Regional metamorphism at extreme conditions: Implications for orogeny at convergent plate margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yong-Fei; Chen, Ren-Xu

2017-09-01

Regional metamorphism at extreme conditions refers either to Alpine-type metamorphism at low geothermal gradients of <10 °C/km, or to Buchan-type metamorphism at high geothermal gradients of >30 °C/km. Extreme pressures refer to those above the polymorphic transition of quartz to coesite, so that ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) eclogite-facies metamorphism occurs at mantle depths of >80 km. Extreme temperatures refer to those higher than 900 °C at crustal depths of ≤80 km, so that ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulite-facies metamorphism occurs at medium to high pressures. While crustal subduction at the low geothermal gradients results in blueschist-eclogite facies series without arc volcanism, heating of the thinned orogenic lithosphere brings about the high geothermal gradients for amphibolite-granulite facies series with abundant magmatism. Therefore, UHP metamorphic rocks result from cold lithospheric subduction to the mantle depths, whereas UHT metamorphic rocks are produced by hot underplating of the asthenospheric mantle at the crustal depths. Active continental rifting is developed on the thinned lithosphere in response to asthenospheric upwelling, and this tectonism is suggested as a feasible mechanism for regional granulite-facies metamorphism, with the maximum temperature depending on the extent to which the mantle lithosphere is thinned prior to the rifting. While lithospheric compression is associated with subduction metamorphism in accretionary and collisional orogens, the thinned orogenic lithosphere undergoes extension due to the asthenospheric upwelling to result in orogen-parallel rifting metamorphism and magmatism. Thus, the rifting metamorphism provides a complement to the subduction metamorphism and its operation marks the asthenospheric heating of the orogenic lithosphere. Because of the partial melting and melt extraction of the lower continental crust, contemporaneous granite-migmatite-granulite associations may serve as a petrological indicator of rifting orogeny that is superimposed on precedingly accretionary and collisional orogens. The UHT metamorphic rocks have occurred since the Archean, suggesting that the hot underplating has operated very early in the Earth's history. In contrast, the UHP metamorphic rocks primarily occur in the Phanerozoic, indicating that the thermal regime of many subduction zones has changed since the Neoproterozoic for the cold subduction.

The post collisional metamorphic evolution from Ultra High Temperature to Amphibolite facies metamorphism in the Odesan area during the Triassic collision between the North and South China cratons.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Byung Choon; Oh, Chang Whan; Kim, Tae Sung; Yi, Kee Wook

2015-04-01

The Odaesan Gneiss Complex (OGC) is the eastern end of the Hongseong-Odesan collision belt in Korean Peninsula which is the extension of the Dabie-Sulu collision belt between the North and South China blocks. The OGC mainly consists of banded and migmatitic gneiss with porphyritic granitoid and amphibolite. The banded gneiss can be subdivided into garnet-biotite and garnet-orthopyroxene banded gneisses. The highest metamorphic P/T conditions of the migmatitic and garnet-biotite banded gneiss were 760-820°C/6.3-7.2kbar and 810-840°C/7.2-7.8kbar respectively. On the other hand, the garnet-orthopyroxene banded gneiss records 940-950°C/10.5-10.7kbar that is corresponded to UHT metamorphic condition. These data indicate that the peak UHT metamorphic condition of the study area was preserved only within the garnet-orthopyroxene banded gneiss because its lower water content than other gneisses and UHT metamorphic mineral assemblage was completely replaced by the granulite facies metamorphism in other gneisses due to their higher water content than the garnet-orthopyroxene banded gneiss. Finally all gneisses experienced amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism which is observed locally within rocks, such as garnet rim and surrounding area. The peak UHT metamorphism is estimated to occur at ca. 250-230 Ma using SHRIMP zircon U-Pb age dating and was caused by the heat supplied from asthenospheric mantle through the opening formed by slab break-off during early post collision stage. The calculated metamorphic conditions represent that geothermal gradient of the study area during the post collision stage was 86°C/kbar indicating the regional low-P/T metamorphic event. Besides the Triassic metamorphic age, two Paleoproterozoic metamorphic ages of ca. 1930 and 1886 Ma are also recognized by the SHRIMP age dating from the banded gneisses and Paleoproterozoic emplacement age of ca. 1847 Ma is identified from the porphyritic granitoid which formed in the within plate tectonic setting. These ages are well matched with 1880Ma-1885Ma regional post-collision igneous and metamorphic activities in other areas of the GM indicating that the OGC had undergone Paleoproterozoic metamorphic and igneous activities before the Triassic metamorphism. However it is difficult to confirm the Paleoproterozoic activities due to the strong Triassic metamorphism.

Intermediate P/T-type regional metamorphism of the Isua Supracrustal Belt, southern west Greenland: The oldest Pacific-type orogenic belt?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arai, Tatsuyuki; Omori, Soichi; Komiya, Tsuyoshi; Maruyama, Shigenori

2015-11-01

The 3.7-3.8 Ga Isua Supracrustal Belt (ISB), southwest Greenland, might be the oldest accretionary complex on Earth. Regional metamorphism of the ISB has a potential to constrain the tectonothermal history of the Earth during the Eoarchean. Chemical and modal analyses of metabasite in the study area (i.e., the northeast part of the ISB) show that the metamorphic grade increases from greenschist facies in the northern part of the study area to amphibolite facies in the southern part. To determine the precise metamorphic P-T ranges, isochemical phase diagrams of minerals of metabasite were made using Perple_X. A synthesis of the estimated metamorphic P-T ranges of the ISB indicates that both the metamorphic pressure and temperature increase systematically to the south in the study area from 3 kbar and 380 °C to 6 kbar and 560 °C. The monotonous metamorphic P-T change suggests that the northeast part of the ISB preserves regional metamorphism resulting from the subduction of an accretionary complex although the ISB experienced metamorphic overprints during the Neoarchean. Both the presence of the regional metamorphism and an accretionary complex having originating at subduction zone suggest that the ISB may be the oldest Pacific-type orogenic belt. The progressive metamorphism can be considered as a record of intermediate-P/T type geothermal gradient at the subduction zone in the Eoarchean. Intermediate-P/T type geothermal gradient is typical at the current zones of subducting young oceanic crust, such as in the case of the Philippine Sea Plate in the southwest part of Japan. Considering the fact that almost all metamorphisms in the Archean are greenschist-amphibolite facies, the intermediate-P/T type geothermal gradient at the ISB might have been worldwide in the Archean. This would indicate that the subduction of young micro-plates was common because of the vigorous convection of hot mantle in the Archean.

Pyroxene Homogenization and the Isotopic Systematics of Eucrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Bogard, D. D.

1996-01-01

The original Mg-Fe zoning of eucritic pyroxenes has in nearly all cases been partly homogenized, an observation that has been combined with other petrographic and compositional criteria to establish a scale of thermal "metamorphism" for eucrites. To evaluate hypotheses explaining development of conditions on the HED parent body (Vesta?) leading to pyroxene homogenization against their chronological implications, it is necessary to know whether pyroxene metamorphism was recorded in the isotopic systems. However, identifying the effects of the thermal metamorphism with specific effects in the isotopic systems has been difficult, due in part to a lack of correlated isotopic and mineralogical studies of the same eucrites. Furthermore, isotopic studies often place high demands on analytical capabilities, resulting in slow growth of the isotopic database. Additionally, some isotopic systems would not respond in a direct and sensitive way to pyroxene homogenization. Nevertheless, sufficient data exist to generalize some observations, and to identify directions of potentially fruitful investigations.

Textural and isotopic development of marble assemblages during the Barrovian-style M2 metamorphic event, Naxos, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Judy; Matthews, Alan

1994-03-01

A detailed petrological analysis of the marble assemblages observed within the M2 metamorphic complex on Naxos is presented. Two distinct periods of mineral growth are documented; the first is associated with prograde M2 metamorphism and the second with retrograde M2 metamorphism occurring during ductile extensional thinning of the complex. The textural and miner-alogical characteristics and the carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of each generation are described, and the P-T-X CO 2 conditions at which these two mineral generations were stable, and the compositions of the fluids present during metamorphism are characterised. Whereas the low variance and stable isotope compositions of prograde siliceous dolomite assemblages are consistent with internally buffered fluid evolution, the retrograde mineral generation is shown to have grown as a result of the infiltration of a water-rich fluid phase that transported silica, Al2O3, Na2O and FeO into the host rocks. This observation, together with the stable isotope compositions of the retrograde calcite, and the fact that occurrences of veins of this type are limited to marbles in the highest grade areas ( T>600° C) of the metamorphic complex, suggests that the fluids responsible for vein formation were generated during the crystallisation of melts as the metamorphic complex cooled from peak temperatures. The existence of this second generation of minerals has significant implications for previous studies of heat transport by fluid flow on Naxos, because many of the unusually low δ18O compositions of pelites at high grades may be ascribable to the effects of interaction with retrograde M2 fluids, rather than with prograde fluids.

Effect of salinity on locomotor performance and thermal extremes of metamorphic Andean Toads (Rhinella spinulosa) from Monte Desert, Argentina.

PubMed

Sanabria, Eduardo; Quiroga, Lorena; Vergara, Cristina; Banchig, Mariana; Rodriguez, Cesar; Ontivero, Emanuel

2018-05-01

Rhinella spinulosa is distributed from Peru to Argentina (from 1200 to 5000 m elevation), inhabiting arid mountain valleys of the Andes, characterized by salty soils. The variations in soil salinity, caused by high evapotranspiration of water, can create an osmotic constraint and high thermal oscillations for metamorphsed Andean toad (R. spinulosa), affecting their thermoregulation and extreme thermal tolerances. We investigated the changes in thermal tolerance parameters (critical thermal maximum and crystallization temperature) of a population of metamorphosed R. spinulosa from the Monte Desert of San Juan, Argentina, under different substrate salinity conditions. Our results suggest that the locomotor performance of metamorphs of R. spinulosa is affected by increasing salinity concentrations in the environment where they develop. On the other hand, the thermal extremes of metamorphs of R. spinulosa also showed changes associated with different salinity conditions. According to other studies on different organisms, the increase of the osmolarity of the internal medium may increase the thermal tolerance of this species. More studies are needed to understand the thermo-osmolar adjustments of the metamorphs of toads to environmental variability. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developing an inverted Barrovian sequence; insights from monazite petrochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mottram, Catherine M.; Warren, Clare J.; Regis, Daniele; Roberts, Nick M. W.; Harris, Nigel B. W.; Argles, Tom W.; Parrish, Randall R.

2014-10-01

In the Himalayan region of Sikkim, the well-developed inverted metamorphic sequence of the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone is folded, thus exposing several transects through the structure that reached similar metamorphic grades at different times. In-situ LA-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb monazite ages, linked to pressure-temperature conditions via trace-element reaction fingerprints, allow key aspects of the evolution of the thrust zone to be understood for the first time. The ages show that peak metamorphic conditions were reached earliest in the structurally highest part of the inverted metamorphic sequence, in the Greater Himalayan Sequence (GHS) in the hanging wall of the MCT. Monazite in this unit grew over a prolonged period between ∼37 and 16 Ma in the southerly leading-edge of the thrust zone and between ∼37 and 14.5 Ma in the northern rear-edge of the thrust zone, at peak metamorphic conditions of ∼790 °C and 10 kbar. Monazite ages in Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS) footwall rocks show that identical metamorphic conditions were reached ∼4-6 Ma apart along the ∼60 km separating samples along the MCT transport direction. Upper LHS footwall rocks reached peak metamorphic conditions of ∼655 °C and 9 kbar between ∼21 and 16 Ma in the more southerly-exposed transect and ∼14.5-12 Ma in the northern transect. Similarly, lower LHS footwall rocks reached peak metamorphic conditions of ∼580 °C and 8.5 kbar at ∼16 Ma in the south, and 9-10 Ma in the north. In the southern transect, the timing of partial melting in the GHS hanging wall (∼23-19.5 Ma) overlaps with the timing of prograde metamorphism (∼21 Ma) in the LHS footwall, confirming that the hanging wall may have provided the heat necessary for the metamorphism of the footwall. Overall, the data provide robust evidence for progressively downwards-penetrating deformation and accretion of original LHS footwall material to the GHS hanging wall over a period of ∼5 Ma. These processes appear to have occurred several times during the prolonged ductile evolution of the thrust. The preserved inverted metamorphic sequence therefore documents the formation of sequential 'paleo-thrusts' through time, cutting down from the original locus of MCT movement at the LHS-GHS protolith boundary and forming at successively lower pressure and temperature conditions. The petrochronologic methods applied here constrain a complex temporal and thermal deformation history, and demonstrate that inverted metamorphic sequences can preserve a rich record of the duration of progressive ductile thrusting.

Pathway to 50% efficient inverted metamorphic concentrator solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geisz, John F.; Steiner, Myles A.; Jain, Nikhil; Schulte, Kevin L.; France, Ryan M.; McMahon, William E.; Perl, Emmett E.; Horowitz, Kelsey A. W.; Friedman, Daniel J.

2017-09-01

Series-connected five (5J) and six junction (6J) concentrator solar cell strategies have the realistic potential to exceed 50% efficiency to enable low-cost CPV systems. We propose three strategies for developing a practical 6J device. We have overcome many of the challenges required to build such concentrator solar cell devices: We have developed 2.1 eV AlGaInP, 1.7 eV AlGaAs, and 1.7 eV GaInAsP junctions with external radiative efficiency greater than 0.1%. We have developed a transparent tunnel junction that absorbs minimal light intended for the second junction yet resists degradation under thermal load. We have developed metamorphic grades from the GaAs to the InP lattice constant that are transparent to sub-GaAs bandgap light. We have grown and compared low bandgap junctions (0.7eV - 1.2 eV) using metamorphic GaInAs, metamorphic GaInAsP, and GaInAsP lattice-matched to InP. And finally, we have demonstrated excellent performance in a high voltage, low current 4 junction inverted metamorphic device using 2.1, 1.7, 1.4, and 1.1 eV junctions with over 8.7 mA/cm2 one-sun current density that operates up to 1000 suns without tunnel junction failure.

Pathway to 50% Efficient Inverted Metamorphic Concentrator Solar Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Geisz, John F; Steiner, Myles A; Jain, Nikhil

Series-connected five (5J) and six junction (6J) concentrator solar cell strategies have the realistic potential to exceed 50% efficiency to enable low-cost CPV systems. We propose three strategies for developing a practical 6J device. We have overcome many of the challenges required to build such concentrator solar cell devices: We have developed 2.1 eV AlGaInP, 1.7 eV AlGaAs, and 1.7 eV GaInAsP junctions with external radiative efficiency greater than 0.1%. We have developed a transparent tunnel junction that absorbs minimal light intended for the second junction yet resists degradation under thermal load. We have developed metamorphic grades from the GaAsmore » to the InP lattice constant that are transparent to sub-GaAs bandgap light. We have grown and compared low bandgap junctions (0.7eV - 1.2 eV) using metamorphic GaInAs, metamorphic GaInAsP, and GaInAsP lattice-matched to InP. And finally, we have demonstrated excellent performance in a high voltage, low current 4 junction inverted metamorphic device using 2.1, 1.7, 1.4, and 1.1 eV junctions with over 8.7 mA/cm2 one-sun current density that operates up to 1000 suns without tunnel junction failure.« less

Processes in continental collision zones: Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yong-Fei; Zhang, Lifei; McClelland, William C.; Cuthbert, Simon

2012-04-01

Formation and exhumation of high-pressure (HP) to ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks in continental subduction zones are the two fundamental geodynamic aspects of collisional orogensis. This volume is based on the Session 08c titled "Geochemical processes in continental collision zones" at Goldschmidt 2010 in Knoxville, USA. It focuses on micro- to macro-scale processes that are temporally and spatially linked to different depths of crustal subduction/exhumation and associated mineralogical changes. They are a key to understanding a wide spectrum of phenomena, involving HP/UHP metamorphism and syn-/post-collisional magmatism. Papers in this volume report progresses in petrological, geochronological and geochemical studies of UHP metamorphic rocks and their derivatives in China, with tectonic settings varying from arc-continent collision to continent-continent collision. Microbeam in-situ analyses of metamorphic and magmatic minerals are successfully utilized to solve various problems in the study of continental deep subduction and UHP metamorphism. In addition to their geochronological applications to dating of HP to UHP metamorphic events during continental collision, microbeam techniques have also served as an efficient means to recognize different generations of mineral growth during continental subduction-zone metamorphism. Furthermore, metamorphic dehydration and partial melting of UHP metamorphic rocks during subduction and exhumation are highlighted with respect to their effects on fluid action and element mobilization. These have provided new insights into chemical geodynamics in continental subduction zones.

Age and tectonic implications of some low-grade metamorphic rocks from the Yucatan Channel

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vedder, J.G.; MacLeod, N.S.; Lanphere, M.A.; Dillon, William P.

1973-01-01

Phyllite and marble dredged from the lower part of the continental slope between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula seem to support the contention that a pre-early Tertiary metamorphic belt extends from the western Greater Antilles into northern Central America. The minimum K-Ar ages derived from the samples suggest that the metamorphic event was pre-Late Cretaceous, and evaluation of the K-Ar data implies that this metamorphic event is not older than Late Jurassic. Greater antiquity, however, is inferred from structural and stratigraphic relations in British Honduras, where the latest regional metamorphic event was post-Early Permian and pre-Middle Jurassic.  Rifting and extension related to plate motions along the British Honduras Quintana Roo margin through Mesozoic and earliest Cenozoic time presumably would preclude extensive regional metamorphism, permitting only limited development of schistose rocks there during that interval. The timing of metamorphic events in western Cuba is uncertain, but a pre-Middle Jurassic episode possibly is reflected in the phyllite and marble terranes of Isla de Pinos and Sierra de Trinidad. Local incipient metamorphism of Early and Middle Jurassic strata in the Sierra de los Organos may have resulted from severe tectonism that began in Late Cretaceous time and diminished in the Eocene.

Investigation of InP/In0.65Ga0.35As metamorphic p-channel doped-channel field-effect transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Jung-Hui

2016-07-01

In this article, the device mechanism and characteristics of InP/InGaAs metamorphic p-channel field-effect transistor (FET), which has a high indium mole fraction of InGaAs channel, grown on the GaAs substrate is demonstrated. The device was fabricated on the top of the InxGa1-xP graded metamorphic buffer layer, and the In0.65Ga0.35As pseudomorphic channel was employed to elevate the transistor performance. For the p-type FET, due to the considerably large valence band discontinuity at InP/In0.65Ga0.35As heterojunction and a relatively thin as well as heavily doped pseudomorphic In0.65Ga0.35As channel between two undoped InP layers, a maximum extrinsic transconductance of 27.3 mS/mm and a maximum saturation current density of -54.3 mA/mm are obtained. Consequently, the studied metamorphic FET is suitable for the development in signal amplification, integrated circuits, and low supply-voltage complementary logic inverters.

3D-Reconstructions and Virtual 4D-Visualization to Study Metamorphic Brain Development in the Sphinx Moth Manduca Sexta

PubMed Central

Huetteroth, Wolf; el Jundi, Basil; el Jundi, Sirri; Schachtner, Joachim

2009-01-01

During metamorphosis, the transition from the larva to the adult, the insect brain undergoes considerable remodeling: new neurons are integrated while larval neurons are remodeled or eliminated. One well acknowledged model to study metamorphic brain development is the sphinx moth Manduca sexta. To further understand mechanisms involved in the metamorphic transition of the brain we generated a 3D standard brain based on selected brain areas of adult females and 3D reconstructed the same areas during defined stages of pupal development. Selected brain areas include for example mushroom bodies, central complex, antennal- and optic lobes. With this approach we eventually want to quantify developmental changes in neuropilar architecture, but also quantify changes in the neuronal complement and monitor the development of selected neuronal populations. Furthermore, we used a modeling software (Cinema 4D) to create a virtual 4D brain, morphing through its developmental stages. Thus the didactical advantages of 3D visualization are expanded to better comprehend complex processes of neuropil formation and remodeling during development. To obtain datasets of the M. sexta brain areas, we stained whole brains with an antiserum against the synaptic vesicle protein synapsin. Such labeled brains were then scanned with a confocal laser scanning microscope and selected neuropils were reconstructed with the 3D software AMIRA 4.1. PMID:20339481

3D-Reconstructions and Virtual 4D-Visualization to Study Metamorphic Brain Development in the Sphinx Moth Manduca Sexta.

PubMed

Huetteroth, Wolf; El Jundi, Basil; El Jundi, Sirri; Schachtner, Joachim

2010-01-01

DURING METAMORPHOSIS, THE TRANSITION FROM THE LARVA TO THE ADULT, THE INSECT BRAIN UNDERGOES CONSIDERABLE REMODELING: new neurons are integrated while larval neurons are remodeled or eliminated. One well acknowledged model to study metamorphic brain development is the sphinx moth Manduca sexta. To further understand mechanisms involved in the metamorphic transition of the brain we generated a 3D standard brain based on selected brain areas of adult females and 3D reconstructed the same areas during defined stages of pupal development. Selected brain areas include for example mushroom bodies, central complex, antennal- and optic lobes. With this approach we eventually want to quantify developmental changes in neuropilar architecture, but also quantify changes in the neuronal complement and monitor the development of selected neuronal populations. Furthermore, we used a modeling software (Cinema 4D) to create a virtual 4D brain, morphing through its developmental stages. Thus the didactical advantages of 3D visualization are expanded to better comprehend complex processes of neuropil formation and remodeling during development. To obtain datasets of the M. sexta brain areas, we stained whole brains with an antiserum against the synaptic vesicle protein synapsin. Such labeled brains were then scanned with a confocal laser scanning microscope and selected neuropils were reconstructed with the 3D software AMIRA 4.1.

Caledonian evolution of the Moine Supergroup: Prograde garnet growth and context for quartz fabric-based deformation thermometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Law, Richard; Ashley, Kyle; Thigpen, Ryan

2014-05-01

Despite the detailed Caledonian structural/tectonic framework developed for the Moine Supergroup of northern Scotland, debate continues over the tectonic processes that drove metamorphism. Rapid temporal evolution of the metamorphic sequence has led some geologists to suggest that crustal thickening alone cannot provide sufficient heat flow to reach the metamorphic grades observed. Rather, they postulate that large-scale contact metamorphism or initial heating in an extensional, back-arc setting is required. We present coupled petrographic analyses and forward phase stability modeling for quantifying prograde metamorphic evolution in pelite horizons dispersed across the Caledonian thrust sheets. Results suggest garnet growth was syn-kinematic during prograde decompression. Rutile and ilmenite inclusions in garnet cores and rims, respectively, support this claim, while chemical profiles and crystal morphology argue against a detrital origin for these garnet grains. The observed clockwise P-T path for these garnets is incompatible with extensional or contact metamorphic models (would require counter-clockwise paths). Rather, the P-T data suggests advection of isotherms during thrusting as the dominant mechanism for metamorphism (Thigpen et al., 2013). Recent studies in other orogens (e.g., Spear et al., 2012) suggest that heating over long time scales under mid-crustal conditions may not be needed to reach the metamorphic grades observed. Therefore the structurally higher, more hinterland Caledonian thrust sheets may have reached peak metamorphism in a much shorter time period than previously expected. The paucity of pelitic horizons across the foreland-positioned Moine thrust sheet has previously limited insight into the prograde evolution of these rocks. However, the dominance of quartz-rich units has allowed the thermal structure of the thrust sheet to be evaluated using quartz c-axis fabric opening angle-based deformation thermometry. Microstructures in the pelites sampled indicate that garnet (rim) growth is syn-kinematic with respect to the Scandian (mid-Silurian) deformation fabrics. Deformation temperatures indicated by quartz fabric opening angles are very similar to temperatures of metamorphism constrained using pseudosection and petrographic data from adjacent pelite horizons. This suggests that the deformation- and petrology-based data sets are providing information on the same thermal event. These results support the use of quartz deformation thermometry in obtaining thermal profiles across tectonic units where rock types (usually pelites), with metamorphic mineral assemblages suitable for petrology-based thermometry, are not present. Thigpen, J.R., Law, R.D., Loehn, C.L., Strachan, R.A., Tracy, R.J., Lloyd, G.E., Roth, B.L., and Brown, S.J., 2013, Thermal structure and tectonic evolution of the Scandian orogenic wedge, Scottish Caledonides: integrating geothermometry, deformation temperatures and conceptual kinematic-thermal models, J. Metamorphic Geol., 31, 813-842. Spear, F.S., Ashley, K.T., Webb, L.E., and Thomas, J.B., 2012, Ti diffusion in quartz inclusions: implications for metamorphic time scales, Contrib. Mineral Petrol., 164, 977-986.

Telescoping metamorphic isograds: Evidence from 40Ar/39A dating in the Orange-Milford belt, southern Connecticut

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kunk, Michael J.; Walsh, Gregory J.; Growdon, Martha L.; Wintsch, Robert P.

2013-01-01

New 40Ar/39Ar ages for hornblende and muscovite from the Orange-Milford belt in southern Connecticut reflect cooling from Acadian amphibolite facies metamorphism between ∼380 to 360 Ma followed by retrograde recrystallization of fabric-forming muscovite and chlorite during lower greenschist facies Alleghanian transpression at ∼280 Ma. Reported field temperature and pressure gradients are improbably high for these rocks and a NW metamorphic field gradient climbing from chlorite-grade to staurolite-grade occurs over less than 5 km. Simple tilting cannot account for this compressed isograd spacing given the geothermal gradient of ∼20 °C/km present at the time of regional metamorphism. However, post-metamorphic transpression could effectively telescope the isograds by stretching the belt at an oblique angle to the isograd traces. Textures in the field and in thin section reveal several older prograde schistosities overprinted by lower greenschist facies fabrics. The late cleavages commonly occur at the scale of ∼100 μm and these samples contain multiple age populations of white mica. 40Ar/39Ar analysis of these poly-metamorphic samples with mixed muscovite populations yield climbing or U-shaped age spectra. The ages of the low temperature steps are late Paleozoic, while the ages of the older steps are late Devonian. These results support our petrologic interpretation that the younger cleavage developed under metamorphic conditions below the closure temperature for Ar diffusion in muscovite, that is, in the lower greenschist facies. The correlation of a younger regionally reproducible age population with a pervasive retrograde muscovite ± chlorite cleavage reveals an Alleghanian (∼280 Ma) overprint on the Acadian metamorphic gradient (∼380 Ma). Outcrop-scale structures including drag folds and imbricate boudins suggest that Alleghanian deformation and cleavage development occurred in response to dextral transpression along a northeast striking boundary. Alleghanian oblique collision of accreting terranes from the northeast would have resulted in northeast-southwest dextral transpression against the New York promontory. This deformation was responsible for crystallization of pervasive retrograde muscovite + chlorite cleavages and associated telescoping of the Acadian metamorphic isograds in southern Connecticut at ∼280 Ma.

Pre-Alpine contrasting tectono-metamorphic evolutions within the Southern Steep Belt, Central Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roda, Manuel; Zucali, Michele; Li, Zheng-Xiang; Spalla, Maria Iole; Yao, Weihua

2018-06-01

In the Southern Steep Belt, Italian Central Alps, relicts of the pre-Alpine continental crust are preserved. Between Valtellina and Val Camonica, a poly-metamorphic rock association occurs, which belongs to the Austroalpine units and includes two classically subdivided units: the Languard-Campo nappe (LCN) and the Tonale Series (TS). The outcropping rocks are low to medium grade muscovite, biotite and minor staurolite-bearing gneisses and micaschists, which include interlayered garnet- and biotite-bearing amphibolites, marbles, quartzites and pegmatites, as well as sillimanite-bearing gneisses and micaschists. Permian intrusives (granitoids, diorites and minor gabbros) emplaced in the metamorphic rocks. We performed a detailed structural, petrological and geochronological analysis focusing on the two main lithotypes, namely, staurolite-bearing micaschists and sillimanite-bearing paragneisses, to reconstruct the Variscan and Permian-Triassic history of this crustal section. The reconstruction of the tectono-metamorphic evolution allows for the distinction between two different tectono-metamorphic units during the early pre-Alpine evolution (D1) and predates the Permian intrusives, which comprise rocks from both TS and LCN. In the staurolite-bearing micaschists, D1 developed under amphibolite facies conditions (P = 0.7-1.1 GPa, T = 580-660 °C), while in the sillimanite-bearing paragneisses formed under granulite facies conditions (P = 0.6-1.0 GPa, T> 780 °C). The two tectono-metamorphic units coupled together during the second pre-Alpine stage (D2) under granulite-amphibolite facies conditions at a lower pressure (P = 0.4-0.6 GPa, T = 620-750 °C) forming a single tectono-metamorphic unit (Languard-Tonale Tectono-Metamorphic Unit), which comprised the previously distinguished LCN and TS. Geochronological analyses on zircon rims indicate ages ranging between 250 and 275 Ma for D2, contemporaneous with the emplacement of Permian intrusives. This event developed under a high thermal state, which is compatible with an extensional tectonic setting that occurred during the exhumation of the Languard-Tonale Tectono-Metamorphic Unit. The extensional regime is interpreted as being responsible for the thinning of the Adriatic continental lithosphere during the Permian, which may be related to an early rifting phase of Pangea.

The case for simultaneous deformation, metamorphism and plutonism: an example from Proterozoic rocks in central Arizona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karlstrom, K. E.; Williams, M. L.

1995-01-01

The syntectonic 1.70 Ga Crazy Basin Monzogranite provides an example of the complex spatial and temporal interactions between metamorphism, deformation, and plutonism. Synchronous plutonism and deformation is indicated by syn-shortening dikes, sills, and veins; parallel magmatic and solid state fabrics; fabrics in xenoliths; and a foliation triple point. Synchronous plutonism and metamorphism is indicated by a systematic increase from 400 °C to 630 °C towards the pluton at a constant pressure of 300 MPa (3 kb). Temperatures are consistent with a conductive cooling model in which a 700 °C pluton was emplaced into country rocks undergoing greenschist facies regional metamorphism. Synchronous deformation and metamorphism is indicated by porphyroblast inclusion geometries that document the synmetamorphic development of the S2 cleavage. The pluton was emplaced adjacent to the Shylock shear zone during progressive shortening. Emplacement of granite as NE-trending sheets was facilitated by temporal partitioning of transpressional convergence into strike-slip and dip-slip components. At the scale of the pluton's aureole and on the relatively rapid time scale of 10 3-10 6 y, regional deformation and metamorphism were punctuated by thermal softening and increased diffusion rates. Data suggests that accretion of Proterozoic arcs in Arizona involved diachronous pluton-enhanced deformation and associated high temperature-low pressure regional metamorphism.

Study of the influence of strained superlattices introduced into a metamorphic buffer on the electrophysical properties and the atomic structure of InAlAs/InGaAs MHEMT heterostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galiev, G. B.; Pushkarev, S. S., E-mail: s_s_e_r_p@mail.ru; Vasil'evskii, I. S.

The results of studying the influence of strained superlattices introduced into a metamorphic buffer on the electrophysical properties and atomic crystal structure of In{sub 0.70}Al{sub 0.30}As/In{sub 0.76}Ga{sub 0.24}As/In{sub 0.70}Al{sub 0.30}As metamorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (MHEMT) nanoheterostructures on GaAs substrates are presented. Two types of MHEMT structures are grown by molecular beam epitaxy, namely, one with a linear increase in x in the In{sub x}Al{sub 1-x}As metamorphic buffer, and the second with two mismatched superlattices introduced inside the metamorphic buffer. The electrophysical and structural parameters of the grown samples are studied by the van der Pauw method, transmission electron microscopy (including scanningmore » and high-resolution microscopy), atomic-force microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. It is revealed that the introduction of superlattices into a metamorphic buffer substantially improves the electrophysical and structural characteristics of MHEMT structures.« less

Structural evolution of the Semail Ophiolite metamorphic sole, Wadi Hawasina and Northern Jebel Nakhl Culmination, Oman

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurtado, C.; Bailey, C.; Visokay, L.; Scharf, A.

2017-12-01

The Semail ophiolite is the world's largest and best-exposed ophiolite sequence, however the processes associated with both oceanic detachment and later emplacement onto the Arabian continental margin remain enigmatic. This study examines the upper mantle section of the ophiolite, its associated metamorphic sole, and the autochthonous strata beneath the ophiolite at two locations in northern Oman. Our purpose is to understand the structural history of ophiolite emplacement and evaluate the deformation kinematics of faulted and sheared rocks in the metamorphic sole. At Wadi Hawasina, the base of the ophiolite is defined by a 5- to 15-m thick zone of penetratively-serpentinized mylonitic peridotite. Kinematic indicators record top-to-the SW (reverse) sense-of-shear with a triclinic deformation asymmetry. An inverted metamorphic grade is preserved in the 300- to 500-m thick metamorphic sole that is thrust over deep-water sedimentary rocks of the Hawasina Group. The study site near Buwah, in the northern Jebel Nakhl culmination, contains a N-to-S progression of mantle peridotite, metamorphic sole, and underlying Jurassic carbonates. Liswanite crops out in NW-SE trending linear ridges in the peridotite. The metamorphic sole includes well-foliated quartzite, metachert, and amphibolite. Kinematic evidence indicates that the liswanite and a serpentinized mélange experienced top to-the north (normal) sense-of-shear. Two generations of E-W striking, N-dipping normal faults separate the autochthonous sequence from the metamorphic sole, and also cut out significant sections of the metamorphic sole. Fabric analysis reveals that the metamorphic sole experienced flattening strain (K<0.2) that accumulated during pure shear-dominated general shear (Wk<0.4). Normal faulting and extension at the Buwah site indicates that post-ophiolite deformation is significant in the Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Nakhl culminations.

Long distance transport of eclogite and blueschist during early Pacific Ocean subduction rollback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamblyn, Renee; Hand, Martin; Kelsey, David; Phillips, Glen; Anczkiewicz, Robert

2017-04-01

The Tasmanides in eastern Australia represent a period of continental crustal growth on the western margin of the Pacific Ocean associated with slab rollback from the Cambrian until the Triassic. During rollback numerical models predict that subduction products can become trapped in the forearc (Geyra et al., 2002), and can migrate with the trench as it retreats. In a long-lived subduction controlled regime such as the Tasmanides, this should result in an accumulation of subduction products with protracted geochronological and metamorphic histories. U-Pb, Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd and Ar-Ar geochronology and phase equilibria modelling of lawsonite-eclogite and garnet blueschist in the Southern New England Fold Belt in Australia demonstrate that high-P low-T rocks remained within a subduction setting for c. 40 Ma, from c. 500 to 460 Ma. High-P metamorphic rocks initially formed close to the Australian cratonic margin during the late Cambrian, and were subsequently transported over 1500 Ma oceanward, during which time subducted material continued to accumulate, resulting in the development of complex mélange which records eclogite and blueschist metamorphism and partial exhumation over 40 Ma. The duration of refrigerated metamorphism approximates the extensional evolution of the upper plate which culminated in the development of the Lachlan Fold Belt. The protracted record of eclogite and blueschist metamorphism indicates that rapid exhumation is not necessarily required for preservation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks from subduction systems. Reference: Gerya, T. V., Stockhert, B., & Perchuk, A. L. (2002). Exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks in a subduction channel: A numerical simulation. Tectonics, 21(6), 6-1-6-19. doi:10.1029/2002tc001406

Joint Inversion of Geochemical Data and Geophysical Logs for Lithology Identification in CCSD Main Hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Chengxiang; Pan, Heping; Luo, Miao

2017-12-01

The Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling (CCSD) main hole is located in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) belt, providing significant opportunities for studying the metamorphic strata structure, kinetics process and tectonic evolution. Lithology identification is the primary and crucial stage for above geoscientific researches. To release the burden of log analyst and improve the efficiency of lithology interpretation, many algorithms have been developed to automate the process of lithology prediction. While traditional statistical techniques, such as discriminant analysis and K-nearest neighbors classifier, are incompetent in extracting nonlinear features of metamorphic rocks from complex geophysical log data; artificial intelligence algorithms are capable of solving nonlinear problems, but most of the algorithms suffer from tuning parameters to be global optimum to establish model rather than local optimum, and also encounter challenges in making the balance between training accuracy and generalization ability. Optimization methods have been applied extensively in the inversion of reservoir parameters of sedimentary formations using well logs. However, it is difficult to obtain accurate solution from the logging response equations of optimization method because of the strong overlapping of nonstationary log signals when applied in metamorphic formations. As oxide contents of each kinds of metamorphic rocks are relatively less overlapping, this study explores an approach, set in a metamorphic formation model and using the Broyden Fletcher Goldfarb Shanno (BFGS) optimization algorithm to identify lithology from oxide data. We first incorporate 11 geophysical logs and lab-collected geochemical data of 47 core samples to construct oxide profile of CCSD main hole by using backwards stepwise multiple regression method, which eliminates irrelevant input logs step by step for higher statistical significance and accuracy. Then we establish oxide response equations in accordance with the metamorphic formation model and employ BFGS algorithm to minimize the objective function. Finally, we identify lithology according to the composition content which accounts for the largest proportion. The results show that lithology identified by the method of this paper is consistent with core description. Moreover, this method demonstrates the benefits of using oxide content as an adhesive to connect logging data with lithology, can make the metamorphic formation model more understandable and accurate, and avoid selecting complex formation model and building nonlinear logging response equations.

Pseudo- and real-inverted metamorphism caused by the superposition and extrusion of a stack of nappes: a case study of the Southern Brasília Orogen, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Motta, Rafael Gonçalves; Moraes, Renato

2017-10-01

The Southern Brasília Orogen is a Neoproterozoic belt that occurs along the southernmost border of the São Francisco Craton where the Andrelândia Nappe System represents the subducted sedimentary domain and is divided into three allochthonous groups, of which the ages and P-T conditions of metamorphism are studied here. The basal unit, the Andrelândia Nappe, exhibits an inverted metamorphic pattern. The base of the structure, composed of staurolite, garnet, biotite, kyanite, quartz, and muscovite, marks the metamorphic peak, whereas at the top, the association of the metamorphic peak does not contain staurolite. The Liberdade Nappe, the middle unit, presents a normal metamorphic pattern; its base, close to the Andrelândia Nappe, shows paragneiss with evidence of in situ partial melting, and towards the top, coarse-grained staurolite schist is found. The staurolite-out and melt-in isograds are coincident and parallel to the main foliation. Thus, the shear zone that limits the nappes is syn-metamorphic, reheating the underlying Andrelândia Nappe and influencing the establishment of metamorphic inversion. This suggestion is supported by the monazite chemical ages, which indicates that the Andrelândia Nappe metamorphic peak (586 ± 15 Ma) is younger than that of the Liberdade Nappe (622.3 ± 7.6 Ma). The upper unit, the Serra da Natureza Klippe, bears a typical high-pressure granulite mineral assemblage that is composed of kyanite, garnet, K-feldspar, rutile, and leucosome, as well as a metamorphic peak at 604.5 ± 6.1 Ma. This tectonic assembly, with inverted and non-inverted metamorphic patterns and generation of klippen structures, is consistent with exhumation models and a strong indentor located in the lower continental crust.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor I receptors at mRNA and protein levels during metamorphosis of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

PubMed

Zhang, Junling; Shi, Zhiyi; Cheng, Qi; Chen, Xiaowu

2011-08-01

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is an important regulator of fish growth and development, and its biological actions are initiated by binding to IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR). Our previous study has revealed that IGF-I could play an important role during metamorphosis of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. The analysis of IGF-IR expression thus helps further elucidate the IGF-I regulation of metamorphic processes. In this study, the spatial-temporal expression of two distinct IGF-IR mRNAs was investigated by real-time RT-PCR. The spatial distribution of two IGF-IR mRNAs in adult tissues is largely overlapped, but they exhibit distinct temporal expression patterns during larval development. A remarkable decrease in IGF-IR-2 mRNA was detected during metamorphosis. In contrast, a significant increase in IGF-IR-1 mRNA was determined from pre-metamorphosis to metamorphic completion. These indicate that they may play different function roles during the flounder metamorphosis. The levels and localization of IGF-IR proteins during larval development were further studied by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactive IGF-IRs were detected throughout larval development, and the IGF-IR proteins displayed a relatively abundant expression during metamorphosis. Moreover, the IGF-IR proteins appeared in key tissues, such as thickened skin beneath the migrating eye, developing intestine, gills and kidney during metamorphosis. These results further suggest that the IGF-I system may be involved in metamorphic development of Japanese flounder. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

U-Pb zircon geochronology and evolution of some Adirondack meta-igneous rocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclelland, J. M.

1988-01-01

An update was presented of the recent U-Pb isotope geochronology and models for evolution of some of the meta-igneous rocks of the Adirondacks, New York. Uranium-lead zircon data from charnockites and mangerites and on baddeleyite from anorthosite suggest that the emplacement of these rocks into a stable crust took place in the range 1160 to 1130 Ma. Granulite facies metamorphism was approximately 1050 Ma as indicated by metamorphic zircon and sphene ages of the anorthosite and by development of magmatitic alaskitic gneiss. The concentric isotherms that are observed in this area are due to later doming. However, an older contact metamorphic aureole associated with anorthosite intrusion is observed where wollastonite develops in metacarbonates. Zenoliths found in the anorthosite indicate a metamorphic event prior to anorthosite emplacement. The most probable mechanism for anorthosite genesis is thought to be ponding of gabbroic magmas at the Moho. The emplacement of the anorogenic anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite suite was apparently bracketed by compressional orogenies.

Research on the Composition and Distribution of Organic Sulfur in Coal.

PubMed

Zhang, Lanjun; Li, Zenghua; Yang, Yongliang; Zhou, Yinbo; Li, Jinhu; Si, Leilei; Kong, Biao

2016-05-13

The structure and distribution of organic sulfur in coals of different rank and different sulfur content were studied by combining mild organic solvent extraction with XPS technology. The XPS results have shown that the distribution of organic sulfur in coal is related to the degree of metamorphism of coal. Namely, thiophenic sulfur content is reduced with decreasing metamorphic degree; sulfonic acid content rises with decreasing metamorphic degree; the contents of sulfate sulfur, sulfoxide and sulfone are rarely related with metamorphic degree. The solvent extraction and GC/MS test results have also shown that the composition and structure of free and soluble organic sulfur small molecules in coal is closely related to the metamorphic degree of coal. The free organic sulfur small molecules in coal of low metamorphic degree are mainly composed of aliphatic sulfides, while those in coal of medium and high metamorphic degree are mainly composed of thiophenes. Besides, the degree of aromatization of organic sulfur small molecules rises with increasing degree of coalification.

Archean metamorphic sequence and surfaces, Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord, East Greenland

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kays, M. A.

1986-01-01

The characteristics of Archean metamorphic surfaces and fabrics of a mapped sequence of rocks older than about 3000 Ma provide information basic to an understanding of the structural evolution and metamorphic history in Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord, east Greenland. This information and the additional results of petrologic and geochemical studies have culminated in an extended chronology of Archean plutonic, metamorphic, and tectonic events. The basis for the chronology is considered, especially the nature of the metamorphic fabrics and surfaces in the Archean sequence. The surfaces, which are planar mineral parageneses, may prove to be mappable outside Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord, and if so, will be helpful in extending the events that they represent to other Archean sequences in east Greenland. The surfaces will become especially important reference planes if the absolute ages of their metamorphic assemblages can be determined in at least one location where strain was low subsequent to their recrystallization. Once an isochron is obtained, the dynamothermal age of the regionally identifiable metamorphic surface is determined everywhere it can be mapped.

Evidence for Subsolidus Metasomatism in the Eucrite Parent Body

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCallum, I. Stewart; Schwartz, Jeffrey M.; Mullen, Emily K.

2004-01-01

The eucrite parent body (4Vesta) was continuously and rapidy resurfaced by basaltic lavas that formed the non-cumulate eucrites. Ophitic and variolitic textures have been preserved even though eucrites exhibit varying degrees of equilibration based on the extent of thermal metamorphism. Types range from least metamorphosed (type 1) to most metamorphosed (type 7) based in part on the interpretation of textures and compositional zoning profiles within pigeonitic pyroxenes. To provide constraints on the source and duration of the heating event responsible for metamorphism we have investigated primary and secondary textural and compositional relations in noncumulate eucrites with emphasis on subsolidus textures developed in pyroxenes. We have studied examples of most metamorphic types including Pasamonte (type 2) Stannern (4), Nuevo Laredo (4), Juvinas (5), Lakangaon (5), Millbillillie (6), Palo Blanco Creek (7), Jonzac (7), Haraiya (7), along with the cumulate eucrites Moama and Moore County.

Records of near-isothermal decompression and clockwise P-T history from the Paleoproterozoic Mahakoshal Belt, Central Indian Tectonic Zone: Constraints from pseudosection modelling and monazite geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshmukh, Tanzil; Naraga, Prabhakar; Bhattacharya, Abhijit; Kaliappan, Madhavan

2017-04-01

The Mahakoshal Belt (MB) is regarded as the oldest subunit along the northern collar of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) arguably representing the zone of accretion between the North India Block and the South India Block. The following study focuses on deciphering the structural and metamorphic P-T-t history of the schists/phyllites from the eastern part of the belt, and provides insights into the Paleoproterozoic tectonic development in the CITZ. The schists comprise phengite, quartz, andalusite, biotite, muscovite and margarite, and are associated with veins of rare andalusite + corundum + quartz assemblage. The field relations combined with deformation microtextures in the MB schists suggests three episodes of metamorphism, M1, M2 and M3, corresponding with D1, D2 and D3 deformation events respectively. Inclusion trails (S1) of phengite + biotite + quartz ± chlorite in syn/post-S2 andalusite porphyroblasts constrain the M1 metamorphic event in pelitic schists. The application of pseudosection modelling estimated peak metamorphic conditions at ˜8 kbar and 520 ˚ C. Near isothermal decompression (<4 kbar) resulted in the formation of the andalusite + muscovite bearing retrograde assemblage that stabilized at the expense of phengite-bearing assemblage. Further, andalusite porphyroblasts are replaced by margarite + muscovite + chlorite pseudomorphs (2-3 kbar) during syn/post-S3 fluid-aided metamorphism. Th-U-total Pb dating of monazite grains yield core populations at 1.8-1.9 Ga, and rim populations at 1.7-1.8 Ga and 1.5-1.6 Ga. Thus, the peak metamorphism in MB schists was Paleoproterozoic in age, 1.8-1.9 Ga, and the clockwise P-T path was recorded at 1.7-1.8 Ga, which overlaps with the emplacement of blastoporphyritic granitoids along southern margin of the MB. The results obtained in this study combined with the existing structural-metamorphic-chronological information demonstrate the CITZ to be a composite of desperately-evolved crustal domains. With some major omissions, the tectono-thermal events identified in the CITZ partly overlap with those observed in the Capricorn Orogen (Western Australia) and the Trans North China Orogen. Therefore, these global correlations possibly corroborate new configurations on the assembly and fragmentation of Columbia Supercontinent, but await further studies and robust age determinations in the various parts of CITZ.

Genomics of a Metamorphic Timing QTL: met1 Maps to a Unique Genomic Position and Regulates Morph and Species-Specific Patterns of Brain Transcription

PubMed Central

Page, Robert B.; Boley, Meredith A.; Kump, David K.; Voss, Stephen R.

2013-01-01

Very little is known about genetic factors that regulate life history transitions during ontogeny. Closely related tiger salamanders (Ambystoma species complex) show extreme variation in metamorphic timing, with some species foregoing metamorphosis altogether, an adaptive trait called paedomorphosis. Previous studies identified a major effect quantitative trait locus (met1) for metamorphic timing and expression of paedomorphosis in hybrid crosses between the biphasic Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) and the paedomorphic Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). We used existing hybrid mapping panels and a newly created hybrid cross to map the met1 genomic region and determine the effect of met1 on larval growth, metamorphic timing, and gene expression in the brain. We show that met1 maps to the position of a urodele-specific chromosome rearrangement on linkage group 2 that uniquely brought functionally associated genes into linkage. Furthermore, we found that more than 200 genes were differentially expressed during larval development as a function of met1 genotype. This list of differentially expressed genes is enriched for proteins that function in the mitochondria, providing evidence of a link between met1, thyroid hormone signaling, and mitochondrial energetics associated with metamorphosis. Finally, we found that met1 significantly affected metamorphic timing in hybrids, but not early larval growth rate. Collectively, our results show that met1 regulates species and morph-specific patterns of brain transcription and life history variation. PMID:23946331

Indo-Burma Range: a belt of accreted microcontinents, ophiolites and Mesozoic-Paleogene flyschoid sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharyya, S. K.

