are high for the amphibolites at 550℃ and pressure of 800 MPa or 600 MPa. Furthermore, the values of anisotropy and average velocity are respectively 7.83% and 6.77km/s for the samples with fine grain size, 9.77% and 6.64km/s for the samples with medium grain size. With increasing temperature at high static pressure, the wave velocities spreading along three structure directions in the samples all start to drop from 750℃ up. The rheological experiments also find that there is a marked strength reduction from 750℃ to 800℃ although the flow strength gradually decreases with increasing temperature for the fine-grained amphibolite at a confining pressure of 500 MPa and strain rate of 1×10-4s-1. Based on the results of microcopy observations, electronic probe analyses and infrared spectra analyses for some samples, the reduction of flow strength and wave velocity may be due to partial melting of amphibole above 750℃. In addition, the rock deformations undergo from localized brittle fracture, semi-brittle deformation (cataclastic flow or semi-brittle faulting, semi-brittle flow) to homogeneous crystal-plastic flow from 600℃ to 1000℃, confining pressure of 500 MPa and strain rate of 1×10-4s-1.

The neodymium isotopic characteristic and geological significance of Kuokesu plagioclase amphibolites from the Kuruktag, Xinjiang, China

The plagioclase amphibolites from Kuokesu area, Kuruktag, Xinjiang occur as enclaves embedded in the granodioritic gneiss. In the light of major elements and REE data, the parent rocks of the plagioclase amphibolites belong to weak_alkaline basalts. Their Nd model ages mainly range from 2 832 to 3 075 Ma. The seven plagioclase amphibolites yield a reasonable good isochron age of (828±86) Ma(2σ) with I Nd =0.510 981±82, ε Nd ( t )=-11.5±1.6. Such a case shows the existence of great proportion of the Archaean mafic crustal basement on the Kuokesu area. The strong tectonic_thermal event at about 820 Ma made the Sm_Nd isotope of the metamorphic rocks homogenization. This event would be associated with the Tarim Movement.

Metamorphism of the northern Liaoning Complex:Implications for the tectonic evolution of Neoarchean basement of the Eastern Block,North China Craton

As one of the areas where typical late Archean crust is exposed in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton, the northern Laioning Complex consists principally of tonalitic-trondhjemitic-granodioritic （TTG） gneisses, massive granitoids and supracrustal rocks. The supracrustal rocks, named the Qingyuan Group, consist of interbedded amphibolite, hornblende granulite, biotite granulite and BIF. Petrological evidence indicates that the amphibolites experienced the early prograde （M1）, peak （M2） and post-peak （M3） metamorphism. The early prograde assemblage （M1） is preserved as mineral inclusions, represented by actinotite ＋ hornblende - plagioclase ＋ epidote ＋ quartz 4- sphene, within garnet porphyroblasts. The peak assemblage （M2） is indicated by garnet ＋ clinopyroxene ＋ hornblende ＋ plagioclase ＋ quartz ＋ ilmenite, which occur as major mineral phases in the rock. The post-peak assemblage （M3） is characterized by the garnet 4- quartz symplectite. The P-T pseudosections in the NCFMASHTO system constructed by using THERMOCALC define the P-T conditions of M1, M2 and M3 at 490-550 C＋（4.5 kbar, 780 810 C/7.65- 8.40 kbar and 630-670 ＋C]8.15-9.40 kbar, respectively. As a result, an anticlockwise P-T path involving isobaric cooling is inferred for the metamorphic evolution of the amphibolites. Such a P-T path suggests that the late Archean metamorphism of the northern Liaoning Complex was related to the intrusion and underplating of mantle-derived magmas. The underplating of voluminous mantle-derived magmas leading to metamorphism with an anticlockwise P-T path involving isobaric cooling may have occurred in continental magmatic arc regions, above hot spots driven by mantle plumes, or in continental rift envi- ronments. A mantle plume model is favored because this model can reasonably interpret many other geological features of late Archean basement rocks from the northern Liaoning Complex in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton as well as their anticlockwise P-T paths involving isobaric cooling.

