Re-evaluating monazite as a record of metamorphic reactions

This study presents a re-examination of historical specimens(DG136 and DG167)from the Monashee complex in the southeastern Canadian Cordillera that are critical to the current understanding of rare earth element(REE)distribution between garnet and monazite(and other accessory minerals)during metamorphism.Nine-hundred and fifty-one new monazite petrochronology spot analyses on 29 different grains across two specimens outline detailed(re)crystallization histories.Trace element data collected from the same ablated volume,interpreted in the context of new phase equilibria modelling that includes monazite,xenotime and apatite,link ages to specific portions of the pressure-temperature(P-T)paths followed by the specimens.These linkages are further informed by garnet Lu-Hf geochronology and xenotime petrochronology.The clockwise P-T paths indicate prograde metamorphism was ongoing by ca.80 Ma in both specimens.The structurally deeper specimen,DG136,records peak P-T conditions of~755-770℃and 8.8-10.4 kbar,interpreted to coincide with(re-)crystallization of low Y monazite at~75-70 Ma.Near-rim garnet isopleths from DG167 cross in the observed peak assemblage field at~680℃ and 9.3 kbar.These conditions are interpreted to correspond with low Y monazite(re-)crystallisation at~65 Ma.Both specimens record decompression along their retrograde path coincident with high Y 70-55 Ma and 65-55 Ma monazite populations in DG136 and DG167,respectively.These findings broadly agree with those initially reported~20 years ago and confirm early interpretations using trace elements in monazite as generally reliable markers of metamorphic reactions.Modern phase equilibria modelling and in situ petrochronological analysis,however,provide additional insight into monazite behaviour during anatexis and the effects of potential trace element buffering by REE-bearing phases such as apatite.

Investigating low dispersion isotope dissolution Lu-Hf garnet dates via in situ Lu-Hf geochronology,Kanchenjunga Himal

Re-examination of three specimens from the Kanchenjunga Himal of Nepal via in situ Lu-Hf garnet geochronology yields evidence of multiple garnet growth events.Spot analyses from grain cores in two specimens define Paleozoic regressions whereas analyses from grain rims in the same specimens define low-precision regressions consistent with the timing of Himalayan orogenesis.These dates contrast with previously published low dispersion,ca.290 Ma isotope dissolution(ID)Lu-Hf garnet dates for the same rocks.Modelling of Lu and spot age distribution in representative grains from the specimens examined yields calculated dates that approximate the Permian-age regressions through the original ID data.These findings demonstrate that it is possible to generate low dispersion ID Lu-Hf data from multigenerational garnet with significantly different-age growth events when approximately equal proportions of the different age reservoirs are included in multi-component aliquots.