2015-07-01

This study provides an insight into the lithotectonic evolution of the N-S trending Indo-Burma Range (IBR), constituting the southern flank of the Himalayan syntaxis. Paleogene flyschoid sediments (Disang-Barail) that represent a shallow marine to deltaic environment mainly comprise the west-central sector of IBR, possibly resting upon a continental base. On the east, these sequences are tectonically flanked by the Eocene olistostromal facies of the Disang, which developed through accretion of trench sediments during the subduction. The shelf and trench facies sequences of the Disang underwent overthrusting from the east, giving rise to two ophiolite suites ( Naga Hills Lower Ophiolite ( NHLO) and Victoria Hills Upper Ophiolite ( VHUO), but with different accretion history. The ophiolite and ophiolite cover rock package were subsequently overthrusted by the Proterozoic metamorphic sequence, originated from the Burmese continent. The NHLO suite of Late Jurassic to Early Eocene age is unconformably overlain by mid-Eocene shallow marine ophiolite-derived clastics. On the south, the VHUO of Mesozoic age is structurally underlain by continental metamorphic rocks. The entire package in Victoria Hills is unconformably overlain by shallow marine Late Albian sediments. Both the ophiolite suites and the sandwiched continental metamorphic rocks are thrust westward over the Paleogene shelf sediments. These dismembered ophiolites and continental metamorphic rocks suggest thin-skinned tectonic detachment processes in IBR, as reflected from the presence of klippe of continental metamorphic rocks over the NHLO and the flyschoid Disang floor sediments and half windows exposing the Disang beneath the NHLO.

Miocene crustal extension following thrust tectonic in the Lower Sebtides units (internal Rif, Ceuta Peninsula, Spain): Implication for the geodynamic evolution of the Alboran domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homonnay, Emmanuelle; Corsini, Michel; Lardeaux, Jean-Marc; Romagny, Adrien; Münch, Philippe; Bosch, Delphine; Cenki-Tok, Bénédicte; Ouazzani-Touhami, Mohamed

2018-01-01

In Western Mediterranean, the Rif belt in Morocco is part of the Gibraltar Arc built during the Tertiary in the framework of Eurasia-Africa convergence. The structural and metamorphic evolution of the internal units of this belt as well as their timing, crucial to constrain the geodynamic evolution of the Alboran Sea, is still largely debated. Our study on the Ceuta Peninsula (Northern Rif) provides new structural, petrological and geochronological data (U-Th-Pb, Ar-Ar), which allow to precise the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Lower Sebtides metamorphic units with: (1) a syn-metamorphic thrusting event developed under granulite facies conditions (7-10 kbar and 780-820 °C). A major thrust zone, the Ceuta Shear Zone, drove the emplacement of metapelites and peridotitic lenses from the Ceuta Upper Unit over the orthogneisses of the Monte Hacho Lower Unit. This compressional event ended during the Upper Oligocene. (2) an extensional event developed at the boundary between amphibolite and greenschist facies conditions (400-550 °C and 1-3 kbar). During this event, the Ceuta Shear Zone has been reactivated as a normal fault. Normal ductile shear zones contributed to the final exhumation of the metamorphic units during the Early Miocene. We propose that the compressional event is related to the formation of an orogenic wedge located in the upper plate, in a backward position, of the subduction zone driving the geodynamic evolution of the Alboran domain. In this context, the episode of lithospheric thinning could be related to the opening of the Alboran basin in a back-arc position. Furthermore, unlike the previous models proposed for the Rif belt, the tectonic coupling between mantle peridotites and crustal metamorphic rocks occurred in Ceuta Peninsula at a depth of 20-30 km under high temperature conditions, before the extensional event, and thus cannot be related to the back-arc extension. 1, BSE image of monazite. 2, CL image of monazite showing a thin rim zonation. 3, BSE image of zircon. 4, CL image of zircon showing zonation.

Metabolism of thyroxine in Rana catesbeiana tadpoles during metamorphic climax

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galton, V.A.; Munck, K.

1981-01-01

Previous studies have indicated that premetamorphic tadpoles do not convert T4 to T3 to a measurable extent (1). The present study was performed to determine whether a T4 5'-monodeiodinating system is acquired at later stages of development. (/sup 125/I)T4 metabolism in vivo was determined in tadpoles at most stages of prometamorphosis and metamorphic climax and, for comparison, in premetamorphic tadpoles. The conversion of (/sup 125/I)T4 to (/sup 125/I)T3, as indicated by the presence of an /sup 125/I-labeled product in serum and liver preparations that cochromatographed with carrier T3, was sometimes observed in tadpoles near the end of prometamorphosis and wasmore » always evident in tadpoles that were either undergoing or had completed metamorphic climax. However, during this phase, no correlation could be drawn between the extent of T3 production and morphological development. The formation of T3 from T4 in vivo was significantly decreased in tadpoles pretreated with propylthiouracil. The T45'-monodeiodinating system could be induced in premetamorphic tadpoles by injecting them with either T4 or T3. This finding together with the observation that normal acquisition of this system occurs at the time when endogenous T4 and T3 levels are rising rapidly suggest that its development is under the control of the thyroid hormones.« less

Cathodoluminescence of diamond as an indicator of its metamorphic history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopylova, Maya; Bruce, Loryn; Longo, Micaela; Ryder, John; Dobrzhinetskaya, Larissa

2010-05-01

Diamond displays a supreme resistance to chemical and mechanical weathering, ensuring its survival through complex and prolonged crustal processes, including metamorphism and exhumation. For these reasons, volcanic sources and secondary and tertiary collectors for detrital placer diamonds, like Ural or Bingara diamonds, may be difficult to determine. If metamorphic processes leave their marks on diamond, they can be used to reconstruct crustal geologic processes and ages of primary diamondiferous volcanics. Four diamond suites extracted from metamorphic rocks have been characterized using optical CL, infrared and CL spectroscopy, and photoluminescence at the liquid nitrogen temperature. The studied diamonds are from the ~2.7 Ga sedimentary conglomerate and lamprophyric breccia metamorphosed in the greenschist facies (Wawa, Northern Ontario, Canada) during the 2.67 Ga Kenoran orogeny, and from the ultra-high pressure (UHP) terranes of Kokchetav (Kazakhstan) and Erzgebirge (Germany) exhumated in the Paleozoic. Wawa diamonds (Type IaAB and Type II) displayed green, yellow, orange, and red CL colours controlled by the CL emittance at 520, 576 nm, and between 586 and 664 nm. The UHP terranes diamonds show much weaker CL; few luminescent stones display CL peaks at 395, 498, 528 nm and a broad band at 580-668 nm. In contrast, most common diamonds found in unmetamorphosed rocks, i.e. octahedrally grown Type IaAB stones, luminescence blue emitting light at ~415-440 nm and 480-490 nm. There is a noticeable difference between cathodoluminescence of these diamonds and diamonds in metamorphic rocks. The studied diamonds that experienced metamorphism show a shift of CL emission to longer wavelengths (above 520 nm) and to green, yellow and red CL colours. Photoluminescence has the high resolution necessary to assign luminescence to specific optical centers of diamond. Diamonds in metamorphic rocks contain H3 (pairs of substitutional nitrogen atoms separated by a vacancy) and NVo optical centers (neutrally charged complexes of a vacancy and a single nitrogen). We ascribe the effect of metamorphism on the diamond CL to low-T, low-P deformation that creates lattice dislocations and vacancies. These combine with substitutional N to make and enhance optical centers. The metamorphism-induced CL anneals when diamonds are stored at high-T mantle conditions, as the mobility of dislocations at T>750oC quenches the luminescence. Indeed, all studied diamonds that displayed unusual green, yellow and red CL were found in low and medium grade metamorphic rocks, i.e. Wawa greenschists (T<350oC and P< 3 kb) and Kokchetav and Erzgebirge UHP terranes retrograded in the amphibolite facies (T<750oC, P<14 kb) Our study suggest that a low abundance of octahedrally grown Type IaAB diamonds with blue CL colours among detrital diamonds may indicate that the stones may have once been a part of a low- or medium-grade metamorphic terrane. The CL characteristics superimposed by metamorphism could survive through billions of years of the geological history if not annealed by a high -T process. The discovered record of metamorphism in the diamond crystal lattice provides an opportunity for a better reconstruction of the crustal history and provenance studies of diamond.

Ontogeny of the vertebral column of Eleutherodactylus johnstonei (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae) reveals heterochronies relative to metamorphic frogs.

PubMed

Meza-Joya, Fabio Leonardo; Ramos-Pallares, Eliana Patricia; Ramírez-Pinilla, Martha Patricia

2013-07-01

Over the last century, the morphogenesis of the vertebral column has been considered as a highly conserved process among anurans. This statement is based on the study of few metamorphic taxa, ignoring the role of developmental mechanisms underlying the evolution of specialized life-histories. Direct development in anurans has been regarded as evolutionarily derived and involves developmental recapitulation and repatterning at different levels in all amphibian taxa studied so far. Herein, we analyze the vertebral column morphogenesis of the direct-developing frog Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, describing the sequence of chondrification and ossification, based on cleared and double-stained specimens from early stage embryos to adults. In general, our results show that the morphogenesis of the vertebral column in E. johnstonei recapitulates the ancestral tadpole-like pattern of development. However, the analysis of the sequence of events using heterochrony plots shows important heterocronies relative to metamorphic species, such as a delay in the chondrification of the vertebral centra and in osteogenesis. These ontogenetic peculiarities may represent derived traits in direct-developing frogs and are possibly correlated with its unusual life history. In addition, several features of the vertebral column of E. johnstonei are highly variable from its typical morphology. We report some malformations and small deviations, which do not seem to affect the survival of individuals. These anomalies have also been found in other frogs, and include many vertebral defects, such as vertebral fusion, and vertebral preclusion and/or induction. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Origin and geodynamic significance of the early Mesozoic Weiya LP and HT granulites from the Chinese Eastern Tianshan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Ling-Juan; He, Zhen-Yu; Zhang, Ze-Ming; Klemd, Reiner; Xiang, Hua; Tian, Zuo-Lin; Zong, Ke-Qing

2015-12-01

The Chinese Tianshan in the southwestern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is characterized by a variety of high-grade metamorphic rocks, which provide critical constraints for understanding the geodynamic evolution of the CAOB. In this paper, we present detailed petrological and zircon U-Pb geochronological studies of the Weiya low-pressure and high-temperature (LP-HT) granulites of the Chinese Eastern Tianshan. These granulites were previously considered to be a product of a regional metamorphic orogenic event. Due to different bulk-rock chemistries the Weiya granulites, which occur as lenses within the contact metamorphic aureole of the Weiya granitic ring complex, have a variety of felsic-pelitic and mafic granulites with different textural equilibrium mineral assemblages including garnet-cordierite-sillimanite-bearing granulites, cordierite-sillimanite-bearing granulites, cordierite-orthopyroxene-bearing granulites, and orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene-bearing granulites. Average P-T thermobarometric calculations and conventional geothermobarometry indicates that the Weiya granulites underwent early prograde metamorphism under conditions of 600-650 °C at 3.2-4.2 kbar and peak metamorphism of 750-840 °C at 2.9-6.3 kbar, indicating a rather high geothermal gradient of ca. 60 °C/km. Zircon U-Pb LA-ICP-MS dating revealed metamorphic ages between 244 ± 1 to 237 ± 3 Ma, which are in accordance with the crystallization age of the Weiya granitic ring complex. We suggest that the formation of the Weiya granulites was related to contemporaneous granitic magmatism instead of a regional metamorphic orogenic event. In addition, a Late Devonian metamorphic age of ca. 380 Ma was recorded in zircon mantle domains from two pelitic samples which is consistent with the metamorphic age of the Xingxingxia metamorphic complex in the Chinese Eastern Tianshan. This suggests that the mantle domains of the zircon grains of the Weiya granulites probably formed during the Late Devonian regional metamorphism and were overprinted by the Early Triassic contact metamorphism. Therefore, Early Triassic geodynamic models for the southwestern part of the CAOB, which are based on a previously suggested regional metamorphic orogenic event of the Weiya granulites, need to be viewed with caution.

1.45 Ga granulites in the southwestern Grenville province: Geologic setting, P-T conditions, and U-Pb geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ketchum, J. W. F.; Jamieson, R. A.; Heaman, L. M.; Culshaw, N. G.; Krogh, T. E.

1994-03-01

In the southwestern Grenville province, the parautochthonous Britt domain includes a variety of pre-Grenvillian metamorphic and plutonic rocks that were reworked at upper amphibolite facies during the Grenvillian orogeny. Near Pointe-au-Baril, Ontario, a crustal block containing pre-Grenvillian granulite facies mineral assemblages and pre-Grenvillian to early Grenvillian tectonic fabrics has been identified. The block is bounded on the northwest and southeast by extensional shear zones that may have isolated it from regional late Gren- villian deformation. Multiequilibria pressure-temperature (P-T) calculations for orthopyroxene-bearing mafic rocks suggest conditions of 625-700 °C and 7.2-8.4 kbar for the pre-Grenvillian metamorphism. The granulite facies assemblages were locally overprinted during higher pressure Grenvillian metamorphism, which peaked at 720-775 °C and 10.8-11.5 kbar. U-Pb zircon data from migmatitic, mafic supracrustal gneiss indicate metamorphism and leucosome development at ca. 1450-1430 Ma, in agreement with other pre-Grenvillian metamorphic ages for the Central gneiss belt and Grenville Front tectonic zone. An expanding data base on pre-Grenvillian events in the southwestern Grenville province indicates that high-grade metamorphism at ca. 1450-1430 Ma affected a large region of crust and was coeval with widespread felsic to intermediate plutonism.

Chemical weathering indices applied to weathering profiles developed on heterogeneous felsic metamorphic parent rocks

Treesearch

Jason R. Price; Michael A. Velbel

2003-01-01

Chemical weathering indices are commonly used for characterizing weathering profiles by incorporating bulk major element oxide chemistry into a single metric for each sample. Generally, on homogeneous parent rocks, weathering indices change systematically with depth. However, the weathering of heterogeneous metamorphic rocks confounds the relationship between...

Deciphering igneous and metamorphic events in high-grade rocks of the Wilmington complex, Delaware: Morphology, cathodoluminescence and backscattered electron zoning, and SHRIMP U-Pb geochronology of zircon and monazite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aleinikoff, J.N.; Schenck, W.S.; Plank, M.O.; Srogi, L.A.; Fanning, C.M.; Kamo, S.L.; Bosbyshell, H.

2006-01-01

High-grade rocks of the Wilmington Complex, northern Delaware and adjacent Maryland and Pennsylvania, contain morphologically complex zircons that formed through both igneous and metamorphic processes during the development of an island-arc complex and suturing of the arc to Laurentia. The arc complex has been divided into several members, the protoliths of which include both intrusive and extrusive rocks. Metasedimentary rocks are interlayered with the complex and are believed to be the infrastructure upon which the arc was built. In the Wilmingto n Complex rocks, both igneous and metamorphic zircons occur as elongate and equant forms. Chemical zoning, shown by cathodoluminescence (CL), includes both concentric, oscillatory patterns, indicative of igneous origin, and patchwork and sector patterns, suggestive of metamorphic growth. Metamorphic monazites are chemically homogeneous, or show oscillatory or spotted chemical zoning in backscattered electron images. U-Pb geochronology by sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) was used to date complexly zoned zircon and monazite. All but one member of the Wilmington Complex crystallized in the Ordovician between ca. 475 and 485 Ma; these rocks were intruded by a suite of gabbro-to-granite plutonic rocks at 434 ?? Ma. Detrital zircons in metavolcanic and metasedimentary units were derived predominantly from 0.9 to 1.4 Ga (Grenvillian) basement, presumably of Laurentian origin. Amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism of the Wilmington Complex, recorded by ages of metamorphic zircon (428 ?? 4 and 432 ?? 6 Ma) and monazite (429 ?? 2 and 426 ?? 3 Ma), occurred contemporaneously with emplacement of the younger plutonic rocks. On the basis of varying CL zoning patterns and external morphologies, metamorphic zircons formed by different processes (presumably controlled by rock chemistry) at slightly different times and temperatures during prograde metamorphism. In addition, at least three other thermal episodes are recorded by monazite growth at 447 ?? 4, 411 ?? 3, and 398 ?? 3 Ma. ?? 2006 Geological Society of America.

Pressure-temperature evolution of Neoproterozoic metamorphism in the Welayati Formation (Kabul Block), Afghanistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collett, Stephen; Faryad, Shah Wali

2015-11-01

The Welayati Formation, consisting of alternating layers of mica-schist and quartzite with lenses of amphibolite, unconformably overlies the Neoarchean Sherdarwaza Formation of the Kabul Block that underwent Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies and Neoproterozoic amphibolite-facies metamorphic events. To analyze metamorphic history of the Welayati Formation and its relations to the underlying Sherdarwaza Formation, petrographic study and pressure-temperature (P-T) pseudosection modeling were applied to staurolite- and kyanite-bearing mica-schists, which crop out to the south of Kabul City. Prograde metamorphism, identified by inclusion trails and chemical zonation in garnet from the micaschists indicates that the rocks underwent burial from around 6.2 kbar at 525 °C to maximum pressure conditions of around 9.5 kbar at temperatures of around 650 °C. Decompression from peak pressures under isothermal or moderate heating conditions are indicated by formation of biotite and plagioclase porphyroblasts which cross-cut and overgrow the dominant foliation. The lack of sillimanite and/or andalusite suggests that cooling and further decompression occurred in the kyanite stability field. The results of this study indicate a single amphibolite-facies metamorphism that based on P-T conditions and age dating correlates well with the Neoproterozoic metamorphism in the underlying Sherdarwaza Formation. The rocks lack any paragenetic evidence for a preceding granulite-facies overprint or subsequent Paleozoic metamorphism. Owing to the position of the Kabul Block, within the India-Eurasia collision zone, partial replacement of the amphibolite-facies minerals in the micaschist could, in addition to retrogression of the Neoproterozoic metamorphism, relate to deformation associated with the Alpine orogeny.

Age, temperature and pressure of metamorphism in the Tasriwine Ophiolite Complex, Sirwa, Morocco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samson, S. D.; Inglis, J.; Hefferan, K. P.; Admou, H.; Saquaque, A.

2013-12-01

Sm-Nd garnet-whole rock geochronology and phase equilbria modeling have been used to determine the age and conditions of regional metamorphism within the Tasriwine ophiolite complex,Sirwa, Morocco. Pressure and temperature estimates obtained using a NaCaKFMASHT phase diagram (pseudosection) and garnet core and rim compositions predict that garnet growth began at ~0.72GPa and ~615°C and ended at ~0.8GPa and ~640°C. A bulk garnet Sm-Nd age of 645.6 × 1.6 Ma, calculated from a four point isochron that combines whole rock, garnet full dissolution and two successively more aggressive partial dissolutions, provides a precise date for garnet formation and regional metamorphism. The age is nearly 20 million years younger than a previous age estimate of regional metamorphism of 663 × 14 Ma based upon a SHRIMP U-Pb date from rims on zircon from the Irri migmatite. The new data provide further constraints on the age and nature of regional metamorphism in the Anti-Atlas mountains and emphasizes that garnet growth during regional metamorphism may not necessarily coincide with magmatism/anatexis which predominate the signature witnessed by previous U-Pb studies. The ability to couple PT estimates for garnet formation with high precision Sm- Nd geochronology highlights the utility of garnet studies for uncovering the detailed metamorphic history of the Anti-Atlas mountain belt.

Mineral Reactions Involving Sapphirine and Their Application for Characterization of Metamorphic Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesskii, K. K.

2008-05-01

Assemblages of sapphirine, once considered to be a rare mineral, have in recent years been recognized as important indicators of high-temperature metamorphism. They occur in rocks that have undergone different tectono-metamorphic histories, with the P-T range of formation being estimated from below 700°C and 0.5 GPa to above 1100°C and 1.5 GPa. Sapphirine associated with quartz is attributed exclusively to the highest temperature conditions of crustal metamorphism referred to as ultrahigh-temperatiure metamorphism. Although experimental data involving sapphirine extend over an even wider P-T range, the quantitative interpretation of sapphirine-bearing assemblages remains ambiguous. Thermodynamic properties of magnesian sapphirine end-members have been optimized on the basis of experimentally constrained phase relations with the equation of state developed by Gerya et al., 2004. They differ from the model used in THERMOCALC (Kelsey et al., 2004), and the differences in the estimated stability of assemblages of sapphirine with quartz, kyanite and forsterite, to which a special attention have been paid due to their petrologic importance, look dramatic and may change interpretations of petrogenetic processes.

Near infrared spectra of muscovite, Tschermak substitution, and metamorphic reaction progress: Implications for remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duke, Edward F.

1994-07-01

Near infrared (NIR) spectra of Precambrian metagraywacke in the Black Hills, South Dakota, demonstrate that reflectance spectroscopy can be used to monitor progressive changes in mineral chemistry as a function of metamorphic grade. The wavelength of a combination Al-O-H absorption band in muscovite, measured using both laboratory and field-portable NIR spectrometers, shifts from 2217 nm in the biotite zone to 2199 nm in the sillimanite + K-feldspar zone. The band shift corresponds to an increase in the Alvi content of muscovite, determined by electron microprobe, and is thus a monitor of Al2Si-1(Fe,Mg)-1 (Tschermak) exchange. Spectroscopic measurements such as these are useful in the case of aluminum-deficient rocks, which lack metamorphic index minerals or appropriate assemblages for thermobarometric studies, and in low-grade rocks (subgarnet zone), which lack quantitative indicators of metamorphic grade and are too fine grained for petrographic or microprobe studies. More important, spectroscopic detection of mineral-chemical variations in metamorphic rocks provides petrologists with a tool to recover information on metamorphic reaction histories from high-spectral-resolution aircraft or satellite remote sensing data.

Differentially expressed regulatory genes in honey bee caste development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hepperle, C.; Hartfelder, K.

2001-03-01

In the honey bee, an eminently fertile queen with up to 200 ovarioles per ovary monopolizes colony level reproduction. In contrast, worker bees have only few ovarioles and are essentially sterile. This phenotype divergence is a result of caste-specifically modulated juvenile hormone and ecdysteroid titers in larval development. In this study we employed a differential-display reverse transcription (DDRT)-PCR protocol to detect ecdysteroid-regulated gene expression during a critical phase of caste development. We identified a Ftz-F1 homolog and a Cut-like transcript. Ftz-F1 could be a putative element of the metamorphic ecdysone response cascade of bees, whereas Cut-like proteins are described as transcription factors involved in maintaining cellular differentiation states. The downregulation of both factors can be interpreted as steps in the metamorphic degradation of ovarioles in worker-bee ovaries.

Effects of fluoride on development and growth of Rana chensinensis embryos and larvae.

PubMed

Chai, Lihong; Dong, Suiming; Zhao, Hongfeng; Deng, Hongzhang; Wang, Hongyuan

2016-04-01

The present study examined the adverse effects of fluoride exposure on embryos and larvae of Rana chensinensis. Survival, morphological abnormalities, growth and development, time to metamorphosis and size at metamorphic climax of R. chensinensis were examined. Our results showed that embryos malformation occurred in all fluoride treatments. Morphological abnormalities of embryos are characterized by axial flexures, the extrusion of fin axis, edema, and ruffled dorsal and ventral fin. Additionally, 4.1mg F(-)/L and above could significantly inhibit embryos growth and development. On day 15, total length and weight of tadpole were significantly lower in 19.6 and 42.4 mg F(-)/L treatments compared to control. However, significant reductions in total length and weight were observed only at 42.4 mg F(-)/L on day 30. Moreover, significant metamorphic delay and decrease in the size at metamorphic climax were found in larvae exposed to 42.4 mg F(-)/L. Taken together, embryos of R. chensinensis are more vulnerable to fluoride exposure than their tadpoles. Our results suggested that the presence of high concentrations fluoride might increase mortality risk and a reduction in juvenile recruitment in the field by increasing embryos malformation, delaying metamorphosis and decreasing size at metamorphosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Traces of Catastrophe: A Handbook of Shock-Metamorphic Effects in Terrestrial Meteorite Impact Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

French, Bevan M.

1998-01-01

This handbook of Shock-Metamorphic Effects in Terrestrial Meteorite Impact Structures emphasizes terrestrial impact structures, field geology, and particularly the recognition and petrographic study of shock-metamorphic effects in terrestrial rocks. Individual chapters include: 1) Landscapes with Craters: Meteorite Impacts, Earth, and the Solar System; 2) Target Earth: Present, Past and Future; 3) Formation of Impact Craters; 4) Shock-Metamorphic Effects in Rocks and Minerals; 5) Shock-Metamorphosed Rocks (Impactities) in Impact Structures; 6) Impact Melts; 7) How to Find Impact Structures; and 8) What Next? Current Problems and Future Investigations.

Incorporating Cutting Edge Scientific Results from the Margins-Geoprisms Program into the Undergraduate Curriculum: The Subduction Factory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penniston-Dorland, S.; Stern, R. J.; Edwards, B. R.; Kincaid, C. R.

2014-12-01

The NSF-MARGINS Program funded a decade of research on continental margin processes. The NSF-GeoPRISMS Mini-lesson Project, funded by NSF-TUES, is designed to integrate fundamental results from the MARGINS program into open-source college-level curriculum. Three Subduction Factory (SubFac) mini-lessons were developed as part of this project. These include hands-on examinations of data sets representing 3 key components of the subduction zone system: 1) Heat transfer in the subducted slab; 2) Metamorphic processes happening at the plate interface; and 3) Typical magmatic products of arc systems above subduction zones. Module 1: "Slab Temperatures Control Melting in Subduction Zones, What Controls Slab Temperature?" allows students to work in groups using beads rolling down slopes as an analog for the mathematics of heat flow. Using this hands-on, exploration-based approach, students develop an intuition for the mathematics of heatflow and learn about heat conduction and advection in the subduction zone environment. Module 2: "Subduction zone metamorphism" introduces students to the metamorphic rocks that form as the subducted slab descends and the mineral reactions that characterize subduction-related metamorphism. This module includes a suite of metamorphic rocks available for instructors to use in a lab, and exercises in which students compare pressure-temperature estimates obtained from metamorphic rocks to predictions from thermal models. Module 3: "Central American Arc Volcanoes, Petrology and Geochemistry" introduces students to basic concepts in igneous petrology using the Central American volcanic arc, a MARGINS Subduction Factory focus site, as an example. The module relates data from two different volcanoes - basaltic Cerro Negro (Nicaragua) and andesitic Ilopango (El Salvador) including hand sample observations and major element geochemistry - to explore processes of mantle and crustal melting and differentiation in arc volcanism.

Metamorphism, Plate Tectonics, and the Supercontinent Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Michael

Granulite facies ultrahigh temperature metamorphism (G-UHTM) is documented in the rock record predominantly from Neoarchean to Cambrian; G-UHTM facies series rocks may be inferred at depth in younger, particularly Cenozoic orogenic systems. The first occurrence of G-UHTM in the rock record signifies a change in geodynamics that generated transient sites of very high heat flow. Many G-UHTM belts may have developed in settings analogous to modern continental backarcs. On a warmer Earth, the cyclic formation of supercontinents and their breakup, particularly by extroversion, which involved destruction of ocean basins floored by thinner lithosphere, may have generated hotter continental backarcs than those associated with the modern Pacific rim. Medium-temperature eclogite, high-pressure granulite metamorphism (E-HPGM), is also first recognized in the Neoarchean rock record and occurs at intervals throughout the Proterozoic and Paleozoic rock record. E-HPGM belts are complementary to G-UHTM belts and are generally inferred to record subduction-to-collision orogenesis. Blueschists become evident in the Neoproterozoic rock record; they record the low thermal gradients associated with modern subduction. Lawsonite blueschists and eclogites (high-pressure metamorphism, HPM) and ultrahigh pressure metamorphism (UHPM) characterized by coesite (±lawsonite) or diamond are predominantly Phanerozoic phenomena. HPM-UHPM registers the low thermal gradients and deep subduction of continental crust during the early stage of the collision process in Phanerozoic subduction-to-collision orogens. Although perhaps counterintuitive, many HPM-UHPM belts appear to have developed by closure of small ocean basins in the process of accretion of a continental terrane during a period of supercontinent introversion (Wilson cycle ocean basin opening and closing). A duality of metamorphic belts—reflecting a duality of thermal regimes—appears in the record only since the Neoarchean Era. A duality of thermal regimes is the hallmark of modern plate tectonics and the duality of metamorphic belts is the characteristic imprint of plate tectonics in the rock record. The occurrence of both G-UHTM and E-HPGM belts since the Neoarchean manifests the onset of a 'Proterozoic plate tectonics regime', although the style of tectonics likely involved differences. The 'Proterozoic plate tectonics regime' evolved during a Neoproterozoic transition to the 'modern plate tectonics regime' characterized by colder subduction and subduction of continental crust deep into the mantle and its (partial) return from depths of up to 300 km, as chronicled by the appearance of HPM-UHPM in the rock record. The age distribution of metamorphic belts that record extreme conditions of metamorphism is not uniform, and metamorphism occurs in periods that correspond to amalgamation of continental lithosphere into supercratons (e.g. Superia/Sclavia) or supercontinents (e.g. Nuna (Columbia), Rodinia, Gondwana, and Pangea).

Zircon and monazite response to prograde metamorphism in the Reynolds Range, central Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubatto, Daniela; Williams, Ian S.; Buick, Ian S.

2001-01-01

We report an extensive field-based study of zircon and monazite in the metamorphic sequence of the Reynolds Range (central Australia), where greenschist- to granulite-facies metamorphism is recorded over a continuous crustal section. Detailed cathodoluminescence and back-scattered electron imaging, supported by SHRIMP U-Pb dating, has revealed the different behaviours of zircon and monazite during metamorphism. Monazite first recorded regional metamorphic ages (1576 ± 5 Ma), at amphibolite-facies grade, at ˜600 °C. Abundant monazite yielding similar ages (1557 ± 2 to 1585 ± 3 Ma) is found at granulite-facies conditions in both partial melt segregations and restites. New zircon growth occurred between 1562 ± 4 and 1587 ± 4 Ma, but, in contrast to monazite, is only recorded in granulite-facies rocks where melt was present (≥700 °C). New zircon appears to form at the expense of pre-existing detrital and inherited cores, which are partly resorbed. The amount of metamorphic growth in both accessory minerals increases with temperature and metamorphic grade. However, new zircon growth is influenced by rock composition and driven by partial melting, factors that appear to have little effect on the formation of metamorphic monazite. The growth of these accessory phases in response to metamorphism extends over the 30 Ma period of melt crystallisation (1557-1587 Ma) in a stable high geothermal regime. Rare earth element patterns of zircon overgrowths in leucosome and restite indicate that, during the protracted metamorphism, melt-restite equilibrium was reached. Even in the extreme conditions of long-lasting high temperature (750-800 °C) metamorphism, Pb inheritance is widely preserved in the detrital zircon cores. A trace of inheritance is found in monazite, indicating that the closure temperature of the U-Pb system in relatively large monazite crystals can exceed 750-800 °C.

Numerical model of the transition from continental rifting to oceanization: the case study of the Ligure-Piemontese ocean.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roda, M.; Marotta, A. M.; Conte, K.; Spalla, M. I.

2015-12-01

The transition from continental rifting to oceanization has been investigated by mean of a 2D thermo-mechanical numerical model in which the formation of oceanic crust by mantle serpentinization, due to the hydration of the uprising peridotite, as been implemented. Model predictions have been compared with natural data related to the Permian-Triassic thinning affecting the continental lithosphere of the Alpine domain, in order to identify which portions of the present Alpine-Apennine system, preserving the imprints of Permian-Triassic high temperature (HT) metamorphism, is compatible, in terms of lithostratigraphy and tectono-metamorphic evolution, with a lithospheric extension preceding the opening of the Ligure-Piemontese oceanic basin. At this purpose age, petrological and structural data from the Alpine and Apennine ophiolite complexes are compared with model predictions from the oceanization stage. Our comparative analysis supports the thesis that the lithospheric extension preceding the opening of the Alpine Tethys did not start on a stable continental lithosphere, but developed by recycling part of the old Variscan collisional suture. The HT Permian-Triassic metamorphic re-equilibration overprints an inherited tectonic and metamorphic setting consequent to the Variscan subduction and collision, making the Alps a key case history to explore mechanisms responsible for the re-activation of orogenic scars.

Removing the effects of metamorphism from the Neoproterozoic carbon isotope record: a case study on Islay, western Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skelton, Alasdair

2016-04-01

The Port Askaig Formation on Islay, western Scotland is the first discovered tillite (glacial sediment) of Neoproterozoic age. This formation is sandwiched between carbonate rocks which preserve an extreme negative carbon isotope excursion. This so called "Islay anomaly" has been correlated with other such anomalies worldwide and together with the tillites has been cited as evidence of major (worldwide) glaciation events. During subsequent mountain building, this carbonate-tillite- carbonate sequence has been folded, producing a major en-echelon anticlinal fold system. Folding was accompanied by metamorphism at greenschist facies conditions which was, in turn, accompanied by metamorphic fluid flow. Mapping of the δ18O and δ13C values of these carbonate rocks reveals that metamorphic fluids were channelled through the axial region of the anticlinal fold. The metamorphic fluid was found to have a highly negative δ13C value, which was found to be in equilibrium with metamorphosed graphitic mudstones beneath the carbonate-tillite-carbonate sequence. Devolatilisation of these mudstones is therefore a likely source of this metamorphic fluid. Removal of the effects of metamorphic fluid flow on δ13C values recorded by metamorphosed carbonate rocks on Islay allows us to re-evaluate the isotopic evidence used to reconstruct Neoproterozoic climate. We are able to show that extreme negative δ13C values can partly be attributed to metamorphic fluid flow.

Synchronous formation of the metamorphic sole and igneous crust of the Semail ophiolite: New constraints on the tectonic evolution during ophiolite formation from high-precision U-Pb zircon geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rioux, Matthew; Garber, Joshua; Bauer, Ann; Bowring, Samuel; Searle, Michael; Kelemen, Peter; Hacker, Bradley

2016-10-01

The Semail (Oman-United Arab Emirates) and other Tethyan-type ophiolites are underlain by a sole consisting of greenschist- to granulite-facies metamorphic rocks. As preserved remnants of the underthrust plate, sole exposures can be used to better understand the formation and obduction of ophiolites. Early models envisioned that the metamorphic sole of the Semail ophiolite formed as a result of thrusting of the hot ophiolite lithosphere over adjacent oceanic crust during initial emplacement; however, calculated pressures from granulite-facies mineral assemblages in the sole suggest the metamorphic rocks formed at >35 km depth, and are too high to be explained by the currently preserved thickness of ophiolite crust and mantle (up to 15-20 km). We have used high-precision U-Pb zircon dating to study the formation and evolution of the metamorphic sole at two well-studied localities. Our previous research and new results show that the ophiolite crust formed from 96.12-95.50 Ma. Our new dates from the Sumeini and Wadi Tayin sole localities indicate peak metamorphism at 96.16 and 94.82 Ma (±0.022 to 0.035 Ma), respectively. The dates from the Sumeini sole locality show for the first time that the metamorphic rocks formed either prior to or during formation of the ophiolite crust, and were later juxtaposed with the base of the ophiolite. These data, combined with existing geochemical constraints, are best explained by formation of the ophiolite in a supra-subduction zone setting, with metamorphism of the sole rocks occurring in a subducted slab. The 1.3 Ma difference between the Wadi Tayin and Sumeini dates indicates that, in contrast to current models, the highest-grade rocks at different sole localities underwent metamorphism, and may have returned up the subduction channel, at different times.

Fluid mixing and ore deposition during the geodynamic evolution of the Sierra Almagrera (Betics, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dyja, Vanessa; Tarantola, Alexandre; Hibsch, Christian; Boiron, Marie-Christine; Cathelineau, Michel

2013-04-01

Marine and continental intramountaineous basins developed during the Neogene orographic evolution of the Betico-rifan orogenic wedge, as well as the related uplifted ranges within the Sierra Almagrera Metamorphic Core Complexes (MCC). The NNE-SSW striking trans-Alboran transcurrent fault system crosscuts the MCC post-dating the extensional exhumation stages recorded in the metamorphic fabric. Iron ores (± Pb, Cu, Zn) are encountered either as stratabound ore deposits in the Neogene basins or as vein networks crosscutting the metamorphic fabric of graphitic phyllites from the Sierra Almagrera. These Late Miocene ore deposits are related to the activity of the N-S striking Palomares fault segment of the Trans-Alboran fault system. Three sets of quartz veins (Vα, Vαβ and Vβ) and one set of mineralized vein (Vγ, siderite, barite) are distinguished. The Vα and Vαβ respectively are totally or partially transposed into the foliation. The Vβ and Vγ veins are discordant to the foliation. The problem addressed in this study concerns the nature of the fluids involved in the metal deposits and their relationships with the main reservoir fluids, e.g. the deep metamorphic fluids, the basinal fluids, and eventually the recharge meteoric fluids. This study focuses thus on the evolution of the fluids at different stages of ductile-brittle exhumation of the metamorphic ranges (Sierras) and their role during the exhumation and later on in relation with the hydrothermalism and metal deposition at a regional scale. Paleofluids were studied as inclusions in quartz, siderite and barite from veins by microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy, and a stable isotope study is in progress. Earliest fluids recorded in (Vαβ) quartz veins are H2O- NaCl + CaCl2 (17 wt. %) - (traces of CO2, CH4, N2) metamorphic brines trapped at the ductile brittle transition at a minimum trapping temperatures (Th) of 340 °C. Older metamorphic fluids in (Vα) veins were lost during the complete recrystallization of the original quartz grains during transposition. The second fluid type is characterized by very low salinity inclusions (1.2 wt.% NaCl) found in veins discordant to the foliation (Vβ), and precedes brines (23 wt. % NaCl + CaCl2 with Th of 320 °C) trapped in transgranular fluid inclusion planes (FIP). The NW-SE to N-S directions of these FIP appears coherent with shortening directions related to Tortonian and Messinian basin development (Montenat, 1990). The halogen signatures of the latest brines confirm that they derive from primary brines issued from sea water evaporation. Fluid inclusions in barites and siderites from (Vγ) veins display a Br/Cl ratio more typical of secondary brines and a rather large range of salinities, this indicating distinct fluid movements and the dissolution of evaporates by dilute fluids may be of meteoric origin. Fluids in siderites show the lowest trapping temperature conditions around 190 °C. The existence of a sea water component in fluids was previously mentioned by Morales Ruano et al. (1995) indicate a δ34S of 22,1-23.9 ‰ for barite from Sierra Almagrera. In conclusion, during the Neogene multistage evolution of the Almagrera MCC, fluids of different origins e.g. basinal, meteoric and metamorphic fluids have circulated within the crust, and locally interacted with evaporites. The resulting brines formed Fe-(Ba, Pb, Cu) ores in discontinuities affecting both the metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Morales Ruano, S., Both, R., and Fenoll Hach-Ali, P., 1995, Fluid evolution and mineral deposition in the Aguilas - Sierra Almagrera base metal ores, southeastern Spain.: Mineral Deposits, p. 365-368. Montenat, C., 1990, Les Bassins néogènes du domaine bétique oriental (Espagne), Documents et Travaux IGAL n°12-13, 392 p.

Late Cretaceous tectonothermal evolution of the southern Lhasa terrane, South Tibet: Consequence of a Mesozoic Andean-type orogeny

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Xin; Zhang, Ze-ming; Klemd, Reiner; He, Zhen-yu; Tian, Zuo-lin

2018-04-01

The Lhasa terrane of the southern Tibetan Plateau participated in a Mesozoic Andean-type orogeny caused by the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere. However, metamorphic rocks, which can unravel details of the geodynamic evolution, are rare and only exposed in the south-eastern part of the Lhasa terrane. Therefore, we conducted a detailed petrological, geochemical and U-Pb zircon geochronological study of the late Cretaceous metamorphic rocks and associated gabbros from the Nyemo inlier of the southern Lhasa terrane. The Nyemo metamorphic rocks including gneisses, schists, marbles and calc-silicate rocks, experienced peak amphibolite-facies contact metamorphism under P-T conditions of 3.5-4.0 kbar and 642-657 °C with a very high geothermal gradient of 45-50 °C/km, revealing a distinct deflection from the steady-state geotherm during low-pressure metamorphism. Inherited magmatic zircon cores from the metamorphic rocks yielded protolith ages of 197-194 Ma, while overgrowth zircon rims yielded metamorphic ages of ca. 86 Ma. Whole-rock chemistry and zircon Hf isotopes suggest that the protoliths of the gneisses and schists are andesites and tuffs of the early Jurassic Sangri Group, which were derived from a depleted mantle source of a continental arc affinity. The coeval intimately-associated gabbro (ca. 86 Ma) crystallized under P-T conditions of 3.5-5.3 kbar and 914-970 °C, supplying the heat flux high enough to cause the contact metamorphism of the Sangri Group rock types. We propose that the intrusion of the gabbro and a simultaneous pressure increase of up to 4.0 kbar, which is related to crustal thickening due to crustal overthrusting and the intrusion of mafic material, resulted in the late Cretaceous metamorphism of the early Jurassic Sangri Group during an Andean-type orogeny. Furthermore the Nyemo metamorphic rocks, which have previously been considered to represent slivers of the Precambrian metamorphic basement of the Lhasa terrane, are late Cretaceous metamorphic supracrustal rocks.

Multiple hydrothermal and metamorphic events in the Kidd Creek volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, Timmins, Ontario: evidence from tourmalines and chlorites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Slack, J.F.; Coad, P.R.

1989-01-01

The tourmalines and chlorites record a series of multiple hydrothermal and metamorphic events. Paragenetic studies suggest that tourmaline was deposited during several discrete stages of mineralization, as evidence by brecciation and cross-cutting relationships. Most of the tourmalines have two concentric growth zones defined by different colours (green, brown, blue, yellow). Some tourmalines also display pale discordant rims that cross-cut and embay the inner growth zones and polycrystalline, multiple-extinction domains. Late sulphide veinlets (chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite) transect the inner growth zones and pale discordant rims of many crystals. The concentric growth zones are interpreted as primary features developed by the main ore-forming hydrothermal system, whereas the discordant rims, polycrystalline domains, and cross-cutting sulphide veinlets reflect post-ore metamorphic processes. Variations in mineral proportions and mineral chemistry within the deposit mainly depend on fluctuations in temperature, pH, water/rock ratios, and amounts of entrained seawater. -from Authors

Composition and formations conditions of andalusite-kyanite-sillimanite pegmatoid segregstions in metamorphic rocks of the Tseel block (Mongolian Altai)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhorukov, Vasiliy

2010-05-01

Quartz veins and pegmatoid segregations containing polymorphous Al2SiO5 modifications often occur in metamorphic complexes. Metapelites abound in various combinations of two Al2SiO5 polymorphs, e.g., andalusite + sillimanite and sillimanite + kyanite (Kerrick, 1990). Rocks with three polymorphs are much scarcer; they result from subsequent crystallization during progressive metamorphism or combined regional and contact metamorphism or from metastable crystallization (Kerrick, 1990). Study of veins containing various Al2SiO5 modifications can give insight into the PT-conditions of metamorphism and their temporal changes. The Tsel block is localized in the basins of the Tseliyn, Hudjertiyn, Sharin, and Deresetuin Rivers and is part of the Hercynides structure on the southern flank of Mongolian Altay. Pegmatoid segregations containing polymorphous Al2SiO5 modifications were discovered in the vicinity of the western contact of one of the largest basic-rock massifs, Buren-Hairhan.They are hosted by schists bearing paragenesis Bt + Ms + St + Grt + Ky + Sill + And + Fibr + Pl + Qtz. Visual examination of the pegmatoid segregations showed the presence of large (up to 4-5 cm) mineral aggregates —kyanite pseudomorphs developed after andalusite. They are prismatic, with rhombic sections, and are composed of chaotically arranged kyanite crystals with irregular-shaped andalusite relics between them. The samples also contain large (1 cm) muscovite plates localized between the pseudomorphs as well as quartz grains. The pegmatoid segregations bear the following mineral assemblage: And + Ky + Sil + Fibr + Ms + Qtz + Pl + St +Grt + Bt. Predominant minerals are Al2SiO5 polymorphs (30-50 vol.%), muscovite (30-60 vol.%), and quartz (up to 20 vol.%). Biotite and plagioclase are present in small amounts; staurolite and garnet are occasional. Based on the observed mineral correlations, the following sequence of formation of Al2SiO5 polymorphs has been established: First, andalusite was replaced by kyanite to form pseudomorphs; then, fibrolite was produced, which, in turn, gave way to prismatic sillimanite. The fact that fibrolite formed after kyanite is proved by its presence in muscovite developed after the latter mineral. Sillimanite was, most likely, produced later than or synchronously with large muscovite replacing andalusite grains and kyanite pseudomorphs developed after andalusite. 2. Though the estimated P and T values are close to those of the triple point (Pattison, 1992), the studied rocks bear evidence for the replacement of andalusite by kyanite and sillimanite. The mineral assemblages pointing to the kyanitesillimanite type of metamorphism of the host rocks and the presence of andalusite relics in the latter suggest that the andalusite formed during earlier metamorphic events. This polymorph formation sequence agrees with Kozakov's (1986) data on change of the regional metamorphism from andalusite-sillimanite to kyanite-sillimanite one. 3. The great amounts of muscovite in veins containing Al2SiO5 polymorphs and its presence at phase contacts suggest a great role of muscovite in the phase transitions between different polymorphs. Since phases other than Al2SiO5 and muscovite are present in negligible amounts, it is not ruled out that the polymorphs were transformed by the ion exchange mechanism (Carmichael, 1969). 1. Carmichael, D.M., 1969. On the mechanism of prograde metamorphic reaction in quartz-bearing pelitic rocks. Contr. Miner. Petrol. 20, 244-267. 2. Kerrick, D.M., 1990. The Al2SiO5 polymorphs. Rev. Miner. 22, p. 406. 3. Kozakov, I.K., 1986. Precambrian infrastructure complexes of Mongolia [in Russian]. Nauka, Leningrad. 4. Pattison, D.R.M., 1992. Stability of andalusite and sillimanite and the Al2SiO5 triple point: constraints from the Ballachulish aureole, Scotland. J. Geol. 100, 423-446.

Metamorphism within the Chugach accretionary complex on southern Baranof Island, southeastern Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zumsteg, Cathy L.; Himmelberg, Glen R.; Karl, Susan M.; Haeussler, Peter J.

2003-01-01

On Baranof Island, southeastern Alaska, we identify four metamorphic events that affect rocks associated with the Chugach accretionary complex. This study focuses on the M1 and M4 metamorphic events. Mesozoic schists, gneisses, and migmatitic gneisses exposed near the Kasnyku pluton on central Baranof Island represent the M1 metamorphic rocks. These rocks underwent amphibolite facies metamorphism. Calculated temperatures and pressures range from about 620 to 780 ºC and 5.5 to 6.6 kbar and are compatible with the observed metamorphic mineral assemblages.The M4 metamorphism affected rocks of the Sitka Graywacke on southern Baranof Island, producing extensive biotite and garnet zones as well as andalusite and sillimanite zones at the contacts of the Crawfish Inlet and Redfish Bay plutons. Calculated M4 temperatures and pressures from the andalusite and sillimanite zones range from 575 to 755 ºC and 3.4 to 6.9 kbar. These results fall within the sillimanite stability field, at pressures higher than andalusite stability. These results may indicate the M4 metamorphic event occurred along a P-T path along which the equilibration of aluminosilicate-garnet-plagioclase-quartz did not occur or was not maintained. This interpretation is supported by the occurrence of andalusite and sillimanite within the same sample. We propose the data reflect a clockwise P-T path with peak M4 metamorphism of the sillimanite-bearing samples adjacent to the intrusions at an approximate depth of 15 to 20 km, followed by rapid uplift without reequilibration of garnet-plagioclase-aluminosilicate-quartz.The large extent of the biotite zone, and possibly the garnet zone, suggests that an additional heat source must have existed to regionally metamorphose these rocks during the M4 event. We suggest the M4 regional thermal metamorphism and intrusion of the Crawfish Inlet and Redfish Bay plutons were synchronous and the result of heat flux from a slab window beneath the accretionary complex at that time. If our conclusions regarding the effect of the slab window are correct, the style of metamorphism is different from the Chugach metamorphic complex, which is clearly linked to a slab window. Therefore, our findings would suggest that there is no distinct metamorphic signature for slab window effects.

Impact-shocked zircons: discovery of shock-induced textures reflecting increasing degrees of shock metamorphism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bohor, B.F.; Betterton, W.J.; Krogh, T.E.

1993-01-01

Textural effects specifically characteristic of shock metamorphism in zircons from impact environments have not been reported previously. However, planar deformation features (PDF) due to shock metamorphism are well documented in quartz and other mineral grains from these same environments. An etching technique was developed that allows SEM visualization of PDF and other probable shock-induced textural features, such as granular (polycrystalline) texture, in zircons from a variety of impact shock environments. These textural features in shocked zircons from K/T boundary distal ejecta form a series related to increasing degrees of shock that should correlate with proportionate resetting of the UPb isotopic system. ?? 1993.