Test of subcritical crack growth and fracture toughness under water-rock interaction in three types of rocks

The subcritical crack growth and fracture toughness in peridotite, lherzolite and amphibolite were investigated with double torsion test. The results show that water-rock interaction has a significant influence on subcritical crack growth. With water-rock interaction, the crack velocity increases, while the stress intensity factor declines, which illustrates that water-rock interaction can decrease the strength of rocks and accelerate the subcritical crack growth. Based on Charlse theory and Hilling & Charlse theory, the test data were analyzed by regression and the correlation coefficients were all higher than 0.7, which shows the correlation is significant. This illustrates that both theories can explain the results of tests very well. Therefore, it is believed that the subcritical crack growth attributes to the breaking of chemical bond, which is caused by the combined effect of the tensile stress and the chemical reaction between the material at crack tip and the corrosive agent. Meanwhile, water-rock interaction has a vital effect on fracture toughness. The fracture toughness of samples under atmospheric environment is higher than that of samples immersed in water. And water-rock interaction has larger influence on fracture toughness in amphibolite than that in peridotite and lherzolite.

Magnetic Structure of Archean Kongling Group from Yangtze Craton,South China

Densities and various magnetic parameters (susceptibility, saturation magnetization, saturation isothermal remanent magnetization and intrinsic coercivity) were measured for 20 representative rock samples of different lithologies from the Archean Kongling amphibolite to granulite facies terrain of the Yangtze craton. Metasedimentary rocks and tonalitic trondhjemitic granodioritic granitic (TTGG) gneisses show that values of susceptibility κ and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization SIRM are higher than those of amphibolites and gabbros. The felsic gneisses have averages of κ =(1 163±375)×10 -6 SI, SIRM =(18.23±8.38) A/m and R 1=0.083 3± 0.005 7 and the metasedimentary rocks κ =(1 236±823)×10 -6 SI, SIRM =(20.70±10.91) A/m and R I=0.071 4±0.025 2. In contrast, mafic rocks have average κ =(764±316)×10 -6 SI, SIRM = (10.46±3.94)A/m and R 1=0.036±0.009 4, and are dominated by a mixed paramagnetic and ferrimagnetic behavior. Thermal magnetic analyses indicate that magnetite and maghemite of low coercivity are the major carriers of remanent magnetism in the metaclastic sedimentary rocks and TTGG gneisses. The amphibolite and gabbro contain minor amounts of magnetite and pyrrhotite. Magnetism of metaclastic sedimentary rocks and TTGG gneisses is highly heterogeneous; variation coefficients of κ and SIRM are as high as 67 % and 53 % for the former and 32 % and 46 % for the latter. Mineral compositions suggest that biotite may be responsible for the higher magnetism of the metasedimentary rocks. The highest variations in κ, SIRM and R I exhibited by metasedimentary rocks can also be interpreted by their largest absolute variations in biotite mass fraction relative to mafic rocks and felsic gneisses. The average ratio ( Q ) of natural remanent magnetization to induced magnetization of felsic gneisses and metasediments is 0.47 . Ratios ( REM ) of natural remanent to saturation isothermal remanent magnetization ranges between 0.000 001 and 0.027 000 and averages 0.002 540. These values are comparable to those of rocks of similar lithologies from the Archean Taihua high grade terrain of the North China craton and from the Ivrea zone, northern Italy. The dominant phase of magnetism carried by the Kongling rocks is suggested to be thermal remanent magnetization. Consequently, high temperature metamorphism exceeding the Curie point of magnetite (585 ℃) might be responsible for the formation of rock magnetism of the exposed crust in the area of investigation.