Geologic setting, genesis and transformation of sulfide deposits in the northern part of Khetri copper belt, Rajasthan, India — an outline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, S. C.; Dasgupta, Somnath

1980-07-01

The present study is confined to the northern part of the Khetri copper belt that extends for about 100 km in northern Rajasthan. Mineralization is more or less strata-bound and is confined to the garnetiferous chlorite schist and banded amphibolite quartzite, occurring towards the middle of the Proterozoic Delhi Supergroup. Preserved sedimentary features and re-estimation of the composition of the pre-metamorphic rocks suggest that the latter were deposited in shallow marine environment characterized by tidal activity. Cordierite-orthoamphibole-cummingtonite rock occurring in the neighbourhood of the ores is discussed, and is suggested to be isochemically metamorphosed sediment. The rocks together with the ores were deformed in two phases and metamorphosed in two progressive and one retrogressive events of metamorphism. Study of the host rocks suggests that the maximum temperature and pressure attained during metamorphism are respectively 550 600°C and < 5.5 kb. Principal ore minerals in Madan Kudan are chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite and locally magnetite. In Kolihan these are chalcophyrite, pyrrhotite and cubanite. Subordinate phases are sphalerite, ilmenite, arsenopyrite, mackinawite, molybdenite, cobaltite and pentlandite. The last two are very rare. Gangue minerals comprise quartz, chlorite, garnet, amphiboles, biotite, scapolite, plagioclase and graphite. The ores are metamorphosed at temperatures > 491°C. Sulfide assemblages are explained in terms of fS 2 during metamorphism. Co-folding of the ore zone with the host rocks, confinement of the ores to the carbonaceous pelites or semi-pelitic rocks, strata-bound and locally even stratiform nature of the orebodies, lack of finite ‘wall rock alteration’, metamorphism of the ores in the thermal range similar to that for the host rocks, absence of spatial and temporal relationship with the granitic rocks of the region led the authors to conclude that the entire mineralization was originally sedimentary-diagenetic. Any loss of primitive features and development of incongruency are due to subsequent deformation and metamorphism to which the ores and their hosts were together subjected.

The geology of the northern tip of the Arabian-Nubian Shield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beyth, M.; Eyal, Y.; Garfunkel, Z.

2014-11-01

Recently, a detailed (1:50,000) geological map of the Elat area, southern Israel was published. Attached to this map is a stratigraphic table of the Neoproterozoic metamorphic-magmatic complex of the study area. The Neoproterozoic basement in the Elat area encapsulates the Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS) geologic evolution. Uranium-Lead and Lead-Lead zircon ages, included in previous studies and referred to in this paper, reveal that these rocks were formed during more than 300 million years of Neoproterozoic time. The major process controlling the formation of the ANS as part of the East African Orogen is the closure of the Mozambique Ocean. The first orogenic phase in the Elat area, represented by the metamorphic rocks, includes the development of an island arc, erosion of the islands and deposition, and metamorphism. This event took place between ∼950 Ma and 780-790 Ma. Elat Schist, the oldest metamorphic rock in the area, was deformed and then intruded by quartz dioritic and granitic plutons that were later deformed and metamorphosed. The amphibolite metamorphic rock facies indicate metamorphic conditions of up to 650 °C and between 4 and 5 kbar. The peak of the metamorphic event was most probably before 750 Ma. A gradual change from compressional to extensional stress regime is evidenced by emplacement andesitic magnesium-rich dykes dated to 705 Ma that were later metamorphosed to schistose dykes at a greenschist metamorphic facies. The second orogenic phase (terrane amalgamation, main shaping of crust) was associated with the emplacement of large volumes (>50% of area) of calc-alkaline intrusions in a post-collision setting. These very last stages of metamorphism and deformation are characterized by intrusion of ∼630 Ma granitoids exhibiting some foliation. Pluton emplacement continued also after the end of deformation. Exhumation and transition to an extensional regime is recorded by the intrusion of shallow alkaline granites in ∼608 Ma which were accompanied in ∼609 Ma by rhyolite, andesite and composite dykes. The last magmatic event in the Elat area is represented by the volcano-conglomeratic series comprising rhyolites, basalts, andesites, hypabyssal intrusions of monzonite and syenite and conglomerates. The conglomerates, dated to about 590 Ma, are the products of a major erosion phase in which about 12,000 m of the section were removed. These conglomerates were intruded by 585 Ma rhyolite, andesite and composite dykes. The Neoproterozoic basement is truncated by a peneplain whose age, post 532 Ma, is constrained by the age of the youngest eroded dolerite dykes. This Early Cambrian peneplain was associated with erosion of 2000 m of the section and by chemical weathering. Three major breaks in Neoproterozoic magmatic activity are recognized: the first, occurred in Cryogenian time, lasted ∼60 million years after the amphibolite facies metamorphism and before emplacement of the calc alkaline plutons, separating the first and the second orogenic phases; the second break between the orogenic and the extensional phases occurred in early Ediacaran time, encompassed ∼20 million years between the emplacement of the calc-alkaline and alkaline plutonic rocks and rhyolite, andesite and the composite dykes; and the third, ∼50 Ma break, occurred between the emplacement of the last felsic intrusions at ∼585 Ma and intrusion of the dolerite dykes in 532 Ma, before the Early Cambrian peneplain developed. The great lateral extension of the Cambrian to Eocene sedimentary rocks and their slow facies and thickness changes suggest a stable flat platform area at the northern tip of the ANS. Early Cambrian sedimentation began with fluviatile subarkoses of the Amudei Shlomo Formation. It was overlain by an Early to Middle Cambrian transgressive-regressive lagoonal cycle of dolostones, sandstones, and siltstones of the Timna Formation. Then Middle Cambrian subarkoses and siltstones of the Shehoret Formation and the quartz arenite of the Netafim Formation were deposited in a coastal, intertidal environment representing the southern transgression of a Cambrian ocean.

Age of zircons from the xenolith of metapelite in granitoids of the Verkhisetsk massif (Middle Urals): Evidence for granite-related stages of metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinkova, E. A.; Pribavkin, S. V.

2016-02-01

Two age stages in the formation of high-aluminous gneisses related to the major stages of granite formation of the Uralian mobile belt were revealed in this study. The first stage (372 ± 2 Ma) corresponds to the age of metamorphism of the amphibolite facies and is controlled by intrusion of the tonalite-trondhjemite series under the environment of the continental margin. At the second stage (307 ± 3 Ma), gneiss underwent contact metamorphism under the influence of plutons of the adamellite-granite composition formed during the early episodes of collisional metamorphism.

Heterogeneous material distribution, an important reason for generation of strain-localized mylonite and frictional slip zones in the Hidaka metamorphic belt, Hokkaido, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hidemi; Shimada, Koji; Toyoshima, Tsuyoshi; Obara, Tomohiro; Niizato, Tadafumi

2004-12-01

Lithological heterogeneity of low P/T metamorphic rocks in southern area of Hidaka metamorphic belt (HMB) was formed through historical development of HMB while these rocks had been laid in ductile lower crust. Many strain-localized mylonite zones (<100 m in thickness) are preferentially developed within S-type tonalite and pelitic gneiss, which are characterized by a large modal amount of phyllosilicates (biotite+muscovite+chlorite) and quartz, compared to other lithofacies in HMB. Mylonitic foliations are more conspicuous with close to the center of the shear zone associated with increase in amounts of phyllosilicate minerals, indicating fluidenhanced weakening mechanisms were operated in plastic shear zones. Pseudotachylyte veins are observed exclusively in these mylonite zones, which were generated during exhumation stage of HMB. We conclude the seismic slip zones in southern HMB had been initiated in the ductile lower crust by concentration of localized plastic shear zones within the phyllosilicate- and quartz-rich lithofacies, which were heterogeneously formed by old metamorphic and magmatic events. Then these zones were further weakened by fluid-enhanced plastic deformation, and finally seismic slips occurred at the bottom of seismogenic upper crust, during exhumation of HMB.

Dehydration reactions, mass transfer and rock deformation relationships during subduction of Alpine metabauxites: insights from LIBS compositional profiles between metamorphic veins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verlaguet, A.; Brunet, F.; Goffe, B.; Menut, D.; Findling, N.; Poinssot, C.

2011-12-01

In subduction zones, the significant amounts of aqueous fluid released in the course of the successive dehydration reactions occurring during prograde metamorphism are expected to strongly influence the rock rheology, as well as kinetics of metamorphic reactions and mass transfer efficiency. Mineralized veins, ubiquitous in metamorphic rocks, can be seen as preserved witnesses of fluid and mass redistribution that partly accommodate the rock deformation (lateral segregation). However, the driving forces and mechanisms of mass transfer towards fluid-filled open spaces remain somewhat unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the modalities of mass transfer during local fluid-rock interactions, and their links with fluid production and rock deformation. This study focuses on karstic pockets (metre scale) of Triassic metabauxites embedded in thick carbonate units, that have been isolated from large-scale fluid flow during HP-LT Alpine metamorphism (W. Vanoise, French Alps). These rocks display several generations of metamorphic veins containing various Al-bearing minerals, which give particular insights into mass transfer processes. It is proposed that the internally-derived fluid (~13 vol% produced by successive dehydration reactions) has promoted the opening of fluid-filled open spaces (euhedral habits of vein minerals) and served as medium for diffusive mass transfer from rock to vein. Based on mineralogical and textural features, two vein types can be distinguished: (1) some veins are filled with newly formed products of either prograde (chloritoid) or retrograde (chlorite) metamorphic reactions; in this case, fluid-filled open spaces seem to offer energetically favourable nucleation/growth sites; (2) the second vein type is filled with cookeite (Li-Al-rich chlorite) or pyrophyllite, that were present in the host rock prior to the vein formation. In this closed chemical system, mass transfer from rock to vein was achieved through the fluid, in a dissolution-transport-precipitation process, possibly stress-assisted. Cookeite is highly concentrated (40-70 vol%) in regularly spaced veins. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy profiles show that cookeite is evenly distributed in the rock matrix comprised between two veins. The absence of diffusion profiles suggests that the characteristic diffusion length for Li, Al and Si is greater than or equal to the distance separating two cookeite veins (3-6 cm). This is in agreement with characteristic diffusion lengths calculated from both grain boundary and pore fluid diffusion coefficients, for the estimated duration of the peak of metamorphism. Phyllosilicates have very different morphologies in the rock matrix (fibers) compared to veins (euhedral crystals): fluid-mineral interfacial energy may be maximal in the small matrix pores, which can maintain higher cookeite solubility than in fluid-filled open spaces. Therefore, as soon as veins open, chemical potential gradients may develop and drive cookeite transfer from rock matrix to veins.

Geology of the Biwabik Iron Formation and Duluth Complex.

PubMed

Jirsa, Mark A; Miller, James D; Morey, G B

2008-10-01

The Biwabik Iron Formation is a approximately 1.9 billion year-old sequence of iron-rich sedimentary rocks that was metamorphosed at its eastern-most extent by approximately 1.1 billion year-old intrusions of the Duluth Complex. The metamorphic recrystallization of iron-formation locally produced iron-rich amphiboles and other fibrous iron-silicate minerals. The presence of these minerals in iron-formation along the eastern part of what is known as the Mesabi Iron Range, and their potential liberation by iron mining has raised environmental health concerns. We describe here the geologic setting and mineralogic composition of the Biwabik Iron Formation in and adjacent to the contact metamorphic aureole of the Duluth Complex. The effects of metamorphism are most pronounced within a few kilometers of the contact, and decrease progressively away from it. The contact aureole has been divided into four metamorphic zones-each characterized by the composition and crystal structure of the metamorphic minerals it contains. The recrystallization of iron-formation to iron-rich amphibole minerals (grunerite and cummingtonite) and iron-pyroxene minerals (hedenbergite and ferrohypersthene) is best developed in zones that are most proximal to the Duluth Complex contact.

Geology of the Biwabik Iron Formation and Duluth Complex

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jirsa, M.A.; Miller, J.D.; Morey, G.B.

2008-01-01

The Biwabik Iron Formation is a ???1.9 billion year-old sequence of iron-rich sedimentary rocks that was metamorphosed at its eastern-most extent by ???1.1 billion year-old intrusions of the Duluth Complex. The metamorphic recrystallization of iron-formation locally produced iron-rich amphiboles and other fibrous iron-silicate minerals. The presence of these minerals in iron-formation along the eastern part of what is known as the Mesabi Iron Range, and their potential liberation by iron mining has raised environmental health concerns. We describe here the geologic setting and mineralogic composition of the Biwabik Iron Formation in and adjacent to the contact metamorphic aureole of the Duluth Complex. The effects of metamorphism are most pronounced within a few kilometers of the contact, and decrease progressively away from it. The contact aureole has been divided into four metamorphic zones-each characterized by the composition and crystal structure of the metamorphic minerals it contains. The recrystallization of iron-formation to iron-rich amphibole minerals (grunerite and cummingtonite) and iron-pyroxene minerals (hedenbergite and ferrohypersthene) is best developed in zones that are most proximal to the Duluth Complex contact. ?? 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrical and structural characteristics of metamorphic In{sub 0.38}Al{sub 0.62}As/In{sub 0.37}Ga{sub 0.63}As/In{sub 0.38}Al{sub 0.62}As HEMT nanoheterostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galiev, G. B., E-mail: s_s_e_r_p@mail.ru; Klimov, E. A.; Klochkov, A. N.

The influence of the metamorphic buffer design and epitaxial growth conditions on the electrical and structural characteristics of metamorphic In{sub 0.38}Al{sub 0.62}As/In{sub 0.37}Ga{sub 0.63}As/In{sub 0.38}Al{sub 0.62}As high electron mobility transistor (MHEMT) nanoheterostructures has been investigated. The samples were grown on GaAs(100) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. The active regions of the nanoheterostructures are identical, while the metamorphic buffer In{sub x}Al{sub 1-x}As is formed with a linear or stepwise (by {Delta}{sub x} = 0.05) increase in the indium content over depth. It is found that MHEMT nanoheterostructures with a step metamorphic buffer have fewer defects and possess higher values of two-dimensionalmore » electron gas mobility at T = 77 K. The structures of the active region and metamorphic buffer have been thoroughly studied by transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that the relaxation of metamorphic buffer in the heterostructures under consideration is accompanied by the formation of structural defects of the following types: dislocations, microtwins, stacking faults, and wurtzite phase inclusions several nanometers in size.« less

Ternary feldspar thermometry of Paleoproterozoic granulites from In-Ouzzal terrane (Western Hoggar, southern Algeria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benbatta, A.; Bendaoud, A.; Cenki-Tok, B.; Adjerid, Z.; Lacène, K.; Ouzegane, K.

2017-03-01

The In Ouzzal terrane in western Hoggar (Southern Algeria) preserves evidence of ultrahigh temperature (UHT) crustal metamorphism. It consists in Archean crustal units, composed of orthogneissic domes and greenstone belts, strongly remobilized during the Paleoproterozoic orogeny which was recognized as an UHT event (peak T > 1000 °C and P ≈ 9-12 kbar). This metamorphism was essentially defined locally in Al-Mg granulites, Al-Fe granulites and quartzites outcropping in the Northern part of the In Ouzzal terrane (IOT). In order to test and verify the regional spread of the UHT metamorphism in this terrane, ternary feldspar thermometry on varied rock types (Metanorite, Granulite Al-Mg and Orthogneiss) and samples that crop out in different zones of the In Ouzzal terrane. These rocks contain either perthitic, antiperthitic or mesoperthitic parageneses. Ternary feldspars used in this study have clearly a metamorphic origin. The obtained results combined with previous works show that this UHT metamorphism (>900 °C) affected the whole In Ouzzal crustal block. This is of major importance as for future discussion on the geodynamic context responsible for this regional UHT metamorphism.

Thermobarometric constraints on mid-Cretaceous to late Cretaceous metamorphic events in the western metamorphic belt of the Coast Mountains complex near Petersburg, southeastern Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Himmelberg, Glen R.; Brew, David A.

2005-01-01

The western metamorphic belt is part of the Coast Mountains Complex of southeastern Alaska and western Canada. This complex formed as a result of mid-Cretaceous through middle Eocene crustal shortening between the previously amalgamated Wrangellia and Alexander terranes (Insular superterrane) and previously accreted terranes of the North American continental margin (Intermontane superterrane). The western metamorphic belt, which ranges from a few kilometers to several tens of kilometers in width, records a complex sequence of contact-metamorphic and regional metamorphic events, the most significant of which are designated M1R, M2C-R, and M3R. The M1R regional metamorphic event ranged in grade from subgreenschist to greenschist facies and was overprinted by the M2C-R and M3R metamorphic events. The M2C-R metamorphic event is recorded in discrete contact-metamorphic aureoles and regional metamorphic-mineral assemblages related to tonalite-granodiorite plutons of the Admiralty-Revillagigedo plutonic belt. The M3R metamorphic belt, which is adjacent to the M2C-R belt, is characterized by regional Barrovian isograds of garnet, staurolite, kyanite, and sillimanite. Using the THERMOCALC program, pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions for the M2C-R metamorphic event are estimated to be in the ranges 5.3-7.5 kbars and 525-640 deg.C and for the M3R metamorphic event in the ranges 9.4-12.6 kbars and 730-895 deg.C. The M2C-R metamorphic event occurred at approximately 90 Ma, but the timing of the M3R metamorphic event is poorly documented and uncertain. On the basis of an 40Ar/39Ar age on actinolitic amphibole and a Sm-Nd age on garnet core, the timing of metamorphism might be constrained between 90+/-1 and 80+/-9 Ma, although the Sm-Nd age of 80+/-9 m.y. possibly reflects postpeak growth. Thermobarometric data suggest that the two events occurred at different crustal levels and followed different P-T paths. No evidence exists that M2C-R metamorphic-mineral assemblages were overprinted by the M3R metamorphic event, as proposed by some workers. Juxtaposition of the two belts of rocks probably occurred along the Coast shear zone during uplift and exhumation of the Coast Mountains.

Metamorphic records for subduction erosion and subsequent underplating processes revealed by garnet-staurolite-muscovite schists in central Qiangtang, Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiu-Zheng; Dong, Yong-Sheng; Wang, Qiang; Dan, Wei; Zhang, Chunfu; Xu, Wang; Huang, Ming-Liang

2017-01-01

Subduction erosion is confirmed as a crucial geodynamic process of crustal recycling based on geological, geochemical, and geophysical observations at modern convergent plate margins. So far, not a single metamorphic record has been used for constraining a general tectonic evolution for subduction erosion. Here we first revealed metamorphic records for a subduction erosion process based on our study of the Late Paleozoic garnet-staurolite-muscovite schists in the central Qiangtang block, Tibet. Provenance analyses suggest that the protoliths of garnet-staurolite-muscovite schists have the Northern Qiangtang-affinity and were deposited in an active continental margin setting. Mineral inclusion data show that the early metamorphic stage (M1) recorded blueschist facies pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions of 0.8-1.1 GPa and 402-441°C, indicating that a part of the material from the overriding plate had been abraded into the subduction channel and undergone high-pressure/low-temperature metamorphism. The peak metamorphic stage (M2) recorded amphibolite facies P-T conditions of 0.3-0.5 GPa and 470-520°C. The 40Ar/39Ar cooling ages (263-259 Ma) yielded from muscovite suggest the amphibolite facies metamorphism (>263 Ma) occurred at oceanic subduction stage. The distinctly staged metamorphism defines a clockwise and warming decompression P-T-t path which reveals an underplating process following the early subduction erosion. During the tectonic process, the eroded low-density material escaped from the cold subduction channel and rise upward into the warm middle-lower crust of the upper plate, undergoing amphibolite facies metamorphism. Our new results revealed a complete evolutional process from the early subduction erosion to the subsequent underplating during the northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean.

Neoarchean metamorphism recorded in high-precision Sm-Nd isotope systematics of garnets from the Jack Hills (Western Australia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eccles, K. A.; Baxter, E. F.; Mojzsis, S. J.; Marschall, H.; Williams, M. L.; Jercinovic, M. J.

2013-12-01

Studies of metasedimentary rocks from the Jack Hills, which host Earth's oldest known detrital minerals, have focused on zircon and occasionally monazite or xenotime, but no attention has been directed toward one of the most common mineral markers of metamorphism: garnet. Garnet can provide a record of the post-depositional, prograde metamorphic history of Archean metasedimentary rocks. Additionally, the use of a newly developed detrital garnet dating technique [1,2] may reveal information about pre-depositional metamorphism that could address lingering questions about the nature and timing of Earth's earliest tectonometamorphic events. Here we investigate garnet from the Jack Hills metasedimentary rocks to test whether they record in situ metamorphism or are a detrital relict of even older metamorphic events. We identified garnet in two bulk quartz-pebble conglomerate samples collected from the 'discovery' outcrop at Eranondoo Hill in the Jack Hills of Western Australia. Electron microprobe analyses of polished grains and SEM measurements of unpolished grain surfaces are consistent, revealing garnet composition indicative of a single generation/population of predominantly almandine-spessartine solid solution (~10-35% mole fraction spessartine). Compositional maps of garnet grains reveal little zoning and no discontinuities, most consistent with a single growth event. Dating Jack Hills' garnet via the Sm-Nd system is possible due to continued development of small sample analysis techniques, including running NdO+ TIMS analyses with Ta2O5 activator [3] permitting <50 ppm 2 sigma analytical precision on a 400pg in-house standard and continued improvement in blanks (<15pg full procedural blanks). Additionally, employing a nondestructive chemical prescreening technique (tabletop SEM) allows for grouping of multiple grains based on chemical similarity. Final Nd loads in the 450-750pg range routinely yield dates with precisions <×10Ma for two point isochrons between clean garnet (Sm/Nd ≥ 1.0) and their leached inclusion populations [2]. Four grouped garnet grain separates from one sample yield preliminary dates of 2703.6×6.0Ma, 2612.4×6.0Ma, 2605.0×5.5Ma, and 2567.3×8.3Ma, while the second sample yielded a date of 2579.6×4.6 Ma (2σ). Compositional and geochronologic data indicate likely in situ garnet growth during a late Archean greenschist facies metamorphic event. These dates are generally consistent with published monazite ages placing a metamorphic event at ~ca.2.65Ga [4,5]. It remains possible that an as yet unidentified detrital garnet component is present and may explain some of the scatter in absolute age. [1] Baxter EF, Jordan MK & Inglis JD, 2010, Goldschmidt [2] Baxter EF, Eccles KA & Sullivan N, 2012, Goldschmidt [3] Harvey J & Baxter EF, 2009, Chem Geol, 258, 251-257 [4] Rasmussen B, et al, 2010, Precambrian Res, 180, 26-46 [5] Iizuka T, et al, 2010, Contrib Mineral Petr, 160, 803-823

Impact-shocked zircons: Discovery of shock-induced textures reflecting increasing degrees of shock metamorphism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bohor, B. F.; Betterton, W. J.; Krogh, T. E.

1993-01-01

Textural effects specifically characteristic of shock metamorphism in zircons from impact environments have not been reported previously. However, planar deformation features (PDF) due to shock metamorphism are well documented in quartz and other mineral grains from these same environments. An etching technique was developed that allows scanning electron microscope (SEM) visualization of PDF and other probable shock-induced textural features, such as granular (polycrystalline) texture, in zircons from a variety of impact shock environments. These textural features in shocked zircons from K/T boundary distal ejecta form a series related to increasing degrees of shock that should correlate with proportionate resetting of the U-Pb isotopic system.

Cretaceous crust beneath SW Borneo: U-Pb dating of zircons from metamorphic and granitic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, L.; Hall, R.; Armstrong, R.

2012-12-01

Metamorphic basement rocks from SW Borneo are undated but have been suggested to be Palaeozoic. This study shows they record low pressure 'Buchan-type' metamorphism and U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons indicates a mid-Cretaceous (volcaniclastic) protolith. SW Borneo is the southeast promontory of Sundaland, the continental core of SE Asia. It has no sedimentary cover and the exposed basement has been widely assumed to be a crustal fragment from the Indochina-China margin. Metamorphic rocks of the Pinoh Group in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) are intruded by granitoid rocks of Jurassic-Cretaceous age, based on K-Ar dating, suggesting emplacement mainly between 130 and 80 Ma. The Pinoh metamorphic rocks have been described as a suite of pelitic schists, slates, phyllites, and hornfelses, and have not been dated, although they have been correlated with rocks elsewhere in Borneo of supposed Palaeozoic age. Pelitic schists contain biotite, chlorite, cordierite, andalusite, quartz, plagioclase and in some cases high-Mn almandine-rich garnet. Many have a shear fabric associated with biotite and fibrolite intergrowth. Contact metamorphism due to intrusion of the granitoid rocks produced hornfelses with abundant andalusite and cordierite porphyroblasts. Granitoids range from alkali-granite to tonalite and contain abundant hornblende and biotite, with rare white mica. Zircons from granitoid rocks exhibit sector- and concentric- zoning; some have xenocrystic cores mantled by magmatic zircon. There are four important age populations at c. 112, 98, 84 and 84 Ma broadly confirming earlier dating studies. There is a single granite body with a Jurassic age (186 ± 2.3 Ma). Zircons from pelitic metamorphic rocks are typically euhedral, with no evidence of rounding or resorbing of grains; a few preserve volcanic textures. They record older ages than those from igneous rocks; U-Pb ages are Cretaceous with a major population between 134 and 110 Ma. A single sample contains Proterozoic and Phanerozoic zircons. The metamorphic rocks from SW Borneo are not an ancient core to the island as previously assumed. We propose that extensive arc volcanism produced fine grained volcanogenic sediments during the Early Cretaceous deposited on, or reworking, older crust. These sediments were subjected to low pressure 'Buchan-type' metamorphism soon after deposition. Magmatism continued into the Late Cretaceous, resulting in contact metamorphism.

Garnet zoning and metamorphism of the Barrovian type area, Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dempster, T. J.

1985-03-01

A microprobe investigation of the high grade metamorphic zones from the Barrovian type area in Angus, Scotland, shows the importance of local zones of retrograde cation exchange between garnet, staurolite and biotite. The interpretation of this zoning, established during a slow cooling history, is critical to any study of metamorphic reactions or conditions. The extent and intensity of these diffusion effects are dependent on a number of parameters including grainsize, fabric orientation, heating and cooling history, and the modal abundance of the phases. Increasing diffusion within garnets with metamorphic grade, and the subsequent retrograde effects are modelled using Temperature-Time-Transformation diagrams and provide information on the activation energy for Fe-Mg diffusion in garnet.

Heterochronic developmental shift caused by thyroid hormone in larval sand dollars and its implications for phenotypic plasticity and the evolution of nonfeeding development.

PubMed

Heyland, Andreas; Hodin, Jason

2004-03-01

Recent work on a diverse array of echinoderm species has demonstrated, as is true in amphibians, that thyroid hormone (TH) accelerates development to metamorphosis. Interestingly, the feeding larvae of several species of sea urchins seem to obtain TH through their diet of planktonic algae (exogenous source), whereas nonfeeding larvae of the sand dollar Peronella japonica produce TH themselves (endogenous source). Here we examine the effects of TH (thyroxine) and a TH synthesis inhibitor (thiourea) on the development of Dendraster excentricus, a sand dollar with a feeding larva. We report reduced larval skeleton lengths and more rapid development of the juvenile rudiment in the exogenous TH treatments when compared to controls. Also, larvae treated with exogenous TH reached metamorphic competence faster at a significantly reduced juvenile size, representing the greatest reduction in juvenile size ever reported for an echinoid species with feeding larvae. These effects of TH on D. excentricus larval development are strikingly similar to the phenotypically plastic response of D. excentricus larvae reared under high food conditions. We hypothesize that exogenous (algae-derived) TH is the plasticity cue in echinoid larvae, and that the larvae use ingested TH levels as an indicator for larval nutrition, ultimately signaling the attainment of metamorphic competence. Furthermore, our experiments with the TH synthesis inhibitor thiourea indicate that D. excentricus larvae can produce some TH endogenously. Endogenous TH production might, therefore, be a shared feature among sand dollars, facilitating the evolution of nonfeeding larval development in that group. Mounting evidence on the effects of thyroid hormones in echinoderm development suggests life-history models need to incorporate metamorphic hormone effects and the evolution of metamorphic hormone production.

Post-peak metamorphic evolution of the Sumdo eclogite from the Lhasa terrane of southeast Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Dadi; Cheng, Hao; Zhang, Lingmin; Wang, Ke

2017-08-01

A reconstruction of the pressure-temperature-time (P-T-t) path of high-pressure eclogite-facies rocks in subduction zones may reveal important information about the tectono-metamorphic processes that occur at great depths along the plate interface. The majority of studies have focused on prograde to peak metamorphism of these rocks, whereas after-peak metamorphism has received less attention. Herein, we present a detailed petrological, pseudosection modeling and radiometric dating study of a retrograded eclogite sample from the Sumdo ultrahigh pressure belt of the Lhasa terrane, Tibet. Mineral chemical variations, textural discontinuities and thermodynamic modeling suggest that the eclogite underwent an exhumation-heating period. Petrographic observations and phase equilibria modeling suggest that the garnet cores formed at the pressure peak (∼2.5 GPa and ∼520 °C) within the lawsonite eclogite-facies and garnet rims (∼1.5 GPa and <650 °C) grew during post-peak amphibole eclogite-facies metamorphism. The metamorphic evolution of the Sumdo eclogite is characterized by a clockwise P-T path with a heating stage during early exhumation, a finding that conflicts with previously reported heating-compression P-T paths for the Sumdo eclogite. A garnet-whole rock Lu-Hf age of 266.6 ± 0.7 Ma, which is consistent with the loosely constrained zircon U-Pb age of 261 ± 15 Ma within uncertainty, was obtained for the sample. The peak metamorphic temperature of the sample is lower than the Lu-Hf closure temperature of garnet, which combined with the general core-to-rim decrease in the Mn and Lu concentrations and the occurrence of a second maximum Lu peak in the inner rim, is consistent with the Lu-Hf system skewing to the age of the garnet inner rim. Thus the Lu-Hf age likely reflects late eclogite-facies metamorphism. The new U-Pb and Lu-Hf ages, together with previously published radiometric dating results, suggest that the overall growth of garnet spans an interval of ∼7 million years, which is a minimum estimate of the duration of the eclogite-facies metamorphism of the Sumdo eclogite.

Subduction starts by stripping slabs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soret, Mathieu; Agard, Philippe; Dubacq, Benoît; Prigent, Cécile; Plunder, Alexis; Yamato, Philippe; Guillot, Stéphane

2017-04-01

Metamorphic soles correspond to tectonic slices welded beneath most large-scale ophiolites. These slivers of oceanic crust metamorphosed up to granulite facies conditions are interpreted as having formed during the first My of intra-oceanic subduction from heat transfer from the incipient mantle wedge towards the top of the subducting plate. Our study reappraises the formation of metamorphic sole through detailed field and petrological work on three classical key sections across the Semail ophiolite (Oman and United Arab Emirates). Geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling show that metamorphic soles do not record a continuous temperature gradient, as expected from simple heating by the upper plate or by shear heating and proposed by previous studies. The upper, high-temperature metamorphic sole is subdivided in at least two units, testifying to the stepwise formation, detachment and accretion of successive slices from the downgoing slab to the mylonitic base of the ophiolite. Estimated peak pressure-temperature conditions through the metamorphic sole are, from top to bottom, 850˚C - 1GPa, 725°C - 0.8 GPa and 530°C - 0.5 GPa. These estimates appear constant within each unit but separated by a gap of 100 to 200˚C and 0.2 GPa. Despite being separated by hundreds of kilometres below the Semail ophiolite and having contrasting locations with respect to the ophiolite ridge axis, metamorphic soles show no evidence for significant petrological variations along strike. These constraints allow to refine the tectonic-petrological model for the genesis of metamorphic soles, formed through the stepwise stacking of several homogeneous slivers of oceanic crust and its sedimentary cover. Metamorphic soles do not so much result from downward heat transfer (ironing effect) but rather from progressive metamorphism during strain localization and cooling of the plate interface. The successive thrusts are the result of rheological contrasts between the sole (initially at the subducting slab) and the peridotite above as the plate interface progressively cools down. These findings have implications for the thickness, the scale and the coupling state at the plate interface during the early history of subduction/obduction systems.

Distribution, facies, ages, and proposed tectonic associations of regionally metamorphosed rocks in east- and south-central Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dusel-Bacon, Cynthia; Csejtey, Bela; Foster, Helen L.; Doyle, Elizabeth O.; Nokleberg, Warren J.; Plafker, George

1993-01-01

Most of the exposed bedrock in east- and south-central Alaska has been regionally metamorphosed and deformed during Mesozoic and early Cenozoic time. All the regionally metamorphosed rocks are assigned to metamorphic-facies units on the basis of their temperature and pressure conditions and metamorphic age. North of the McKinley and Denali faults, the crystalline rocks of the Yukon- Tanana upland and central Alaska Range compose a sequence of dynamothermally metamorphosed Paleozoic and older(?) metasedimentary rocks and metamorphosed products of a Devonian and Mississippian continental-margin magmatic arc. This sequence was extensively intruded by postmetamorphic mid-Cretaceous and younger granitoids. Many metamorphic-unit boundaries in the Yukon-Tanana upland are low-angle faults that juxtapose units of differing metamorphic grade, which indicates that metamorphism predated final emplacement of the fault-bounded units. In some places, the relation of metamorphic grade across a fault is best explained by contractional faulting; in other places, it is suggestive of extensional faulting.Near the United States-Canadian border in the central Yukon- Tanana upland, metamorphism, plutonism, and thrusting occurred during a latest Triassic and Early Jurassic event that presumably resulted from the accretion of a terrane that had affinities to the Stikinia terrane onto the continental margin of North America. Elsewhere in the Yukon-Tanana upland, metamorphic rocks give predominantly late Early Cretaceous isotopic ages. These ages are interpreted to date either the timing of a subsequent Early Cretaceous episode of crustal thickening and metamorphism or, assuming that these other areas were also originally heated during the latest Triassic to Early Jurassic and remained buried, the timing of their uplift and cooling. This uplift and cooling may have resulted from extension.South of the McKinley and Denali faults and north of the Border Ranges fault system, medium-grade metamorphism across much of the southern Peninsular and Wrangellia terranes was early to synkinematic with the intrusion of tonalitic and granodioritic plutons of primarily Early and Middle Jurassic age in the Peninsular terrane and Late Jurassic age in the Wrangellia terrane. Areas metamorphosed during the Jurassic episode that crop out near the Border Ranges fault system were subsequently retrograded and deformed in Cretaceous and early Tertiary time during accretion of younger units to the south. North of the Jurassic metamorphic and plutonic complex, low-grade metamorphism affected the rest of the Wrangellia terrane sometime during Jurassic and (or) Cretaceous time.North of the Wrangellia terrane and immediately south of the McKinley and Denali faults, flyschoid rocks, which were deposited within a basin that separated the Wrangellia terrane from the western margin of North America, form a northeastward-tapering wedge. Within the western half of the wedge, flysch and structurally interleaved tectonic fragments were highly deformed and weakly metamorphosed; much of the metamorphism and deformation probably occurred sometime during mid- to Late Cretaceous time. In the eastern half of the wedge, flyschoid rocks form an intermediate-pressure Barrovian sequence (Maclaren metamorphic belt). Metamorphism of the Maclaren metamorphic belt was synkinematic with the Late Cretaceous to earliest Tertiary intrusion of foliated plutons of intermediate composition. Isotopic data suggest metamorphism extended into the early Tertiary and was accompanied by rapid uplift and cooling. Low- to medium-grade metamorphism throughout the wedge was probably associated with the accretion of the outboard Wrangellia terrane, as has been proposed for the Maclaren metamorphic belt.South of the Border Ranges fault system lie variably metamorphosed sequences of oceanic rocks that comprise the successively accreted Chugach, Yakutat, Ghost Rocks, and Prince William terranes. The Chugach terrane consists of three successively accreted sequences of differing metamorphic histories. Metamorphism in all the sequences was associated with north-directed underthrusting beneath either the combined Peninsular-Wrangellia terrane or the older and inner parts of the Chugach terrane. These sequences, from innermost to outermost are: (1) intermediate- to highpressure, transitional greenschist- to blueschist-facies metabasalt and metasedimentary rocks that were metamorphosed during the Early and Middle Jurassic; (2) prehnite-pumpellyite-facies melange that was metamorphosed sometime during the Jurassic and Cretaceous; and (3) low-pressure prehnite-pumpellyite- or greenschist- facies flysch and metavolcanic rocks that were initially metamorphosed during latest Cretaceous to early Tertiary time and, in the eastern Chugach Mountains, were subsequently overprinted by low-pressure amphibolite-facies metamorphism that accompanied widespread intrusion during Eocene time. A similar low-pressure-facies series also developed within melange and flysch of the Yakutat terrane; these rocks are also intruded by Eocene plutons and are correlated with similar rocks of the Chugach terrane.Seaward of the Chugach terrane are the strongly deformed but weakly metamorphosed (prehnite-pumpellyite-facies) deep-sea metasedimentary rocks and oceanic metavolcanic rocks of the Ghost Rocks and Prince William terranes. Metamorphism and deformation occurred during underthrusting of these terranes beneath the Chugach terrane in early Tertiary time and predated, perhaps by very little, intrusion by early Tertiary granitoids.

Sm-Nd dating of multiple garnet growth events in an arc-continent collision zone, northwestern U.S. Cordillera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Getty, Stephen R.; Selverstone, Jane; Wernicke, Brian P.; Jacobsen, Stein B.; Aliberti, Elaine; Lux, Daniel R.

1993-03-01

Integrated petrologic and Sm-Nd isotopic studies in garnet amphibolites along the Salmon River suture zone, western Idaho, delineate two periods of amphibolite grade metamorphism separated by at least 16 million years. In one amphibolite, P-T studies indicate a single stage of metamorphism with final equilibration at ˜600°C and 8 9 kbar. The Sm-Nd isotopic compositions of plagioclase, apatite, hornblende, and garnet define a precise, 8-point isochron of 128±3 Ma (MSWD=1.2) interpreted as mineral growth at the metamorphic peak. A40Ar/39Ar age for this hornblende indicates cooling through ˜525°C at 119±2 Ma. In a nearby amphibolite, garnets with a two-stage growth history consist of inclusion-rich cores surrounded by discontinuous, inclusion-free overgrowths. Temporal constraints for core and overgrowth development were derived from Sm-Nd garnet — whole rock pairs in which the garnet fractions consist of varying proportions of inclusion-free to inclusion-bearing fragments. Three garnet fractions with apparent “ages” of 144, 141, and 136 Ma are thought to represent mixtures between late Jurassic (pre-144 Ma) inherited radiogenic components preserved within garnet cores and early Cretaceous (˜128 Ma) garnet overgrowths. These observations confirm the resilience of garnet to diffusive exchange of trace elements during polymetamorphism at amphibolite facies conditions. Our geochronologic results show that metamorphism of arc-derived rocks in western Idaho was episodic and significantly older than in arc rocks along the eastern margin of the Wrangellian Superterrane in British Columbia and Alaska. The pre-144 Ma event may be an expression of the late Jurassic amalgamation of marginal oceanic arc-related terranes (e.g., Olds Ferry, Baker, Wallowa) during the initial phases of their collision with North American rocks. Peak metamorphism at ˜128 Ma reflects tectonic burial along the leading edge of the Wallowa arc terrane during its final penetration and suturing to cratonic North America.

The Cimmerian accretionary wedge of Anarak, Central Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanchi, Andrea; Malaspina, Nadia; Zanchetta, Stefano; Berra, Fabrizio; Benciolini, Luca; Bergomi, Maria; Cavallo, Alessandro; Javadi, Hamid Reza; Kouhpeyma, Meyssam

2015-04-01

The occurrence in Iran of several ophiolite belts dating between Late Palaeozoic to Triassic poses several questions on the possible existence of various sutures marking the closure of the Palaeotethys ocean between Eurasia and this Gondwana-derived microplate. In this scenario, the Anarak region in Central Iran still represents a conundrum. Contrasting geochronological, paleontological, paleomagnetic data and reported field evidence suggest different origins for the Anarak Metamorphic Complex (AMC). The AMC is either interpreted, as: (1) relict of an accretionary wedge developed at the Eurasia margin during the Palaeotethys subduction as part of the Cimmerian suture zone of NE Iran, displaced to Central Iran by a large counter-clockwise rotation of the central Iranian blocks; (2) autochthonous unit forming a secondary branch of the main suture zone. Our structural, petrographic and geochemical data indicate that the AMC consists of several metamorphic units also including dismembered "ophiolites" which display different tectono-metamorphic evolutions. Three main ductile deformational events can be distinguished in the AMC. The Morghab and Chah Gorbeh complexes preserve a different M1 metamorphism, characterized by blueschist relics in the S1 foliation of the former unit, and greenschist assemblages in the latter. They share a subsequent similar D2 deformational and M2 metamorphic history, showing a prograde metamorphism with syn- to post-deformation growth of blueschist facies mineral assemblages on pre-existing greenschist facies associations. High pressure, low temperature (HP/LT) metamorphism responsible for the growth of sodic amphibole has been recognized also within marble lenses at the contact between the Chah Gorbeh Complex and serpentinites. Evidence of HP/LT metamorphism also occurs in glaucophane-bearing meta-pillow lavas and serpentinites, which contain antigorite and form most of the "ophiolites" within the AMC. Structural relationships show that the Chah Gorbeh and Morghab units and the "ophiolites" were tectonically coupled within an accretionary wedge before the D2 folding stage. The other units of the AMC lack evidence of HP metamorphism in the area around Anarak, especially the Lakh Marble, a large thrust sheet that occupies the uppermost structural position in the AMC. Available radiometric ages of trondhjemite dikes and stocks that intruded the accretionary wedge, as well as our new data, constrain the subduction event at the end of the Carboniferous, before 290 Ma. These data suggest that the AMC is part of an allochthonous crustal fragment belonging to the Variscan belt developed along the southern Eurasian margin before the Cimmerian collision of Iran. Subsequent deformational events that occurred during the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic, up to the Miocene and possibly later, resulted in folding, thrusting and faulting that dismembered the original structure of the wedge accompanying its displacement to the present day position.

Developmental Transcriptome of Aplysia californica

PubMed Central

HEYLAND, ANDREAS; VUE, ZER; VOOLSTRA, CHRISTIAN R.; MEDINA, MÓNICA; MOROZ, LEONID L.

2014-01-01

Genome-wide transcriptional changes in development provide important insight into mechanisms underlying growth, differentiation, and patterning. However, such large-scale developmental studies have been limited to a few representatives of Ecdysozoans and Chordates. Here, we characterize transcriptomes of embryonic, larval, and metamorphic development in the marine mollusc Aplysia californica and reveal novel molecular components associated with life history transitions. Specifically, we identify more than 20 signal peptides, putative hormones, and transcription factors in association with early development and metamorphic stages—many of which seem to be evolutionarily conserved elements of signal transduction pathways. We also characterize genes related to biomineralization—a critical process of molluscan development. In summary, our experiment provides the first large-scale survey of gene expression in mollusc development, and complements previous studies on the regulatory mechanisms underlying body plan patterning and the formation of larval and juvenile structures. This study serves as a resource for further functional annotation of transcripts and genes in Aplysia, specifically and molluscs in general. A comparison of the Aplysia developmental transcriptome with similar studies in the zebra fish Danio rerio, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and other studies on molluscs suggests an overall highly divergent pattern of gene regulatory mechanisms that are likely a consequence of the different developmental modes of these organisms. PMID:21328528

Zircon U-Pb dating of eclogite from the Qiangtang terrane, north-central Tibet: a case of metamorphic zircon with magmatic geochemical features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhai, Qing-guo; Jahn, Bor-ming; Li, Xian-hua; Zhang, Ru-yuan; Li, Qiu-li; Yang, Ya-nan; Wang, Jun; Liu, Tong; Hu, Pei-yuan; Tang, Suo-han

2017-06-01

Zircon is probably the most important mineral used in the dating formation of high-pressure (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks. The origin of zircon, i.e., magmatic or metamorphic, is commonly assessed by its external morphology, internal structure, mineral inclusions, Th/U ratios and trace element composition. In this study, we present an unusual case of metamorphic zircon from the Qiangtang eclogite, north-central Tibet. The zircon grains contain numerous eclogite-facies mineral inclusions, including omphacite, phengite, garnet and rutile; hence, they are clearly of metamorphic origin. However, they display features similar to common magmatic zircon, including euhedral crystal habit, high Th/U ratios and enriched heavy rare earth elements pattern. We suggest that these zircon grains formed from a different reservoir from that for garnet where no trace elements was present and trace element equilibrium between zircon and garnet was achieved. U-Pb dating of zircon gave an age of 232-237 Ma for the eclogite, and that of rutile yielded a slightly younger age of ca. 217 Ma. These ages are consistent with the reported Lu-Hf mineral isochron and phengite Ar-Ar ages. The zircon U-Pb and mineral Lu-Hf isochron ages are interpreted as the time of the peak eclogite-facies metamorphism, whereas the rutile U-Pb and phengite Ar-Ar ages represent the time of exhumation to the middle crust. Thus, the distinction between metamorphic and magmatic zircons cannot be made using only Th/U ratios and heavy REE compositions for HP-UHP metamorphic rocks of oceanic derivation.

Unliganded Thyroid Hormone Receptor Regulates Metamorphic Timing via the Recruitment of Histone Deacetylase Complexes

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Anuran metamorphosis involves a complex series of tissue transformations that change an aquatic tadpole to a terrestrial frog and resembles the postembryonic perinatal period in mammals. Thyroid hormone (TH) plays a causative role in amphibian metamorphosis and its effect is mediated by TH receptors (TRs). Molecular analyses during Xenopus development have shown that unliganded TR recruits histone deacetylase (HDAC)-containing N-CoR/SMRT complexes and causes histone deacetylation at target genes while liganded TR leads to increased histone acetylations and altered histone methylations at target genes. Transgenic studies involving mutant TR-cofactors have shown that corepressor recruitment by unliganded TR is required to ensure proper timing of the onset of metamorphosis while coactivator levels influence the rate of metamorphic progression. In addition, a number of factors that can influence cellular free TH levels appear to contribute the timing of metamorphic transformations of different organs by regulating the levels of unliganded vs. liganded TR in an organ-specific manner. Thus, the recruitment of HDAC-containing corepressor complexes by unliganded TR likely controls both the timing of the initiation of metamorphosis and the temporal regulation of organ-specific transformations. Similar mechanisms likely mediate TR function in mammals as the maturation of many organs during postembryonic development is dependent upon TH and resembles organ metamorphosis in amphibians. PMID:23962846

Multi-scale characterization of pore evolution in a combustion metamorphic complex, Hatrurim basin, Israel: Combining (ultra) small-angle neutron scattering and image analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hsiu-Wen; Anovitz, Lawrence; Burg, Avihu

Backscattered scanning electron micrograph and ultra small- and small-angle neutron scattering data have been combined to provide statistically meaningful data on the pore/grain structure and pore evolution of combustion metamorphic complexes from the Hatrurim basin, Israel. Three processes, anti-sintering roughening, alteration of protolith (dehydration, decarbonation, and oxidation) and crystallization of high-temperature minerals, occurred simultaneously, leading to significant changes in observed pore/grain structures. Pore structures in the protoliths, and in lowand high-grade metamorphic rocks show surface (Ds) and mass (Dm) pore fractal geometries with gradual increases in both Ds and Dm values as a function of metamorphic grade. This suggests thatmore » increases in pore volume and formation of less branching pore networks are accompanied by a roughening of pore/grain interfaces. Additionally, pore evolution during combustion metamorphism is also characterized by reduced contributions from small-scale pores to the cumulative porosity in the high-grade rocks. At high temperatures, small-scale pores may be preferentially closed by the formation of high-temperature minerals, producing a rougher morphology with increasing temperature. Alternatively, large-scale pores may develop at the expense of small-scale pores. These observations (pore fractal geometry and cumulative porosity) indicate that the evolution of pore/grain structures is correlated with the growth of high-temperature phases and is a consequence of the energy balance between pore/grain surface energy and energy arising from heterogeneous phase contacts. The apparent pore volume density further suggests that the localized time/temperature development of the high-grade Hatrurim rocks is not simply an extension of that of the low-grade rocks. The former likely represents the "hot spots (burning foci)" in the overall metamorphic terrain while the latter may represent contact aureoles.« less

Unraveling P-T-t-D Evolution of Zermatt-Saas Ophiolites from Valtournanche: from Ocean Opening to Mountain Building

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebay, G.; Tiepolo, M.; Zanoni, D.; Langone, A.; Spalla, M. I.

2015-12-01

The Zermatt-Saas (ZS) Zone, formerly part of Tethyan oceanic crust and variously affected by oceanic metamorphism, is now part of the orogenic suture that developed in the Western European Alps during the Alpine subduction and collision. The ZS rocks preserve a dominant HP to UHP metamorphic imprint overprinted by greenschist facies metamorphism. The age of the oceanic protoliths is considered to be middle to upper Jurassic whereas the HP metamorphism is mostly considered to be Eocene. In upper Valtournanche ZS ophiolites, the dominant regional S2 foliation is mapped with spatial continuity in serpentinite, metarodingite and eclogite and is defined by HP/UHP parageneses in all lithotypes. It developed at 2.5 ± 0.3 GPa and 600 ± 20°C during Alpine subduction. S2 foliation of serpentinites wraps rare clinopyroxene and zircon relics. Trace element composition of clinopyroxene suggests that they crystallised from a melt in equilibrium with plagioclase: they most likely represent relicts of gabbroic assemblages. The clinopyroxene porphyroclasts have rims indented within S2 and compositions similar to fine-grained clinopyroxeneII defining S2, suggesting that they recrystallised during Alpine subduction. Zircon cores show, under CL, sector zoning typical of magmatic growth. U-Pb dates suggest their crystallisation during Middle Jurassic. Magmatic cores have thin fringe overgrowths parallel to the S2 foliation. U-Pb concordant analyses on these domains reveal an Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene crystallization most likely representing the HP to UHP Alpine re-equilibration. This suggests that some sections of the ZS have experienced HP to UHP metamorphism earlier than previously thought, opening new interpretative geodynamic scenarios. Remarkably, these new dates are similar to those recorded for the HP re-equilibration in the continental crust of the adjacent Austroalpine units (upper plate of the Alpine subduction system) and to those recorded for prograde metamorphism in other parts of the ZS ophiolites.

First evidence of the Ellesmerian metamorphism on Svalbard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kośmińska, Karolina; Majka, Jarosław; Manecki, Maciej; Schneider, David A.

2016-04-01

The Ellesmerian fold-and-thrust belt is exposed in the High Arctic from Ellesmere Island in the east, through North Greenland, to Svalbard in the west (e.g. Piepjohn et al., 2015). It developed during Late Devonian - Early Carboniferous, and overprinted older (mainly Caledonian) structures. It is thought that this fold-and-thrust belt was formed due to collision of the Pearya Terrane and Svalbard with the Franklinian Basin of Laurentia. Traditionally, the Ellesmerian fold-and-thrust belt comprises a passive continental margin affected by foreland deformation processes, but the exact larger scale tectonic context of this belt is disputable. It is partly because the Eocene Eurekan deformation superimposed significantly the Ellesmerian structures, thus making the reconstruction of the pre-Eurekan history very difficult. Here we present for the first time evidence for Ellesmerian metamorphism within the crystalline basement of Svalbard. These rocks are exposed in the Pinkie unit on Prins Karls Forland (W-Svalbard), which exhibits tectonic contacts with the overlying sequences. The Pinkie unit is mainly composed of strongly deformed lithologies such as laminated quartzites, siliciclastic rocks and garnet-bearing mica schists. Detrital zircon dating yielded ages as young as Neoproterozoic (0.95-1.05 Ga), thus the Pinkie unit is considered to be Neoproterozoic (Kośmińska et al., 2015a). The M1 assemblages and D1 structures are affected by D2 mylonitization (cf. Faehnrich et al., 2016, this meeting). Petrological characterization and Th-U-total Pb chemical monazite dating have been performed on the Pinkie metapelites. These rocks exhibit an apparent inverted Barrovian metamorphic sequence, within which three metamorphic zones have been distinguished: garnet+staurolite+muscovite+biotite, garnet+staurolite+kyanite+muscovite+biotite, garnet+kyanite+muscovite+biotite. The P-T estimates using the QuiG barometry coupled with thermodynamic modelling revealed that the metapelites were formed under amphibolite facies conditions at c. 7-9 kbar and 550-650 °C (Kośmińska et al., 2015b). Monazite dating was performed on samples from these three metamorphic zones. The chemical zonation of monazite allows the identification of several monazite populations, which likely developed during different stages of Barrovian metamorphism. The geochronology demonstrate protracted monazite growth from the early prograde stage at c. 370 Ma to the peak conditions at c. 355 Ma. Thus it is evident that the Ellesmerian event was not limited to the relatively cold deformation as previously thought. The amphibolite facies metamorphism of c. 370-355 Ma that was documented in our study sheds new light on understanding of the character of this tectonothermal event. This project is financed by NCN research project No 2013/11/N/ST10/00357 and partially funded by AGH research grant no 11.11.140.319. References: Faehnrich et al., 2016. A tectonic window into the crystalline basement of Prins Karls Forland, Spitsbergen. EGU General Assembly 2016. Kośmińska et al., 2015b. Metamorphic evolution of the Pinkie unit metapelites from Svalbard (High Arctic): P-T-t study including Quartz-in-garnet barometry (QuiG). GSA 2015: Annual Meeting, Baltimore. Kośmińska et al., 2015a. Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology of metasediments from southwestern Svalbard's Caledonian Province. EGU General Assembly 2015. Piepjohn et al., 2015. Tectonic map of the Ellesmerian and Eurekan deformation belts on Svalbard, North Greenland, and the Queen Elizabeth Islands (Canadian Arctic). Arktos, DOI 10.1007/s41063-015-0015-7.

Pressure Variations in Metamorphic Rocks: Implications for the Interpretation of Petrographic Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajčmanová, Lucie

2014-05-01

Metamorphic petrologists and structural geologists, using direct measurements, bring the only direct observational constrains for validating geodynamic models. Therefore, petrological and structural geological observations are essential for the quality and reproducibility of geodynamic reconstructions and models. One of the important assumptions for geodynamic reconstructions arises from the pressure and temperature estimates in the petrology analysis. Pressure is commonly converted to depth through the equation for lithostatic pressure and so the original position of the rock sample within the Earth's interior can be constrained. The current assumption that the studied sample corresponds to uniform pressure may not be correct, and if so, it has serious implications. Increasing evidence from analytical data shows that pressure is not constant even on a grain scale, posing new challenges because, if ignored, it leads to an incorrect use of petrology data in constraining geodynamic models. Well known examples of the preservation of coesite and diamond in a host mineral like garnet show that high pressure inclusions are preserved during decompression. Tajčmanová et al. (2014) has shown that grain-scale pressure variations can develop and that these pressure variations allow compositional zoning in minerals preserved over geological time scales. A new unconventional barometric method based on equilibrium under pressure variations has been developed . Such pressure variations are also connected with differences in fluid pressure in open systems and can be thus observed at all scales. Tajčmanová L., Podladchikov Y., Powell R., Moulas E., Vrijmoed J. and Connolly J. (2014). Grain scale pressure variations and chemical equilibrium in high-grade metamorphic rocks.Journal of Metamorphic Geology, doi:10.1111/jmg.12066 This work was supported by ERC starting grant 335577 to Lucie Tajcmanova

Metamorphism, P-T-t Conditions of Formation, and Prospects for the Practical Use of Al2SiO5 Polymorphs, Chloritoid, and Staurolite (Yenisei Ridge)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlov, P. S.

2017-12-01

The Yenisei Ridge is an accretion-collisional orogen located in the southwestern frame of the Siberian Craton in the interfluve between Podkamennaya Tunguska, Angara, Kan, and Yenisei rivers. The Precambrian mono- and polymetamorphic complexes composed predominantly of the Mesoarchean-Neoproterozoic metapelitic rocks have been studied. Based on the typification of metamorphic complexes by pressure, temperature, metamorphic gradient, as well as age of metamorphism, the location scheme of the fields of the Precambrian sedimentary-metamorphic rock which are prospective for searching deposits of high-alumina metamorphic minerals (andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite, chloritoid, and staurolite) in the Trans-Angara segment of the Yenisei Region, was compiled. The Teya sillimanite and Panimbinsk andalusite deposits, which are confined to the fields of regional metamorphic complexes of iron-alumina metapelites of the And-Sill facies series, are recommended as a priority for the organization of prospecting works and the subsequent involvement to the metallurgical industry. These metapelites are classified as monomineral. Owing to widespread occurrence and abundance of andalusite and sillimanite, the above deposits have significant inferred resources. Stratiform deposits of garnet-staurolite and chloritoid high-alumina rocks are still insufficiently studied and should be investigated further. The prospects for the possible use of high-alumina andalusite and sillimanite together with Middle Tatarka and Kiya nepheline syenite massifs and the bauxites of the Chadobets uplift, already being explored in the region, for production of aluminum oxide, silumin, and aluminum, as well as, the prospects for the expansion of the raw material base of the Boguchansk Electrometallurgical Complex, brought into operation in 2016 in the Lower Angara region, are considered.

Tectono-metamorphic evolution of meta-ophiolitic units along Susa Valley (Italian Western Alps): new suggestions for the exhumation processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghignone, Stefano; Borghi, Alessandro; Balestro, Gianni; Gattiglio, Marco

2017-04-01

In the inner Western Alps, meta-ophiolite units (i.e., the Piemonte Zone) show different stages of the tectono-metamorphic evolution, since the early phases of subduction to the latest exhumation steps. Tectono-metamorphic data collected through the meta-ophiolite units of the Piemonte Zone along the middle Susa Valley allowed to infer new ideas about the exhumation processes that developed in the (U)HP units. In this area, Zermatt-Saas-like meta-ophiolite unit (i.e., the eclogite-facies Internal Piemonte Zone, IPZ) are tectonically overlain by Combin-like ones (i.e., the blueschist-facies External Piemonte Zone, EPZ), through a thick shear zone (i.e., the Susa Shear Zone, SSZ). Metamorphic history was achieved by analyzing basic rocks (metabasalt and Fe-Ti metagabbro) and sedimentary rocks derived from reworking basic rocks in oceanic environment (basic sandstones and conglomerates, and ophiolitic breccia). Different P-T paths were inferred for IPZ and EPZ, according with mineral assemblages and realizations of pseudosections. In the IPZ, four tectono-metamorphic events, developed under variables metamorphic conditions, were recognized. The first (peak-P) event shows (U)HP conditions, defined by the occurrence of relic mineral assemblage (Grt I+ Omp I + Rt). The paragenesis is completed by Zo + Pg pseudomorphs, implying that Lws-eclogite facies were reached. The discovery in Grt (and Rt) relics inclusions of black euhedral pseudomorphs of disordered graphite, suggesting to be derived from original microdiamonds, agree with other petrologic constrains. The second event, marked by the Grt II + Omp II + Ph + Gln + Zo assemblage, developed under epidote-eclogite facies conditions. Following a retrograde and decompressional trajectory, the IPZ was then re-equilibrated under greenschist-facies conditions and a new assemblage (Ab + Chl + Mu + Czo + Ttn + Act) overprinted HP paragenesis. The last event is marked by a weak heating, with crystallization of Bt + Ep + Olig + Hbl (Prg) + Ms. The EPZ shows a different metamorphic evolution, where only two events were recognized. The first event developed under blueschist-facies conditions, with relics of mineral assemblages consisting of Gln + Rt + Ph. Then, a retrograde trajectory re-equilibrated EPZ under greenschist-facies conditions and a new stable mineral assemblage (Ab + Chl + Mu + Ttn + Act + Czo) grew. The inferred P-T path suggests, for the IPZ, a first isothermal exhumation stage, likely driven by buoyancy forces from the base of the orogenic wedge. In the EPZ, HP peak occurs at the same gradient of the second event in the IPZ, suggesting that, during exhumation of the IPZ, the EPZ was still subducted. The strong re-equilibration under greenschist-facies conditions suggests a stage of slow exhumation rate, which can be related to the coupling between IPZ and EPZ.

Characterization of Organic Materials in the Xenolithic Clasts in Sharps (H3.4) Meteorite Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bodnar, R. J.; Kebukawa, Y.

2015-01-01

Graphitization of carbon is an irreversible process which alters the structure of graphitic materials in response to the increase in metamorphic grade (temperature and/or pressure). Carbonaceous materials offer a reliable geothermometer as their Raman spectra change systematically with increasing metamorphic grade. In this study, we identified carbonaceous materials in the xenolithic clasts in Sharps and interpreted their metamorphic history by revealing the structural organization (order) of the polyaromatic organic phases using micro-Raman spectroscopy.

Characterization of Organic Materials in the Xenolithic Clasts in Sharps (H3.4) Meteorite Using Microraman Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bodnar, R. J.; Kebukawa, Y.

2015-01-01

Graphitization of carbon is an irreversible process which alters the structure of graphitic materials in response to the increase in metamorphic grade (temperature and/or pressure). Carbonaceous materials offer a reliable geothermometer as their Raman spectra change systematically with increasing metamorphic grade [1-3]. In this study, we identified carbonaceous materials in the xenolithic clasts in Sharps and interpreted their metamorphic history by revealing the structural organization (order) of the polyaromatic organic phases using µ-Raman spectroscopy.

Mesozoic to Eocene ductile deformation of western Central Iran: From Cimmerian collisional orogeny to Eocene exhumation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kargaranbafghi, Fariba; Neubauer, Franz; Genser, Johann; Faghih, Ali; Kusky, Timothy

2012-09-01

To advance our understanding of the Mesozoic to Eocene tectonics and kinematics of basement units exposed in the south-western Central Iran plateau, this paper presents new structural and thermochronological data from the Chapedony metamorphic core complex and hangingwall units, particularly from the Posht-e-Badam complex. The overall Paleogene structural characteristics of the area are related to an oblique convergent zone. The Saghand area represents part of a deformation zone between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, and can be interpreted to result from the Central Iran intracontinental deformation acting as a weak zone during Mesozoic to Paleogene times. Field and microstructural evidence reveal that the metamorphic and igneous rocks suffered a ductile shear deformation including mylonitization at the hangingwall boundary of the Eocene Chapedony metamorphic core complex. Comparison of deformation features in the mylonites and other structural features within the footwall unit leads to the conclusion that the mylonites were formed in a subhorizontal shear zone by NE-SW stretching during Middle to Late Eocene extensional tectonics. The Chapedony metamorphic core complex is characterized by amphibolite-facies metamorphism and development of S and S-L tectonic fabrics. The Posht-e-Badam complex was deformed by two stages during Cimmerian tectonic processes forming the Paleo-Tethyan suture.

Near-isothermal conditions in the middle and lower crust induced by melt migration.

PubMed

Depine, Gabriela V; Andronicos, Christopher L; Phipps-Morgan, Jason

2008-03-06

The thermal structure of the crust strongly influences deformation, metamorphism and plutonism. Models for the geothermal gradient in stable crust predict a steady increase of temperature with depth. This thermal structure, however, is incompatible with observations from high-temperature metamorphic terranes exhumed in orogens. Global compilations of peak conditions in high-temperature metamorphic terranes define relatively narrow ranges of peak temperatures over a wide range in pressure, for both isothermal decompression and isobaric cooling paths. Here we develop simple one-dimensional thermal models that include the effects of melt migration. These models show that long-lived plutonism results in a quasi-steady-state geotherm with a rapid temperature increase in the upper crust and nearly isothermal conditions in the middle and lower crust. The models also predict that the upward advection of heat by melt generates granulite facies metamorphism, and widespread andalusite-sillimanite metamorphism in the upper crust. Once the quasi-steady-state thermal profile is reached, the middle and lower crust are greatly weakened due to high temperatures and anatectic conditions, thus setting the stage for gravitational collapse, exhumation and isothermal decompression after the onset of plutonism. Near-isothermal conditions in the middle and lower crust result from the thermal buffering effect of dehydration melting reactions that, in part, control the shape of the geotherm.

Linking microstructures, petrology and in situ U-(Th)-Pb geochronology to constrain P-T-t-D evolution of the Greather Himalyan Sequences in Western Nepal (Central Himalaya)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iaccarino, Salvatore; Montomoli, Chiara; Carosi, Rodolfo; Langone, Antonio

2013-04-01

Last advances in forward modelling of metamorphic rocks and into the understanding of accessories minerals behaviour, suitable for geochronology (e.g. zircon and monazite), during metamorphism, bring new insights for understanding the evolution of metamorphic tectonites during orogenic cycles (Williams and Jercinovic, 2012 and reference therein). One of the best exposure of high- to medium grade- metamorphic rocks, is represented by the Greater Himalayan Sequence (GHS) in the Himalayan Belt, one of the most classic example of collisional orogen. Recent field work in Mugu Karnali valley, Western Nepal (Central Himalaya), identified a compressional top to the South ductile shear zone within the core of the GHS, named Magri Shear Zone (MSZ), developed in a high temperature regime as testified by quartz microstructures and syn-kinematic growth of sillimanite. In order to infer the tectono-metamorphic meaning of MSZ, a microstructural study coupled with pseudosection modelling and in situ U-(Th)-Pb monazite geochronology was performed on selected samples from different structural positions. Footwall sample constituted by (Grt + St ± Ky) micaschist shows a prograde garnet growth (cores to inner rims zoning), from ~500°C, ~0.60GPa (close to garnet-in curve) to ~580°C, ~1.2 GPa temporal constrained between 21-18 Ma, by medium Y cores to very low Y mantles monazite micro-chemical/ages domain . In this sample garnet was still growing during decompression and heating at ~640°C, ~0.75 GPa (rims), and later starts to be consumed, in conjunction with staurolite growth at 15-13 Ma, as revealed by high Y rims monazite micro-chemical/ages domain. Hanging-wall mylonitic samples have a porphyroclastic texture, with garnet preserve little memory of prograde path. Garnet near rim isoplets and matrix minerals intersect at ~700°C and ~0.70 GPa. A previous higher P stage, at ~1.10 GPa ~600°C, is testified by cores of larger white mica porhyroclasts. Prograde zoned allanite (Janots et al., 2008) is rarely found within garnet crystal, while monazite found only along mylonitic foliation helps to constrain the age of shearing and hanging-wall rocks exhumation, between 25 Ma (low Y cores interpretd as Aln out product, close to P peak) and 18 Ma (high Y rims interpreted as Grt breakdown/melt crystallization product during decompression). The present results point out the occurence of a high-temperature shear zone, in the core of the GHS, active before the onset of the Main Central Thrust, responsible of at least a part of the exhumation of the metamorphic rocks. References Janots, E., Engi, M., Berger, J., Allaz, J., Schwarz, O., Spandler, C., (2008): Prograde metamorphic sequence of REE minerals in pelitic rocks of the Central Alps: implications for allanite monazite-xenotime phase relations from 250 to 610°C. Journal of Metamorphic Geology 26, 509-526. Williams, M.L., Jercinovic, M.J., (2012): Tectonic interpretation of metamorphic tectonites: integrating compositional mapping, microstructrual analyses and in situ monazite dating. Journal of Metamorphic Geology 30, 739-752.

Evaluating the importance of metamorphism in the foundering of continental crust.

PubMed

Chapman, Timothy; Clarke, Geoffrey L; Piazolo, Sandra; Daczko, Nathan R

2017-10-12

The metamorphic conditions and mechanisms required to induce foundering in deep arc crust are assessed using an example of representative lower crust in SW New Zealand. Composite plutons of Cretaceous monzodiorite and gabbro were emplaced at ~1.2 and 1.8 GPa are parts of the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss (WFO); examples of the plutons are tectonically juxtaposed along a structure that excised ~25 km of crust. The 1.8 GPa Breaksea Orthogneiss includes suitably dense minor components (e.g. eclogite) capable of foundering at peak conditions. As the eclogite facies boundary has a positive dP/dT, cooling from supra-solidus conditions (T > 950 ºC) at high-P should be accompanied by omphacite and garnet growth. However, a high monzodioritic proportion and inefficient metamorphism in the Breaksea Orthogneiss resulted in its positive buoyancy and preservation. Metamorphic inefficiency and compositional relationships in the 1.2 GPa Malaspina Pluton meant it was never likely to have developed densities sufficiently high to founder. These relationships suggest that the deep arc crust must have primarily involved significant igneous accumulation of garnet-clinopyroxene (in proportions >75%). Crustal dismemberment with or without the development of extensional shear zones is proposed to have induced foundering of excised cumulate material at P > 1.2 GPa.

Low levels of the herbicide atrazine alter sex ratios and reduce metamorphic success in Rana pipiens tadpoles raised in outdoor mesocosms.

PubMed

Langlois, Valérie S; Carew, Amanda C; Pauli, Bruce D; Wade, Michael G; Cooke, Gerard M; Trudeau, Vance L

2010-04-01

There are conflicting reports regarding the effects of atrazine (ATZ) on amphibian development. Therefore, further studies are needed to examine the potential mechanisms of action of ATZ in amphibians. Our aim in this study was to determine whether low concentrations of ATZ affect gonadal development and metamorphosis in the Northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens. Tadpoles were exposed in outdoor mesocosms to nominal concentrations of 0.1 and 1.8 microg/L of formulated ATZ from Gosner stage 27 (G27) to metamorphic climax (G42). Exposure to 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2; 1.5 microg/L) provided a positive control for induction of testicular oocytes in males. Endocrine-related gene expression and gonadal histopathology were examined at G42 and in a subset of premetamorphic G34 tadpoles that failed to metamorphose. Gonadal gross morphology revealed that the 1.8-microg/L ATZ treatment produced 20% more females compared with the control. Histologic analysis revealed that 22% of EE2-treated males had testicular oocytes, whereas none were observed in any animals from the control or either ATZ groups. ATZ increased brain estrogen receptor alpha mRNA to 2.5 times that of the control at premetamorphosis and altered liver levels of 5beta-reductase activity at metamorphosis. In contrast, brain aromatase mRNA level and activity did not change. ATZ treatments significantly reduced metamorphic success (number of animals reaching metamorphosis) without affecting body weight, snout-vent length, or age at metamorphosis. Gene expression analysis indicated that ATZ decreased the expression of deiodinase type 3 in the tail at premetamorphosis. Our study indicates that exposure to low concentrations of ATZ in experimental mesocosms alters gonadal differentiation and metamorphosis in developing R. pipiens.

40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar data bearing on the metamorphic and tectonic history of western New England.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sutter, J.F.; Ratcliffe, N.M.; Mukasa, S.B.

1985-01-01

40Ar/39Ar ages of coexisting biotite and hornblende from Proterozoic Y gneisses of the Berkshire and Green Mt massifs, as well as 40Ar/39Ar and K/Ar mineral and whole-rock ages from Palaeozoic metamorphic rocks, suggest that the thermal peaks for the dominant metamorphic recrystallization in western New England occurred 465 + or - 5 m.y. (Taconian). 40Ar/39Ar age data from a poorly-defined terrain along the eastern strip of the area suggests that the area has been retrograded during a metamorphism that peaked at least 376 + or - 5 m.y. (Acadian). Available age and petrological data from western New England indicate the presence of at least three separate metamorphic-structure domains of Taconic age: 1) a small area of relict high-P and low-T metamorphism, 2) a broad area of normal Barrovian metamorphism from chlorite to garnet grade characterized by a gentle metamorphic gradient and, 3) a rather narrow belt of steep-gradient, Barrovian series metamorphic rocks. Areas of maximum metamorphic intensity within the last domain coincide with areas of maximum crustal thickening in the later stage of Taconic orogeny. -L.di H

Na, K-Rich Rim Around a Chondrule in Unequilibrated Ordinary Chondrite Lew 86018 (L3.1)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishra, R. K.; Simon, J. I.; Ross, D. K.; Needham, A. W.; Messenger, S.; Keller, L. P.; Han, J.; Marhas, K. K.

2015-01-01

Ordinary chondrites represent the most abundant early Solar system extra-terrestrial (approximately 85% abundance) material available for laboratory studies and expectedly record the most extensive range of alterations effects from unmetamorphosed chondritic material to the highest temperatures of thermal metamorphism. The least metamorphosed chondrites belonging to petrologic type 3, the so called unequili-brated ordinary chondrites (UOCs), provide insights into alteration that happened during the primeval, ear-liest stage of Solar system formation. The higher grade petrologic types 4-6 ordinary chondrites on the other hand document up to near textural equilibrium (in type 6) extensive thermal metamorphism consisting of minerals and phases providing evidence of equilibration of heterogeneous mineral composition, solid-state recrystallization. Despite being the most abundant, the effect of alteration is less explicitly understood in ordinary chondrites (even less in UOCs) compared to other groups (e.g. CV, CO, CR). Additionally, the relationship between metasomatism (also referred as aqueous alteration or fluid-assisted metamorphism) and metamorphism (primarily thermal driven) has not been studied and alterations in the ordinary chondrites have been considered to have occurred in absence of fluids in general. Despite this conventional view, UOCs of lowest grades (3.0-3.2) show some evidence of low temperature (approximately 200 C), fluid assisted metamorphism in the form of the presence of phyllosilicates, ferroan olivine, and magnetites in their matrices and occasionally in chondrules. Here, we present petrographic and mineralogical studies of UOC, Lewis Hills (LEW) 86018 to further our understanding of the extent and relative importance of metasomatism and/or metamorphism in UOCs.

Interrelation of the construction of the metamorphic InAlAs/InGaAs nanoheterostructures with the InAs content in the active layer of 76-100% with their surface morphology and electrical properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vasil'evskii, I. S., E-mail: ivasilevskii@mail.ru; Galiev, G. B.; Klimov, E. A.

The influence of the construction of a metamorphic buffer on the surface morphology and electrical properties of InAlAs/InGaAs/InAlAs nanoheterostructures with InAs content in the active layer from 76 to 100% with the use of the GaAs and InP substrates is studied. It is shown that such parameters as the electron mobility and the concentration, as well as the root-mean-square surface roughness, substantially depend on the construction of the metamorphic buffer. It is established experimentally that these parameters largely depend on the maximal local gradient of the lattice constant of the metamorphic buffer in the growth direction of the layers rathermore » than on its average value. It is shown that, with selection of the construction of the metamorphic buffer, it is possible to form nanostructured surfaces with a large-periodic profile.« less

Thermal durations and heating behaviour for the Barrovian metamorphism, Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viete, D. R.; Lister, G. S.; Hermann, J.; Forster, M. A.; Oliver, G. J.

2008-12-01

Published U/Pb ages for the syn-metamorphic gabbros and granites of the Grampian Terrane, Scotland, that provided heat for the classical Barrovian metamorphism, suggests that they were emplaced between 473.5 and 470 Ma. New SHRIMP U/Pb ages of 472.2 ± 5.8 Ma and 470.4 ± 6.1 Ma for peak metamorphism in the highest-grade units of the Barrovian metamorphic series are consistent with a 473.5 to 470 Ma heating episode in the highest-grade units. U/Pb-calibrated 40Ar/39Ar ages for white mica from the Barrovian metamorphic series vary from c. 465 Ma for the biotite zone to c. 461 Ma for the sillimanite zone and suggest that the Barrovian thermal episode lasted less than 8.5 million years in the biotite zone and less than 12.5 million years in the sillimanite zone. The lowest-grade units of the Barrovian metamorphic series retain detrital ages in white mica 40Ar/39Ar step-heating spectra, while units metamorphosed to temperatures of 475°C or more yield Grampian 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages. Forward modelling of Ar diffusion from white mica grains was carried out for different grain sizes and thermal histories to match the position of the across-metamorphic-grade transition from detrital 40Ar/39Ar patterns to Grampian 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages. The results of Ar diffusion modelling are consistent with thermal durations of between one and 4.5 million years for the Barrovian metamorphism of the biotite zone. Microstructural observations suggest that peak metamorphism and cooling occurred earliest in the lowest-grade units of the Barrovian metamorphic series and metamorphism in the higher-grade units continued for longer. We propose metamorphic durations of between 3.5 and eight million years for the Barrovian metamorphism of the sillimanite zone. Geochemical textures preserved within high-grade garnets from the Barrovian metamorphic series record evidence of Mn diffusion over c. 1000 μm lengthscales during the Barrovian metamorphism. In addition, sillimanite-grade garnets from the Barrovian metamorphic series preserve c. 100 μm diffusion textures between sillimanite-grade rim domains and lower-grade cores. Timescales for Fickian diffusion processes increase with the square of the diffusion lengthscale. Lengthscales of diffusion are considered within the context of 3.5- to eight-million-year duration for the Barrovian thermal event. Heat associated with regional metamorphism appears to have accumulated within the metamorphosed units following numerous, short- timescale (tens of thousands of year) heating events. Shear zones that occur in the highest-grade parts of the Barrovian metamorphic series provide a suitably narrow heating region for regional metamorphism over a several million years and, with episodic movement histories, can account for self-similar heating behaviour (by mechanical work and/or the introduction of magmas and hot fluids).

Microstructural evidence for dissolution precipitation creep in high pressure metamorphic serpentinites from subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wassmann, S.; Trepmann, C.; Krohe, A.; Stoeckhert, B.

2009-12-01

Serpentinite is generally believed to constitute weak material in subduction zones and to play an essential role for the development of a subduction channel. Information on deformation mechanisms and appropriate rheological models to describe these large scale flow processes is obtained from natural serpentinites exhumed from ancient subduction zones. In this study, we investigate the microstructural record of serpentinites exposed in the Zermatt-Saas-Zone, Western Alps. The metamorphic mineral assemblage comprises antigorite, forsterite, diopside, tremolite, chlorite, oxide phases, and in places titanclinohumite. Original mantle minerals are only locally preserved as relics. The conditions of Alpine metamorphism can be estimated from associated eclogites; the pressures are mostly between 1.5 and 2.5 GPa at temperatures of c. 500-600°C. The serpentinites show a complex structure with several generations of folds and foliations. An early foliation is defined by the combined shape and crystallographic preferred orientation (SPO and CPO) of antigorite and metamorphic diopside. These patterns are undistinguishable from the SPO and CPO of the same minerals in strain shadows, where the CPO must be developed by oriented growth from an aqueous solution. Therefore we suspect that the SPO and CPO in the polyphase matrix layers also result from oriented growth. Also, there is no microstructural evidence for any crystal plastic deformation of diopside. In places, antigorite flakes with SPO and CPO are overgrown by single crystals or aggregates of metamorphic forsterite, locally titanoclinohumite, and tremolite. The aggregates of forsterite exhibit a foam structure without CPO. All microfabrics indicate that dissolution precipitation creep was predominant in the investigated serpentinites, and most finite strain was accumulated by this mechanism. We see no evidence for a significant contribution of dislocation creep, both based on microstructure and on the CPO patterns. This does not preclude dislocation creep and a power law rheology to hold for higher stress levels, as expected for short episodes of postseismic creep. For the long term flow of serpentinites in subduction zones, however, Newtonian behaviour and a low viscosity are indicated.

Geology of Precambrian rocks and isotope geochemistry of shear zones in the Big Narrows area, northern Front Range, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Abbott, Jeffrey T.

1970-01-01

Rocks within the Big Narrows and Poudre Park quadrangles located in the northern Front Range of Colorado are Precambrian metasedimentary and metaigneous schists and gneisses and plutonic igneous rocks. These are locally mantled by extensive late Tertiary and Quaternary fluvial gravels. The southern boundary of the Log Cabin batholith lies within the area studied. A detailed chronology of polyphase deformation, metamorphism and plutonism has been established. Early isoclinal folding (F1) was followed by a major period of plastic deformation (F2), sillimanite-microcline grade regional metamorphism, migmatization and synkinematic Boulder Creek granodiorite plutonism (1.7 b.y.). Macroscopic doubly plunging antiformal and synformal structures were developed. P-T conditions at the peak of metamorphism were probably about 670?C and 4.5 Kb. Water pressures may locally have differed from load pressures. The 1.4 b.y. Silver Plume granite plutonism was post kinematic and on the basis of petrographic and field criteria can be divided into three facies. Emplacement was by forcible injection and assimilation. Microscopic and mesoscopic folds which postdate the formation of the characteristic mineral phases during the 1.7 b.y. metamorphism are correlated with the emplacement of the Silver Plume Log Cabin batholith. Extensive retrograde metamorphism was associated with this event. A major period of mylonitization postdates Silver Plume plutonism and produced large E-W and NE trending shear zones. A detailed study of the Rb/Sr isotope geochemistry of the layered mylonites demonstrated that the mylonitization and associated re- crystallization homogenized the Rb87/Sr 86 ratios. Whole-rock dating techniques applied to the layered mylonites indicate a probable age of 1.2 b.y. Petrographic studies suggest that the mylonitization-recrystallization process produced hornfels facies assemblages in the adjacent metasediments. Minor Laramide faulting, mineralization and igneous activity occurred within this area. A sinuous band of gravel deposits trending into the Livermore embayment and lying well above the present drainage is believed to represent a late Tertiary course of the Cache La Poudre river.

Tongue and taste organ development in the ontogeny of direct-developing salamander Plethodon cinereus (Lissamphibia: Plethodontidae).

PubMed

Budzik, Karolina A; Żuwała, Krystyna; Kerney, Ryan

2016-07-01

The latest research on direct developing caecilian and anuran species indicate presence of only one generation of taste organs during their ontogeny. This is distinct from indirect developing batrachians studied thus far, which possess taste buds in larvae and anatomically distinct taste discs in metamorphs. This study is a description of the tongue and taste organ morphology and development in direct developing salamander Plethodon cinereus (Plethodontidae) using histology and electron microscopy techniques. The results reveal two distinct stages tongue morphology (primary and secondary), similar to metamorphic urodeles, although only one stage of taste organ morphology. Taste disc sensory zones emerge on the surface of the oropharyngeal epithelium by the end of embryonic development, which coincides with maturation of the soft tongue. Taste organs occur in the epithelium of the tongue pad (where they are situated on the dermal papillae), the palate and the inner surface of the mandible and the maxilla. Plethodon cinereus embryos only possess taste disc type taste organs. Similar to the direct developing anuran Eleutherodactylus coqui (Eleutherodactylidae), these salamanders do not recapitulate larval taste bud morphology as an embryo. The lack of taste bud formation is probably a broadly distributed feature characteristic to direct developing batrachians. J. Morphol. 277:906-915, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Recycling argon through metamorphic reactions: The record in symplectites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Christopher S.; Regis, Daniele; Warren, Clare J.; Kelley, Simon P.; Sherlock, Sarah C.

2018-02-01

The 40Ar/39Ar ages of metamorphic micas that crystallized at high temperatures are commonly interpreted as cooling ages, with grains considered to have lost 40Ar via thermally-driven diffusion into the grain boundary network. Recently reported laser-ablation data suggest that the spatial distribution of Ar in metamorphic micas does not always conform to the patterns predicted by diffusion theory and that despite high metamorphic temperatures, argon was not removed efficiently from the local system during metamorphic evolution. In the Western Gneiss Region (WGR), Norway, felsic gneisses preserve microtextural evidence for the breakdown of phengite to biotite and plagioclase symplectites during near isothermal decompression from c. 20-25 to c. 8-12 kbar at 700 °C. These samples provide an ideal natural laboratory to assess whether the complete replacement of one K-bearing mineral by another at high temperatures completely 'resets' the Ar clock, or whether there is some inheritance of 40Ar in the neocrystallized phase. The timing of the high-temperature portion of the WGR metamorphic cycle has been well constrained in previous studies. However, the timing of cooling following the overprint is still much debated. In-situ laser ablation spot dating in phengite, biotite-plagioclase symplectites and coarser, texturally later biotite yielded 40Ar/39Ar ages that span much of the metamorphic cycle. Together these data show that despite residence at temperatures of 700 °C, Ar is not completely removed by diffusive loss or during metamorphic recrystallization. Instead, Ar released during phengite breakdown appears to be partially reincorporated into the newly crystallizing biotite and plagioclase (or is trapped in fluid inclusions in those phases) within a close system. Our data show that the microtextural and petrographic evolution of the sample being dated provides a critical framework in which local 40Ar recycling can be tracked, thus potentially allowing 40Ar/39Ar dates to be linked more accurately to metamorphic history.

Ammonium loss and nitrogen isotopic fractionation in biotite as a function of metamorphic grade in metapelites from western Maine, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plessen, Birgit; Harlov, Daniel E.; Henry, Darrell; Guidotti, Charles V.

2010-08-01

Ammonium fixed in micas of metamorphic rocks is a sensitive indicator both of organic-inorganic interactions during diagenesis as well as of the devolatilization history and fluid/rock interaction during metamorphism. In this study, a collection of geochemically well-characterized biotite separates from a series of graphite-bearing Paleozoic greenschist- to upper amphibolite-facies metapelites, western Maine, USA, were analyzed for ammonium nitrogen ( NH4+-N) contents and isotopic composition (δ 15N NH4) using the HF-digestion distillation technique followed by the EA-IRMS technique. Biotite separates, sampled from 9 individual metamorphic zones, contain 3000 to 100 ppm NH4+-N with a wide range in δ 15N from +1.6‰ to +9.1‰. Average NH4+-N contents in biotite show a distinct decrease from about 2750 ppm for the lowest metamorphic grade (˜500 °C) down to 218 ppm for the highest metamorphic grade (˜685 °C). Decreasing abundances in NH4+ are inversely correlated in a linear fashion with increasing K + in biotite as a function of metamorphic grade and are interpreted as a devolatilization effect. Despite expected increasing δ 15N NH4 values in biotite with nitrogen loss, a significant decrease from the Garnet Zones to the Staurolite Zones was found, followed by an increase to the Sillimanite Zones. This pattern for δ 15N NH4 values in biotite inversely correlates with Mg/(Mg + Fe) ratios in biotite and is discussed in the framework of isotopic fractionation due to different exchange processes between NH4+-NH or NH4+-N, reflecting devolatilization history and redox conditions during metamorphism.

40Ar/39Ar thermochronology of mesoproterozoic metamorphism in the Colorado Front Range

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shaw, C.A.; Snee, L.W.; Selverstone, J.; Reed, J.C.

1999-01-01

A low-pressure metamorphic episode in the Colorado Front Range has been identified by the presence of staurolite, andalusite, cordierite, and garnet porphyroblasts overprinting earlier assemblages. The overprinting assemblages and reaction textures are most consistent with porphyroblast growth on a prograde metamorphic path with peak temperatures exceeding ~525??C. Twenty-eight 40Ar/39Ar dates on hornblende, muscovite, biotite, and microcline were used to infer the age and thermal conditions of metamorphism. Muscovite and biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages fall mainly in the interval 1400-1340 Ma, consistent with cooling through the closure temperature interval of micas (~400??-300??C) after about 1400 Ma. In contrast, hornblende apparent ages (T(c)~500??-550??C) between 1600 and 1390 Ma reflect variable retention of radiogenic argon. Forward modeling of argon diffusion shows that the distribution of hornblende and mica ages is consistent with the partial resetting of argon systematics ca. 1400 Ma by a thermal pulse reaching maximum temperatures around 550??C and decaying within <20 m.yr. These temperatures match the conditions inferred from the overprinting assemblage; thus, muscovite and biotite ages are interpreted to date the cooling phase of this metamorphic event. This late metamorphism is broadly coeval with the intrusion of ca. 1400-Ma granitic plutons in the study area and throughout the southwestern United States. However, thermal effects are observed far from pluton margins, suggesting pervasive, regional crustal heating rather than restricted contact metamorphism. Our results suggest that ca. 1400-Ma metamorphism and plutonism are manifestations of a regional thermal episode that both partially melted the lower crust and pervasively metamorphosed middle crustal rocks.

Modelling Metamorphism by Abstract Interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalla Preda, Mila; Giacobazzi, Roberto; Debray, Saumya; Coogan, Kevin; Townsend, Gregg M.

Metamorphic malware apply semantics-preserving transformations to their own code in order to foil detection systems based on signature matching. In this paper we consider the problem of automatically extract metamorphic signatures from these malware. We introduce a semantics for self-modifying code, later called phase semantics, and prove its correctness by showing that it is an abstract interpretation of the standard trace semantics. Phase semantics precisely models the metamorphic code behavior by providing a set of traces of programs which correspond to the possible evolutions of the metamorphic code during execution. We show that metamorphic signatures can be automatically extracted by abstract interpretation of the phase semantics, and that regular metamorphism can be modelled as finite state automata abstraction of the phase semantics.

Tectono-metamorphic evolution and magmatic processes in the thermo-metamorphic aureole of the Monte Capanne pluton (Elba Island, Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morelli, M.; Pandeli, E.; Principi, G.

2003-04-01

Introduction In this work we present new structural and petrographic data collected in the thermo-metamorphic aureole of Monte Capanne (western Elba Island) and its metamorphic evolution. In the western Elba Island the Monte Capanne monzogranitic body (ca. 7 Ma) and its thermo-metamorphic aureole crop out. At least two different tectonic units can be distinguished: the Punta Le Tombe Unit, weak re-crystallized, and the Punta Nera Unit. In the latter one the re-crystallization is strong and a pre-intrusion tectono-metamorphic framework is evident (Morelli et al., 2002). The latter is mainly constituted by thermo-metamorphosed meta-ophiolites and meta-sedimentary successions previously correlated by Barberi et al. (1969) with the un-metamorphic ones (Complex IV and V of Trevisan, 1950) cropping out in the central-eastern Elba. According to Perrin (1975) and Reutter &Spohn (1982) a pre-intrusion tectono-metamorphic framework was recognized into such rocks. As suggested by Daniel &Jolivet (1995) complex relationships between metamorphic evolution and magmatic events are also recognizable. Geological Data The Punta Nera Unit crops out all around the Monte Capanne magmatic body and the primary contact with the underlying granitoid is somewhere preserved. This unit, strongly re-crystallized and locally crosscut by aplitic and porphyritic dikes, is represented by (Coli &Pandeli, 1997; Morelli, 2000) tectonized meta-serpentinites, meta-gabbros with rodingitic dikes, rare meta-basalts and meta-ophicalcites, meta-cherts, marbles, cherty meta-limestones, phyllites and meta-limestones with rare meta-arenites intercalations. A "pre-magmatic" tectono-metamorphic framework of this unit is well evident only in its meta-sedimentary portion. The meta-sediments are deformed by syn-metamorphic isoclinal folds caractherized by N-S trending axes, west dipping axial planes and easternward vergence. A later folding and flattening event clearly post-dated the above said folds and associated main foliation. Both at the meso- and micro-scale few generations of syn-/inter-kinematic and static thermo-metamorphic blasteses (e.g. biotite, wollastonite, garnet, epidote etc.) are evident. Finally weak local folding and faulting affected the Monte Capanne thermo-metamorphic aureole during the uplift of the cooled pluton. Along the coast of Spartaia (north-eastern side of Monte Capanne) the meta-sedimentary upper portion of the Punta Nera Unit crops out and it is represented by alternating marbles and phyllites with rare meta-arenites. Here, the relationships between tectono-metamorphic and thermo-metamorphic structures, and intrusive magmatic bodies are particularly evident. D_1M_1: is recognizable at the meso-scale only as rare relics of intrafolial isoclinal rootless hinges and locally as a transposed foliation (S1). At the microscope a relic fine-spaced foliation, locally preserved by the following re-crystallization and parallel to the original lithological partitions, is evident. The original mineral associations is often replaced by HT/LP mimetic and syn-kinematic or static blasteses. D_2M_2 is the most evident structural fabric pre-dating the thermo-metamorphic events. It is represented by tight to isoclinal folds with N-S trending axes and easternward vergence. At the microscope the S2 foliation deformed the previously S1 and at the fold hinges a variously penetrative discrete crenulation cleavage (S2) is recognizable. M_3 is the first thermo-metamorphic event. It is associated to the intrusions of the Capo Bianco, San Martino and Portoferraio laccoliths (between ca. 8 and 7.2 Ma, Rocchi et alii, 2002) along pre-existing tectonic and lithological discontinuity. The laccoliths clearly crosscut the tectono-metamorphic fabric of the Punta Nera Unit. At this first magmatic event is associated a HT/LP blastesis of static garnet, wollastonite and epidote. Close to the contact between the magmatic intrusive bodies the country rocks are strongly re-crystallized and the original structure is oblitered. D_3M_4: is linked to the intrusion of the Monte Capanne pluton (6.9 Ma). Because of the flattening of the country rocks a penetrative foliation, sub-parallel to the surface of the plutonic body, developed during its intrusion and the uplift. Fluidal structures and discharge folding also developed. This structures affected both the country rocks and the laccoliths intruded in. At the meso-scale are also evident fractures, filled by calcite, cutting the garnet/wollastonite aggregate and later flattened and-or partially transposed. Late felsic products associated with the Monte Capanne pluton partly are deformed by the flattening and partly cut the flattening structures. The contact between the pluton and the country rocks itself is locally deformed by flattening structures. At the microscope the growth of HT/LP minerals, mimetic on the previous associations, or syn-kinematic or static, is evident. M_5: finally, during the last intrusive event (Orano porphyries, 6.8 Ma) a static thermo-metamorphic blastesis locally occurs post-dating the structures previously described. Only gentle folding, veins and fractures formation, and faulting processes followed the tectono-metamorphic and thermo-metamorphic deformation events. Conclusions The Punta Nera Unit represents another important element to understand the relationships between Alps and Apennines. In fact, the evidences of a pre-granitoid polyphased tectono-metamorphic framework in this metamorphic oceanic unit allow to correlate it to the Schistes Lustrés of the Alpine Corsica (e.g. Inzecca Massif, Duran Delga, 1984) and of the Northern Tyrrhenian area (e.g. the outcrops of oceanic metamorphic units in the Gorgona Island, Giglio Island and eastern Elba Island: Bortolotti et al., 2001; Pandeli et alii, 2001; Rossetti et al., 2001; Orti et al., 2002). References Barberi et al. (1969). F.126. Isola d'Elba. Note Ill. Carta Geol. It., 1:100.000. Ser. Geol. d'It. Bortolotti V. et al. (2001), Ofioliti, 26, 2001. Coli &Pandeli, (2001), Ofioliti, 26, 2001. Daniel &Jolivet, (1995), Bull. Soc. Geol. France, 166(4), 341--354. Durand-Delga M. (1984), Mem. Soc. Geol. It., 28, 285--329. Morelli M. et alii, (2002), Proceedings of Eurogranites 2002, 15th--21th Sept. 2002. Orti et alii, (2002), Ofioliti, 27, 2002. Pandeli et alii, (2001), Ofioliti, 26, 2001. Perrin M. (1975), Boll. Soc. Geol. It., 94, pp.1929--1955. Reutter K.J. and Spohn A., (1982), Ofioliti, 7, 467--478. Rocchi et alii, (2002), in Eurogranites 2002 Field Meeting Guide. 15th--21th Sept. 2002 Rossetti et al., (2001), Ofioliti, 26, 2001. Trevisan L., (1950), Mem. Ist. Geol. Univ. Padova, 16, 2--39.

PTt path in metamorphic rocks of the Khoy region (northwest Iran) and their tectonic significance for Cretaceous Tertiary continental collision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azizi, H.; Moinevaziri, H.; Mohajjel, M.; Yagobpoor, A.

2006-06-01

Metamorphic rocks in the Khoy region are exposed between obducted ophiolites to the southwest and sedimentary rocks of Precambrian-Paleozoic age to the northeast. The Qom formation (Oligocene-Miocene) with a basal conglomerate transgressively overlies all of these rocks. The metamorphic rocks consist of both metasediments and metabasites. The metasediments are micaschist, garnet-staurolite schist and garnet-staurolite sillimanite schist with some meta-arkose, marble and quartzite. The metabasites are metamorphosed to greenschist and amphibolite facies from a basaltic and gabbroic protolith of tholeiitic and calc-alkaline rocks. Geothermobarometry based on the equivalence of minerals stability and their paragenesis in these rocks and microprobe analyses by several different methods indicate that metamorphism occurred in a temperature range between 450 and 680 °C at 5.5 and 7.5 kb pressure. Rims of minerals reveal a considerable decrease of pressure (<2 kb) and insignificant decrease of temperature. The PTt path of this metamorphism is normal. The MFG line passes above the triple junction of Al 2SiO 5 polymorphs, and the average geothermal gradient during metamorphism was from 27 to 37 °C/km, which is more concordant with the temperature regime of collision zones. We infer that crustal thickening during post-Cretaceous (possibly Eocene) collision of the Arabian plate and the Azerbaijan-Albourz block was the main factor that caused the metamorphism in the studied area.

Single quantum dot emission at telecom wavelengths from metamorphic InAs/InGaAs nanostructures grown on GaAs substrates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.; Frigeri, P.

We report on the growth by molecular beam epitaxy and the study by atomic force microscopy and photoluminescence of low density metamorphic InAs/InGaAs quantum dots. subcritical InAs coverages allow to obtain 10{sup 8} cm{sup -2} dot density and metamorphic In{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}As (x=0.15,0.30) confining layers result in emission wavelengths at 1.3 {mu}m. We discuss optimal growth parameters and demonstrate single quantum dot emission up to 1350 nm at low temperatures, by distinguishing the main exciton complexes in these nanostructures. Reported results indicate that metamorphic quantum dots could be valuable candidates as single photon sources for long wavelength telecom windows.

The 3D distribution of cordierite and biotite in hornfels from the Bugaboo contact aureole (British Columbia, Canada)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaidies, Fred; Petley-Ragan, Arianne; Pattison, David

2016-04-01

The size, abundance, shape and spatial distribution of metamorphic minerals bears important information on the rates and mechanisms of fundamental processes that take place during metamorphic crystallization. X-ray computed tomography (XR-CT) has become the method of choice to study the three-dimensional (3D) disposition of minerals in rocks as it allows investigation of relatively large sample volumes at sufficiently high resolution required for statistically meaningful analyses, and as its non-destructive fashion permits further studies such as mineral chemical, isotopic or crystallographic analyses of select grains identified through XR-CT. We present results obtained through the quantification of the 3D disposition of cordierite and biotite crystals in a hornfels from the contact aureole of the Bugaboo Batholith (British Columbia, Canada) using XR-CT and global as well as scale-dependent pattern statistics (Petley-Ragan et al., 2016). The results demonstrate a random distribution of cordierite and biotite crystal sizes for all scales across the entire rock volume studied indicative of interface-controlled prograde metamorphic reaction kinetics. We show that the common approach to approximate the shape of crystals as spherical underestimates the influence of the Strauss hard-core process on rock texture which may be misinterpreted to reflect ordering of crystal sizes by inhibition of nucleation and growth commonly associated with diffusion-controlled reaction kinetics. According to our findings, Strauss hard-core ordering develops at length scales equal to and less than the average major axis of the crystal population. This is significantly larger than what is obtained if a spherical crystal geometry would be assumed, and increases with deviation from sphericity. For the cordierite and biotite populations investigated in this research, Strauss hard-core ordering developed at length scales of up to ˜2.2 and 1.25 mm, respectively, which is almost 1 mm longer than the scales that would be obtained if a spherical geometry would have been assumed. Our results highlight the importance of a critical assessment of the geometrical model assumptions commonly applied in the 3D analysis of crystal size distributions, and underline the need for a quantitative understanding of interface processes in order to appreciate their role in the kinetics of contact metamorphic reactions and rock texture formation. References: Petley-Ragan A, Gaidies F, Pattison DRM (2016) A statistical analysis of the distribution of cordierite and biotite in hornfels from the Bugaboo contact aureole: implications for the kinetics of porphyroblast crystallization. Journal of Metamorphic Geology 34:85-101

Preliminary geologic map of the Winchester 7.5' quadrangle, Riverside County, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morton, Douglas M.