Retrograde metamorphism of the eclogite in North Qaidam,western China:Constraints by joint ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar in vacuo crushing and stepped heating

Two amphiboles and a syn-metamorphic quartz vein from the Yuka terrane,North Qaidam,western China,have been analyzed by joint40Ar/39Ar crushing in vacuo and stepwise heating techniques.The crushing in vacuo results provide information to directly constrain the timing of fluid activity and the age of amphibolite-facies retrogression.The stepwise heating results could further be used to decipher the thermal history of the UHP rocks.Amphiboles from amphibolites and quartz vein within garnetamphibolite lens analyzed by in vacuo crushing yield similarly shaped age spectra and exhibit relatively flat age plateaus for the last several steps.The characteristics of gas release patterns and geochronological data testify to the presence of significant excess40Ar within the fluid inclusions.The age plateaux with weighted mean ages（WMA） ranges from 488 to 476 Ma for amphiboles and 403 Ma for quartz（2σ）.These data points constitute amphibole WMA yielding excellent isochrons with isochron ages of 469 and 463 Ma with initial40Ar/36Ar ratios of 520 and 334,respectively.The isochron ages are interpreted to represent initial amphibolite-facies retrogression.The data points constituting the quartz age plateaux give an isochron age of 405 Ma with initial40Ar/36Ar ratio of 295,recording a significant aqueous fluid flow episode during the early Devonian.Age spectra obtained by stepwise heating of amphibole residues remaining after crushing experiments are characterized by younger and relatively complex age spectra,which are probably influenced by the combined effects of resetting argon and/or mineral inclusions.Nevertheless,we note that the spectra shapes have features in common:excluding the last two steps,minimum apparent ages are found at temperatures of around 500 ℃,corresponding to319 and 249 Ma,perhaps representing the time of isotopic resetting or resulting from release gas from mineral inclusions of,e.g.,biotite or feldspar.Maximum apparent ages are obtained at temperatures of around 800℃,corresponding to 418 and 413 Ma,which probably reflect mixed ages of radiogenic resetting and original amphibole.These results indicate that the Yuka eclogites and their retrogressed equivalents were overprinted by multiple thermal events in the Silurian and possibly as young as the Triassic.

Dehydration melting of amphibolite at 1.5 GPa and 800–950C:Implications for the Mesozoic potassium-rich adakite in the eastern North China Craton

Mesozoic intermediate-felsic magmatic rocks in the eastern North China Craton commonly show geochemical similarity to adakites.However,the lack of direct constraints from partial melting experiments at high pressures and temperatures fuels a debate over the origin of these rocks.In this work,we performed partial melting experiments at 1.5 GPa and 800–950℃on amphibolite samples collected from the vicinity of the Mesozoic potassium-rich adakitic rocks in the Zhangjiakou area,northern margin of the North China Craton.The experimental melts range from granitic to granodioritic compositions,with SiO_(2)=56.4–72.6 wt.%,Al_(2)O_(3)=16.1–19.3 wt.%,FeO^(*)=2.4–9.6 wt.%,MgO=0.3–2.0 wt.%,CaO=0.6–3.8 wt.%,Na_(2)O=4.7–5.3 wt.%,and K_(2)O=2.6–3.9 wt.%,which are in the ranges of the surrounding Mesozoic potassium-rich adakitic rocks,except for the higher Al_(2)O_(3)contents and the data point at 1.5 GPa and 800℃.Trace element compositions of the melts measured by LA-ICP-MS are rich in Sr(849–1067 ppm)and light rare earth elements(LREEs)and poor in Y(<10.4 ppm)and Yb(<0.88 ppm),and have high Sr/Y(102–221)and(La/Yb)n(27–41)ratios and strongly fractionated rare earth element(REE)patterns,whereas no obvious negative Eu anomalies are observed.The geochemical characteristics show overall similarity to the Mesozoic potassium-rich adakitic rocks in the area,especially adakites with low Mg#,again except for the data point at 1.5 GPa and 800℃.The results suggest that partial melting of amphibolite can produce potassium-rich adakitic rocks with low Mg#in the eastern North China Craton under the experimental conditions of 1.5 GPa and 850–950℃.The experimental restites consist of hornblende(Hbl)+plagioclase(Pl)+garnet(Grt)±clinopyroxene(Cpx),a mineral assemblage significantly different from that of the nearby Hannuoba mafic granulite xenoliths which consist of Cpx+orthopyroxene(Opx)+Pl±Grt.Chemically,the experimental restites contain higher Al_(2)O_(3)but lower MgO and CaO than the Hannuoba mafic granulite xenoliths.We therefore argue that the Hannuoba mafic granulite xenoliths cannot represent the direct products of partial melting of the experimental amphibolite.