2003-01-01

The Winchester quadrangle is located in the northern part of the Peninsular Ranges Province within the central part of the Perris block, a relatively stable, rectangular in plan view, area located between the Elsinore and San Jacinto fault zones (see location map). The quadrangle is underlain by Cretaceous and older basement rocks. Cretaceous plutonic rocks are part of the composite Peninsular Ranges batholith, which indicates wide variety of granitic rocks, ranging from granite to gabbro. Parts of three major plutonic complexes are within the quadrangle, the Lakeview Mountains pluton, the Domenigoni Valley pluton and the Paloma Valley ring complex. In the northern part of the quadrangle is the southern part of the Lakeview Mountains pluton, a large composite body, most of which lies in the quadrangle to the north. In the center part of the quadrangle is the eastern part of the Domenigoni Valley pluton, which consists of massive biotite-hornblende granodiorite and tonalite; some tonalite in the southern part of the pluton has a relatively pronounced foliation produced by oriented biotite and hornblende. Common to abundant equant-shaped, mafic inclusions occur through out the pluton except in the outermost part where inclusions are absent. The pluton was passively emplaced by piecemeal stoping of a variety of older rocks and the eastern contact is well exposed in the quadrangle. Associated with the Domenigoni Valley pluton is a swarm of latite dikes; the majority of these dikes occur in the Winchester quadrangle, but they extend into the Romoland quadrangle to the west. The latite dikes intrude both the pluton and adjacent metamorphic rocks, most are foliated, and most have a well developed lineation defined by oriented biotite and/or hornblende crystals. Dikes intruding the pluton were emplaced in northwest striking joints; and dikes intruding the metamorphic rocks were emplaced along foliation planes. In the eastern part of the quadrangle a Cretaceous age suture juxtaposes low-metamorphic grade Mesozoic rocks against high-metamorphic grade gneissic-textured Mesozoic rocks. Juxtaposition occurred when the high-metamorphic grade rocks were at upper amphibolite grade temperatures, and produced a steep thermal gradient in the low-metamorphic grade Mesozoic rocks. Age of suturing and attendant metamorphism, based on metamorphic mineral ages, is about 100 Ma (L. Snee, personal communication, 2002). The suture zone appears to vary in thickness, and includes within it a number of metadunite bodies and related rocks. Prebatholithic rocks of Mesozoic age include a wide variety of sedimentary rocks of greenschist or lower metamorphic grade, in the western and central part of the quadrangle, and upper amphibolite grade near the eastern edge of the quadrangle. The metamorphic grade increases from greenschist to upper amphibolite grade over a distance of less than two miles; andalusite and sillimanite isograds are closely spaced near the suture. Metamorphism was Buchan type of relatively high temperature and relatively low pressure (Schwarcz, 1969). Common lithologies of the low metamorphic grade suite include phyllite, lithic greywacke, impure quartzite, meta-arkose, and interlayered quartzite and phyllite. Most of the layering and foliation in the metamorphic rocks is the result of intense structural transposition. Relic bedding appears to be restricted to very local occurrences in hinges of slip folds. The upper amphibolite grade, gneissic-textured Mesozoic rocks consist of sillimanite-biotite gneiss, black amphibolite, and impure quartzite. Anatectic gneiss containing igneous textured segregations of quartz and feldspar is commonly inter leaved with biotite gneiss.

Metamorphic core complexes: Expression of crustal extension by ductile-brittle shearing of the geologic column

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, G. H.

1985-01-01

Metamorphic core complexes and detachment fault terranes in the American Southwest are products of stretching of continental crust in the Tertiary. The physical and geometric properties of the structures, fault rocks, and contact relationships that developed as a consequence of the extension are especially well displayed in southeastern Arizona. The structures and fault rocks, as a system, reflect a ductile-through-brittle continuum of deformation, with individual structures and faults rocks showing remarkably coordinated strain and displacement patterns. Careful mapping and analysis of the structural system has led to the realization that strain and displacement were partitioned across a host of structures, through a spectrum of scales, in rocks of progressively changing rheology. By integrating observations made in different parts of the extensional system, especially at different inferred depth levels, it has been possible to construct a descriptive/kinematic model of the progressive deformation that achieved continental crustal extension in general, and the development of metamorphic core complexes in particular.

Development of magnetic and elastic anisotropies in slates during progressive deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrouda, František; Pros, Zdeněk; Wohlgemuth, Jiří

1993-05-01

Magnetic and elastic anisotropies were investigated in rocks of the Nízký Jeseník Mountains (northeast Bohemian Massif) ranging in lithology from almost unmetamorphosed sediments, through slate, to phyllite, and showing a range of structural styles from sedimentary, through spaced and slaty cleavage, to metamorphic schistosity. In unmetamorphosed and undeformed sedimentary rocks, both the anisotropies display close relationships to the sedimentary fabric. During the development of the spaced and slaty cleavage they are gradually re-oriented into the attitudes of the deformational fabrics, and in the rocks with metamorphic schistosity they are fully related to the deformational fabric elements, which can be oriented in a very different way from the original sedimentary structures. The magnetic anisotropy is mostly due to the preferred orientation of phyllosilicates generated during very weak regional metamorphism, and subordinately due to the preferred orientation of magnetite. The elastic anisotropy is probably controlled by the preferred orientation of phyllosilicates and by the existence of oriented systems of microcracks.

Duration of convergence at the Pacific-Gondwana plate margin: insights from accessory phase petrochronology of the Alpine Schist, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briggs, S. I.; Cottle, J. M.; Smit, M. A.; Arnush, N. F.

2016-12-01

The timing, duration and along-strike synchroneity of metamorphism and anataxis in the Alpine Schist of New Zealand is a matter of considerable debate. Our preliminary data indicate that metamorphism resulting in garnet growth occurred from 97 - 75 Ma, and anatectic melting occurred from 80 - 51 Ma. These events are contemporaneous with rifting of Zealandia from East Gondwana, and Tasman Sea spreading from 83 - 52 Ma. An important implication of these results is that Late Cretaceous convergence along the Zealandia segment of the Pacific-Gondwana plate margin may have persisted much later than previously thought, and that convergence and extension occurred coevally in adjacent areas. This poses the question: for how long did convergence continue along the Pacific-Gondwana plate margin during East Gondwana breakup? To fully decipher the multiple stages of the complex metamorphic history recorded in the Alpine Schist, we combine Lu-Hf garnet geochronology with U-Th/Pb and REE analyses of zircon and monazite. We use the newly developed `single-shot laser ablation split stream' (SS-LASS) analysis method to obtain depth profiles through 5-10 µm metamorphic zircon overgrowths at 100 nm depth resolution to constrain both the timing and petrological context of discrete metamorphic zircon (re-)crystallization events recorded in the Alpine Schist. We also employ high spatial resolution LASS analysis to target rare 5 - 20 µm monazite in thin section to augment garnet and zircon data. Our multi-accessory phase petrochronology approach is capable of resolving discrete short-duration thermal events, strengthening the geological interpretation of `mean' Lu-Hf garnet ages and discerning between an episodic versus a prolonged history of metamorphism. In addition, comparison with geochronology from anatectic pegmatites clarifies the temporal relationship between metamorphism and melting in the Alpine Schist, while providing direct constraints on the timing and duration of convergence along the Zealandia segment of the Pacific-Gondwana margin.

Different origins of garnet in high pressure to ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Qiong-Xia; Zhou, Li-Gang

2017-09-01

Garnet in high-pressure (HP) to ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks in subduction zone commonly shows considerable zonation in major and trace elements as well as mineral inclusions, which bears information on its growth mechanism via metamorphic or peritectic reactions in coexistence with relic minerals and metamorphic fluids or anatectic melts at subduction-zone conditions. It provides an important target to retrieve physicochemical changes in subduction-zone processes, including those not only in pressure and temperature but also in the durations of metamorphism and anatexis. Garnet from different compositions of HP to UHP metamorphic rocks may show different types of major and trace element zonation, as well as mineral inclusions. Discrimination between the different origins of garnet provides important constraints on pressure and temperature and the evolution history for the HP to UHP metamorphic rocks. Magmatic garnet may occur as relics in granitic gneisses despite metamorphic modification at subduction-zone conditions, with spessartine-increasing or flat major element profiles from inner to outer core and exceptionally higher contents of trace elements than metamorphic mantle and rim. Metamorphic garnet can grow at different metamorphic stages during prograde subduction and retrograde exhumation, with spessartine-decreasing from core to rim if the intracrystalline diffusion is not too fast. The compositional profiles of metamorphic garnet in the abundances of grossular, almandine and pyrope are variable depending on the composition of host rocks and co-existing minerals. Peritectic garnet grows through peritectic reactions during partial melting of HP to UHP rocks, with the composition of major elements to be controlled by anatectic P-T conditions and the compositions of parental rocks and anatectic melts. Trace element profiles in garnet with different origins are also variable depending on the coexisting mineral assemblages, the garnet-forming reactions and the property of metamorphic fluids or anatectic melts. Mineral inclusions not only present key clues to identify the different origins of garnet, but also serve as sound candidates for the temporal constraint on garnet growth.

Development, Qualification and Production of Space Solar Cells with 30% EOL Efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guter, Wolfgang; Ebel, Lars; Fuhrmann, Daniel; Kostler, Wolfgang; Meusel, Matthias

2014-08-01

AZUR SPACE's latest qualified solar cell product 3G30-advanced provides a high end-of-life (EOL) efficiency of 27.8% for 5E14 (1 MeV e-/cm2) at low production costs. In order to further reduce the mass, the 3G30-advanced was thinned down to as thin as 20 μm and tested in space. Next generation solar cells must exceed the EOL efficiency of the 3G30-advanced and therefore will utilize the excess current of the Ge subcell. This can be achieved by a metamorphic cell concept. While average beginning-of-life efficiencies above 31% have already been demonstrated with upright metamorphic triple-junction cells, AZUR's next generation product will comprise a metamorphic 4- junction device targeting 30% EOL.

Carbonic fluid inclusions in amphibolite-facies pelitic schists from Bodonch area, western Mongolian Altai

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zorigtkhuu, Oyun-Erdene; Tsunogae, Toshiaki; Dash, Batulzii

We report first fluid inclusion data on amphibolite-facies pelitic schists from Bodonch area of western Mongolian Altai in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Three categories of fluid inclusions have been observed in quartz: dominant primary and secondary inclusions, and least dominant pseudosecondary inclusions. The melting temperatures of all the categories of inclusions lie in the narrow range of -57.5 °C to -56.6 °C, close to the triple point of pure CO2. Homogenization of fluids occurs into liquid phase at temperature between -33.3 °C to +19.4 °C, which convert into densities in the range of 0.78 g/cm3 to 1.09 g/cm3. The estimated CO2 isochores for primary and pseudosecondary high-density inclusions is broadly consistent with the peak metamorphic condition of the studied area (6.3-7.3 kbar at 655 °C). The results of this study, together with the primary and pseudosecondary nature of the inclusions, indicate CO2 was the dominant fluid component during the peak amphibolite-facies metamorphism of the study area. The examined quartz grains are texturally associated with biotite, kyanite and staurolite, which are regarded as high-grade minerals formed during prograde to peak metamorphism. Therefore quartz probably formed by high-grade metamorphism and the primary fluid inclusions trapped in the minerals probably preserve fluids at around peak metamorphism.

Microbial Diversity of Impact-Generated Habitats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pontefract, Alexandra; Osinski, Gordon R.; Cockell, Charles S.; Southam, Gordon; McCausland, Phil J. A.; Umoh, Joseph; Holdsworth, David W.

2016-10-01

Impact-generated lithologies have recently been identified as viable and important microbial habitats, especially within cold and arid regions such as the polar deserts on Earth. These unique habitats provide protection from environmental stressors, such as freeze-thaw events, desiccation, and UV radiation, and act to trap aerially deposited detritus within the fissures and pore spaces, providing necessary nutrients for endoliths. This study provides the first culture-independent analysis of the microbial community structure within impact-generated lithologies in a Mars analog environment, involving the analysis of 44,534 16S rRNA sequences from an assemblage of 21 rock samples that comprises three shock metamorphism categories. We find that species diversity increases (H = 2.4-4.6) with exposure to higher shock pressures, which leads to the development of three distinct populations. In each population, Actinobacteria were the most abundant (41%, 65%, and 59%), and the dominant phototrophic taxa came from the Chloroflexi. Calculated porosity (a function of shock metamorphism) for these samples correlates (R2 = 0.62) with inverse Simpson indices, accounting for overlap in populations in the higher shock levels. The results of our study show that microbial diversity is tied to the amount of porosity in the target substrate (as a function of shock metamorphism), resulting in the formation of distinct microbial populations.

Geochronology of multi-stage metamorphic events: Constraints on episodic zircon growth from the UHP eclogite in the South Altyn, NW China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liang; Wang, Chao; Cao, Yu-Ting; Chen, Dan-Ling; Kang, Lei; Yang, Wen-Qiang; Zhu, Xiao-Hui

2012-04-01

Petrography, mineral chemistry and pressure-temperature (P-T) estimates were carried out for the eclogite from the South Altyn in NW China. The results suggest three stages of metamorphism: an ultra-high pressure (UHP) eclogite-facies metamorphism at 717-871 °C and ≥ 2.8 GPa, a high pressure (HP) granulite-facies metamorphism at 624-789 °C and 1.42-1.52 GPa, and an amphibolite-facies metamorphism at 597-728 °C and 0.99-1.17 GPa. Cathodoluminescence investigation revealed that zircons from the retrograde eclogite display a distinct core-rim structure. Cores are grey-white luminescent and contain mineral inclusions of Garnet + Omphacite + Rutile + Quartz, suggesting eclogite-facies metamorphic origin. The rims are dark grey luminescent and contain Garnet + Clinopyroxene + Pagioclase inclusions, forming at HP granulite-facies conditions. A few residual zircon grains with mottled internal structure also occur as the metamorphic cores. LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb dating yielded three discrete age groups: (1) a Neoproterozoic protolith age of 752 ± 7 Ma for the residual grains, (2) an eclogite-facies metamorphic age of 500 ± 7 Ma for the metamorphic cores, and (3) a HP granulite-facies retrograde age of 455 ± 2 Ma for the rims. These ages indicate that the protolith of the Altyn eclogite probably formed in response to breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent during the Neoproterozoic; it was subjected to continental deep subduction and UHP metamorphism during early Paleozoic (~ 500 Ma) and subsequently underwent two stages of retrograde metamorphism during exhumation. The petrological and geochronological data suggest a clockwise P-T-t path for the UHP eclogite. According to pressures and ages for the peak UHP eclogite-facies and the retrograde HP granulite-facies metamorphism, an exhumation rate of 1.2 mm/yr was estimated for the eclogite, which is considerably slower than that of some UHP rocks from other UHP terranes (> 5 mm/yr). While the peak metamorphic age of 500 Ma is consistent with previous dates of 480-504 Ma, it is 40-60 Myr older than the HP/UHP metamorphic ages of 420-461 Ma for UHP eclogites in North Qaidam. The retrograde metamorphic age is 455 ± 2 Ma for the Altyn eclogite, which is 30-55 Myr older than ~ 400-425 Ma for the North Qaidam eclogites. These age differences suggest that the South Altyn and North Qaidam eclogites do not belong to the same HP/UHP metamorphic zone.

CrossTalk: The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 28, Number 2, March/April 2015

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

that would not be detected using only the metamorphic properties of the full application. Second, the metamorphic properties of individual functions...the so-called “oracle problem” has focused on the use of metamorphic testing [3]. In metamorphic testing changes are made to existing test inputs in...one specified metamorphic property, we can now check two properties and run a total of three tests. This combined approach also allows us to reveal

Models for coupled fluid flow, mineral reaction, and isotopic alteration during contact metamorphism: The Notch Peak aureole, Utah

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ferry, J.M.; Dipple, G.M.

Three different models were developed to simulate the effect of contact metamorphism and fluid-rock interaction on the prograde mineralogical and O isotopic evolution of calcareous argillites from the Notch Peak aureole, Utah. All models assume local mineral-fluid equilibrium, a steady-state temperature profile corresponding to peak metamorphic values, and the thermodynamic data for minerals and fluid of Berman (1988). The preferred model, metamorphism with flow of a time-integrated fluid flux of 2 {plus minus} 0.5 {center dot} 10{sup 4} mol/cm{sup 2} in the direction of increasing temperature, successfully reproduces the principal petrologic and isotopic features of the aureole: (1) occurrence andmore » positions (in map view) of diopside-in, tremolite-out, grossular-in, wollastonite-in, and quartz-out isograds; (2) stable coexistence of tremolite + calcite + quartz + diopside over an {approx}1 km distance between the diopside-in and tremolite-out isograds; (3) variable whole-rock {sup 18}O depletions of {approx}6-9{per thousand} adjacent to the contact; and (4) a gradual and irregular increase in {delta}{sup 18}O with increasing distance from the pluton. Results demonstrate how isotopic and petrologic data for contact aureoles can be integrated to provide quantitative constraints on the magnitude and geometry of metamorphic fluid flow.« less

Post-metamorphic brecciation in type 3 ordinary chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, E. R. D.; Mccoy, T. J.; Keil, K.

1993-01-01

Type 3.1-3.9 ordinary chondrites can be divided into two kinds: those in which the compositions of chondrule silicates are entirely consistent with metamorphism of type 3.0 material, and those in which the computational heterogeneity appears to be too extreme for in situ metamorphism. We present petrologic data for three LL3 chondrites of the second kind--Ngawi, ALH A77278 (both type 3.6), and Hamlet (type 3.9)--and compare these data with results for the first kind of LL3-4 chondrites. Given that chondrules form in the nebula and that metamorphic equilibration occurs in asteroids, our new data imply that Ngawi, A77278, Hamlet, and many other type 3 ordinary chondrites are post-metamorphic breccias containing materials with diverse metamorphic histories; they are not metamorphic rocks or special kinds of 'primitive breccias.' We infer also that metamorphism to type 3.1-3.9 levels produces very friable material that is easily remixed into breccias and lithified by mild shock. Thus, petrologic types and subtypes of chondrites indicate the mean metamorphic history of the ingredients, not the thermal history of the rock. The metamorphic history of individual type 1 or 2 porphyritic chondrules in type 3 breccias is best derived from olivine and pyroxene analyses and the data of McCoy et al. for unbrecciated chondrites. The new chondrule classification schemes of Sears, DeHart et al., appears to provide less information about the original state and metamorphic history of individual porphyritic chondrules and should not replace existing classification schemes.

Post-metamorphic brecciation in type 3 ordinary chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, E. R. D.; McCoy, T. J.; Keil, K.

1993-03-01

Type 3.1-3.9 ordinary chondrites can be divided into two kinds: those in which the compositions of chondrule silicates are entirely consistent with metamorphism of type 3.0 material, and those in which the computational heterogeneity appears to be too extreme for in situ metamorphism. We present petrologic data for three LL3 chondrites of the second kind--Ngawi, ALH A77278 (both type 3.6), and Hamlet (type 3.9)--and compare these data with results for the first kind of LL3-4 chondrites. Given that chondrules form in the nebula and that metamorphic equilibration occurs in asteroids, our new data imply that Ngawi, A77278, Hamlet, and many other type 3 ordinary chondrites are post-metamorphic breccias containing materials with diverse metamorphic histories; they are not metamorphic rocks or special kinds of 'primitive breccias.' We infer also that metamorphism to type 3.1-3.9 levels produces very friable material that is easily remixed into breccias and lithified by mild shock. Thus, petrologic types and subtypes of chondrites indicate the mean metamorphic history of the ingredients, not the thermal history of the rock. The metamorphic history of individual type 1 or 2 porphyritic chondrules in type 3 breccias is best derived from olivine and pyroxene analyses and the data of McCoy et al. for unbrecciated chondrites. The new chondrule classification schemes of Sears, DeHart et al., appears to provide less information about the original state and metamorphic history of individual porphyritic chondrules and should not replace existing classification schemes.

Metamorphic sole formation and early plate interface rheology: Insights from Griggs apparatus experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soret, Mathieu; Agard, Philippe; Dubacq, Benoît; Hirth, Greg; Yamato, Philippe; Ildefonse, Benoît; Prigent, Cécile

2016-04-01

Metamorphic soles correspond to m to ~500 m thick highly strained metamorphic rock units found beneath mylonitic banded peridotites at the base of large-scale ophiolites, as exemplified in Oman. Metamorphic soles are mainly composed of metabasalts deriving from the downgoing oceanic lithosphere and metamorphosed up to granulite-facies conditions by heat transfer from the mantle wedge. Pressure-temperature peak conditions are usually estimated at 1.0±0.2 GPa and 800±100°C. The absence of HP-LT metamorphism overprint implies that metamorphic soles have been formed and exhumed during subduction infancy. In this view, metamorphic soles were strongly deformed during their accretion to the mantle wedge (corresponding, now, to the base of the ophiolite). Therefore, metamorphic soles and banded peridotites are direct witnesses of the dynamics of early subduction zones, in terms of thermal structure, fluid migration and rheology evolution across the nascent slab interface. Based on fieldwork and EBSD analyses, we present a detailed (micro-) structural study performed on samples coming from the Sumeini window, the better-preserved cross-section of the metamorphic sole of Oman. Large differences are found in the deformation (CPO, grain size, aspect ratio) of clinopyroxene, amphibole and plagioclase, related to mineralogical changes linked with the distance to the peridotite contact (e.g., hardening due to the appearance of garnet and clinopyroxene). To model the incipient slab interface in laboratory, we carried out 5 hydrostatic annealing and simple-shear experiments on Griggs solid-medium apparatus. Deformation experiments were conducted at axial strain rates of 10-6 s-1. Fine-grained amphibolite was synthetized by adding 1 wt.% water to a (Mid-Ocean Ridge) basalt powder as a proxy for the metamorphic sole (amphibole + plagioclase + clinopyroxene ± garnet assemblage). To synthetize garnet, 2 experiments were carried out in hydrostatic conditions and with deformation at 800°C with confining pressure of 2 GPa. Another simple-shear experiment has been carried out at 800°C and 1 GPa with fined-grained natural garnet. With the aim of mimicking the early slab interface (between the metamorphic sole and banded peridotites at the base of the ophiolite), 2 simple-shear deformation experiments with 2 layers have been carried out at 800°C and confining pressure of 1 GPa. The bottom layer was made of hydrated basalt powder and the top layer was made of olivine. Fined-grained garnet-free amphibolite is significantly weaker than dunite but the appearance of harder minerals in the amphibolite (garnet and clinopyroxene) has major implications on its rheological evolution. These results allow liking field observations of strain localization at the interface to the metamorphic sole formation.

P-T-t paths from polyphased garnets of the Yenisey Ridge: evidence for three tectonothermal events along the western margin of Siberian craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Likhanov, Igor

2015-04-01

Studies of pelitic gneisses and schists within the Yenisey regional shear zone (Garevka complex) at the western margin of the Siberian craton provide important constraints on the tectonothermal events and geodynamic processes in the Yenisey Ridge. In situ U-Th-Pb geochronology of monazite and xenotime from different growth zones of the garnet porphyroblasts coupled with P-T path calculations derived from garnet zoning patterns records three superimposed metamorphic event [1]. The different field gradients reflect contrasting tectonic settings. The first stage occurred as a result of the Grenville-age orogeny during late Meso-early Neoproterozoic (1050-850 Ma) and was marked by low-pressure zoned metamorphism at c. 4.8-5.0 kbar and 565-580 °C with a metamorphic field gradient of dT/dZ = 20-30 °C/km. At the second stage, the rocks experienced middle Neoproterozoic (801-793 Ma) collision-related medium-pressure metamorphism at c. 7.7-7.9 kbar and 630 °C with dT/dZ < 10 °C/km. The final stage evolved as a synexhumation retrograde metamorphism (785-776 Ma) at c. 4.8-5.4 kbar and 500 °C with dT/dZ < 14 °C/km and recorded uplift of the rocks to upper crustal levels in shear zones. The duration of post-collisional thrust exhumation does not exceed 16 Myr, which gives an exhumation rate of the metamorphic rocks of about 500-700 m/Myr [2]. This is in good agreement with the rate of exhumation (400 m/Myr) calculated for coeval collision-related metamorphic events in the Teya complex of the Yenisey Ridge [3] resulted from crustal thickening due to overthrusting [4] and also agrees with the results of thermomechanical numerical modeling (350 m/Myr) [5]. The final stages of collisional orogeny were followed by the development of rift-related bimodal dyke swarms of the Baikal-Yenisey belt, resulting from Neoproterozoic (790-780 Ma) extensional processes along the western margin of the Siberian craton and the onset of Rodinia's breakup [6]. Post-Grenville metamorphic episodes of regional crust evolution are correlated with the synchronous succession and similar style of the later tectonometamorphic events within the Valhalla orogen along the Arctic margin of Rodinia [7,8] and supports the spatial proximity of Siberia and North Atlantic cratons (Laurentia, Baltica, Svalbard) at c. 800 Ma, as indicated by the Neoproterozoic paleocontinental reconstructions of the classic Rodinia configuration [9,10]. [1] Likhanov et al. (2013) Petrology 21, 561-578. [2] Likhanov et al. (2014) J. Asian Earth Sci., http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2014.10.026. [3] Likhanov et al. (2011) Russ. Geol. Geophys. 52, 1256-1269. [4] Likhanov & Reverdatto (2011) Int. Geol. Rev. 53, 802-845. [5] Likhanov et al. (2004) J. Metamorph. Geol. 22, 743-762. [6] Likhanov et al. (2013) Dokl. Earth Sci. 450, 613-617. [7] Cutts et al. (2010) J. Metamorph. Geol. 28, 249-267. [8] Cawood et al. (2010) Geology 38, 99-102. [9] Dalziel et al. (2000) J. Geol. 108, 499-513. [10] Torsvik (2003) Science 300, 1379-1381.

Metamorphic quantum dots: Quite different nanostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seravalli, L.; Frigeri, P.; Nasi, L.

In this work, we present a study of InAs quantum dots deposited on InGaAs metamorphic buffers by molecular beam epitaxy. By comparing morphological, structural, and optical properties of such nanostructures with those of InAs/GaAs quantum dot ones, we were able to evidence characteristics that are typical of metamorphic InAs/InGaAs structures. The more relevant are: the cross-hatched InGaAs surface overgrown by dots, the change in critical coverages for island nucleation and ripening, the nucleation of new defects in the capping layers, and the redshift in the emission energy. The discussion on experimental results allowed us to conclude that metamorphic InAs/InGaAs quantummore » dots are rather different nanostructures, where attention must be put to some issues not present in InAs/GaAs structures, namely, buffer-related defects, surface morphology, different dislocation mobility, and stacking fault energies. On the other hand, we show that metamorphic quantum dot nanostructures can provide new possibilities of tailoring various properties, such as dot positioning and emission energy, that could be very useful for innovative dot-based devices.« less

From an active continental plate margin to continental collision: New constraints from the petrological, structural and geochronological record of the (ultra) high-P metamorphic Rhodope domain (N-Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mposkos, E.; Krohe, A.; Wawrzenitz, N.; Romer, R. L.

2012-04-01

The Rhodope domain occupies a key area along the suture between the European and the Apulian/Adriatic plate (Schmid et al., 2008), which collided in the early Tertiary (closure of the Vardar/Axios ocean, cf. Mposkos & Krohe, 2006). An integrated study of the geochronological, tectonic and petrological data of the Rhodope domain provides the unique opportunity resolving a 160 my lasting metamorphic evolution (Jurassic to Miocene) of an active plate margin to a high degree. The Greek Rhodope consists of several composite metamorphic complexes bounded by the Nestos thrust and several normal detachment systems. The PT- and structural records of the complexes constrain metamorphic, magmatic and tectonic processes, associated with subduction along a convergent plate margin including UHP metamorphism, MP to HP metamorphism associated with continental collision, and core complex formation linked to Aegean back arc extension. We focus on the Sidironero Complex that shows a polymetamorphic history. This is documented by SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon ages of ca. 150 Ma from garnet-kyanite gneisses that are interpreted to record the HP/UHP metamorphism (Liati, 2005; Krenn et al., 2010). SHRIMP zircon ages of ca. 51 Ma from an amphibolitized eclogite is interpreted by Liati (2005) to record a second Eocene HP metamorphic event. We present new data from an integrated petrological, geochronological and tectonic study. Granulite facies and upper amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions are recorded by the mineral assemblage Grt-Ky-Bt-Pl-Kfs-Qtz-Rt and Grt-Ky-Bt-Ms-Pl-Qtz-Rt, respectively, in deformed migmatitic metapelites. Deformation occurred under granulite facies conditions. Monazites from the matrix, that formed during the granulite facies deformation, lack core/rim structures and are only locally patchy zoned. Monazite chemical compositions are related to varying reaction partners. Single grains and fractions of few grains yield ID-TIMS U-Pb ages that plot along the concordia between 64 to 60 Ma. One date of 55 Ma might represent Pb-loss during later fluid-induced dissolution-reprecipitation. We discuss the following questions: What is the history of the high-P metamorphic rocks in the Sidironero Complex? Were high-P rocks that have been already exhumed again dragged into the subduction channel? Which rocks from the upper plate are affected by high-P metamorphism evincing that subduction erosion is an important mechanism? We reconsider the significance of the P-T-t evolution in the light of the tectonic processes that took place along the depth extension of a convergent plate interface and during subsequent continental collision along the European/Apulian Suture zone. Krenn et al., 2010. Tectonics 29, TC4001. Liati, A., 2005. Contribution to Mineralogy and Petrology 150, 608-630. Mposkos, E. & Krohe, A. 2006. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 43, 1755-1776. Schmid S.M., et al. 2008. Swiss Journal of Geoscience 101, 139-183.

Neoarchean high-pressure metamorphism from the northern margin of the Palghat-Cauvery Suture Zone, southern India: Petrology and zircon SHRIMP geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saitoh, Yohsuke; Tsunogae, Toshiaki; Santosh, M.; Chetty, T. R. K.; Horie, Kenji

2011-08-01

We report the metamorphic pressure-temperature ( P- T) history of mafic granulites from two localities in southern India, one from Kanja Malai in the northern margin and the other from Perundurai in the central domain of the Palghat-Cauvery Suture Zone (PCSZ). The PCSZ is described in recent models as the trace of the suture along which crustal blocks were amalgamated within the Gondwana supercontinent during Late Neoproterozoic-Cambrian. The mafic granulite from Kanja Malai yields P- T conditions of 750-800 °C and 8-12 kbar reflecting the partially retrograded conditions following a peak high-pressure (HP) metamorphic event. The common Grt + Cpx + Qtz assemblage in these rocks and lack of decompression texture suggest that peak metamorphism was probably buffered by Grt + Cpx + Opx + Pl + Qtz assemblage, following which the rocks were exhumed through a gradual P- T decrease. The mafic granulite from Perundurai (Grt + Cpx + Pl) contains Opx + Pl symplectite commonly occurring between garnet and clinopyroxene, suggesting the progress of reaction: Grt + Cpx + Qtz → Opx + Pl, with the Grt + Cpx + Qtz representing the peak metamorphic assemblage. The reaction microstructures and calculated P- T conditions suggest that the mafic granulites from Perundurai underwent peak HP metamorphism at P > 12 kbar and T = 800-900 °C and subsequent isothermal decompression along a clockwise P- T path, in contrast to the P- T path inferred for Kanja Malai. The contrasting P- T paths obtained from the two localities suggest that whereas Perundurai is a part of the metamorphic orogen developed within the PCSZ during Gondwana assembly, the high-pressure granulites of Kanja Malai belong to a different orogenic regime. In order to evaluate this aspect further, we analyzed zircons in a charnockite and garnet-bearing quartzo-feldspathic gneiss associated with the HP granulites from Kanja Malai which yielded mean 207Pb/ 206Pb magmatic protolith emplacement ages of 2536.1 ± 1.4 Ma and 2532.4 ± 3.7 Ma, and peak metamorphic ages of 2477.6 ± 1.8 Ma and 2483.9 ± 2.5 Ma, respectively. These results closely compare with the available magmatic (2530-2540 Ma) and metamorphic (2470-2480 Ma) ages reported from charnockites in the Salem Block at the southern fringe of the Archean Dharwar craton, immediately north of the PCSZ. The Neoarchean/Paleoproterozoic ages obtained from Kanja Malai correlate with the tectonic history at the margin of the Archean craton. Although no age data are available for the Perundurai mafic granulite, the close correspondence of their P- T data and exhumation path with those reported for Late Neoproterozoic-Cambrian HP-UHT metamorphism within the PCSZ suggest that these rocks form part of the Gondwana-forming orogen.

Post-metamorphic development of skin glands in a true toad: Parotoids versus dorsal skin.

PubMed

Regueira, Eleonora; Dávila, Camila; Sassone, Alina G; O'Donohoe, María E Ailín; Hermida, Gladys N

2017-05-01

Chemical defenses in amphibians are a common antipredatory and antimicrobial strategy related to the presence of dermal glands that synthesize and store toxic or unpalatable substances. Glands are either distributed throughout the skin or aggregated in multiglandular structures, being the parotoids the most ubiquitous macrogland in toads of Bufonidae. Even though dermal glands begin to develop during late-larval stages, many species, including Rhinella arenarum, have immature glands by the end of metamorphosis, and their post-metamorphic growth is unknown. Herein, we compared the post-metamorphic development of parotoids and dorsal glands by histological and allometric studies in a size series of R. arenarum. Histological and histochemical studies to detect proteins, acidic glycoconjugates, and catecholamines, showed that both, parotoids and dorsal glands, acquire characteristics of adults in individuals larger than 50 mm; that is, a moment in which the cryptic coloration disappears. Parotoid height increased allometrically as a function of body size, whereas the size of small dorsal glands decreased with body size. The number of glands in the dorsum was not linearly related to body size, appearing to be an individual characteristic. Only adult specimens had intraepithelial granular glands in the duct of the largest glands of the parotoids. Since toxic secretions accumulate in the central glands of parotoids, allometric growth of parotoids may translate into greater protection from predators in the largest animals. Conversely, large glands in the dorsum, which produce a proteinaceous secretion of unknown function, grow isometrically to body size. Some characteristics, like intraepithelial glands in the ducts and basophilic glands in the dorsum, are limited to adults. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

John F. Geisz | NREL

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of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Geisz joined NREL in 1995 where he has been studying the OMVPE growth and , including dilute nitrogen and boron containing III-V alloys, III-V growth on silicon, and lattice-mismatched growth. He has developed three- and four-junction inverted metamorphic concentrator solar cells and

Textural and Rb-Sr isotopic evidence for late Paleozoic mylonitization within the Honey Hill fault zone southeastern Connecticut

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Hara, K.D.; Gromet, L.P.

A petrographic and Rb-Sr isotopic study of rocks within and near the Honey Hill fault zone places important constraints on its history of movement. Rb-Sr apparent ages for micas and plagioclase from these rocks have been reset and range from Permian to Triassic, considerably younger than the minimum stratigraphic age (Ordovician) of the rocks studied or of Acadian (Devonian) regional metamorphism. Permian Rb-Sr ages of dynamically recrystallized muscovite date the development of mylonite fabric. An older age is precluded by the excellent preservation of unrecovered quartz, which indicates that these rocks did not experience temperatures high enough to anneal quartzmore » or thermally reset Rb-Sr isotopic systems in muscovite since the time of mylonitization. Metamorphic mineral assemblages and mineral apparent ages in rocks north of the fault zone indicate recrystallization under similar upper greenschist-lower amphibolite grade conditions during Permian to Triassic time. Collectively these results indicate that the Honey Hill fault zone was active during the Late Paleozoic and that ductile deformation and metamorphism associated with the Alleghanian orogeny extend well into southern Connecticut. An Alleghanian age for mylonitization within the Honey Hill fault zone suggests it should be considered as a possible site for the major Late Paleozoic strike-slip displacements inferred from paleomagnetic studies for parts of coastal New England and maritime Canada.« less

Time-Lapse Micro-Tomography Measurements and Determination of Effective Transport Properties of Snow Metamorphism Under Advective Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebner, P. P.; Grimm, S.; Steen-Larsen, H. C.; Schneebeli, M.; Steinfeld, A.

2014-12-01

The metamorphism of snow under advective air flow, with and without temperature gradient, was never experimentally investigated. We developed a new sample holder where metamorphism under advective conditions can be observed and measured using time-lapse micro-tomography [1]. Long-term experiments were performed and direct pore-level simulation (DPLS) [2,3] was directly applied on the extracted 3D digital geometry of the snow to calculate the effective transport properties by solving the governing fluid flow equations. The results showed no effect of isothermal advection, compared to rates typical for isothermal metamorphism. Appling a temperature gradient, the results showed increased snow metamorphism compared to rates typical for temperature gradient metamorphism. However, for both cases a change in the isotopic composition in the air as well as in the snow sample could be observed. These measurements could be influential to better understand snow-air exchange processes relevant for atmospheric chemistry and isotopic composition. REFERENCES[1] Ebner P. P., Grimm S., Schneebeli M., and Steinfeld A.: An instrumented sample holder for time-lapse micro-tomography measurements of snow under advective airflow. Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems 4(2014), 353-373. [2] Zermatten E., Haussener S., Schneebeli M., and Steinfeld A.: Tomography-based determination of permeability and Dupuit-Forchheimer coefficient of characteristic snow samples. Journal of Glaciology 57(2011), 811-816. [3] Zermatten E., Schneebeli M., Arakawa H., and Steinfeld A.: Tomography-based determination of porosity, specific area and permeability of snow and comparison with measurements. Cold Regions Science and Technology 97 (2014), 33-40. Fig. 1: 3-D surface rendering of a refrozen wet snow sample with fluid flow streamline.

High-temperature metamorphism and its relation with magmatism (Svecofennian Belt, the Ladoga region, Russia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baltybaev, Shauket

2010-05-01

The Ladoga region, situated in the south-eastern part of the Fennoscandian shield, is subdivided into the Archean (ARD) and the Proterozoic (PRD) domains. The boundary between them is a wide shear-zone. The ARD consists mostly of AR-PR middle-low temperature gneisses and the PRD consists of turbidites, pelites, volcanics metamorphosed under HT-conditions (granulite facies). Metamorphism within the PRD is culminated at T= 800-900C and P=5-6 kbar. The peak of metamorphism of granulite facies is dated at 1881 Ma by Pb-Pb stepwise leaching method of rock-forming minerals of the granulites. Pb-Pb results are within error limits coeval with the U-Pb ages of metamorphic monazites. The same (1881Ma) age has gabbro-enderbites. Next stage of metamorphism lasts from 1881 to 1860 Ma under conditions of amphibolite facies. It was restricted with U-Pb, Pb-Pb, Sm-Nd data based on the closure temperature of zircon, monazite, garnet, sillimanite from gneisses, leucosomes of migmatites and synmetamorphic diorites and tonalites. The lowermost point of the trend shows P-T: ~3-4 kbar, 600C. By the time 1860 Ma K-rich granites were emplaced and the uppermost limit for granulite metamorphism comes from the ages of the aplitic/pegmatitic veins (1860-1850 Ma), which cut the K-rich granites. Thermal and tectonic settings can be described based on spatial and temporal changes during magma emplacement. The granulites of the PRD were produced by the emplacement of the extensive basic intrusion (gabbro-enderbites) into the lower-middle crust. A prolonged thermal flux over all area was supported by new generated dioritic and tonalitic melts, which were intruded into the middle crust. The final stage of tectono-metamorphic evolution was marked by emplacement of the K-rich granites. Numerical simulation of the process of magma emplacement (sequences: gabbro-enderbites, diorites and tonalites) and related heat production shows good correlation between intrusive activity and metamorphism of the surrounding rocks. Baltybaev Sh. K., Levchenkov O. A., Levsky L. K., Eklund O., Kilpeläinen T. 2006. Two metamorphic stages in the Svecofennian Domain: evidence from the isotopic geochronological study of the Ladoga and Sulkava metamorphic complexes. Petrology, 14(3), 247-261.

Morphology and metamorphosis of Eupsophus calcaratus tadpoles (Anura: Leptodactylidae).

PubMed

Vera Candioti, M F; Ubeda, C; Lavilla, E O

2005-05-01

Eupsophus calcaratus, a leptodactyloid frog from the austral Andean forests of Argentina and Chile, has endotrophic, nidicolous tadpoles. We studied a metamorphic series from Stages 31 to 46 of Gosner's developmental table (1960). Other than the scarce pigmentation, proportionately large eyes, and massive developing hindlimbs, the remaining external characters are similar to those of generalized, exotrophic larvae. At the same time, internal morphology does not reveal any character state attributable to the endotrophic-nidicolous way of life; conversely, structures such as the hyobranchial skeleton and the mandibular cartilages are similar to those of exotrophic-macrophagous tadpoles. The metamorphic process is characterized by the delayed development of diverse structures (e.g., ethmoid region, palatoquadrate, and hyobranchial apparatus), and the retention of some larval characters (e.g., parietal fenestrae, overall absence of ossification) with the absence of development of some "juvenile" characters (e.g., adult otic process, several bones) in metamorphosed individuals. These heterochronic processes and truncation of larval development are related to a shorter larval life (when compared to other species of the austral Andean region) and to the small size at metamorphosis. 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Metamorphic and structural evidence for significant vertical displacement along the Ross Lake fault zone, a major orogen-parallel shear zone in the Cordillera of western North America

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baldwin, J.A.; Whitney, D.L.; Hurlow, H.A.

1997-01-01

Results of an investigation of the petrology and structure of the Skymo complex and adjacent terranes constrain the amount, timing, and sense of motion on a segment of the > 600-km-long Late Cretaceous - early Tertiary Ross Lake fault zone (RLFZ), a major orogen-parallel shear zone in the Cordillera of western North America. In the study area in the North Cascades, Washington state, the RLFZ accommodated significant pre-middle Eocene vertical displacement, and it juxtaposes the Skymo complex with upper amphibolite facies (650??-690??C and 6-7 kbar) Skagit Gneiss of the North Cascades crystalline core to the SW and andalusite-bearing phyllite of the Little Jack terrane (Intermontane superterrane) to the NE. The two main lithologic units of the Skymo complex, a primitive mafic intrusion and a fault-bounded block of granulite facies metasedimentary rocks, are unique in the North Cascades. Granulite facies conditions were attained during high-temperature (> 800??C), low pressure (??? 4 kbar) contact metamorphism associated with intrusion of the mafic magma. P-T estimates and reaction textures in garnet-orthopyroxene gneiss suggest that contact metamorphism followed earlier, higher pressure regional metamorphism. There is no evidence that the Skagit Gneiss experienced high-T - low-P contact metamorphism. In the Little Jack terrane, however, texturally late cordierite ?? spinel and partial replacement of andalusite by sillimanite near the terrane's fault contact with Skymo gabbro suggest that the Little Jack terrane experienced high-T (??? 600??C) - low-P (??? 4 kbar) contact metamorphism following earlier low-grade regional metamorphism. Similarities in the protoliths of metasedimentary rocks in the Skymo and Little Jack indicate that they may be part of the same terrane. Differences in pressure estimates for the Little Jack versus Skymo for regional metamorphism that preceded contact metamorphism indicate vertical displacement of ??? 10 km (west side up) on the strand of the RLFZ that now separates the two structural blocks. High-angle faults in the study area are dextral-reverse mylonitic shear zones that experienced later brittle normal slip. Vertical motion on these shear zones before intrusion of Skymo gabbro can account for metamorphic discontinuities indicated by P-T results. The terranes have also been internally deformed by nonintersecting but coeval dextral and sinistral shear zones that formed after the terranes were brought together in the RLFZ and intruded by Eocene dikes. These results show that the RLFZ has accommodated significant vertical displacement but perhaps no more than tens of kilometers of early Tertiary lateral movement. Structural evidence for earlier, large-magnitude strike-slip displacement is not preserved.

The onset of metamorphism in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grossman, J.N.; Brearley, A.J.

2005-01-01

Ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites of the lowest petrologic types were surveyed by X-ray mapping techniques. A variety of metamorphic effects were noted and subjected to detailed analysis using electron microprobe, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cathodoluminescence (CL) methods. The distribution of Cr in FeO-rich olivine systematically changes as metamorphism increases between type 3.0 and type 3.2. Igneous zoning patterns are replaced by complex ones and Cr-rich coatings develop on all grains. Cr distributions in olivine are controlled by the exsolution of a Cr-rich phase, probably chromite. Cr in olivine may have been partly present as tetrahedrally coordinated Cr3+. Separation of chromite is nearly complete by petrologic type 3.2. The abundance of chondrules showing an inhomogeneous distribution of alkalis in mesostasis also increases with petrologic type. TEM shows this to be the result of crystallization of albite. Residual glass compositions systematically change during metamorphism, becoming increasingly rich in K. Glass in type I chondrules also gains alkalis during metamorphism. Both types of chondrules were open to an exchange of alkalis with opaque matrix and other chondrules. The matrix in the least metamorphosed chondrites is rich in S and Na. The S is lost from the matrix at the earliest stages of metamorphism due to coalescence of minute grains. Progressive heating also results in the loss of sulfides from chondrule rims and increases sulfide abundances in coarse matrix assemblages as well as inside chondrules. Alkalis initially leave the matrix and enter chondrules during early metamorphism. Feldspar subsequently nucleates in the matrix and Na re-enters from chondrules. These metamorphic trends can be used to refine classification schemes for chondrites. Cr distributions in olivine are a highly effective tool for assigning petrologic types to the most primitive meteorites and can be used to subdivide types 3.0 and 3.1 into types 3.00 through 3.15. On this basis, the most primitive ordinary chondrite known is Semarkona, although even this meteorite has experienced a small amount of metamorphism. Allan Hills (ALH) A77307 is the least metamorphosed CO chondrite and shares many properties with the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094. Analytical problems are significant for glasses in type II chondrules, as Na is easily lost during microprobe analysis. As a result, existing schemes for chondrule classification that are based on the alkali content of glasses need to be revised. ?? The Meteorological Society, 2005.

Geochronology of high-grade metamorphic rocks from the Anjul area, Lut block, eastern Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bröcker, Michael; Fotoohi Rad, Gholamreza; Abbaslu, Fateme; Rodionov, Nikolay

2014-03-01

U-Pb and Rb-Sr geochronology has been used to constrain robust ages for leucosomes and high-grade gneisses from the Anjul area in the eastern part of the Lut block, Iran. The new results do not support the previously suggested Proterozoic age for this occurrence, but instead reveal the importance of Jurassic and Cretaceous magmatic and/or metamorphic processes. Ionprobe U-Pb zircon dating yielded four age groups (>200, ˜168, ˜120 and ˜110 Ma). Textural observations suggest that ages >200 Ma represent inherited zircons. The majority of zircons yielded Jurassic (168 ± 2 and 169 ± 2 Ma) and Cretaceous (120 ± 3, 108 ± 2, 111 ± 3 Ma) intercept ages. Explanations for the two dominant age groups (˜168 and ˜110 Ma) include the following alternatives: (a) the Jurassic ages constrain the protolith age of magmatic precursors that experienced metamorphic overprinting at ˜110 Ma; and (b) both the ˜168 Ma and ˜110 Ma ages indicate the time of metamorphic episodes, e.g. zircon-formation during different anatectic events or migmatization followed by a lower temperature overprint associated with new zircon growth. Multi-point Rb-Sr mineral isochrons of three additional gneisses indicated ages of 102 ± 3 Ma, 102 ± 1 Ma and 97 ± 2 Ma. These ages further document the importance of Cretaceous metamorphism in the Anjul area. The difference compared to the U-Pb ages of zircon overgrowths is interpreted to indicate cooling after a thermal event with or without partial melting. The two major occurrences of metamorphic rocks in the eastern Lut block are exposed in the Deh-Salm and the Anjul region. These occurrences may represent two different segments of a single metamorphic belt that can broadly be related to accretionary and/or collisional processes induced by convergence between the Afro-Arabian and Eurasian plates. Our geochronological study provides a conclusive evidence for Cretaceous metamorphism. We speculate that zircon overgrowths with Cretaceous ages reflect metamorphic processes unrelated to melt formation that overprinted a pre-existing population recording Jurassic anatexis.

Dehydration reactions, mass transfer and rock deformation relationships during subduction of Alpine metabauxites: insights from LIBS compositional profiles between metamorphic veins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verlaguet, Anne; Brunet, Fabrice; Goffé, Bruno; Menut, Denis; Findling, Nathaniel; Poinssot, Christophe

2013-04-01

In subduction zones, the significant amounts of aqueous fluid released in the course of the successive dehydration reactions occurring during prograde metamorphism are expected to strongly influence the rock rheology, as well as kinetics of metamorphic reactions and mass transfer efficiency. Mineralized veins, ubiquitous in metamorphic rocks, can be seen as preserved witnesses of fluid and mass redistribution that partly accommodate the rock deformation (lateral segregation). However, the driving forces and mechanisms of mass transfer towards fluid-filled open spaces remain somewhat unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the vein-forming processes and the modalities of mass transfer during local fluid-rock interactions, and their links with fluid production and rock deformation, with new insights from Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) profiles. This study focuses on karstic pockets (metre scale) of Triassic metabauxites embedded in thick carbonate units, that have been isolated from large-scale fluid flow during HP-LT Alpine metamorphism (W. Vanoise, French Alps). These rocks display several generations of metamorphic veins containing various Al-bearing minerals, which give particular insights into mass transfer processes. It is proposed that the internally-derived fluid (~13 vol% produced by successive dehydration reactions) has promoted the opening of fluid-filled open spaces (euhedral habits of vein minerals) and served as medium for diffusive mass transfer from rock to vein. Based on mineralogical and textural features, two vein types can be distinguished: (1) some veins are filled with newly formed products of either prograde (chloritoid) or retrograde (chlorite) metamorphic reactions; in this case, fluid-filled open spaces seem to offer energetically favourable nucleation/growth sites; (2) the second vein type is filled with cookeite (Li-Al-rich chlorite) or pyrophyllite, that were present in the host rock prior to the vein formation. In this closed chemical system, mass transfer from rock to vein was achieved through the fluid, in a dissolution-transport-precipitation process, possibly stress-assisted. To investigate the modalities of mass transfer towards this second vein type, LIBS profiles were performed in the rock matrix, taking Li concentration as a proxy for cookeite distribution. Cookeite is highly concentrated (40-70 vol%) in regularly spaced veins, and the LIBS profiles show that cookeite is evenly distributed in the rock matrix comprised between two veins. The absence of diffusion profiles suggests that the characteristic diffusion length for Li, Al and Si is greater than or equal to the distance separating two cookeite veins (3-6 cm). This is in agreement with characteristic diffusion lengths calculated from both grain boundary and pore fluid diffusion coefficients, for the estimated duration of the peak of metamorphism. Concerning mass transfer driving forces, phyllosilicates have very different morphologies in the rock matrix (fibers) compared to veins (euhedral crystals): fluid-mineral interfacial energy may be maximal in the small matrix pores, which can maintain higher cookeite solubility than in fluid-filled open spaces. Therefore, as soon as veins open, chemical potential gradients may develop and drive cookeite transfer from rock matrix to veins.

Metamorphism and plutonism around the middle and south forks of the Feather River, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hietanen, Anna Martta

1976-01-01

The area around the Middle and South Forks of the Feather River provides information on metamorphic and igneous processes that bear on the origin of andesitic and granitic magmas in general and on the variation of their potassium content in particular. In the north, the area joins the Pulga and Bucks Lake quadrangles studied previously. Tectonically, this area is situated in the southern part of an arcuate segment of the Nevadan orogenic belt in the northwestern Sierra Nevada. The oldest rocks are metamorphosed calcalkaline island-arc-type andesite, dacite, and sodarhyolite with interbedded tuff layers (the Franklin Canyon Formation), all probably correlative with Devonian rocks in the Klamath Mountains. Younger rocks form a sequence of volcanic, volcaniclastic, and sedimentary rocks including some limestone (The Horseshoe Bend Formation), probably Permian in age. All the volcanic and sedimentary rocks were folded and recrystallized to the greenschist facies during the Nevadan (Jurassic) orogeny and were invaded by monzotonalitic magmas shortly thereafter. A second lineation and metamorphism to the epidote-amphibolite facies developed in a narrow zone around the plutons. In light of the concept of plate tectonics, it is suggested that the early (Devonian?) island-arc-type andesite, dacite, and sodarhyolite (the Franklin Canyon Formation) were derived from the mantle above a Benioff zone by partial melting of peridotite in hydrous conditions. The water was probably derived from an oceanic plate descending to the mantle. Later (Permian?) magmas were mainly basaltic; some discontinuous layers of potassium-rich rhyolite indicate a change into anhydrous conditions and a deeper level of magma generation. The plutonic magmas that invaded the metamorphic rocks at the end of the Jurassic may contain material from the mantle, the subducted oceanic lithosphere, and the downfolded metamorphic rocks. The ratio of partial melts from these three sources may have changed with time, giving rise to the diversity in composition of magmas.

Metamorphic P-T evolution of the Gotsu blueschists from the Suo metamorphic belt in SW Japan: Implications for tectonic correlation with the Heilongjiang Complex, NE China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabir, Md. Fazle; Takasu, Akira; Li, Weimin

2018-05-01

In the Gotsu area of the c. 200 Ma high-P/T Suo metamorphic belt in the Inner Zone of southwest Japan, blueschists occur as lenses or layers within pelitic schists. Prograde, peak, and retrograde stages are distinguished in the blueschists, and the prograde and the peak metamorphic conditions are determined using pseudosection modelling in the NCKFMASHO system. The prograde metamorphic stage is defined by inclusions in porphyroblastic epidote and glaucophane, such as phengite, chlorite, albite, epidote and glaucophane/winchite, and the estimated metamorphic conditions are <325 °C and < 4-5 kbar at the boundary between the glaucophane schist facies and the greenschist facies. The peak metamorphic stage is well-defined by the schistosity-forming minerals, i.e. epidote, glaucophanic amphibole, phengite, and chlorite, suggesting the glaucophane schist facies conditions of 475-500 °C and 14-16 kbar. Actinolite/magnesiohornblende, chlorite, and albite replacing the peak stage minerals suggest the retrograde metamorphism into the greenschist facies. The metamorphic facies series of the Suo belt is defined by pumpellyite-actinolite facies to epidote-blueschist facies, and it has a relatively lower-P/T compared with the c. 300 Ma Renge belt in the Inner Zone of southwest Japan, which is defined by a sequence of lawsonite-blueschist facies to glaucophane-eclogite facies. The P- {M}_{{H}_2O} pseudosection and water isopleth show that the rocks were dehydrated during the initial stage of the exhumation and remained in water-saturated conditions. Similarities of the detrital zircon and peak metamorphic ages of the blueschists from the Suo metamorphic belt in southwest Japan and the Heilongjiang Complex in northeast China suggest that both metamorphic belts were probably formed in the same Paleo-Pacific subduction system in the Late Triassic to Jurassic period.

Oman metamorphic sole formation reveals early subduction dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soret, Mathieu; Agard, Philippe; Dubacq, Benoît; Plunder, Alexis; Ildefonse, Benoît; Yamato, Philippe; Prigent, Cécile

2016-04-01

Metamorphic soles correspond to m to ~500m thick tectonic slices welded beneath most of the large-scale ophiolites. They typically show a steep inverted metamorphic structure where the pressure and temperature conditions of crystallization increase upward (from 500±100°C at 0.5±0.2 GPa to 800±100°C at 1.0±0.2 GPa), with isograds subparallel to the contact with the overlying ophiolitic peridotite. The proportion of mafic rocks in metamorphic soles also increases from the bottom (meta-sediments rich) to the top (approaching the ophiolite peridotites). These soles are interpreted as the result of heat transfer from the incipient mantle wedge toward the nascent slab (associated with large-scale fluid transfer and possible shear heating) during the first My of intra-oceanic subduction (as indicated by radiometric ages). Metamorphic soles provide therefore major constraints on early subduction dynamics (i.e., thermal structure, fluid migration and rheology along the nascent slab interface). We present a detailed structural and petrological study of the metamorphic sole from 4 major cross-sections along the Oman ophiolite. We show precise pressure-temperature estimates obtained by pseudosection modelling and EBSD measurements performed on both the garnet-bearing and garnet-free high-grade sole. Results allow quantification of the micro-scale deformation and highlight differences in pressure-temperature-deformation conditions between the 4 different locations, showing that the inverted metamorphic gradient through the sole is not continuous in all locations. Based on these new constraints, we suggest a new tectonic-petrological model for the formation of metamorphic soles below ophiolites. This model involves the stacking of several homogeneous slivers of oceanic crust leading to the present-day structure of the sole. In this view, these thrusts are the result of rheological contrasts between the sole and the peridotite as the plate interface progressively cools down. These slivers later underwent several stages of retrogression (partly mediated by ascending fluids from the slab) from amphibolite- to prehnite/pumpellite-facies conditions.

Multiple tectonic mode switches indicate short-duration heat pulses in a Mio-Pliocene metamorphic core complex, West Papua, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, L. T.; Hall, R.; Gunawan, I.

2017-12-01

The Wandaman Peninsula is a narrow (<20 km), but mountainous (>2 km) promontory in remote western New Guinea. The peninsula is almost entirely composed of medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks considered to be associated with a Mio-Pliocene metamorphic core complex. Previous work has shown that the uplift and exhumation of the core complex has potentially brought some extremely young eclogite to the surface. These might be comparable to the world's youngest (4.3 Ma) eclogites found in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands at the opposite end of New Guinea. We show that tectonic history of this region is complex. This is because the metamorphic sequences in the Wandaman Peninsula record multiple phases of deformation, all within the last few million years. This is demonstrated through methodical collation of cross-cutting relations from field and microstructural studies across the peninsula. The first phase of deformation and metamorphism is associated with crustal extension and partial melting that took place at 5-7 Ma according to new U-Pb data from metamorphic zircons. This extensional phase ceased after a tectonic mode switch and the region was shortened. This is demonstrated by two phases of folding (1. recumbent and 2. open) that overprint the earlier extensional fabrics. All previous structures were later overprinted by brittle extensional faults and uplift. This extensional phase is still taking place today, as is indicated by submerged forests exposed along the coastline associated with recent earthquakes and hot springs. The sequence of metamorphic rocks that are exposed in the Wandaman Peninsula show that stress and thermal conditions can change rapidly. If we consider that the present is a key to the past, then such results can identify the duration of deformation and metamorphic events more accurately than in much older orogenic systems.

Constraining Metamorphic Timing and Processes by Dating Garnet, Zircon, Titanite and Monazite in UHP and HP Rocks from Weihai, Sulu UHP Terrane, Eastern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, D.; Vervoort, J. D.; Fisher, C. M.; Cao, H.

2016-12-01

The Sulu UHP terrane is the extension of the Dabie orogenic belt to the east, offset 500 km to the northeast by the Tanlu fault [1]. The focus of this study, the Weihai area, is located at the northernmost part of the Sulu UHP terrane, and consists mainly of gneisses overprinted by amphibolite-facies assemblages, in addition to minor eclogite, granulite, and some ultramafic rocks [1]. Time constrains are critical to our understanding of the processes of UHP metamorphism, as well as the tectonic evolution of the region. In the last decade, U-Pb dating of metamorphic domains of zircons has been widely applied to determine the history of the UHP metamorphism (240 - 220 Ma) [1]. Recent garnet Lu-Hf dating from the Dabie terrane (240 - 220Ma) suggests the initiation of prograde metamorphism to be prior to ca. 240 Ma [2]. In-situ U-Pb dating of accessary minerals using LA-ICPMS (i.e. monazite, titanite, rutile, etc.), can provide important information to augment and complement the zircon U-Pb metamorphic dates. In this study, we collected samples throughout the Weihai area. Protolith ages of these samples range from Paleoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic ( 1850 - 700 Ma) as indicated by U-Pb dating of zircon cores. Zircon metamorphic rims yield U-Pb ages of 240 - 220 Ma, likely indicating the UHP stage of the Sulu terrane [3]. Four eclogites yield Lu-Hf garnet isochrons with dates between 239 and 224 Ma, consistent with garnet Lu-Hf dates from Dabie UHP terrane [2]. Sm-Nd isochrons indicate systematic younger dates (220 - 210 Ma) interpreted as cooling ages. Titanites extracted from four samples give U-Pb ages ranging from 220 to 200 Ma, in agreement with the titanite dates from the southern Sulu terrane [4]. Monazites from three samples give precise dates between 214 and 211 Ma. Collectively, monazite and titanite U-Pb ages are broadly consistent with the garnet Sm-Nd isochrons, and thus we interpret these as cooling ages. Based on the dates of different systems/minerals presented above, we suggest the prograde metamorphism of Weihai UHP terrane likely took place prior to 240 Ma, and the peak of the UHP stage is likely between 240 and 220 Ma. [1] Zhang et al., Gondwana Res., 16 (2009) 1-26 [2] Cheng et al., J. Metamorphic Geol., 26 (2008), 741-758 [3] Liou et al., J. Asian Earth Sci., 35 (2009), 199-231 [4] Chen and Zheng, GCA, 150(2015), 53-73

Quantifying the timescales of Archean UHT metamorphism through U-Pb monazite and zircon petrochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guevara, V.; MacLennan, S. A.; Schoene, B.; Dragovic, B.; Caddick, M. J.; Kylander-Clark, A. R.; Couëslan, C. G.

2016-12-01

Unraveling the timescales of metamorphism is crucial to understanding the mechanisms behind mass/heat transfer through Earth's crust. Though such mechanisms and their durations are becoming well constrained in modern (Phanerozoic) settings, the drivers of metamorphism in the ancient geologic record remain more enigmatic. The development of accessory phase petrochronology has allowed metamorphic evolution to be closely linked to isotopic dates, ultimately improving quantification of metamorphic durations. While in-situ petrochronological methods preserve textural and spatial context, they often lack the temporal resolution required to accurately quantify metamorphic duration in Archean terranes. Here we combine in-situ U-Pb monazite (mnz) and zircon (zrn) laser ablation split-stream (LASS) and high-precision ID-TIMS-TEA petrochronology of distinct grain domains to resolve the timescales of ultrahigh temperature (UHT) metamorphism in the Archean Pikwitonei granulite domain (PGD). The PGD encompasses >1.5x105 km2 of granulite-facies rocks on the NW edge of the Superior Province. Themodynamic modelling of a pelite from the western part of the PGD suggests peak P-T conditions of >8 kbar, 900-940 °C and UHT decompression to 8 kbar followed by cooling. LASS analysis of zrn inclusions in garnet (grt) yields a date of 2701 Ma, with Ti in zrn thermometry yielding T of 800-900 °C. LASS analysis of mnz yields dates of 2720-2680 Ma for low HREE domains with no to shallow negative Eu anomalies, suggestive of growth during plagioclase (plg) breakdown and grt stability. ID-TIMS analysis of a mnz fragment with a strong negative Eu anomaly, suggestive of growth during plg stability, gives a concordant 207Pb/206Pb date of 2666 Ma, consistent with LASS results of 2660-2640 Ma for chemically similar domains. ID-TIMS analyses of zrn rims yield a range of 207Pb/206Pb dates from 2671 to 2656 Ma (±<1 Ma). Ti in zrn yields 800 °C for these rims, indicating they grew at similar T. Together, these data indicate a metamorphic cycle in the PGD to/from UHT over a minimum of 35 Ma, with at least 12 Ma of slow cooling near 800 °C in the lower crust following UHT decompression. This evolution is inconsistent with punctuated thermal pulses due to focused fluid flow or magmatism, instead requiring a long-lived source of crustal heating.

Tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Kibuye-Gitarama-Gatumba area (Rwanda): using petrochronology to unravel the geodynamic framework of the Karagwe-Ankole Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Daele, Johanna; Jacques, Dominique; Hulsbosch, Niels; Dewaele, Stijn; Muchez, Philippe

2017-04-01

The Mesoproterozoic Karagwe-Ankole Belt (KAB) extends from Burundi over Rwanda and NW-Tanzania to S-Uganda (Central Africa). The integration of the metamorphic and magmatic evolution of this orogenic belt in a consistent geodynamic framework is still controversial. Additionally, geochronological information on the deformation phases is limited. This tectono-metamorphic model is, however, a crucial component in the understanding of the Meso- to Early Neoproterozoic mineralization processes. A detailed structural mapping of road and river transects was performed in the Kibuye-Gitarama-Gatumba area (West Rwanda) to determine the deformation history of the KAB. Structural analyses and petrographic studies identified two main compressive deformation phases. A locally observed foliation with a N45W-N50W orientation is interpreted as the consequence of a first compressional phase (D1, shortening direction N40E-N45E). Additionally, a well-developed crenulation cleavage and a regionally pervasive foliation were found. The cleavage and foliation have an orientation of N20W-N30W (exceptionally N20E) and are indicative of a second compressional phase (D2) with an EW shortening direction. Final extension (D3) along a N30W-N10E direction resulted in boudinage and joint development. Fieldwork observations combined with known ages of the granites in the KAB indicate that D1 and D2 took place prior to 986 Ma while D3 is younger than 986 Ma. Based on thin section petrography, a petrochronological strategy was outlined to fill in the gaps of the currently broadly defined timeframe. The regional metamorphic grade of the study area is upper greenschist, with the formation of muscovite, biotite, chlorite, garnet, staurolite and cordierite. The main penetrative tectonic foliations (D1 and D2) are expressed by the preferential orientation of muscovite or biotite. In some cases, muscovite growing along the crenulation cleavage (syn-D2) was observed. Furthermore, pre- and syn-D2 garnets were identified. Different generations of quartz veins (post-dating D3) contain muscovite, garnet and/or biotite. These minerals provide excellent dating possibilities (Ar-Ar, in-situ Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd). The obtained results will be used to refine the chronological aspects of the deformation history of the KAB. Furthermore, these data will be combined with regional structural data, petrographic and geothermobarometric analyses to reconstruct the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Karagwe-Ankole Belt, which will allow to obtain a better insight in the geodynamic evolution and the ore-forming processes.

Metamorphic density controls on early-stage subduction dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duesterhoeft, Erik; Oberhänsli, Roland; Bousquet, Romain

2013-04-01

Subduction is primarily driven by the densification of the downgoing oceanic slab, due to dynamic P-T-fields in subduction zones. It is crucial to unravel slab densification induced by metamorphic reactions to understand the influence on plate dynamics. By analyzing the density and metamorphic structure of subduction zones, we may gain knowledge about the driving, metamorphic processes in a subduction zone like the eclogitization (i.e., the transformation of a MORB to an eclogite), the breakdown of hydrous minerals and the release of fluid or the generation of partial melts. We have therefore developed a 2D subduction zone model down to 250 km that is based on thermodynamic equilibrium assemblage computations. Our model computes the "metamorphic density" of rocks as a function of pressure, temperature and chemical composition using the Theriak-Domino software package at different time stages. We have used this model to investigate how the hydration, dehydration, partial melting and fractionation processes of rocks all influence the metamorphic density and greatly depend on the temperature field within subduction systems. These processes are commonly neglected by other approaches (e.g., gravitational or thermomechanical in nature) reproducing the density distribution within this tectonic setting. The process of eclogitization is assumed as being important to subduction dynamics, based on the very high density (3.6 g/cm3) of eclogitic rocks. The eclogitization in a MORB-type crust is possible only if the rock reaches the garnet phase stability field. This process is primarily temperature driven. Our model demonstrates that the initiation of eclogitization of the slab is not the only significant process that makes the descending slab denser and is responsible for the slab pull force. Indeed, our results show that the densification of the downgoing lithospheric mantle (due to an increase of pressure) starts in the early subduction stage and makes a significant contribution to the slab pull, where eclogitization does not occur. Thus, the lithospheric mantle acts as additional ballast below the sinking slab shortly after the initiation of subduction. Our calculation shows that the dogma of eclogitized basaltic, oceanic crust as the driving force of slab pull is overestimated during the early stage of subduction. These results improve our understanding of the force budget for slab pull during the intial and early stage of subduction. Therefore, the complex metamorphic structure of a slab and mantle wedge has an important impact on the development and dynamics of subduction zones. Further Reading: Duesterhoeft, Oberhänsli & Bousquet (2013), submitted to Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Structural development of the Red Hill portion of the Feather River ultramafic complex, Pulmas County, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weisenberg, C.W.

1979-01-01

The Feather River Ultramafic Complex is a partially serpentinized body of metamorphosed alpine peridotite and gabbro that lies along the northern part of the Melones fault zone, a NNW trending belt in the Northern Sierra Nevada. The complex was studied in the area of Red Hill, near the canyon of the North Fork, Feather River. The complex is separated from the Calaveras Terrain and Arlington Formation country rocks by steep faults; the Melones Fault on the east and the Rich Bar Fault on the west. Units recognized within the complex include Rich Bar metamorphic rocks, peridotite, metaperidotite, tremolite-olivine schist, hornblendemore » schist, and layered metagabbro. The Rich Bar metamorphic rocks are tectonic slices of amphibolite grade hornblende schist, mica schist, and quartzite found along the Rich Bar Fault. The complex shows evidence of 4 major events. E-1 (Pennsylvania-Permian) was formation of the peridotite-gabbro complex. E-2 (Permo-Triassic) consisted of pervasive shearing parallel to the Rich Bar Fault associated with initial emplacement within the Sierra Nevada. E-3 is believed to be compression and metamorphism (serpentinization) associated with the Nevadan orogeny. E-4 was associated with intrusion of nearby plutons. The regional association of the complex with late paleozoic arc volcanics of the Taylorsville area suggest formation near or under an island arc. Metamorphism during emplacement indicates association with the arc at that time. Left-lateral shear during emplacement along the Rich Bar Fault indicates NW directed thrusting when the layering in metagabbro is rotated to horizontal.« less

Overwintering tadpoles and loss of fitness correlates in Polypedates braueri tadpoles that use artificial pools in a lowland agroecosystem

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hsu, Juei-Ling; Kam, Yeong-Choy; Fellers, Gary M.

2012-01-01

We studied growth, development, and metamorphic traits of Polypedates braueri tadpoles in Taiwan to elucidate the cause of tadpole overwintering in man-made water containers in lowland orchards on the Bagua Terrace. Polypedates braueri bred from March to August, but tadpoles were present year round. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that tadpole overwintering was facultative; low temperatures and limited food retarded both growth and development, resulting in overwintering in the tadpole stage. Tadpoles at the lowest experimental temperature (15°C) never reached metamorphosis. A field experiment demonstrated that 78, 28, and 4% of tadpoles raised in high, medium, and low food regimes, respectively, metamorphosed before the onset of winter. Tadpoles that did not metamorphose by fall continued to grow slowly and either metamorphosed during the winter or the following spring. These findings indicate that food availability plays a key role in inducing overwintering in tadpoles. Jumping performance of metamorphs was positively correlated with food regimes, but body lipid content was significantly higher in metamorphs raised with either low or high food regimes than in those with medium levels of food. Overwintering by P. braueritadpoles has not been previously reported; however, agricultural activities have created new breeding habitats (i.e., man-made bodies of water), some of which are sufficiently food-limited that tadpoles overwinter to complete development and metamorphosis. An understanding of the survivorship, life history traits, and physiology of these frogs is needed to shed light on how man-made breeding sites affect the population dynamics of native frog populations.

The Age and Geodynamic Evolution of the Metamorphic sole rocks from Izmir-Ankara-Erzıncan suture zone (Northern-Turkey)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melih Çörtük, Rahmi; Faruk Çelik, Ömer; Özkan, Mutlu; Sherlock, Sarah C.; Marzoli, Andrea; Altıntaş, İsmail Emir; Topuz, Gültekin

2016-04-01

The İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture zone in northern Turkey is one of the major tectonic zones separating the Pontides to the North from the Anatolide-Tauride block and Kı rşehir Massif to the South. The accretionary complex of the İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture zone, near Artova, is composed mainly of peridotites with varying degree serpentinization, metamorphic rocks, basalt, sandstones, pelagic and neritic limestones. The metamorphic rocks are represented by amphibolite, garnet micaschit, calc-schist and marble. The metamorphic rocks were interpreted as the metamorphic sole rocks. Because; (i) They are tectonically located beneath the serpentinized peridotites. (ii) Foliation planes of both the amphibolites and mantle tectonites are parallel to each other. (iii) The metamorphic rocks are crosscut by non-metamorphic dolerite dikes which exhibite Nb and Ta depletion relative to Th enrichment on the N-MORB normalized multi-element spider diagram. The dolerite dikes display flat REE patterns (LaN/YbN=0.85-1.24). These geochemical signatures of the dolerite dikes are indicative of subduction component during their occurrences. Geochemical observations of the amphibolites suggest E-MORB- and OIB-like signatures (LaN/SmN= 1.39-3.14) and their protoliths are represented by basalt and alkali basaltic rocks. Amphiboles from the amphibolites are represented by calcic amphiboles (magnesio-hornblende, tchermakite and tremolite) and they yielded 40Ar-39Ar ages between 157.8 ± 3.6 Ma and 139 ± 11 Ma. These cooling ages were interpreted to be the intra-oceanic subduction/thrusting time of the İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan oceanic domain. This study was funded by TÜBİTAK (Project no: 112Y123).

Age and duration of eclogite-facies metamorphism, North Qaidam HP/UHP terrane, Western China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mattinson, C.G.; Wooden, J.L.; Liou, J.G.; Bird, D.K.; Wu, C.L.

2006-01-01

Amphibolite-facies para-and orthogneisses near Dulan, at the southeast end of the North Qaidam terrane, enclose minor eclogite and peridotite which record ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism associated with the Early Paleozoic continental collision of the Qilian and Qaidam microplates. Field relations and coesite inclusions in zircons from paragneiss suggest that felsic, mafic, and ultramafic rocks all experienced UHP metamorphism and a common amphibolite-facies retrogression. SHRIMP-RG U-Pb and REE analyses of zircons from four eclogites yield weighted mean ages of 449 to 422 Ma, and REE patterns (flat HREE, no Eu anomaly) and inclusions of garnet, omphacite, and rutile indicate these ages record eclogite-facies metamorphism. The coherent field relations of these samples, and the similar range of individual ages in each sample suggests that the ???25 m.y. age range reflects the duration of eclogite-facies conditions in the studied samples. Analyses from zircon cores in one sample yield scattered 433 to 474 Ma ages, reflecting partial overlap on rims, and constrain the minimum age of eclogite protolith crystallization. Inclusions of Th + REE-rich epidote, and zircon REE patterns are consistent with prograde metamorphic growth. In the Lu??liang Shan, approximately 350 km northwest in the North Qaidam terrane, ages interpreted to record eclogite-facies metamorphism of eclogite and garnet peridotite are as old as 495 Ma and as young as 414 Ma, which suggests that processes responsible for extended high-pressure residence are not restricted to the Dulan region. Evidence of prolonged eclogite-facies metamorphism in HP/UHP localities in the Northeast Greenland eclogite province, the Western Gneiss Region of Norway, and the western Alps suggests that long eclogite-facies residence may be globally significant in continental subduction/collision zones.

Microprobe monazite geochronology: new techniques for dating deformation and metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, M.; Jercinovic, M.; Goncalves, P.; Mahan, K.

2003-04-01

High-resolution compositional mapping, age mapping, and precise dating of monazite on the electron microprobe are powerful additions to microstructural and petrologic analysis and important tools for tectonic studies. The in-situ nature and high spatial resolution of the technique offer an entirely new level of structurally and texturally specific geochronologic data that can be used to put absolute time constraints on P-T-D paths, constrain the rates of sedimentary, metamorphic, and deformational processes, and provide new links between metamorphism and deformation. New analytical techniques (including background modeling, sample preparation, and interference analysis) have significantly improved the precision and accuracy of the technique and new mapping and image analysis techniques have increased the efficiency and strengthened the correlation with fabrics and textures. Microprobe geochronology is particularly applicable to three persistent microstructural-microtextural problem areas: (1) constraining the chronology of metamorphic assemblages; (2) constraining the timing of deformational fabrics; and (3) interpreting other geochronological results. In addition, authigenic monazite can be used to date sedimentary basins, and detrital monazite can fingerprint sedimentary source areas, both critical for tectonic analysis. Although some monazite generations can be directly tied to metamorphism or deformation, at present, the most common constraints rely on monazite inclusion relations in porphyroblasts that, in turn, can be tied to the deformation and/or metamorphic history. Examples will be presented from deep-crustal rocks of northern Saskatchewan and from mid-crustal rocks from the southwestern USA. Microprobe monazite geochronology has been used in both regions to deconvolute overprinting deformation and metamorphic events and to clarify the interpretation of other geochronologic data. Microprobe mapping and dating are powerful companions to mass spectroscopic dating techniques. They allow geochronology to be incorporated into the microstructural analytical process, resulting in a new level of integration of time (t) into P-T-D histories.

The relationship between continental collision process and metamorphic pattern in the Himalayan collision belts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Chang-Whan

2015-04-01

Both UHP and HP eclogites are reported from the Kaghan Valley and Tso Morari Massif in the western part of the Himalayan collision belt (Ghazanfar and Chaudhry, 1987; Thakur, 1983). UHP eclogites in the Kaghan record peak metamorphic conditions of 770 °C and 30 kbar (O'Brien et al., 2001) and was retrograded into the epidote-amphibolite or blueschist (580-610 °C, 10-13 kbar; Lombardo and Rolfo, 2000). Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe dating of zircon reveals that the UHP eclogite formed at ca. 46 Ma (Kaneko et al., 2003; Parrish et al., 2006). The Tso Morari UHP eclogite had formed at 750 °C, > 39 kbar (Mukheerjee et al., 2003; Bundy, 1980) and underwent amphibolite facies retro-grade metamorphism (580 °C, 11 kbar) during uplift (Guillot et al., 2008). Peak metamorphism of the Tso Morari Massif was dated at ca. 53-55 Ma (Leech et al., 2005). Only HP eclogites have been reported from the mid-eastern part of the Himalayan collision belt (Lombardo and Rolfo, 2000; Corrie et al., 2010). The HP eclogite in the mid-eastern part may have formed at ca. > 780 °C and 20 kbar and was overprinted by high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism (780-750°C, 12-10 kbar) at ca. 30 Ma (Groppo et al. 2007; Corrie et al., 2010). HP granulite (890 °C, 17-18 kbar) is reported from the NBS, at the eastern terminus of the Himalayan collision belt; the granulite was subjected to retrograde metamorphism to produce lower-pressure granulite (875-850°C, 10-5 kbar), representing near-isothermal decompression (Liu and Zhong, 1997). The HP granulite metamorphism may have occurred at ca. 22-25 Ma. Along the Himalayan collision belt, peak metamorphism changes eastward from UHP eclogite facies through HP eclogite facies to high-pressure granulite facies, indicating a progressive eastwards decrease in the depth of subduction of continental crust and an eastwards increase in the geothermal gradient. The peak metamorphic ages also decrease from 53-46 Ma in the west to 22-25 Ma in the east indicating propagation of collision towards east. The following collision model of the Himalayan collision belt is proposed based on data published in previous studies. Collision between the Indian and Asian blocks started in the west before ca. 55 Ma. In the western part, the amount of oceanic slab subducted prior to continent collision was enough to pull the continental crust down to the depths of UHP metamorphism, as a wide ocean existed between the Asian and Indian blocks prior to collision. Following UHP metamorphism, oceanic slab break-off started at ca. 55~46 Ma in the west due to the very strong buoyancy of the deeply subducted continental block. In contrast, the subduction of continental crust continued at this time in the middle and eastern parts of the belt. The zone of break-off migrated eastward, initiating a change from steep- to low-angle subduction. Final break-off may have occurred in the easternmost part of the belt at ca. 22-25 Ma. The depth of slab break-off decreased toward the east due to the westward decrease of the amount of subducted oceanic crust along the Himalayan collision belt, resulting eastwards decrease of an uplifting rate due to a decrease in buoyancy of the continental slab. The slower uplift resulted in a longer period of thermal relaxation and a higher geothermal gradient. In the west, the high rate of uplift resulted the epidote amphibolite facies (580-610°C) retrograde metamorphic overprint on the UHP eclogites, whereas the relatively slow uplift in the mid-eastern part caused high-grade granulites (850°C) retrograde metamorphic overprint on the HP eclogites. The study indicates that the metamorphic pattern along the collision belt is strongly related to the amount of subducted oceanic crust between continents before collision and the depth of slab break-off. Therefore metamorphic pattern can be used to interpret both the disappeared and ongoing tectonic process during continental collision.

Petrotectonic framework of granulites from northern part of Chilka Lake area, Eastern Ghats Belt, India: Compressional vis-à-vis transpressional tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Kaushik; Bose, Sankar; Karmakar, Subrata; Chakraborty, Supriya

2012-02-01

Granulite-facies rocks occurring north-east of the Chilka Lake anothosite (Balugan Massif) show a complex metamorphic and deformation history. The M1-D1 stage is identified only through microscopic study by the presence of S1 internal foliation shown by the M1 assemblage sillimanite-quartz-plagioclase-biotite within garnet porphyroblasts of the aluminous granulites and this fabric is obliterated in outcrop to map-scale by subsequent deformations. S2 fabric was developed at peak metamorphic condition (M2-D2) and is shown by gneissic banding present in all lithological units. S3 fabric was developed due to D3 deformation and it is tectonically transposed parallel to S2 regionally except at the hinge zone of the F3 folds. The transposed S2/S3 fabric is the regional characteristic structure of the area. The D4 event produced open upright F4 folds, but was weak enough to develop any penetrative foliation in the rocks except few spaced cleavages that developed in the quartzite/garnet-sillimanite gneiss. Petrological data suggest that the M4-D4 stage actually witnessed reactivation of the lower crust by late distinct tectonothermal event. Presence of transposed S2/S3 fabric within the anorthosite arguably suggests that the pluton was emplaced before or during the M3-D3 event. Field-based large-scale structural analyses and microfabric analyses of the granulites reveal that this terrain has been evolved through superposed folding events with two broadly perpendicular compression directions without any conclusive evidence for transpressional tectonics as argued by earlier workers. Tectonothermal history of these granulites spanning in Neoproterozoic time period is dominated by compressional tectonics with associated metamorphism at deep crust.

Calculation of metamorphic two-dimensional quantum energy system: Application to wetting layer states in InAs/InGaAs metamorphic quantum dot nanostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.; Frigeri, P.

In this work, we calculate the two-dimensional quantum energy system of the In(Ga)As wetting layer that arises in InAs/InGaAs/GaAs metamorphic quantum dot structures. Model calculations were carried on the basis of realistic material parameters taking in consideration their dependence on the strain relaxation of the metamorphic buffer; results of the calculations were validated against available literature data. Model results confirmed previous hypothesis on the extrinsic nature of the disappearance of wetting layer emission in metamorphic structures with high In composition. We also show how, by adjusting InGaAs metamorphic buffer parameters, it could be possible: (i) to spatially separate carriers confinedmore » in quantum dots from wetting layer carriers, (ii) to create an hybrid 0D-2D system, by tuning quantum dot and wetting layer levels. These results are interesting not only for the engineering of quantum dot structures but also for other applications of metamorphic structures, as the two design parameters of the metamorphic InGaAs buffer (thickness and composition) provide additional degrees of freedom to control properties of interest.« less

Age of UHP metamorphism in the Western Mediterranean: Insight from rutile and minute zircon inclusions in a diamond-bearing garnet megacryst (Edough Massif, NE Algeria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruguier, Olivier; Bosch, Delphine; Caby, Renaud; Vitale-Brovarone, Alberto; Fernandez, Laure; Hammor, Dalila; Laouar, Rabah; Ouabadi, Aziouz; Abdallah, Nachida; Mechati, Mehdi

2017-09-01

Diamond-bearing UHP metamorphic rocks witness for subduction of lithospheric slabs into the mantle and their return to shallow levels. In this study we present U-Pb and trace elements analyses of zircon and rutile inclusions from a diamond-bearing garnet megacryst collected in a mélange unit exposed on the northern margin of Africa (Edough Massif, NE Algeria). Large rutile crystals (up to 300 μm in size) analyzed in situ provide a U-Pb age of 32.4 ± 3.3 Ma interpreted as dating the prograde to peak subduction stage of the mafic protolith. Trace element analyses of minute zircons (≤30 μm) indicate that they formed in equilibrium with the garnet megacryst at a temperature of 740-810 °C, most likely during HP retrograde metamorphism. U-Pb analyses provide a significantly younger age of 20.7 ± 2.3 Ma attributed to exhumation of the UHP units. This study allows bracketing the age of UHP metamorphism in the Western Mediterranean Orogen to the Oligocene/early Miocene, thus unambiguously relating UHP metamorphism to the Alpine history. Exhumation of these UHP units is coeval with the counterclockwise rotation of the Corsica-Sardinia block and most likely resulted from subduction rollback that was driven by slab pull.

Over 400 m.y. metamorphic history of the Fennoscandian lithospheric segment in the Proterozoic (the East European Craton)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skridlaite, G.; Bogdanova, S.; Taran, L.; Baginski, B.; Krzeminska, E.; Wiszniewska, J.; Whitehouse, M.

2009-04-01

Several Palaeoproterozoic terranes in the Fennoscandian lithospheric segment of the East European Craton (EEC) evolved differently prior to their final amalgamation at c. 1.8 Ga. South-westward younging of the major tectono-thermal events characterizes the Baltic -Belarus region between the Baltic and Ukrainian Shields of the EEC. While at c.1.89-1.87 Ga and 1.85-1.84 Ga rocks of some northern and eastern terranes (Estonia, Belarus and eastern Lithuania) experienced syncollisional, moderate P metamorphism, subduction-related volcanic island arc magmatism still dominated southwestern terranes in Lithuania and Poland. The available age determinations of metamorphic zircon (SIMS/NORDSIM and TIMS methods, Stockholm, SHRIMP method, RSES, ANU, Canberra) and metamorphic monazite (TIMS, Stockholm and EPMA method, Warsaw University) allow to distinguish several metamorphic events related to major orogenic processes: - 1.90-1.87 Ga amphibolite-facies H/MP metamorphism occurred along with emplacements of juvenile TTG-type granitoids in the North Estonian and Lithuanian-Belarus terranes. They are coeval with the main accretionary growth of the crust in the Svecofennian Domain in the Baltic Shield (e.g. Lahtinen et al., 2005). - 1.84-1.79 Ga high-grade metamorphism affected sedimentary and igneous rocks in almost all the terranes and is assumed to have been related to the major aggregation of the EEC (Bogdanova et al, 2006, 2008). In the metasedimentary granulites of western Lithuania, a prograde metamorphism commenced with monazite growth prior garnet at 1.84-1.83 Ga. The sediments and mafic igneous rocks in Lithuania, felsic igneous rocks in NE Poland underwent peak metamorphism and deformation at 1.81-1.79 Ga (zircon and monazite ages). The 1.83-1.79 Ga metamorphism has the same age as a metamorphic imprint and strong shearing of the crust in central Sweden (Andersson et al., 2004). The postcollisional granulite metamorphism of mafic intrusions at 1.80-1.79 Ga in Belarus indicates that the NW-SE collision can have triggered the crustal/mantle disturbance along the Fennoscandia-Sarmatia suture zone. - c. 1.7-1.6 Ga moderate PT metamorphic overprint and deformation of 1.83-1.82 Ga magmatic charnockites and c. 1.8 Ga metamorphic granulites in western Lithuania was recorded by the growth of a new garnet, zircon and monazite. The dated charnockites and metasediments contain metamorphic monazite of both 1.60-1.59 Ga and 1.7-1.65 Ga ages. These metamorphic events can reflect a distal influence of the 1.7-1.6 Ga Gothian orogeny in SW Fennoscandia (e.g. Ahall and Connelly, 2008). - 1.55-1.50 and 1.50-1.45 Ga events. In southern Lithuania, the 1.53-1.50 Ga AMCG magmatism was accompanied by high-grade metamorphism. Deformation and amphibolite facies metamorphism are marked by the 1.55-1.45 Ga 40Ar/39Ar ages of hornblende along EW-trending lineaments in central and southeastern Lithuania and Belarus. There are also indications of shearing and low grade, c. 1.50 Ga, metamorphism of metasedimentary rocks and charnockites in NW Lithuania and NE Poland. Altogether, the coeval AMCG magmatism, local high-grade and widespread low-grade metamorphism, and deformation can be manifestations of the Danopolonian orogeny, particularly prominent around the South Baltic Sea. This is a contribution to the project "The Precambrian structure of Baltica as a control of its recent environment and evolution" of the Visby Programme (the Swedish Institute) and SYNTHESYS project SE-TAF-1535. References Ahall, K.I. and Connelly, J.N., 2008. Precambrian Research, 161(3-4): 452-474. Andersson, U.B. et al., 2004, GFF 126, 16-17. Bogdanova, S. et al., 2006, Geological Society, London Memoirs, 32, pp. 599-628 Bogdanova, S. et al., 2008, Precambrian Research 160, 23-45. Lahtinen, R., et al., 2005. In: Precambrian Geology of Finland - Key to the Evolution of the Fennoscandian Shield. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 481-532

HP LT Variscan metamorphism in the Cubito-Moura schists (Ossa-Morena Zone, southern Iberia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booth-Rea, Guillermo; Simancas, José Fernando; Azor, Antonio; Azañón, José Miguel; González-Lodeiro, Francisco; Fonseca, Paulo

2006-12-01

Multi-equilibrium thermobarometry shows that low-grade metapelites (Cubito-Moura schists) from the Ossa-Morena Zone underwent HP-LT metamorphism from 340-370 °C at 1.0-0.9 GPa to 400-450 °C at 0.8-0.7 GPa. These HP-LT equilibriums were reached by parageneses including white K mica, chlorite and chloritoid, which define the earliest schistosity (S 1) in these rocks. The main foliation in the schists is a crenulation cleavage (S 2), which developed during decompression from 0.8-0.7 to 0.4-0.3 GPa at increasing temperatures from 400-450 °C to 440-465 °C. Fe 3+ in chlorite decreased greatly during prograde metamorphism from molar fractions of 0.4 determined in syn-S 1 chlorites down to 0.1 in syn-S 2 chlorites. These new data add to previous findings of eclogites in the Moura schists indicating that a pile of allochtonous rocks situated next to the Beja-Acebuches oceanic amphibolites underwent HP-LT metamorphism during the Variscan orogeny. To cite this article: G. Booth-Rea et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).

Petrographic and petrological study of lunar rock materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winzer, S. R.

1977-01-01

Impact melts and breccias from the Apollo 15 and 16 landing sites were examined optically and by electron microscope/microprobe. Major and trace element abundances were determined for selected samples. Apollo 16 breccias contained impact melts, metamorphic and primary igneous rocks. Metamorphic rocks may be the equivalents of the impact melts. Apollo 15 breccias studied were fragment-laden melts derived from gabbro and more basalt target rocks.

Brittle/Ductile deformation at depth during continental crust eclogitization (Mont-Emilius klippe, Western Internal Alps).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hertgen, Solenn; Yamato, Philippe; Morales, Luiz; Angiboust, Samuel

2016-04-01

Eclogitic rocks are important for understanding tectonics at large scale as they provide key constraints on both the evolution (P-T-t-ɛ paths) and the deformation modes of the crust along the subduction interface. We herein focus our study on eclogitized mafic dykes remnants exposed within granulites from the continental basement silver of the Mt. Emilius klippe (Western Internal Alps, Italy). These eclogites exhibit highly deformed garnetite and clinopyroxenite levels. In some places, these rocks with a ± mylonitic aspect can be found as clasts within meter-thick brecciated fault rocks formed close to metamorphic peak conditions in eclogite facies. Especially, the garnet-rich levels tend to behave in a brittle fashion while deformation within clinopyroxene-rich levels is mostly accommodated by creep. This is evidenced by the presence of elongated grains, subgrain boundaries and intense grain size reduction close to rigid garnets. Crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) measurements in garnets indicate a quasi-random distribution. In most of the clinopyroxenes levels nevertheless, the CPO is relatively strong, with multiples of uniform distribution varying from 4 to 5.5 (value of 1 is random texture). This CPO is characterized by a strong alignment of poles (001) parallel to the lineation and (100) and [010] distributed along girdles cross-cutting the foliation plane. Our study thus attests that the materials along the subduction interface at P~2.0-2.5 GPa and T~500-550°C can locally be brittle where deformation is classically envisioned as ductile. In addition to this deformation analysis, we present a petrological study of these eclogites, from the outcrop to the microscopic scale, tracking the chemical evolution associated to the observed deformation. Based on all these data, we finally propose a tectono-metamorphic history for these rocks allowing to explain the co-existence of ductile and brittle features developed in the same metamorphic facies, and closely associated to the circulation of metamorphic fluids.

Metamorphic Epitaxy for Multijunction Solar Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

France, Ryan M.; Dimroth, Frank; Grassman, Tyler J.

Multijunction solar cells have proven to be capable of extremely high efficiencies by combining multiple semiconductor materials with bandgaps tuned to the solar spectrum. Reaching the optimum set of semiconductors often requires combining high-quality materials with different lattice constants into a single device, a challenge particularly suited for metamorphic epitaxy. In this article, we describe different approaches to metamorphic multijunction solar cells, including traditional upright metamorphic, state-of-the-art inverted metamorphic, and forward-looking multijunction designs on silicon. We also describe the underlying materials science of graded buffers that enables metamorphic subcells with low dislocation densities. Following nearly two decades of research, recentmore » efforts have demonstrated high-quality lattice-mismatched multijunction solar cells with very little performance loss related to the mismatch, enabling solar-to-electric conversion efficiencies over 45%.« less

Using SHRIMP zircon dating to unravel tectonothermal events in arc environments. The early Palaeozoic arc of NW Iberia revisited

USGS Publications Warehouse

Abati, J.; Castineiras, P.G.; Arenas, R.; Fernandez-Suarez, J.; Barreiro, J.G.; Wooden, J.L.

2007-01-01

Dating of zircon cores and rims from granulites developed in a shear zone provides insights into the complex relationship between magmatism and metamorphism in the deep roots of arc environments. The granulites belong to the uppermost allochthonous terrane of the NW Iberian Massif, which forms part of a Cambro-Ordovician magmatic arc developed in the peri-Gondwanan realm. The obtained zircon ages confirm that voluminous calc-alkaline magmatism peaked around 500Ma and was shortly followed by granulite facies metamorphism accompanied by deformation at c. 480Ma, giving a time framework for crustal heating, regional metamorphism, deformation and partial melting, the main processes that control the tectonothermal evolution of arc systems. Traces of this arc can be discontinuously followed in different massifs throughout the European Variscan Belt, and we propose that the uppermost allochthonous units of the NW Iberian Massif, together with the related terranes in Europe, constitute an independent and coherent terrane that drifted away from northern Gondwana prior to the Variscan collisional orogenesis. ?? 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Snow as Field-Teaching Medium for Earth Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Custer, Stephan Gregory

1991-01-01

Snow is a widely available earth-science teaching medium which can be used to explore scientific concepts in the field, either directly or by analogy. Snow can be considered a mineral, sediment, sedimentary rock, or metamorphic rock. Natural processes such as crystal growth, melting, sedimentation, and metamorphism can be studied in practical time…

Clumped isotope thermometry of calcite and dolomite in a contact metamorphic environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd, Max K.; Eiler, John M.; Nabelek, Peter I.

2017-01-01

Clumped isotope compositions of slowly-cooled calcite and dolomite marbles record apparent equilibrium temperatures of roughly 150-200 °C and 300-350 °C, respectively. Because clumped isotope compositions are sensitive to the details of T-t path within these intervals, measurements of the Δ47 values of coexisting calcite and dolomite can place new constraints on thermal history of low-grade metamorphic rocks over a large portion of the upper crust (from ∼5 to ∼15 km depth). We studied the clumped isotope geochemistry of coexisting calcite and dolomite in marbles from the Notch Peak contact metamorphic aureole, Utah. Here, flat-lying limestones were intruded by a pluton, producing a regular, zoned metamorphic aureole. Calcite Δ47 temperatures are uniform, 156 ± 12 °C (2σ s.e.), across rocks varying from high-grade marbles that exceeded 500 °C to nominally unmetamorphosed limestones >5 km from the intrusion. This result appears to require that the temperature far from the pluton was close to this value; an ambient temperature just 20 °C lower would not have permitted substantial re-equilibration, and should have preserved depositional or early diagenetic Δ47 values several km from the pluton. Combining this result with depth constraints from overlying strata suggests the country rock here had an average regional geotherm of 22.3-27.4 °C/km from the late Jurassic Period until at least the middle Paleogene Period. Dolomite Δ47 in all samples above the talc + tremolite-in isograd record apparent equilibrium temperatures of 328-12+13 °C (1σ s.e.), consistent with the apparent equilibrium blocking temperature we expect for cooling from peak metamorphic conditions. At greater distances, dolomite Δ47 records temperatures of peak (anchi)metamorphism or pre-metamorphic diagenetic conditions. The interface between these domains is the location of the 330 °C isotherm associated with intrusion. Multiple-phase clumped isotope measurements are complemented by bulk δ13C and δ18O dolomite-calcite thermometry. These isotopic exchange thermometers are largely consistent with peak temperatures in all samples within 4 km of the contact, indicating that metamorphic recrystallization can occur even in samples too low-grade to produce growth of conventional metamorphic index minerals (i.e., talc and tremolite). Altogether, this work demonstrates the potential of these methods to quantify the conditions of metamorphism at sub-greenschist facies.