Late-Stage Ductile Deformation in Xiongdian-Suhe HP Metamorphic Unit, North-Western Dabie Shan, Central China

New structural and petrological data unveil a very complicated ductile deformation history of the Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit, north-western Dabie Shan, central China. The fine-grained symplectic amphibolite-facies assemblage and coronal structure enveloping eclogite-facies garnet, omphacite and phengite etc., representing strain-free decompression and retrogressive metamorphism, are considered as the main criteria to distinguish between the early-stage deformation under HP metamorphic conditions related to the continental deep subduction and collision, and the late-stage deformation under amphibolite to greenschist-facies conditions occurred in the post-eclogite exhumation processes. Two late-stages of widely developed, sequential ductile deformations D 3 and D 4, are recognized on the basis of penetrative fabrics and mineral aggregates in the Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit, which shows clear, regionally, consistent overprinting relationships. D 3 fabrics are best preserved in the Suhe tract of low post-D 3 deformation intensity and characterized by steeply dipping layered mylonitic amphibolites associated with doubly vergent folds. They are attributed to a phase of tectonism linked to the initial exhumation of the HP rocks and involved crustal shortening with the development of upright structures and the widespread emplacement of garnet-bearing granites and felsic dikes. D 4 structures are attributed to the main episode of ductile extension (D 1 4) with a gently dipping foliation to the north and common intrafolial, recumbent folds in the Xiongdian tract, followed by normal sense top-to-the north ductile shearing (D 2 4) along an important tectonic boundary, the so-called Majiawa-Hexiwan fault (MHF), the westward continuation of the Balifan-Mozitan-Xiaotian fault (BMXF) of the northern Dabie Shan. It is indicated that the two stages of ductile deformation observed in the Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit, reflecting the post-eclogite compressional or extrusion wedge formation, the subhorizontal ductile extension and crustal thinning as well as the top-to-the north shearing along the high-angle ductile shear zones responsible for exhumation of the HP unit as a coherent slab, are consistent with those recognized in the Dabie-Sulu UHP and HP metamorphic belts, suggesting that they were closely associated in time and space. The Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit thus forms part of the Triassic (250-230 Ma) collision orogenic belt, and can not connect with the South Altun-North Qaidam-North Qinling UHP metamorphic belt formed during the Early Paleozoic (500-400 Ma).

Geochemistry and Tectonic Significance of Chlorite Amphibolite in Nanfen BIF, Benxi Area, Northeastern China

Benxi area, Northeastern China, is the main distribution area of Archean BIF-hosted iron deposits in China. In this area, Nanfen iron deposit is well known as the largest open-pit iron deposit not only in China but also in Asia. So far, the tectonic nature during Archean BIF formation period in Benxi area has been long disputed and the tectonic setting of Nanfen BIF had not been found. In this study, the geochemical characters of chlorite amphibolites closely associated with BIF have been investigated for the tectonic environment of Nanfen BIF. Chlortie amphibolites show the geochemical affinity to the back-arc basin basalt (BABB), indicating that the tectonic environment of Nanfen BIF is the back-arc basin. In conjunction with geological evidence of other BIFs at Benxi area, it is identified that BIF in Benxi area might be formed in the subduction-related back-arc basin, which provides a favorable sedimentary environment of Algoma-type BIF.