Dry Snow Metamorphism

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-19

behavior of snow during metamorphism and grain sintering using mathematical models. 2 Approach Our approach involved the collection and...examination of both types of specimens at various stages of metamorphism using the SEM and micro-CT. More specifically, the above approach involved...than 10ºC·m-1). 5. High-resolution images and X-ray spectra of snow specimens at various metamorphism stages were obtained using an SEM and EDS. 6

Skeletal advance and arrest in giant non-metamorphosing African clawed frog tadpoles (Xenopus laevis: Daudin)

PubMed Central

Kerney, Ryan; Wassersug, Richard; Hall, Brian K

2010-01-01

This study examines the skeletons of giant non-metamorphosing (GNM) Xenopus laevis tadpoles, which arrest their development indefinitely before metamorphosis, and grow to excessively large sizes in the absence of detectable thyroid glands. Cartilage growth is isometric; however, chondrocyte size is smaller in GNM tadpoles than in controls. Most cartilages stain weakly with alcian blue, and several cartilages are calcified (unlike controls). However, cartilages subjacent to periosteum-derived bone retain strong affinities for alcian blue, indicating a role for periosteum-derived bone in the retention of glycosaminoglycans during protracted larval growth. Bone formation in the head, limb, and axial skeletons is advanced in comparison with stage-matched controls, but arrests at various mid-metamorphic states. Both dermal and periosteum-derived bones grow to disproportionately large sizes in comparison to controls. Additionally, mature monocuspid teeth form in several GNM tadpoles. Advances in skeletal development are attributable to the old ages and large sizes of these tadpoles, and reveal unexpected developmental potentials of the pre-metamorphic skeleton. PMID:20402828

Metamorphic P-T-t path retrieved from metapelites in the southeastern Taihua metamorphic complex, and the Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the southern North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jun-Sheng; Zhai, Ming-Guo; Lu, Lin-Sheng; Wang, Hao Y. C.; Chen, Hong-Xu; Peng, Tao; Wu, Chun-Ming; Zhao, Tai-Ping

2017-02-01

The Taihua metamorphic complex in the southern part of the North China Craton is composed of tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) gneisses, amphibolites, metapelitic gneisses, marbles, quartzites, and banded iron formations (BIFs). The protoliths of the complex have ages ranging from ∼2.1 to ∼2.9 Ga and was metamorphosed under the upper amphibolite to granulite facies conditions with NWW-SEE-striking gneissosity. Metapelitites from the Wugang area have three stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages. The prograde metamorphic mineral assemblage (M1) includes biotite + plagioclase + quartz + ilmenite preserved as inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts. The peak mineral assemblage (M2) consists of garnet porphyroblasts and matrix minerals of sillimanite + biotite + plagioclase + quartz + K-feldspar + ilmenite + rutile + pyrite. The retrograde mineral assemblage (M3), biotite + plagioclase + quartz, occurs as symplectic assemblages surrounding embayed garnet porphyroblasts. Garnet porphyroblasts are chemically zoned. Pseudosection calculated in the NCKFMASHTO model system suggests that mantles of garnet porphyroblasts define high-pressure granulites facies P-T conditions of 12.2 kbar and 830 °C, whereas garnet rims record P-T conditions of 10.2 kbar and 840 °C. Integrating the prograde mineral assemblages, zoning of garnet porphyroblasts with symplectic assemblages, a clockwise metamorphic P-T path can be retrieved. High resolution SIMS U-Pb dating and LA-ICP-MS trace element measurements of the metamorphic zircons demonstrate that metapelites in Wugang possibly record the peak or near peak metamorphic ages of ∼1.92 Ga. Furthermore, 40Ar/39Ar dating of biotite in metapelites suggests that the cooling of the Taihua complex may have lasted until ∼1.83 Ga. Therefore, a long-lived Palaeoproterozoic metamorphic event may define a slow exhumation process. Field relationship and new metamorphic data for the Taihua metamorphic complex does not support the previous model in which the Tran-North China Craton (TNCO) was formed through the collision between the East and West blocks.

Petrography and zircon U-Pb isotopic study of the Bayanwulashan Complex: Constrains on the Paleoproterozoic evolution of the Alxa Block, westernmost North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Sujuan; Hu, Jianmin; Ren, Minghua; Gong, Wangbin; Liu, Yang; Yan, Jiyuan

2014-11-01

The Bayanwulashan Metamorphic Complex (BMC) exposes along the eastern margin of the Alxa Block, the westernmost part of the North China Craton (NCC). BMC is principally composed of metamorphic rocks with amphibole plagiogneiss, biotite plagioclase gneiss and granitic gneiss. Our research has been focused on the petrography and zircon U-Pb geochronology of the BMC to better understand the evolution of the Alxa Block and its relationship with the NCC. Evidences from field geology, petrography, and mineral chemistry indicate that two distinct metamorphic assemblages, the amphibolite and greenschist facies, had overprinted the preexisting granitic gneiss and suggest that the BMC experienced retrograde metamorphic episodes. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages reveal that the primary magmatic activities of BMC were at ca. 2.30-2.24 Ga and the two metamorphic events were at ca. 1.95-1.91 Ga and ca. 1.88-1.85 Ga respectively. These ages indicate that BMC initially intruded during Paleoproterozoic, not as previously suggested at Archean period. The Early Paleoproterozoic metamorphic records and the magmatic thermochronological data in BMC exhibit different evolution paths between the Alxa Block and the NCC. The Alxa Block was most likely an independent Early Paleoproterozoic terrain. Following different amalgamation processes, The Alxa Block combined with Western Block at ca. 1.95 Ga and then united with NCC at ca. 1.85 Ga.

Burial of thermally perturbed Lesser Himalayan mid-crust: Evidence from petrochemistry and P-T estimation of the western Arunachal Himalaya, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goswami-Banerjee, Sriparna; Bhowmik, Santanu Kumar; Dasgupta, Somnath; Pant, Naresh Chandra

2014-11-01

In this work, we establish a dual prograde P-T path of the Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS) rocks from the western Arunachal Himalaya (WAH). The investigated metagranites, garnet- and kyanite-zone metapelites of the LHS are part of an inverted metamorphic sequence (IMS) that is exposed on the footwall side of the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Integrated petrographic, mineral chemistry, geothermobarometric (conventional and isopleth intersection methods) and P-T pseudosection modeling studies reveal a near isobaric (at P ~ 8-9 kbar) peak Barrovian metamorphism with increase in TMax from ~ 560 °C in the metagranite through ~ 590-600 °C in the lower and middle garnet-zone to ~ 600-630 °C in the upper garnet- and kyanite-zone rocks. The metamorphic sequence of the LHS additionally records a pre-Barrovian near isobaric thermal gradient in the mid crust (at ~ 6 kbar) from ~ 515 °C (in the middle garnet zone) to ~ 560-580 °C (in the upper garnet- and kyanite zone, adjoining the Main Central Thrust). Further burial (along steep dP/dT gradient) to a uniform depth corresponding to ~ 8-9 kbar and prograde heating of the differentially heated LHS rocks led to the formation of near isobaric metamorphic field gradient in the Barrovian metamorphic zones of the WAH. A combined critical taper and channel flow model is presented to explain the inverted metamorphic zonation of the rocks of the WAH.

Interactions between plutonism and detachments during metamorphic core complex formation, Serifos Island (Cyclades, Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabillard, Aurélien; Arbaret, Laurent; Jolivet, Laurent; Le Breton, Nicole; Gumiaux, Charles; Augier, Romain; Grasemann, Bernhard

2015-06-01

In order to better understand the interactions between plutonic activity and strain localization during metamorphic core complex formation, the Miocene granodioritic pluton of Serifos (Cyclades, Greece) is studied. This pluton (11.6-9.5 Ma) intruded the Cycladic Blueschists during thinning of the Aegean domain along a system of low-angle normal faults belonging to the south dipping West Cycladic Detachment System (WCDS). Based on structural fieldwork, together with microstructural observations and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility, we recognize a continuum of deformation from magmatic to brittle conditions within the magmatic body. This succession of deformation events is kinematically compatible with the development of the WCDS. The architecture of the pluton shows a marked asymmetry resulting from its interaction with the detachments. We propose a tectonic scenario for the emplacement of Serifos pluton and its subsequent cooling during the Aegean extension: (1) A first stage corresponds to the metamorphic core complex initiation and associated southwestward shearing along the Meghàlo Livadhi detachment. (2) In the second stage, the Serifos pluton has intruded the dome at shallow crustal level, piercing through the ductile/brittle Meghàlo Livadhi detachment. Southwest directed extensional deformation was contemporaneously transferred upward in the crust along the more localized Kàvos Kiklopas detachment. (3) The third stage was marked by synmagmatic extensional deformation and strain localization at the contact between the pluton and the host rocks resulting in nucleation of narrow shear zones, which (4) continued to develop after the pluton solidification.

Igneous and metamorphic petrology in the field: a problem-based, writing-intensive alternative to traditional classroom petrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeBari, S. M.

2011-12-01

The Geology Department at Western Washington University (~100 geology majors) offers field and classroom versions of its undergraduate petrology course. This is a one-quarter course (igneous and metamorphic petrology) with mineralogy as a prerequisite. The field version of the course is offered during the three weeks prior to fall quarter and the classroom version is offered in spring quarter. We take 15-20 students around the state of Washington, camping at different outcrop sites where students integrate observational skills, petrologic knowledge, and writing. Petrogenetic associations in various tectonic settings provide the theme of the course. We compare ophiolites vs. arc sequences (volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic rocks), S- vs. I-type granitoids (plutonic rocks and associated metamorphic rocks), Barrovian vs. Buchan vs. subduction zone metamorphism of different protoliths, and flood-basalt vs. active-arc volcanism. Some basics are covered in the first day at WWU, followed by 17 days of field instruction. Lecture is integrated with outcrop study in the field. For example, students will listen to a lecture about magma differentiation processes as they examine cumulate rocks in the Mt. Stuart batholith, and a lecture about metamorphic facies as they study blueschist facies rocks in the San Juan Islands. Students study multiple outcrops around a site for 1-4 days. They then use their observations (sketches and written descriptions of mineral assemblages, rock types, rock textures, etc.) and analysis techniques (e.g. geochemical data plotting, metamorphic protolith analysis) to write papers in which the data are interpreted in terms of a larger tectonic problem. In advance of the writing process, students use group discussion techniques such as whiteboarding to share their observational evidence and explore interpretations. Student evaluations indicate that despite the intense pace of the course, they enjoy it more. Students also feel that they retain more material for future classes. The undivided attention, immediate writing/reflection, and repetition of skills in different settings reinforce material. Because of students' higher level of engagement, more of them pursue advanced classes or independent studies. A corollary benefit is that students form strong bonds with their cohort group, providing mutual support as they continue through the program and ultimately improving their field camp experience. Final exam scores are equal to or better than in the traditional class, and some basic skills, such the ability to make observations at a variety of scales in sketches and writing, are better. Students can also better distinguish between observation and inference in report writing. Finally, students can apply their theoretical understanding of petrologic processes (e.g. magma differentiation, metamorphic facies progressions) to real rocks in a more sophisticated way using evidence.

Structural and metamorphic evolution of serpentinites and rodingites recycled in the Alpine subduction wedge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanoni, D.; Rebay, G.; Spalla, M. I.

2015-12-01

Hydration-dehydration of mantle rocks affects the viscosity of the mantle wedge and plays a prominent role in subduction zone tectonics, facilitating marble cake-type instead of large-slice dynamics. An accurate structural and petrologic investigation of serpentinites from orogenic belts, supported by their long-lived structural memory, can help to recognize pressure-sensitive mineral assemblages for deciphering their P-prograde and -retrograde tectonic trajectories. The European Alps preserve large volumes of the hydrated upper part of the oceanic lithosphere that represents the main water carrier into the Alpine subduction zone. Therefore, it is important to understand what happens during subduction when these rocks reach P-T conditions proximal to those that trigger the break-down of serpentine, formed during oceanic metamorphism, to produce olivine and clinopyroxene. Rodingites associated with serpentinites are usually derived from metasomatic ocean floor processes but rodingitization can also happen in subduction environments. Multiscale structural and petrologic analyses of serpentinites and enclosed rodingites have been combined to define the HP mineral assemblages in the Zermatt-Saas ophiolites. They record 3 syn-metamorphic stages of ductile deformation during the Alpine cycle, following the ocean floor history that is testified by structural and metamorphic relics in both rock types. D1 and D2 developed under HP to UHP conditions and D3 under lower P conditions. Syn-D2 assemblages in serpentinites and rodingites indicate conditions of 2.5 ± 0.3 GPa and 600 ± 20°C. This interdisciplinary approach shows that the dominant structural and metamorphic imprint of the Zermatt-Saas eclogitized serpentinites and rodingites developed during the Alpine subduction and that subduction-related serpentinite de-hydration occurred exclusively at Pmax conditions, during D2 deformation. In contrast, in the favourable rodingite bulk composition (Ca-rich), hydrated minerals such as vesuvianite are stable up to the estimated P-climax conditions.

Geospeedometry in the inverted metamorphic gradient of the Nestos Thrust Zone in central Rhodope (Northern Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cioldi, Stefania; Moulas, Evangelos; Burg, Jean-Pierre

2015-04-01

Thrust tectonics and inverted metamorphic gradients are major consequences of large and likely fast movements of crustal segments in compressional environments. The purpose of this study is to investigate the tectonic setting and the timescale of inverted metamorphic zonations related to crustal-scale thrusting. The aim is to contribute understanding the link between mechanical and thermal evolution of major thrust zones and to clarify the nature and the origin of orogenic heat. The Rhodope metamorphic complex (Northern Greece) is interpreted as a part of the Alpine-Himalaya orogenic belt and represents a collisional system with an association of both large-scale thrusting and pervasive exhumation tectonics. The Nestos Shear Zone overprints the suture boundary with a NNE-dipping pile of schists displaying inverted isograds. The inverted metamorphic zones start from chlorite-muscovite grade at the bottom and reach kyanite-sillimanite grades with migmatites in the upper structural levels. In order to reconstruct the thermo-tectonic evolution of inverted metamorphic zonation, reliable geochronological data are essential. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology with step-heating technique on white mica from micaschists provided a temporal resolution with the potential to characterize shearing. 40Ar/39Ar dating across the Nestos Shear Zone yields Late Eocene-Early Oligocene (40-30 Ma) cooling (~400-350° C) ages, which correspond to local thermo-deformation episodes linked to late and post-orogenic intrusions. U-Pb Sensitive High Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon geochronology on leucosomes from migmatitic orthogneisses were considered to estimate the age of peak metamorphic conditions, contemporaneous with anatexis. U-Pb ages of zircon rims specify regional partial melting during the Early Cretaceous (160-120 Ma). This is in disagreement with previous assertions, which argued that the formation of leucosomes in this region is Late Eocene (42-35 Ma) and implied multiple subductions and multiple metamorphic cycles during orogeny. Garnet geospeedometry considers the kinetic response of minerals and allowed estimating the absolute time-dependent thermal evolution by diffusive element profiles in garnet. Inverse-fitting numerical model considering Fractionation and Diffusion in GarnEt (FRIDGE) calculates garnet composition profiles by introducing P-T-t paths and bulk-rock composition of a specific sample. Preliminary results of Fe-Mg - Ca - Mn garnet fractionation-diffusion modelling indicate very short timescale (between 2 and 5 Ma) for peak metamorphic conditions in the Rhodope collisional system.

Lithology and mineralogy recognition from geochemical logging tool data using multivariate statistical analysis.

PubMed

Konaté, Ahmed Amara; Ma, Huolin; Pan, Heping; Qin, Zhen; Ahmed, Hafizullah Abba; Dembele, N'dji Dit Jacques

2017-10-01

The availability of a deep well that penetrates deep into the Ultra High Pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks is unusual and consequently offers a unique chance to study the metamorphic rocks. One such borehole is located in the southern part of Donghai County in the Sulu UHP metamorphic belt of Eastern China, from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Main hole. This study reports the results obtained from the analysis of oxide log data. A geochemical logging tool provides in situ, gamma ray spectroscopy measurements of major and trace elements in the borehole. Dry weight percent oxide concentration logs obtained for this study were SiO 2 , K 2 O, TiO 2 , H 2 O, CO 2 , Na 2 O, Fe 2 O 3 , FeO, CaO, MnO, MgO, P 2 O 5 and Al 2 O 3 . Cross plot and Principal Component Analysis methods were applied for lithology characterization and mineralogy description respectively. Cross plot analysis allows lithological variations to be characterized. Principal Component Analysis shows that the oxide logs can be summarized by two components related to the feldspar and hydrous minerals. This study has shown that geochemical logging tool data is accurate and adequate to be tremendously useful in UHP metamorphic rocks analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ion microprobe survey of the grain-scale oxygen isotope geochemistry of minerals in metamorphic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferry, John M.; Kitajima, Kouki; Strickland, Ariel; Valley, John W.

2014-11-01

The oxygen isotope compositions of calcite, diopside, dolomite, forsterite, garnet, K-feldspar, kyanite, plagioclase, quartz, and wollastonite were analyzed in suites of contact and regional metamorphic rocks using an ion microprobe. Spatial resolution was ∼10 μm. Precision, measured as the standard deviation of working standards averaged over the entire project, was 0.13-0.18‰ for three carbonate standards and 0.11-0.12‰ for two silicate standards. A total of 1176 analyses (excluding standards) were made of 73 minerals in 23 samples. Both intercrystalline and intracrystalline variability in δ18O is greater in contact than in regional metamorphic rocks. Of 27 minerals analyzed in contact metamorphosed rocks, 70% exhibit statistically significant grain-to-grain variability in δ18O over areas ⩽1.41 cm2 with the largest range in silicates and carbonates in a single sample of 7.4‰ (forsterite) and 10.6‰ (dolomite). Of 88 grains analyzed in two or more places in contact metamorphosed rocks, 32% exhibit statistically significant intracrystalline variability in δ18O with the largest range in a single silicate and carbonate grain of 3.1‰ (forsterite) and 10.1‰ (dolomite). In contrast, 44% of 45 minerals in regional metamorphic rocks exhibit significant grain-to-grain variability in δ18O over areas ⩽1.17 cm2 with the largest range in silicates and carbonates in a single sample of only 1.1‰ (plagioclase) and 0.9‰ (calcite). Only 6% of 144 grains analyzed in two or more places in regional metamorphic rocks exhibit significant intracrystalline variability in δ18O with the largest range in a single silicate and carbonate grain of only 1.5‰ (diopside) and 0.7‰ (calcite). The difference in intercrystalline and intracrystalline variability in δ18O between contact and region metamorphic rocks is explained by the longer duration and slower reaction rates of regional metamorphism rather than to differences in temperature. There is no significant difference in intercrystalline and intracrystalline variability in δ18O in regional metamorphic rocks among samples from the biotite, garnet, and kyanite zones. Calcite inclusions in forsterite, and calcite and quartz inclusions in garnet either have δ18O that is statistically indistinguishable from δ18O of the same mineral occurring as nearby matrix grains or have statistically significant lower δ18O. No reversed isotope fractionations were measured between coexisting mineral pairs. Minerals in individual samples, however, exhibit a wide range in the degree to which they attained and preserve oxygen isotope fractionations consistent with metamorphic temperatures recorded by mineral equilibria. Processes that account for grain-scale departures from isotope exchange equilibrium include: (a) overstepping of prograde mineral reactions, (b) growth zoning in low-diffusivity minerals, (c) interaction of rocks with fluids at the peak of metamorphism and/or during cooling, (d) retrograde mineral reactions, and (e) closed-system isotope exchange between coexisting minerals during cooling. This study provides new information about (1) the degree to which a variety of textural changes experienced by rocks during metamorphism are associated with changes in δ18O, (2) oxygen isotope homogenization at the outcrop scale among contrasting lithologies, (3) changes in δ18O with increasing grade of regional metamorphism, and (4) time scales of metamorphic process.

Driving forces for metamorphic vein filling during bauxite dehydration: insights from Li and Al transfer illustrated by LIBS compositional profiles (Western Alps)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verlaguet, Anne; Brunet, Fabrice; Goffé, Bruno; Menut, Denis; Findling, Nathaniel; Poinssot, Christophe

2015-04-01

In subduction zones, the significant amounts of aqueous fluid released in the course of the successive dehydration reactions occurring during prograde metamorphism are expected to strongly influence the rock rheology, as well as kinetics of metamorphic reactions and mass transfer efficiency. Mineralized veins, ubiquitous in metamorphic rocks, can be seen as preserved witnesses of fluid and mass redistribution that partly accommodate the rock deformation (lateral segregation). However, the driving forces and mechanisms of mass transfer towards fluid-filled open spaces remain somewhat unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the vein-forming processes and the modalities of mass transfer during local fluid-rock interactions, and their links with fluid production and rock deformation, with new insights from Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) profiles. This study focuses on karstic pockets (metre scale) of Triassic metabauxites embedded in thick carbonate units, that have been isolated from large-scale fluid flow during HP-LT Alpine metamorphism (W. Vanoise, French Alps). These rocks display several generations of metamorphic veins containing various Al-bearing minerals, which give particular insights into mass transfer processes. It is proposed that the internally-derived fluid (~13 vol% produced by successive dehydration reactions) has promoted the opening of fluid-filled open spaces (euhedral habits of vein minerals) and served as medium for diffusive mass transfer from rock to vein. Based on mineralogical and textural features, two vein types can be distinguished: (1) some veins are filled with newly formed products of either prograde (chloritoid) or retrograde (chlorite) metamorphic reactions; in this case, fluid-filled open spaces seem to offer energetically favourable nucleation/growth sites; (2) the second vein type is filled with cookeite (Li-Al-rich chlorite) or pyrophyllite, which were present in the host-rock prior to the vein formation. In this closed chemical system, mass transfer from rock to vein was achieved through the fluid, in a dissolution-transport-precipitation process. To investigate the modalities of mass transfer towards this second vein type, LIBS profiles were performed in the host-rock, taking Li concentration as a proxy for cookeite distribution. Cookeite is highly concentrated (45-65 vol%) in regularly spaced veins, and the LIBS profiles show that cookeite is evenly distributed in the host-rock comprised between two veins. The absence of diffusion profiles suggests that the characteristic diffusion distance for Li, Al and Si is greater than or equal to the distance separating two cookeite veins (2-4 cm). This is in agreement with characteristic diffusion lengths calculated from both grain boundary and pore fluid diffusion coefficients, for the estimated duration of the peak of metamorphism. Which driving forces are responsible for cookeite selective transfer towards veins? Chemical potential gradients between host-rock pores and veins may have developed in response to either (1) a stress difference: thermochemical calculations show that pressure-solution processes may affect preferentially cookeite and pyrophyllite; (2) a difference in interfacial energy, phyllosilicates showing very different morphologies in host-rocks (fibers) compared to veins (euhedral crystals); fluid-mineral interfacial energy may be maximal in the small host-rock pores, which can maintain higher cookeite solubility than large fluid-filled open spaces (i.e., veins).

FeO and MgO in plagioclase of lunar anorthosites: Igneous or metamorphic?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phinney, W. C.

1994-01-01

The combined evidence from terrestrial anorthosites and experimental laboratory studies strongly implies that lunar anorthosites have been subjected to high-grade metamorphic events that have erased the igneous signatures of FeO and MgO in their plagioclases. Arguments to the contrary have, to this point, been more hopeful than rigorous.

Neodymium and strontium isotopic dating of diagenesis and low-grade metamorphism of argillaceous sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaltegger, Urs; Stille, Peter; Rais, Naoual; Piqué, Alain; Clauer, Norbert

1994-03-01

The behaviour of the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic systems with increasing degree of Hercynian metamorphic overprint was studied along a transect in Cambrian shales of northwestern Morocco. Clay fractions of < 0.2 to 2-6 μm size from five samples were investigated, representing a range from nonmetamorphic to epizonal metamorphic conditions. The samples were washed in cold l N HC1 prior to digestion to separate soluble/exchangeable Rb, Sr, Sm, and Nd from amounts of these elements fixed in the crystallographic sites of the minerals and to analyze both components separately. The results reveal that the Rb-Sr isotopic system is dominated by Sr hosted by clay mineral phases (both detrital and authigenic illite and chlorite) and carbonate-hosted soluble Sr. Isotopic homogenization of Sr occurred during Hercynian metamorphism, yielding ages between 309 and 349 Ma. The Sm-Nd isotopic system, on the other hand, is dominated by cogenetic apatite and Fe oxide/ hydroxide, both having high contents of leachable REEs. The leachates yield a Sm-Nd isochron age of 523 ± 72 Ma, indicating diagenetic equilibrium between apatite and Fe-oxide/hydroxide. Fine-grained clay fractions of < 0.2 μm size plot onto this reference line, suggesting isotopic equilibrium with the leachates. Size fractions > 0.2 μm show inheritance of a detrital Nd component. The study demonstrates that the diagenesis of the investigated argillaceous sediments can be dated by the Sm-Nd chronometer in authigenic cement phases. The isotopic system of these minerals (apatite, Fe hydroxide/oxide) was homogenized during authigenic mineral growth in a sediment that was flushed by diagenetic fluids and had abundant primary or secondary interconnected pore space. The Hercynian metamorphic overprint caused partial isotopic rehomogenization of the adsorbed and clay-hosted portion of the Sr as well as of the carbonate-hosted Sr. The Sm-Nd system in the cement phases survived this metamorphism. This results in decoupling of the two isotopic systems and allows the dating of diagenesis on the one hand (Sm-Nd) and metamorphism on the other hand (Rb-Sr).

Extensional unroofing of the metamorphic core of the southern Appalachian orogen prior to the breakup of Pangea: Insights from 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, C.; Foster, D. A.; Hames, W. E.; Mueller, P. A.

2017-12-01

Orogenic collapse commonly occurs following the collisional phase of an orogeny and often leads to exhumation of deep crustal metamorphic rocks. The Alleghanian orogeny in the southern Appalachian orogen (SAO) occurred during final assembly of Pangea. 40Ar/39Ar data of hornblende, muscovite, and biotite from Alleghanian granitic plutons in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida of the SAO give cooling ages that progressively young toward the south-southeast prior to ca. 280 Ma and young locally toward the north-northwest after ca. 280 Ma. These cooling-age gradients, along with geometry of the Suwannee suture zone and timing/structures of the South Georgia basin, suggest that metamorphic rocks north of the Suwannee suture in the study area formed the lower plate of a metamorphic core complex. The faults of the Suwannee suture zone were reactivated to form a master extensional detachment fault with the Suwannee terrane comprising the upper plate. Thermochronologic data show that rapid extension of the metamorphic core complex footwall started at ca. 300-295 Ma and the extension continued to at least ca. 240 Ma. The maximum average extension rate is estimated to be 10.3 km/m.y. during ca. 300-280 Ma along the master detachment fault and 2.4 km/m.y. during ca. 280-240 Ma along a secondary detachment fault, reflecting differential extension over time. Main cooling rates of 10‒85˚C/m.y. and exhumation rates of 0.3‒2.8 km/m.y. are calculated for the Alleghanian granitic plutons studied. This work shows that, in the southernmost Appalachians, orogenic collapse resulted in metamorphic core complex-style extension between about 300 and 240 Ma. The horst-and-graben systems of the South Georgia basin formed within the upper plate in this tectonic setting. Metamorphic core complex-style extension, therefore, played a critical role in initial rifting that led to the eventual breakup of Pangea and formation of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The problem of the age and structural position of the Blyb metamorphic complex (Fore Range zone, Great Caucasus) granitoids.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamzolkin, Vladimir; Latyshev, Anton; Ivanov, Stanislav

2016-04-01

The Blyb metamorphic complex (BMC) of the Fore Range zone is one of the most high-grade metamorphosed element of the Great Caucasus fold belt. Determination of the timing and the mechanism of formation of the Fore Range fold-thrust structures are not possible without investigation of the BMC located at the basement of its section. At the same time, the conceptions about its structure and age are outdated and need revision. Somin (2011) determined the age of the protolith and metamorphism of the Blyb complex as the Late Devonian - Early Carboniferous. We have recently shown that the BMC has not the dome, as previously thought, but nappe structure (Vidjapin, Kamzolkin, 2015), and is metamorphically coherent with the peak metamorphism pressures up to 22 kbar (Kamzolkin et al., 2015; Konilov et al., 2013). Considering the age and structure of the Blyb complex it is necessary to revise the age of granitoid intrusions and their relations with gneisses and schists, which constitute the main part of the section of the complex. Most authors (Gamkrelidze, Shengelia, 2007; Lavrischev, 2002; Baranov, 1967) adheres to Early Paleozoic age of intrusives, which is doubtful, considering the younger age of metamorphic rocks. We suppose, that the intrusive bodies broke through a BMC nappe structure during the exhumation of the complex (Perchuk, 1991) at the Devonian - Carboniferous boundary. Seemingly, the massive monzodiorites body (Lavrischev, 2002), intruding garnet-muscovite schists and amphibolite gneisses of the Blyb complex and cut by the Main Caucasian fault (MCF), are younger. Given the timing of termination of the MCF movement activity as the Middle Jurassic (Greater Caucasus..., 2005), their age should be in the Early Carboniferous - Middle Jurassic interval. At the same time, on the modern geological map (Lavrischev, 2002) monzodiorites body is assigned to the Middle Paleozoic. The study of the BMC granitoids and monzodiorites will help in determining of the mechanism and age of exhumation of the Blyb metamorphic complex high-pressure rocks. The reported study was partially supported by RFBR, research projects No. 16-35-00571mol_a; 16-05-01012a

Provenance and metamorphic PT conditions of Cryogenian-Ediacaran metasediments from the Kid metamorphic complex, Sinai, NE Arabian-Nubian Shield: Insights from detrital zircon geochemistry and mineral chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Bialy, Mohammed Z.; Ali, Kamal A.; Abu El-Enen, Mahrous M.; Ahmed, Ahmed H.

2015-12-01

The Malhaq and Um Zariq formations occupy the northern part of the Neoproterozoic Kid metamorphic complex of SE Sinai, NE Arabian-Nubian Shield. This study presents new mineral chemistry data and LA-ICP-MS analyses of the trace element concentrations on zircons separated from metapelites from these formations. The detrital zircons of Um Zariq Formation are more enriched in ΣREE, whereas Malhaq Formation zircons are markedly HREE-enriched with strongly fractionated HREE patterns. The quite differences in the overall slope and size of the Eu and Ce anomalies between REE patterns of the two zircon suites provide a robust indication of different sources. The Ti-in-zircon thermometer has revealed that the zircons separated from Malhaq Formation were crystallized within the 916-1018 °C range, while those from Um Zariq Formation exhibit higher range of crystallization temperatures (1084-1154 °C). The detrital zircons of Malhaq Formation were derived mainly from mafic source rocks (basalt and dolerite), whereas Um Zariq Formation zircons have varied and more evolved parent rocks. Most of the investigated zircons from both formations are concluded to be unaltered magmatic that were lately crystallized from a high LREE/HREE melt. All the studied detrital zircon grains show typical trace elements features of crustal-derived zircons. All of the Um Zariq Formation and most of Malhaq Formation detrital zircons are geochemically discriminated as continental zircons. Both formation metapelites record similar, overlapping peak metamorphic temperatures (537-602 °C and 550-579 °C, respectively), and pressures (3.83-4.93 kbar and 3.69-4.07 kbar, respectively). The geothermal gradient, at the peak metamorphic conditions, was quite high (37-41 °C/km) corresponding to metamorphism at burial depth of 14-16 km. The peak regional metamorphism of Um Zariq and Malhaq formations is concluded to be generated during extensional regime and thinning of the lithosphere in an island arc setting with heat flow from the underlying arc granitoids.

Modelling metamorphism in the Hoosac Schist, Western Massachusetts: new approaches to a New England problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bidgood, Anna; Waters, Dave; Gardiner, Nick

2015-04-01

Along the western margin of the metamorphic Appalachians in New England, Taconic (Ordovician) tectonism and metamorphism are overprinted towards the east by Acadian (Devonian) structures and metamorphism. The Hoosac Schist, a probable correlate of the well-known Gassetts Schist of Vermont, lies in the region of overprinting. It forms a narrow N-S-trending tectonically-bound zone crossing several Barrovian mineral-assemblage zones from garnet to kyanite grade. Highly aluminous units containing cm-sized garnets (Cheney & Brady, 1992) are noted for the occurrence of textural unconformities within the garnets, separating inclusion-rich cores from inclusion-poor rims. Matrix domains contain both paragonite and muscovite. Muscovite is present in at least two compositionally distinct generations, with broad later laths cutting across a microfolded earlier fabric. Rutile is restricted to inclusions in garnet, whereas the matrix Ti- phase is ilmenite. These features suggest a polymetamorphic history, potentially recording the superimposition of Acadian metamorphism on Taconic, but it has not yet proved possible to demonstrate the presence of two metamorphic cycles. This study aims to test and employ the new and revised activity models recently developed for metapelites in the full system MnNCKFMASHTO (White et al, 2014), for use with the Holland & Powell data-set 6. Features that can now be more explicitly modelled include garnet zonation in relation to its inclusion suites and microstructural features, the occurrence, texture and distribution of Ti-bearing accessory minerals, and the assemblages and compositional trends in white micas. Preliminary modelling, correlated with microstructural observation, indicates (1) some confirmation of the concern expressed by White et al (2014) that the stability of margarite-bearing assemblages may be somewhat overestimated, (2) that apart from this, the early growth history of garnet is consistent with its suite of trapped inclusions at 8-9 kbar, 500-540°C, (3) that the progression from rutile to ilmenite via an interval of coexistence may be consistent with a single prograde process, and (4) that the marked transition from phengitic to low-Si, high-Na muscovite probably occurred during the growth of the cross-cutting mica generation, but after the growth of ilmenite micropoikiloblasts at the expense of rutile. Cheney, JT & Brady, JB (1992), Petrology of the high-alumina Hoosac Schist from the chloritoid+garnet through the kyanite+biotite zones in western Massachusetts, in: Robinson, P and Brady, JB, editors, Guidebook for Field Trips in the Connecticut Valley Region of Massachusetts and Adjacent States, NEIGC 84th Meeting, Amherst, MA, 332-357. White, RW, Powell, R & Johnson, TE (2014), The effect of Mn on mineral stability in metapelites revisited: new a-x relations for manganese-bearing minerals, Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 32, 809-828.

Variation of illite/muscovite 40Ar/39Ar age spectra during progressive low-grade metamorphism: an example from the US Cordillera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verdel, Charles; van der Pluijm, Ben A.; Niemi, Nathan

2012-09-01

40Ar/39Ar step-heating data were collected from micron to submicron grain-sizes of correlative illite- and muscovite-rich Cambrian pelitic rocks from the western United States that range in metamorphic grade from the shallow diagenetic zone (zeolite facies) to the epizone (greenschist facies). With increasing metamorphic grade, maximum ages from 40Ar/39Ar release spectra decrease, as do total gas ages and retention ages. Previous studies have explained similar results as arising dominantly or entirely from the dissolution of detrital muscovite and precipitation/recrystallization of neo-formed illite. While recognizing the importance of these processes in evaluating our results, we suggest that the inverse correlation between apparent age and metamorphic grade is controlled, primarily, by thermally activated volume diffusion, analogous to the decrease in apparent ages with depth observed for many thermochronometers in borehole experiments. Our results suggest that complete resetting of the illite/muscovite Ar thermochronometer occurs between the high anchizone and epizone, or at roughly 300 °C. This empirical result is in agreement with previous calculations based on muscovite diffusion parameters, which indicate that muscovite grains with radii of 0.05-2 μm should have closure temperatures between 250 and 350 °C. At high anchizone conditions, we observe a reversal in the age/grain-size relationship (the finest grain-size produces the oldest apparent age), which may mark the stage in prograde subgreenschist facies metamorphism of pelitic rocks at which neo-formed illite/muscovite crystallites typically surpass the size of detrital muscovite grains. It is also approximately the stage at which neo-formed illite/muscovite crystallites develop sufficient Ar retentivity to produce geologically meaningful 40Ar/39Ar ages. Results from our sampling transect of Cambrian strata establish a framework for interpreting illite/muscovite 40Ar/39Ar age spectra at different stages of low-grade metamorphism and also illuminate the transformation of illite to muscovite. At Frenchman Mtn., NV, where the Cambrian Bright Angel Formation is at zeolite facies conditions, illite/muscovite 40Ar/39Ar data suggest a detrital muscovite component with an apparent age ≥967 Ma. The correlative Carrara Fm. is at anchizone conditions in the Panamint and Resting Spring Ranges of eastern California, and in these locations, illite/muscovite 40Ar/39Ar data suggest an early Permian episode of subgreenschist facies metamorphism. The same type of data from equivalent strata at epizone conditions (greenschist facies) in the footwall of the Bullfrog/Fluorspar Canyon detachment in southern Nevada reveals a period of slow-to-moderate Late Cretaceous cooling.

Prolonged episodic Paleoproterozoic metamorphism in the Thelon Tectonic Zone, Canada: an in-situ SHRIMP/EPMA monazite geochronology study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Rhea; William, Davis; Robert, Berman; Sharon, Carr; Michael, Jercinovic

2017-04-01

The Thelon Tectonic zone (TTZ), Nunavut, Canada, is a >500km long geophysically, lithologically and structurally distinct N-NNE striking Paleoproterozoic boundary zone between the Slave and Rae Archean provinces. The TTZ has been interpreted as a ca. 2.0 Ga continental arc on the western edge of the Rae craton, that was deformed during collision with the Slave craton ca. 1.97 Ga. Alternatively, the Slave-Rae collision is interpreted as occurring during the 2.35 Ga Arrowsmith orogeny while the 1.9-2.0 Ga TTZ represents an intra-continental orogenic belt formed in previously thinned continental crust, postdating the Slave-Rae collision. The central part of the TTZ comprises three >100 km long, 10-20 km wide belts of ca. 2.0 Ga, mainly charnockitic plutonic rocks, and a ca. 1910 Ma garnet-leucogranite belt. Metamorphism throughout these domains is upper-amphibolite to granulite-facies, with metasedimentary rocks occurring as volumetrically minor enclaves and strands of migmatites. The Ellice River domain occurs between the western and central plutonic belts. It contains ca. 1950 Ma ultramafic to dacitic volcanic rocks and foliated Paleoproterozoic psammitic metasedimentary rocks at relatively lower grade with lower to middle amphibolite-facies metamorphic assemblages. In-situ U-Pb analyses of monazite using a combination of Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) and Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA) were carried out on high-grade metasedimentary rocks from seventeen samples representing the eastern margin of the Slave Province and all major lithological domains of the TTZ. 207Pb/206Pb monazite ages from SHRIMP analysis form the foundation of this dataset, while EPMA ages are supplementary. The smaller <6µm spot size of EPMA allowed for further constraint on ages of micro-scale intra-crystalline domains in some samples. Monazite ages define four distinct Paleoproterozoic metamorphic events and one Archean metamorphic event at ca. 2580 Ma. The latter is recorded exclusively along the eastern margin of the Slave Province. Metamorphism ca. 1996 Ma, recorded in one high-grade gneiss from the central plutonic belt appears to reflect a regional contact metamorphism associated with intrusion of 2000 Ma plutons. Throughout the TTZ, a selection of monazite grains included in garnet porphyroblasts define a metamorphic event ca. 1962 Ma. One sample from the eastern margin of the Slave Province similarly records metamorphism at 1961 Ma in monazite grains in the matrix. This sample interestingly does not record the ca. 2580 Ma metamorphism typical of the Slave Province. The longest lived and most wide spread metamorphic event in the TTZ occurred ca. 1922 to 1883 Ma. This event is interpreted as the main compressional/collisional and anatectic event, with partial melting forming the extensive ca. 1910 Ma garnet-leucogranite belts. Three samples, located in the eastern margin of the Slave province, the Ellice River domain and the eastern plutonic belt, record younger metamorphism at ca. 1814 Ma. These events may represent post-collisional transpression coeval with movement along nearby regional-scale faults.

From P-T-age to secular change and global tectonic regimes (or Essene in reverse - from granulites to blueschists and eclogites over time)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, M.

2006-12-01

Essene's contributions began pre-plate tectonics more than 40 years ago; they range from mineralogy to tectonics, from experiments and thermobarometry to elements and isotopes, and from the Phanerozoic to the Precambrian. Eric is a true polymath! Assessing the P-T conditions and age distribution of crustal metamorphism is an important step in evaluating secular change in tectonic regimes and geodynamics. In general, Archean rocks exhibit moderate-P - moderate-to-high-T facies series metamorphism (greenstone belts and granulite terranes); neither blueschists nor any record of deep continental subduction and return are documented and only one example of granulite facies ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism is reported. Granulite facies ultrahigh temperature metamorphism (G-UHTM) is documented in the rock record predominantly from Neoarchean to Cambrian, although G-UHTM facies series rocks may be inferred at depth in younger orogenic systems. The first occurrence of G-UHTM in the rock record signifies a change in geodynamics that generated transient sites of very high heat flow. Many G-UHTM belts may have developed in settings analogous to modern continental backarcs. On a warmer Earth, the formation and breakup of supercontinents, particularly by extroversion, which involved destruction of ocean basins floored by thinner lithosphere, may have generated hotter continental backarcs than those around the modern Pacific rim. Medium-temperature eclogite - high-pressure granulite metamorphism (E-HPGM) also is first recognized in the Neoarchean rock record, and occurs at intervals throughout the Proterozoic and Paleozoic rock record. E- HPGM belts are complementary to G-UHTM belts, and are generally inferred to record subduction-to-collision orogenesis. Blueschists become evident in the Neoproterozoic rock record; lawsonite blueschists and eclogites (high-pressure metamorphism, HPM), and ultrahigh pressure metamorphism (UHPM) characterized by coesite or diamond are predominantly Phanerozoic phenomena. HPM-UHPM registers low thermal gradients and deep subduction of continental crust during the early stage of the collision process in Phanerozoic subduction-to-collision orogens. Although counterintuitive, many HPM-UHPM belts appear to have developed by closure of small ocean basins in the process of accretion of a continental terrane during a period of supercontinent introversion (Wilson cycle ocean basin opening and closing). A duality of metamorphic belts - reflecting a duality of thermal regimes - appears in the record only since the Neoarchean Era. A duality of thermal regimes is the hallmark of modern plate tectonics and the duality of metamorphic belts is the characteristic imprint of plate tectonics in the rock record. The occurrence of both G- UHTM and E-HPGM belts since the Neoarchean manifests the onset of a `Proterozoic plate tectonics regime', although the style of tectonics likely involved differences from modern Earth. Although the style of Proterozoic subduction remains cryptic, the change in tectonic regime whereby interactions between discrete lithospheric plates generated tectonic settings with contrasting thermal regimes was a landmark event in Earth history. The `Proterozoic plate tectonics regime' evolved during a Neoproterozoic transition to the `modern plate tectonics regime' characterized by colder subduction, and subduction of continental crust deep into the mantle and its (partial) return from depths of up to 300 km, as chronicled by the appearance of blueschists and HPM-UHPM in the rock record.

Principles of Metamorphic Petrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Michael L.

2009-05-01

The field of metamorphic petrology has seen spectacular advances in the past decade, including new X-ray mapping techniques for characterizing metamorphic rocks and minerals, new internally consistent thermobarometers, new software for constructing and viewing phase diagrams, new methods to date metamorphic processes, and perhaps most significant, revised petrologic databases and the ability to calculate accurate phase diagrams and pseudosections. These tools and techniques provide new power and resolution for constraining pressure-temperature (P-T) histories and tectonic events. Two books have been fundamental for empowering petrologists and structural geologists during the past decade. Frank Spear's Metamorphic Phase Equilibria and Pressure-Temperature-Time Paths, published in 1993, builds on his seminal papers to provide a quantitative framework for P-T path analysis. Spear's book lays the foundation for modern quantitative metamorphic analysis. Cees Passchier and Rudolph Trouw's Microtectonics, published in 2005, with its superb photos and figures, provides the tools and the theory for interpreting deformation textures and inferring deformation processes.

Proterozoic polymetamorphism in the Quanji Block, northwestern China: Evidence from microtextures, garnet compositions and monazite CHIME ages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qinyan; Pan, Yuanming; Chen, Nengsong; Li, Xiaoyan; Chen, Haihong

2009-05-01

The Quanji Block, situated close to the triple junction of three major Precambrian terranes in China (i.e., the North China Craton, the Yangtze Block and the Tarim Block), is composed of Precambrian metamorphic crystalline basement and an unmetamorphosed Mesozoic-Paleozoic sedimentary cover; it has been interpreted as a remnant continental fragment. Microtextural relationships, garnet trace element compositions, and monazite CHIME ages in paragneisses, schists and granitic leucosomes show two episodes of regional metamorphism in the Quanji Block basement. The first regional metamorphism and accompaning anatexis took place at ˜1.93 Ga; the second regional metamorphism occurred between ˜1.75 and ˜1.71 Ga. Mineral compositions of the first metamorphism, including those of monazite, were significantly disturbed by the second event. These two regional metamorphic episodes were most likely linked to assembly and breakup of the supercontinent Columbia, respectively.

Dating Paleogene Subduction in the Alborán Domain (Alpujárride Complex, S. Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, J. R.; Ashley, K.; Loewy, S. L.; Platt, J. P.

2016-12-01

The multimineral 87Rb/86Sr method has been used in recent studies to date subduction in high-pressure (HP) metamorphic belts of the Mediterranean region. In the Alpujárride Complex, the largest tectonic unit of the Alborán Domain, southern Spain, the timing of burial and HP metamorphism is controversial, with published 40Ar/39Ar white mica ages that range from 48Ma to 25Ma. Dating the HP event is complicated by a pervasive high-temperature (HT) metamorphic overprint (23-19Ma) associated with late-orogenic extension. We have identified 5 rock samples for 87Rb/86Sr dating which preserve a HP equilibrium assemblage: a garnet-staurolite-chloritoid schist, two calcareous Mg-chloritoid schists and two calcareous phyllites with previous 40Ar/39Ar ages of 48Ma and 41Ma. Improved constraints on the time gap between HP and HT metamorphism are important to test geodynamic models of the Alborán Domain, which range from prolonged thickening of continental lithosphere followed by extensional collapse, to punctuated subduction followed by back-arc extension. Furthermore, determining the onset and duration of HP metamorphism has broad implications for whether the Alborán Domain formed in the context of a single Alpine belt, or a separate and local accretionary setting. Lastly, this study will test the advantages and limitations of the 87Rb/86Sr method in a HP domain with a late HT overprint, a very common issue in orogenic systems.

Comparative thermometry on pelitic rocks and marbles of the Llano uplift, Texas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Letargo, C.M.R.; Lamb, W.M.

1992-01-01

The Llano Uplift in central Texas is a Grenville-aged metamorphic complex consisting of amphibolite facies assemblages whose development has been attributed to the emplacement of granite plutons between 1.0--1.1 Ga. Temperatures have been obtained from garnet-biotite, garnet-ilmenite, and calcite-dolomite pairs as well as from various silicate equilibria. Application of these geothermometers yield consistent results and are thus indicative of peak conditions attending the amphibolite facies metamorphism. Temperature determined using garnet-biotite and garnet-ilmenite thermometry compare favorably with calcite-dolomite temperatures obtained from marbles in contact with granite plutons in the southeastern part of the uplift. The highest calcite-dolomite temperatures of [approximately]600 Cmore » are obtained from marbles containing an isobarically invariant assemblage consisting of calcite + dolomite + diopside + tremolite + forsterite. At pressures of 2--3 kbar, this isobarically invariant assemblage will be stable at a temperature range of [approximately]600--650 C. Also in close proximity to granites in the southeast uplift is the assemblage muscovite + quartz + k-feldspar + sillimanite [approximately] andalusite which indicate T 650 C and P 2.5 kbar. Assemblages consisting of garnet + sillimanite + quartz + plagioclase (GASP) and garnet + rutile + ilmenite + plagioclase + quartz (GRIPS) are currently being studied to provide additional constraints on pressures of amphibolite facies metamorphism.« less

Timing and conditions of regional metamorphism and crustal shearing in the granulite facies basement of south Namibia: Implications for the crustal evolution of the Namaqualand metamorphic basement in the Mesoproterozoic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bial, Julia; Büttner, Steffen; Appel, Peter

2016-11-01

Granulite facies basement gneisses from the Grünau area in the Kakamas Domain of the Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Province in south Namibia show high-grade mineral assemblages, most commonly consisting of garnet, cordierite, sillimanite, alkali feldspar and quartz. Cordierite + hercynitic spinel, and in some places quartz + hercynitic spinel, indicate granulite facies P-T conditions. The peak assemblage equilibrated at 800-850 °C at 4.0-4.5 kbar. Sillimanite pseudomorphs after kyanite1 and late-stage staurolite and kyanite2 indicate that the metamorphic record started and ended within the stability field of kyanite. Monazite in the metamorphic basement gneisses shows a single-phase growth history dated as 1210-1180 Ma, which we interpret as the most likely age of the regional metamorphic peak. This time coincides with the emplacement of granitic plutons in the Grünau region. The ∼10 km wide, NW-SE striking Grünau shear zone crosscuts the metamorphic basement and overprints high-temperature fabrics. In sheared metapelites, the regional metamorphic peak assemblage is largely obliterated, and is replaced by synkinematic biotite2, quartz, alkali feldspar, sillimanite and cordierite or muscovite. In places, gedrite, staurolite, sillimanite and green biotite3 may have formed late- or post-kinematically. The mylonitic mineral assemblage equilibrated at 590-650 °C at 3.5-5.0 kbar, which is similar to a retrograde metamorphic stage in the basement away from the shear zone. Monazite cores in two mylonite samples are similar in texture and age (∼1200 Ma) to monazite in metapelites away from the shear zone. Chemically distinct monazite rims indicate a second growth episode at ∼1130-1120 Ma. This age is interpreted to date the main deformation episode along the Grünau shear zone and the retrograde metamorphic stage seen in the basement. The main episode of ductile shearing along the Grünau shear zone took place 70-80 million years after the thermal peak metamorphism and granite emplacement, and after substantial isobaric cooling of the basement. Metamorphism and regional shearing in the Grünau area can be correlated with the crustal evolution in the Kakamas Domain in South Africa, but not with the timing of metamorphism in the Aus area, 230 km to the NW of Grünau, which is significantly younger.

Lu/Hf dating of garnet constrains timing of metamorphism and deformation, Prince Rupert Area, British Columbia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, D. E.; Andronicos, C. L.; Vervoort, J. D.; Mansfield, M.

2008-12-01

We present new Lu-Hf garnet ages that constrain the timing of deformation and metamorphism in the Western Metamorphic Belt (WMB), near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. We examined four samples of grt- bearing schist collected within the aureole to the Ecstall Pluton in the WMB. Garnets were separated from these rocks and dated using the Lu-Hf method at Washington State University. We determined geologically meaningful ages from three of these samples. The tectonic history of the Prince Rupert area is marked by phases of transpressive deformation, which included the development of crustal scale strike-slip shear zones and thrust slices with inverted metamorphic gradients. The Grenville Channel shear zone (GCSZ) is a crustal-scale sinistral-slip shear zone over 300 km long that strikes NW with a steep dip and shallow lineation. The GCSZ cuts through the WMB, a ductile fold and thrust belt composed of gneiss and schist with an inverted metamorphic sequence. Index minerals range from: chl and chd-grade units at the bottom of the sequence, str-bearing rocks in the middle, and ky-grt schist and local migmatites at the top of the thrust stack. The WMB was deformed and intruded by the Ecstall Pluton after the inverted metamorphic sequence had formed. The Ecstall is an epi-bearing hbl-qtz diorite emplaced between 91 and 93.5±1 Ma (Butler et al., 2001). Sample G-16A from Kumeleon Inlet (W of the Ecstall pluton) is a schist containing grt+biot+musc+qtz+epi+amph+sil, with small (<1 mm) euhedral grt. Kinematic indicators, including grt porphyroclasts, indicate left-lateral, top to the south, strike-slip shear. This sample yields a Lu-Hf age of 102±3.6 Ma (2σ, MSWD=1.5) based on seven grt and three whole-rock fractions, and a P-T estimate of 5.5±1 kbar and 590°±50° C from garnet-biotite thermobarometry. Sample 98-114A from Ridley Island (NW of Ecstall pluton) is a schist containing musc+biot+qtz+grt+ky+plag+chl+ill and with syn-tectonic euhedral garnet (1 cm). Grt contains sigmoidal inclusion trails that suggest rotation during left lateral shear, consistent with shear bands and C-S fabrics developed in the matrix of the sample. Grt in the sample produced a twelve-point isochron of 107.3±2.6 Ma (2σ, MSWD=1.6), indicating deformation and metamorphism at this time. Sample 06B-57, a garnet amphibolite migmatite from the inner aureole of the Ecstall pluton, contains grt up to 4 cm in diameter concentrated in leucosome layers. Qtz inclusion trails are consistent with rotation during reverse shear (pluton-side up), in addition to meso-scale folds, shear bands and dike arrays in adjacent rocks. This sample had complex systematics that record an older age of ~105 Ma with a younger overprinting of 90- 94 Ma during pluton emplacement. Pegmatite dikes contained within the Ecstall occur at high angles to the magmatic foliation, normal to the pluton margins, and indicate that the pluton was not folded after the pegmatite dikes were intruded. These new ages directly date garnet growth during metamorphism and deformation in the Prince Rupert area, and show that development of the inverted metamorphic sequence predated emplacement of the Ecstall pluton by 10 to 15 Ma. The data further indicate that left lateral strike slip shearing occurred between 107 and 102 Ma, at the same time much of the North American Cordillera was undergoing major contractional deformation.

Protolith and metamorphic ages of the Haiyangsuo Complex, eastern China: A non-UHP exotic tectonic slab in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane

USGS Publications Warehouse

Liou, J.G.; Tsujimori, T.; Chu, W.; Zhang, R.Y.; Wooden, J.L.

2006-01-01

The Haiyangsuo Complex in the NE Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrane has discontinuous, coastal exposures of Late Archean gneiss with amphibolitized granulite, amphibolite, Paleoproterozoic metagabbroic intrusives, and Cretaceous granitic dikes over an area of about 15 km2. The U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons indicates that theprotolith age of a garnet-biotite gneiss is >2500 Ma, whereas the granulite-facie metamorphism occurred at around 1800 Ma. A gabbroic intrusion was dated at ???1730 Ma, and the formation of amphibolite-facies assemblages in both metagabbro and granulite occurred at ???340-460 Ma. Petrologic and geochronological data indicate that these various rocks show no evidence of Triassic eclogite-facies metamorphism and Neoproterozoic protolith ages that are characteristics of Sulu-Dabie HP-UHP rocks, except Neoproterozoic inherited ages from post-collisional Jurassic granitic dikes. Haiyangsuo retrograde granulites with amphibolite-facies assemblages within the gneiss preserve relict garnet formed during granulite-facies metamorphism at ???1.85 Ga. The Paleoproterozoic metamorphic events are almost coeval with gabbroic intrusions. The granulite-bearing gneiss unit and gabbro-dominated unit of the Haiyangsuo Complex were intruded by thin granitic dikes at about 160 Ma, which is coeval with post-collisional granitic intrusions in the Sulu terrane. We suggest that the Haiyangsuo Complex may represent a fragment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Paleoproterozoic terrane developed at the eastern margin of the Sino-Korean basement, which was juxtaposed with the Sulu terrane prior to Jurassic granitic activity and regional deformation. ?? Springer-Verlag 2006.

Exploration of the enhanced geothermal system (EGS) potential of crystalline rocks for district heating (Elbe Zone, Saxony, Germany)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Förster, Andrea; Förster, Hans-Jürgen; Krentz, Ottomar

2018-01-01

This paper addresses aspects of a baseline geothermal exploration of the thermally quiescent Elbe Zone (hosting the cities of Meissen and Dresden) for a potential deployment of geothermal heat in municipal heating systems. Low-permeable to impermeable igneous and metamorphic rocks constitute the major rock types at depth, implying that an enhanced geothermal system needs to be developed by creating artificial flow paths for fluids to enhance the heat extraction from the subsurface. The study includes the development of geological models for two areas on the basis of which temperature models are generated at upper crustal scale. The models are parameterized with laboratory-measured rock thermal properties (thermal conductivity k, radiogenic heat production H). The uncertainties of modelled temperature caused by observed variations of k and H and inferred mantle heat flow are assessed. The study delineates highest temperatures within the intermediate (monzonite/syenite unit) and mafic rocks (diorite/monzodiorite unit) forming the deeper portions of the Meissen Massif and, specifically for the Dresden area, also within the low-metamorphic rocks (slates/phyllites/quartzites) of the Elbtalschiefergebirge. Boreholes 3-4 km deep need to be drilled to reach the envisioned economically favourable temperatures of 120 °C. The metamorphic and mafic rocks exhibit low concentrations of U and Th, thus being advantageous for a geothermal use. For the monzonite/syenite unit of high heat production ( 6 µW m-3) in the Meissen Massif, the mobilization of Th and U into the geothermal working fluid is assumed to be minor, although their various radioactive decay products will be omnipresent during geothermal use.

Evolution of the Mount Woods Inlier, northern Gawler Craton, Southern Australia: an integrated structural and aeromagnetic analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Betts, Peter G.; Valenta, Rick K.; Finlay, Jim

2003-05-01

Structural mapping integrated with interpretation and forward modelling of aeromagnetic data form complimentary and powerful tools for regional structural analysis because both techniques focus on architecture and overprinting relationships. This approach is used to constrain the geometry and evolution of the sparsely exposed Mount Woods Inlier in the northern Gawler Craton. The Mount Woods Inlier records a history of poly-phase deformation, high-temperature metamorphism, and syn- and post-orogenic magmatism between ca. 1736 and 1584 Ma. The earliest deformation involved isoclinal folding, and the development of bedding parallel and axial planar gneissic foliation (S 1). This was accompanied by high-temperature, upper amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism at ca. 1736 Ma. During subsequent north-south shortening (D 2), open to isoclinal south-southeast-oriented F 2 folds developed as the Palaeoproterozoic successions of the inlier were thrust over the Archaean nuclei of the Gawler Craton. The syn-D 2 Engenina Adamellite was emplaced at ca. 1692 Ma. The post-D 2 history involved shear zone development and localised folding, exhumation of metamorphic rocks, and deposition of clastic sediments prior to the emplacement of the ca. 1584 Ma Granite Balta Suite. The Mount Woods Inlier is interpreted as the northern continuation of the Kimban Orogen.

Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on metamorphosis of a marine fish Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in relation to thyroid disruption.

PubMed

Dong, Yifei; Zhang, Xiaona; Tian, Hua; Li, Xiang; Wang, Wei; Ru, Shaoguo

2017-06-15

This study examined the influence of environmental concentrations of Aroclor 1254 (10, 100, and 1000ng/L) on metamorphosis of Paralichthys olivaceus, and analyzed the mechanisms in relation to thyroid disruption. Results showed that 100 and 1000ng/L Aroclor 1254 delayed metamorphosis and that 1000ng/L Aroclor 1254 caused abnormal morphology. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels in the control group were significantly elevated at metamorphic climax, but treatment with 100 and 1000ng/L delayed the increase in thyroid hormones (THs) and retarded metamorphic processes. In larvae exposed to 1000ng/L Aroclor 1254, TH levels at metamorphic climax were significantly lower than those of the control group at the same metamorphic stage. We suggest that the effects of Aroclor 1254 on larval metamorphosis can be explained by disruption of thyroid homeostasis. These findings provide a new perspective and biological model for thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs) screening and investigating interference of thyroid function by TDCs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reassessing the biogenicity of Earth’s oldest trace fossil with implications for biosignatures in the search for early life

PubMed Central

Grosch, Eugene G.; McLoughlin, Nicola

2014-01-01

Microtextures in metavolcanic pillow lavas from the Barberton greenstone belt of South Africa have been argued to represent Earth’s oldest trace fossil, preserving evidence for microbial life in the Paleoarchean subseafloor. In this study we present new in situ U–Pb age, metamorphic, and morphological data on these titanite microtextures from fresh drill cores intercepting the type locality. A filamentous microtexture representing a candidate biosignature yields a U–Pb titanite age of 2.819 ± 0.2 Ga. In the same drill core hornfelsic-textured titanite discovered adjacent to a local mafic sill records an indistinguishable U–Pb age of 2.913 ± 0.31 Ga, overlapping with the estimated age of intrusion. Quantitative microscale compositional mapping, combined with chlorite thermodynamic modeling, reveals that the titanite filaments are best developed in relatively low-temperature microdomains of the chlorite matrix. We find that the microtextures exhibit a morphological continuum that bears no similarity to candidate biotextures found in the modern oceanic crust. These new findings indicate that the titanite formed during late Archean ca. 2.9 Ga thermal contact metamorphism and not in an early ca. 3.45 Ga subseafloor environment. We therefore question the syngenicity and biogenicity of these purported trace fossils. It is argued herein that the titanite microtextures are more likely abiotic porphyroblasts of thermal contact metamorphic origin that record late-stage retrograde cooling in the pillow lava country rock. A full characterization of low-temperature metamorphic events and alternative biosignatures in greenstone belt pillow lavas is thus required before candidate traces of life can be confirmed in Archean subseafloor environments. PMID:24912193

Reassessing the biogenicity of Earth's oldest trace fossil with implications for biosignatures in the search for early life.

PubMed

Grosch, Eugene G; McLoughlin, Nicola

2014-06-10

Microtextures in metavolcanic pillow lavas from the Barberton greenstone belt of South Africa have been argued to represent Earth's oldest trace fossil, preserving evidence for microbial life in the Paleoarchean subseafloor. In this study we present new in situ U-Pb age, metamorphic, and morphological data on these titanite microtextures from fresh drill cores intercepting the type locality. A filamentous microtexture representing a candidate biosignature yields a U-Pb titanite age of 2.819 ± 0.2 Ga. In the same drill core hornfelsic-textured titanite discovered adjacent to a local mafic sill records an indistinguishable U-Pb age of 2.913 ± 0.31 Ga, overlapping with the estimated age of intrusion. Quantitative microscale compositional mapping, combined with chlorite thermodynamic modeling, reveals that the titanite filaments are best developed in relatively low-temperature microdomains of the chlorite matrix. We find that the microtextures exhibit a morphological continuum that bears no similarity to candidate biotextures found in the modern oceanic crust. These new findings indicate that the titanite formed during late Archean ca. 2.9 Ga thermal contact metamorphism and not in an early ca. 3.45 Ga subseafloor environment. We therefore question the syngenicity and biogenicity of these purported trace fossils. It is argued herein that the titanite microtextures are more likely abiotic porphyroblasts of thermal contact metamorphic origin that record late-stage retrograde cooling in the pillow lava country rock. A full characterization of low-temperature metamorphic events and alternative biosignatures in greenstone belt pillow lavas is thus required before candidate traces of life can be confirmed in Archean subseafloor environments.

Effect of Metamorphic Foliation on Regolith Thickness, Catalina Critical Zone Observatory, Arizona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leone, J. D.; Holbrook, W. S.; Chorover, J.; Carr, B.

2016-12-01

Terrestrial life is sustained by nutrients and water held in soil and weathered rock, which are components of the Earth's critical zone, referred to as regolith. The thickness of regolith in the near-surface is thought to be influenced by factors such as climate, topographic stress, erosion and lithology. Our study has two aims: to determine the effect of metamorphic foliation on regolith thickness and to test an environmental model, Effective Energy Mass Transfer (EEMT), within a zero-order basin (ZOB) in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Seismic refraction and electrical resistivity data show a stark contrast in physical properties, and inferred regolith thickness, on north- versus south-facing slopes: north-facing slopes are characterized by higher seismic velocities and higher resistivities, consistent with thin regolith, while south-facing slopes show lower resistivities and velocities, indicative of deeper and more extensive weathering. This contrast is exactly the opposite of that expected from most climatic models, including the EEMT model, which predicts deeper regolith on north-facing slopes. Instead, regolith thickness appears to be controlled by metamorphic foliation: we observed a general, positive correlation between interpreted regolith thickness and foliation dip within heavily foliated lithologies and no correlation in weakly foliated lithologies. We hypothesize that hydraulic conductivity controls weathering here: where foliation is parallel to the surface topography, regolith is thin, but where foliation pierces the surface topography at a substantial angle, regolith is thick. The effect of foliation is much larger than that expected from environmental models: regolith thickness varies by a factor of 4 (2.5 m vs. 10 m). These results suggest that metamorphic foliation, and perhaps by extension sedimentary layering, plays a key role in determining regolith thickness and must be accounted for in models of critical zone development.

Early Metamorphic Insertion Technology for Insect Flight Behavior Monitoring

PubMed Central

Bozkurt, Alper

2014-01-01

Early Metamorphosis Insertion Technology (EMIT) is a novel methodology for integrating microfabricated neuromuscular recording and actuation platforms on insects during their metamorphic development. Here, the implants are fused within the structure and function of the neuromuscular system as a result of metamorphic tissue remaking. The implants emerge with the insect where the development of tissue around the electronics during pupal development results in a bioelectrically and biomechanically enhanced tissue interface. This relatively more reliable and stable interface would be beneficial for many researchers exploring the neural basis of the insect locomotion with alleviated traumatic effects caused during adult stage insertions. In this article, we implant our electrodes into the indirect flight muscles of Manduca sexta. Located in the dorsal-thorax, these main flight powering dorsoventral and dorsolongitudinal muscles actuate the wings and supply the mechanical power for up and down strokes. Relative contraction of these two muscle groups has been under investigation to explore how the yaw maneuver is neurophysiologically coordinated. To characterize the flight dynamics, insects are often tethered with wires and their flight is recorded with digital cameras. We also developed a novel way to tether Manduca sexta on a magnetically levitating frame where the insect is connected to a commercially available wireless neural amplifier. This set up can be used to limit the degree of freedom to yawing “only” while transmitting the related electromyography signals from dorsoventral and dorsolongitudinal muscle groups. PMID:25079130

Fluid evolution during burial and Variscan deformation in the Lower Devonian rocks of the High-Ardenne slate belt (Belgium): sources and causes of high-salinity and C-O-H-N fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenis, I.; Muchez, Ph.; Verhaert, G.; Boyce, A.; Sintubin, M.

2005-08-01

Fluid inclusions in quartz veins of the High-Ardenne slate belt have preserved remnants of prograde and retrograde metamorphic fluids. These fluids were examined by petrography, microthermometry and Raman analysis to define the chemical and spatial evolution of the fluids that circulated through the metamorphic area of the High-Ardenne slate belt. The earliest fluid type was a mixed aqueous/gaseous fluid (H2O-NaCl-CO2-(CH4-N2)) occurring in growth zones and as isolated fluid inclusions in both the epizonal and anchizonal part of the metamorphic area. In the central part of the metamorphic area (epizone), in addition to this mixed aqueous/gaseous fluid, primary and isolated fluid inclusions are also filled with a purely gaseous fluid (CO2-N2-CH4). During the Variscan orogeny, the chemical composition of gaseous fluids circulating through the Lower Devonian rocks in the epizonal part of the slate belt, evolved from an earlier CO2-CH4-N2 composition to a later composition enriched in N2. Finally, a late, Variscan aqueous fluid system with a H2O-NaCl composition migrated through the Lower Devonian rocks. This latest type of fluid can be observed in and outside the epizonal metamorphic part of the High-Ardenne slate belt. The chemical composition of the fluids throughout the metamorphic area, shows a direct correlation with the metamorphic grade of the host rock. In general, the proportion of non-polar species (i.e. CO2, CH4, N2) with respect to water and the proportion of non-polar species other than CO2 increase with increasing metamorphic grade within the slate belt. In addition to this spatial evolution of the fluids, the temporal evolution of the gaseous fluids is indicative for a gradual maturation due to metamorphism in the central part of the basin. In addition to the maturity of the metamorphic fluids, the salinity of the aqueous fluids also shows a link with the metamorphic grade of the host-rock. For the earliest and latest fluid inclusions in the anchizonal part of the High-Ardenne slate belt the salinity varies respectively between 0 and 3.5 eq.wt% NaCl and between 0 and 2.7 eq.wt% NaCl, while in the epizonal part the salinity varies between 0.6 and 17 eq.wt% NaCl and between 3 and 10.6 eq.wt% for the earliest and latest aqueous fluid inclusions, respectively. Although high salinity fluids are often attributed to the original sedimentary setting, the increasing salinity of the fluids that circulated through the Lower Devonian rocks in the High-Ardenne slate belt can be directly attributed to regional metamorphism. More specifically the salinity of the primary fluid inclusions is related to hydrolysis reactions of Cl-bearing minerals during prograde metamorphism, while the salinity of the secondary fluid inclusions is rather related to hydration reactions during retrograde metamorphism. The temporal and spatial distribution of the fluids in the High-Ardenne slate belt are indicative for a closed fluid flow system present in the Lower Devonian rocks during burial and Variscan deformation, where fluids were in thermal and chemical equilibrium with the host rock. Such a closed fluid flow system is confirmed by stable isotope study of the veins and their adjacent host rock for which uniform δ180 values of both the veins and their host rock demonstrate a rock-buffered fluid flow system.

Detrital, metamorphic and metasomatic tourmaline in high-pressure metasediments from Syros (Greece): intra-grain boron isotope patterns determined by secondary-ion mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marschall, Horst R.; Altherr, Rainer; Kalt, Angelika; Ludwig, Thomas

2008-06-01

The boron isotopic composition of zoned tourmaline in two metasediments from the island of Syros, determined by secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), reflects the sedimentary and metamorphic record of the rocks. Tourmaline from a silicate-bearing marble contains small (≤20 μm) detrital cores with highly variable δ 11B values (-10.7 to +3.6‰), pointing to a heterogeneous protolith derived from multiple sources. The sedimentary B isotopic record survived the entire metamorphic cycle with peak temperatures of ˜500°C. Prograde to peak metamorphic rims are homogeneous and similar among all analysed grains ( δ 11B ≈ +0.9‰). The varying δ 11B values of detrital cores in the siliceous marble demonstrate that in situ B isotope analysis of tourmaline by SIMS is a potentially powerful tool for provenance studies not only in sediments but also in metasediments. A meta-tuffitic blueschist bears abundant tourmaline with dravitic cores of detrital or authigenic origin ( δ 11B ≈ -3.3‰), and prograde to peak metamorphic overgrowth zones (-1.6‰). Fe-rich rims, formed during influx of B-bearing fluids under retrograde conditions, show strongly increasing δ 11B values (up to +7.7‰) towards the margins of the grains. The δ 11B values of metamorphic tourmaline from Syros, formed in mixed terrigenous-marine sediments, reflect the B signal blended from these two different sources, and was probably not altered by dehydration during subduction.

Very low-grade metamorphic rocks in some representative districts in Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bi, X.; Mo, X.

2011-12-01

*Response author: Bi,Xianmei,bixm10@sina.com Very low grade metamorphic rocks are widely distributed in Tibet, providing an insight into deformation and metamorphism during the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. Eighty five Samples of clay mineral-bearing rocks has been collected from various strata including D, P1, T1, T2, T3, J1, J3, K1, K2 and N strata in the Qiangtang terrane, the Gangdese, the Yarlung Zangbo suture and the Tethyan Himalaya. Analyses and refining of clay minerals in samples have been conducted in the Laboratory of X-ray Diffraction, Institute of Petroleum Exploration. Index of illite crystallinity (Ic) along with average thickness of crystal layers of illite, reflectivity of vitrinite and of clay mineral association have been employed as indicators of degree of very low-grade metamorphism. The scheme of classification[1,2] of very-low grade metamorphism based on clay mineral indexes ( mainly index of illite crystallinity) has been used in the present work, that is, low metamorphism (Ic<0.25), higher very-low grade metamorphism (Ic = 0.25-0.30), lower very-low grade metamorphism (Ic = 0.30-0.42) and diagenesis (Ic>0.42). The analytical results show interesting information. In the Qiangtang terrane, clay minerals in the Jurassic strata have indexes of illite crystalinity (Ic) 0.47-0.70, indicating higher diagenesis and in favor of petroleum-generation. However, index of illite crystalinity (Ic) for the Devonian is 0.23, indicating low metamorphism. Indexes of illite crystalinity (Ic) for the J-K strata in middle Gangdese are mostly 0.37-0.25 (very-low grade metamorphism) and a few 0.78-0.48 (diagenesis). Indexes of illite crystalinity (Ic) for the C-P strata in eastern Gangdese are mostly 0.25-0.42 (very-low grade metamorphism) and a few 0.20-0.25 (low metamorphism). The Mesozoic and Cenozoic magmatism and related mineralization are very strong in the Gangdese, which may affect in some extent on indexes of illite crystalinity. In Tethyan Himalaya, clay mineral-bearing rocks from P1, T1, T2, T3, J1 and J3 strata underwent low-very low grade metamorphism, having indexes of illite crystalinity (Ic) 0.12 for P1 stratum, 0.21 for T1 stratum and 0.22-0.33 for the strata from T2 to J3, whereas K1 and N strata underwent diagenesis, having Ic = 0.52 and 1.61, respectively. Metamorphic degree generally reduced from older strata to younger strata according to clay mineral indexes. The rocks affected by magmatism or by major faulting, however, were out of the general trend and increased their metamorphic degree by 0.1-0.3 units reduction of index of illite crystallinity. Rocks within Yarlung Zangbo suture show higher metamorphic degree than those in Tethyan Himalaya. For instance, while the late Triassic has 0.19 of index of illite crystallinity in the former (the Yarlung Zangbo suture), 0.27-0.33 of indexes of illite crystallinity in the latter. The early Cretaceous has 0.28 of index of illite crystallinity in the former, whereas 0.52 in the latter. However, the late Cretaceous Xigaze Group formed in a fore-arc environment was weakly metamorphosed, having Ic 0.7-1.6 and all falling into diagenesis field.

The First Evidence of the Precambrian Basement in the Fore Range Zone of the Great Caucasus.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latyshev, A.; Kamzolkin, V.; Vidjapin, Y.; Somin, M.; Ivanov, S.

2017-12-01

Within the Great Caucasus fold-thrust belt, the Fore Range zone has the most complicated structure, and the highest degree of metamorphism was found there. This zone consists of several salients with the different composition and the structural and metamorphic evolution. The largest Blyb salient includes the metamorphic basement covered by the pack of thrusts. According to the recent isotopic data the upper levels of the Blyb metamorphic complex (BMC) are supposed to be Middle-Paleozoic (Somin, 2011). We studied zircons from the granitic intrusions located in the metamorphic rocks of the BMC. The U-Pb dating (SHRIMP II, VSEGEI, Russia) of zircons from the large Balkan metadiorite massif yielded the ages of 549±7,4, 574,1±6,7, and 567,9±6,9 Ma. All studied zircons show the high Th/U ratios and likely have the magmatic origin. This data is the first confirmation of the presence of the Precambrian basement and Vendian magmatic activity in the Fore Range zone. Zircons from the Unnamed granodiorite massif from the south of the Blyb salient yielded the age of 319±3.8 Ma (the Early Carboniferous). This fact taken together with the low grade of metamorphism in this intrusion reveals the Late Paleozoic magmatic event in the Fore Range zone. We also suggest that the Precambrian basement of the BMC, including the Balkan intrusion, is covered by so-called Armovsky nappe. This is confirmed by the field data, Middle-Paleozoic U-Pb ages and the higher degree of metamorphism of the Armovsky gneisses and schists. Thus, the BMC is not uniform but includes the blocks of the different age and metamorphic grades. Finally, we measured the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of the Balkan metadiorites. The axes of AMS ellipsoid fix the conditions of the north-east compression, as well as the strain field reconstructed from the macrostructures orientation, which corresponds to the thrusts propagation. Therefore, the emplacement of the Balkan massif happened before the thrust sheets formation. Thus, the first reliable evidence of the Precambrian basement in the Fore Range zone was obtained. Besides, our U-Pb data suggest that in the end of Precambrian the Fore Range zone could be related to Gondwana, where the Vendian granitic magmatism is widely known. This work was funded by RFBR (projects № 16-35-00571, 16-05-01012, 17-05-01121).

P-T evolution of metasedimentary rocks of the Santa Filomena Complex, Riacho do Pontal Orogen, Borborema Province (NE Brazil): Geothermobarometry and metamorphic modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Felipe H.; Amaral, Wagner S.; Luvizotto, George L.; Martins de Sousa, Daniel F.

2018-03-01

We present in this paper petrologic data and discuss the pressure-temperature (P-T) metamorphic history of the neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Santa Filomena Complex, Riacho do Pontal Orogen, which is inserted in the southern portion of the Borborema Province (Northeast Brazil). Therefore, the data provide constraints on metamorphic evolution during Neoproterozoic Brasiliano Orogeny in Northeast Brazil. The rocks studied are aluminous schists and paragneisses. Silver-gray and red pelitic schists are intensely deformed, biotite-muscovite rich, contain centimeter-sized garnet, staurolite and kyanite porphyroblasts, and subordinately plagioclase and quartz. Paragneisses are from light gray to dark gray colored, medium to coarse-grained and display a well-spaced foliated matrix of biotite, and kyanite and garnet porphyroblasts. Locally, the schists and paragneisses are migmatized. Pressure-temperature modelling based on thermobarometric calculations indicate that metamorphism reached 643 °C with pressures estimated in 12 kbar. Pre-peak and post-peak metamorphic conditions are constrained by mineralogical and textural relationships: garnet inclusion-rich and inclusion-free (possible of higher T) are documented and the inclusion-rich core probably indicates a Sn-1 foliation that was transposed by Sn. The pre-peak stage most probably occurred close to 500 °C and 8 kbar, in upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies metamorphism along kyanite stability field. We also propose that post-peak stage was associated with isothermal decompression along a possible path of tectonic exhumation in conditions of 600 °C and 7 kbar. To further evaluate the equilibrium condition, pressure-temperature pseudosections were calculated for the metasedimentary rocks. Thus, the estimated metamorphic peak took place in the upper amphibolite facies. A suggested clockwise pressure-temperature path is compatible with the regional tectonic setting of continent-continent collision which occurred in the Late Neoproterozoic of Borborema Province, during the Brasiliano Orogeny.

A Radioelement Analysis of the Northern Black Hills, South Dakota, U.S.A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Dylan Wade

The uranium, thorium, and potassium contents from 736 samples, within a 15-km radius of the Homestake Gold Mine and Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Northern Black Hills indicate the geoneutrino background may be higher than average for the continental crust. The radioactive element contents of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks were determined by gamma ray spectrometry. Many rocks show hydrothermal and metamorphic alteration within the last ten Ma of the Tertiary period. Young alkali rich igneous rocks, such as rhyolite, phonolite and other volcanic rocks, have lower than average Th:U ratios. The radioelement content of 215 igneous rocks were determined. The radioelement contents of 143 metamorphic rocks were determined. This study also shows that metamorphic rocks were found to have low variable U:Th content when compared to content in igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks, in general, have low U, Th, and K content. The radioelement content of 236 sedimentary rocks were determined. Rocks present within the Homestake Gold Mine, are highly altered by hydrothermal and metamorphic activity, enriching U, and in some areas, Th content. The Homestake Gold Mine lies almost entirely within metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks occur in the mine as veins and dikes. The dominant igneous rock present is rhyolite. Metamorphic rocks present inside the HGM, were divided by formation; Ellison Fm, Poorman Fm, Yates Unit [lower Poorman Fm], Homestake Fm, and Flagrock Fm. The finding of high radioelement content in the rocks suggests that the antineutrinos background at the HGM will need to be considered and calibrated for, in future experiments conducted at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. A geoneutrino luminosity of 1.26x105 (mg-1s -1) was calculated from the samples analyzed within the Homestake Gold Mine. A total geoneutrino luminosity of 4.44x105 (mg -1s=1) was calculated from the sum of all analyses conducted in the Northern Black Hills.

Fluid-absent metamorphism in the Adirondacks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valley, J. W.

1986-01-01

Results on late Proterozoic metamorphism of granulite in the Adirondacks are presented. There more than 20,000 sq km of rock are at granulite facies. Low water fugacites are implied by orthopyroxene bearing assemblages and by stability of k'spar-plag-quartz assemblages. After mentioning the popular concept of infiltration of carbon dioxide into Precambrian rocks and attendent generation of granulite facies assemblages, several features of Adirondack rocks pertinent to carbon dioxide and water during their metamorphism are summarized: wollastonite occurs in the western lowlands; contact metamorphism by anorthosite preceeding granulite metamorphism is indicated by oxygen isotopes. Oxygen fugacity lies below that of the QFM buffer; total P sub water + P sub carbon dioxide determined from monticellite bearing assemblages are much less than P sub total (7 to 7.6 kb). These and other features indicate close spatial association of high- and low-P sub carbon dioxide assemblages and that a vapor phase was not present during metamorphism. Thus Adirondack rocks were not infiltrated by carbon dioxide vapor. Their metamorphism, at 625 to 775 C, occurred either when the protoliths were relatively dry or after dessication occurred by removal of a partial melt phase.

A new parameterization for integrated population models to document amphibian reintroductions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duarte, Adam; Pearl, Christopher; Adams, Michael J.; Peterson, James T.

2017-01-01

Managers are increasingly implementing reintroduction programs as part of a global effort to alleviate amphibian declines. Given uncertainty in factors affecting populations and a need to make recurring decisions to achieve objectives, adaptive management is a useful component of these efforts. A major impediment to the estimation of demographic rates often used to parameterize and refine decision-support models is that life-stage-specific monitoring data are frequently sparse for amphibians. We developed a new parameterization for integrated population models to match the ecology of amphibians and capitalize on relatively inexpensive monitoring data to document amphibian reintroductions. We evaluate the capability of this model by fitting it to Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) monitoring data collected from 2007 to 2014 following their reintroduction within the Klamath Basin, Oregon, USA. The number of egg masses encountered and the estimated adult and metamorph abundances generally increased following reintroduction. We found that survival probability from egg to metamorph ranged from 0.01 in 2008 to 0.09 in 2009 and was not related to minimum spring temperatures, metamorph survival probability ranged from 0.13 in 2010–2011 to 0.86 in 2012–2013 and was positively related to mean monthly temperatures (logit-scale slope = 2.37), adult survival probability was lower for founders (0.40) than individuals recruited after reintroduction (0.56), and the mean number of egg masses per adult female was 0.74. Our study is the first to test hypotheses concerning Oregon spotted frog egg-to-metamorph and metamorph-to-adult transition probabilities in the wild and document their response at multiple life stages following reintroduction. Furthermore, we provide an example to illustrate how the structure of our integrated population model serves as a useful foundation for amphibian decision-support models within adaptive management programs. The integration of multiple, but related, data sets has an advantage of being able to estimate complex ecological relationships across multiple life stages, offering a modeling framework that accommodates uncertainty, enforces parsimony, and ensures all model parameters can be confronted with monitoring data.

A new parameterization for integrated population models to document amphibian reintroductions.

PubMed

Duarte, Adam; Pearl, Christopher A; Adams, Michael J; Peterson, James T

2017-09-01

Managers are increasingly implementing reintroduction programs as part of a global effort to alleviate amphibian declines. Given uncertainty in factors affecting populations and a need to make recurring decisions to achieve objectives, adaptive management is a useful component of these efforts. A major impediment to the estimation of demographic rates often used to parameterize and refine decision-support models is that life-stage-specific monitoring data are frequently sparse for amphibians. We developed a new parameterization for integrated population models to match the ecology of amphibians and capitalize on relatively inexpensive monitoring data to document amphibian reintroductions. We evaluate the capability of this model by fitting it to Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) monitoring data collected from 2007 to 2014 following their reintroduction within the Klamath Basin, Oregon, USA. The number of egg masses encountered and the estimated adult and metamorph abundances generally increased following reintroduction. We found that survival probability from egg to metamorph ranged from 0.01 in 2008 to 0.09 in 2009 and was not related to minimum spring temperatures, metamorph survival probability ranged from 0.13 in 2010-2011 to 0.86 in 2012-2013 and was positively related to mean monthly temperatures (logit-scale slope = 2.37), adult survival probability was lower for founders (0.40) than individuals recruited after reintroduction (0.56), and the mean number of egg masses per adult female was 0.74. Our study is the first to test hypotheses concerning Oregon spotted frog egg-to-metamorph and metamorph-to-adult transition probabilities in the wild and document their response at multiple life stages following reintroduction. Furthermore, we provide an example to illustrate how the structure of our integrated population model serves as a useful foundation for amphibian decision-support models within adaptive management programs. The integration of multiple, but related, data sets has an advantage of being able to estimate complex ecological relationships across multiple life stages, offering a modeling framework that accommodates uncertainty, enforces parsimony, and ensures all model parameters can be confronted with monitoring data. © 2017 by the Ecological Society of America.

High-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism in central Dronning Maud Land (East Antarctica): Implications for Gondwana assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmeri, Rosaria; Godard, Gaston; Di Vincenzo, Gianfranco; Sandroni, Sonia; Talarico, Franco M.

2018-02-01

Central Dronning Maud Land (DML; East Antarctica) is located in a key region of the Gondwana supercontinent. The Conradgebirge area (central DML) consists of orthogneisses, derived from both volcanic and plutonic protoliths, and minor metasedimentary rocks, intruded by Cambrian syn- to post-metamorphic plutons and dykes. Mafic-ultramafic boudins in the metavolcanic and metaplutonic gneisses from Conradgebirge consist of amphibolites and high-grade garnet-bearing pyroxene- and amphibole-rich granofels. They occur either as discontinuous levels or as pods boudinaged within highly-strained and strongly-migmatized gneisses. Bulk-rock major and trace-element compositions, together with geochemical discriminant diagrams (e.g., Th/Yb versus Ta/Yb and V versus Ti), suggest derivation from enriched mantle source for the mafic rocks boudinaged in metaplutonic gneisses, whereas a calc-alkaline signature is common for the mafic boudins in metavolcanic rocks. The microstructural study and P-T modelling of an ultramafic metagabbroic rock reveal a prograde metamorphic evolution from amphibolite-facies (ca. 0.5 GPa; 500 °C) up to high-P granulite-facies conditions (ca. 1.5-1.7 GPa; 960-970 °C). Partial melting is testified by "nanogranitoid" inclusions enclosed in garnet. An almost isothermal decompression down to ca. 0.4 GPa and 750-850 °C produced well-developed An + Opx-bearing symplectites around garnet. A final isobaric cooling at nearly 0.4 GPa is testified by Grt coronas around high-T symplectites. The above reconstruction traces a clockwise loading-heating P-T evolution with a peak metamorphism at high-P granulite-facies conditions suggesting crustal thickening at nearly 570 Ma, followed by a tectonically assisted rapid exhumation, and then, by an isobaric cooling. 40Ar-39Ar dating of amphibole and biotite at 505-480 Ma testify mineral re-equilibration at upper crustal level (T < 650 °C) during the isobaric cooling. This tectono-metamorphic scenario seems representative of the evolution resulting from the Neoproterozoic/Early Palaeozoic (600-500 Ma) collision between parts of East- and West-Gondwana blocks that led to the final assembly of Gondwana.

Evolution of the blueschist and greenschist facies rocks of Sifnos, Cyclades, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, Alan; Schliestedt, Manfred

1984-11-01

The metamorphism on the island of Sifnos is characterized by the Eocene development of a coherent highpressure blueschist terrane and an early Miocene greenschist facies overprint. This study documents the metamorphic evolution of the blueschist assemblages, still preserved in the northern parts of the island, and their subsequent transformation into greenschists in the central and southern parts. The oxygen isotope geothermometry is based on calibrations for quartz, pyroxenes and magnetite (Matthews et al. 1983a) augmented by revised calibrations for the minerals muscovite ( Δ Qz-Mu=1.55×106 T -2), epidote ( δ Qz-Ep= 1.56+1.92 Δ ps)106 T -2), and rutile ( Δ Qz-Ru=4.54×106 T -2). Oxygen isotope analyses of minerals from the Blueschist unit of northern Sifnos give consistent fractionations which are independent of rock type. An average temperature of 455° C was obtained, although the scatter in temperatures deduced from the various geothermometers suggests that equilibration occurs under slightly changing physicochemical conditions. Analyses of minerals and whole rocks shows that pervasive equilibration in the presence of a common metamorphic fluid has not occurred. The minerals and whole rocks of the greenschists of central Sifnos are systematically enriched in 18O relative to the blueschist assemblages. Chemical data indicate that the greenschist overprint was accompanied by a metasomatic enrichment of Ca2+ and CO2. The petrologic, isotopic and chemical evidence favour a metamorphism governed by the infiltration of 18O-CO2 enriched aqueous solutions. It is reasonable to assume that this is connected with the Miocene magmatic activity observed throughout the Cyclades. The marbles separating the Blueschist from the Greenschist unit probably acted as barriers to fluid infiltration into the blueschists and were responsible for their preservation. The pressure of the blueschist metamorphism is estimated at 14±2 kbar, corresponding to a depth of ca. 50 km. The structural style and stratigraphy of Sifnos are suggestive of the subduction of a continental margin sequence. It is clear that the considerable tectonic depression may be associated with continental collision and underthrusting.

A model for the origin of Himalayan anatexis and inverted metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, T. Mark; Grove, Marty; Lovera, Oscar M.; Catlos, E. J.

1998-11-01

The origin of the paired granite belts and inverted metamorphic sequences of the Himalaya has generally been ascribed to development of the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Although a variety of models have been proposed that link early Miocene anatexis with inverted metamorphism, recent dating studies indicate that recrystallization of elements of the MCT footwall occurred in the central Himalaya as recently as ˜6 Ma. The recognition that hanging wall magmatism and footwall metamorphism are not spatially and temporally related renders unnecessary the need for exceptional physical conditions to explain generation of the High Himalayan leucogranites and North Himalayan granites, which differ in age, petrogenesis, and emplacement style. We suggest that their origin is linked to shear heating on a continuously active thrust that cuts through Indian supracrustal rocks that had previously experienced low degrees of partial melting. Numerical simulations assuming a shear stress of 30 MPa indicate that continuous slip on the Himalayan decollement beginning at 25 Ma could trigger partial melting reactions leading to formation of the High Himalayan granite chain between 25 and 20 Ma and the North Himalayan belt between 17 and 8 Ma. The ramp-flat geometry we apply to model the Himalayan thrust system requires that the presently exposed rocks of the hanging wall resided at middle crustal levels above the decollement throughout the early and middle Miocene. Late Miocene, out-of-sequence thrusting within the broad shear zone beneath the MCT provides a mechanism to bring these rocks to the surface in their present location (i.e., well to the north of the present tectonic front) and has the additional benefit of explaining how the inverted metamorphic sequences formed beneath the MCT. We envision that formation of the MCT Zone involved successive accretion of tectonic slivers of the Lesser Himalayan Formations to the hanging wall and incorporate these effects into the model. The model predicts continued anatexis up to 400 km north of the Himalayan range, consistent with the timing and geochemistry of leucogranites exhumed on the flank of a south Tibetan rift.

Gamma spectrometry application of the Kola Peninsula (in Russian)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Golovin, I.V.; Kolesnik, N.N.; Antipov, V.S.

1973-03-01

The methods and results are reported of a spectrometric study, carried out with the SP-3 instrument in Pre-Cambrian fornnations in the northwest ranges of Kola Peninsula for clarification of the radiochemical characteristics of the rocks of the region and of the distribution characteristics of radioactive elements in Cu-Ni mineralizations. It was established that the content of radioactive elements in the rocks varies within a wide interval and corresponds basically to the Vinogradov content. The radioactive element content in typical metamorphic and magmatic complexes and sulfide ores was determined. The spectrometric method can be used for the solution of various geologicalmore » problems. It is particularly useful for studying the separation of strata, the genesis of magmatic and metamorphic complexes, and the metamorphic and geochemical zonality and granitization processes. (tr-auth)« less

Spatiotemporal evolution of magmatic pulses and regional metamorphism during a Cretaceous flare-up event: Constraints from the Ryoke belt (Mikawa area, central Japan)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takatsuka, Kota; Kawakami, Tetsuo; Skrzypek, Etienne; Sakata, Shuhei; Obayashi, Hideyuki; Hirata, Takafumi

2018-05-01

The spatiotemporal relationship between granitoid intrusions and low-pressure/temperature type regional metamorphism in the Ryoke belt (Mikawa area) is investigated to understand the tectono-thermal evolution of the upper- to middle-crust during a Cretaceous flare-up event at the Eurasian active continental margin. Three plutono-metamorphic stages are recognized; (1) 99-84 Ma: intrusion of granitoids (99-95 Ma pulse) into the upper crust and high-T regional metamorphism reaching sillimanite-grade (97.0 ± 4.4 Ma to 88.5 ± 2.5 Ma) in the middle crust, (2) 81-75 Ma: intrusion of gneissose granitoids (81-75 Ma Ma pulse) into the middle crust at 19-24 km depth, and (3) 75-69 Ma: voluminous intrusions of massive to weakly-foliated granitoids (75-69 Ma pulse) at 9-13 km depth and formation of contact metamorphic aureoles. Cooling of the highest-grade metamorphic zone below the wet solidus of granitic rocks is estimated at 88.5 ± 2.5 Ma. At ca. 75 Ma, the upper-middle crustal section underwent northward tilting, resulting in the exhumation of regional metamorphic zones to 9-13 km depth. Although the highest-grade metamorphic rocks and the 99-95 Ma pulse granitoids preserve similar U-Pb zircon ages, the absence of spatial association suggests that the regional metamorphic zones were mainly produced by a transient thermal anomaly in the mantle and thermal conduction through the crust, supplemented by localized advection due to granitoid intrusions. The successive emplacement of granitoids into shallow, deep and shallow levels of the crust was probably controlled by the combination of change in thermal structure of the crust and tectonics during granitoid intrusions.

Metabasalts as sources of metals in orogenic gold deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitcairn, Iain K.; Craw, Dave; Teagle, Damon A. H.

2015-03-01

Although metabasaltic rocks have been suggested to be important source rocks for orogenic gold deposits, the mobility of Au and related elements (As, Sb, Se, and Hg) from these rocks during alteration and metamorphism is poorly constrained. We investigate the effects of increasing metamorphic grade on the concentrations of Au and related elements in a suite of metabasaltic rocks from the Otago and Alpine Schists, New Zealand. The metabasaltic rocks in the Otago and Alpine Schists are of MORB and WPB affinity and are interpreted to be fragments accreted from subducting oceanic crust. Gold concentrations are systematically lower in the higher metamorphic grade rocks. Average Au concentrations vary little between sub-greenschist (0.9 ± 0.5 ppb) and upper greenschist facies (1.0 ± 0.5 ppb), but decrease significantly in amphibolite facies samples (0.21 ± 0.07 ppb). The amount of Au depleted from metabasaltic rocks during metamorphism is on a similar scale to that removed from metasedimentary rocks in Otago. Arsenic concentrations increase with metamorphic grade with the metabasaltic rocks acting as a sink rather than a source of this element. The concentrations of Sb and Hg decrease between sub-greenschist and amphibolite facies but concentration in amphibolite facies rocks are similar to those in unaltered MORB protoliths and therefore unaltered oceanic crust cannot be a net source of Sb and Hg in a metamorphic environment. The concentrations of Au, As, Sb, and Hg in oceanic basalts that have become integrated into the metamorphic environment may be heavily influenced by the degree of seafloor alteration that occurred prior to metamorphism. We suggest that metasedimentary rocks are much more suitable source rocks for fluids and metals in orogenic gold deposits than metabasaltic rocks as they show mobility during metamorphism of all elements commonly enriched in this style of deposit.

CL-imaging and ion microprobe dating of single zircons from a high-grade rock from the Central Zone, Limpopo Belt, South Africa: Evidence for a single metamorphic event at ˜2.0 Ga

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mouri, H.; Brandl, G.; Whitehouse, M.; de Waal, S.; Guiraud, M.

2008-02-01

The combination of ion microprobe dating and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of zircons from a high-grade rock from the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt were used to constrain the age of metamorphic events in the area. Zircon grains extracted from an orthopyroxene-gedrite-bearing granulite were prepared for single crystal CL-imaging and ion microprobe dating. The grains display complex zoning when using SEM-based CL-imaging. A common feature in most grains is the presence of a distinct core with a broken oscillatory zoned structure, which clearly appears to be the remnant of an original grain of igneous origin. This core is overgrown by an unzoned thin rim measuring about 10-30 μm in diameter, which is considered as new zircon growth during a single metamorphic event. Selected domains of the zircon grains were analysed for U, Pb and Th isotopic composition using a CAMECA IMS 1270 ion microprobe (Nordsim facility). Most of the grains define a near-concordant cluster with some evidence of Pb loss. The most concordant ages of the cores yielded a weighted mean 207Pb/ 206Pb age of 2689 ± 15 (2 σ) Ma, interpreted as the age of the protolith of an igneous origin. The unzoned overgrowths of the zircon grains yielded a considerably younger weighted mean 207Pb/ 206Pb age of ˜2006.5 ± 8.0 Ma (2 σ), and these data are interpreted to reflect closely the age of the ubiquitous high-grade metamorphic event in the Central Zone. This study shows clearly, based on both the internal structure of the zircons and the data obtained by ion microprobe dating, that only a single metamorphic event is recorded by the studied 2.69 Ga old rocks, and we found no evidence of an earlier metamorphic event at ˜2.5 Ga as postulated earlier by some workers.

Mapping contact metamorphic aureoles in Extremadura, Spain, using Landsat thematic mapper images

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rowan, L.C.; Anton-Pacheco, C.; Brickey, D.W.; Kingston, M.J.; Payas, A.

1987-01-01

In the Extremadura region of western Spain, Ag, Pb, Zn, and Sn deposits occur in the pieces of late Hercynian granitic plutons and near the pluton contacts in late Proterozoic slate and metagraywacke that have been regionally metamorphosed to the green schist facies. The plutons generally are well exposed and have distinctive geomorphological expression and vegetation; poor exposures of the metasedimentary host rocks and extensive cultivation, however, make delineation of the contact aureoles difficult. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images have been used to distinguish soil developed on the contact metamorphic rocks from soil formed on the stratigraphically equivalent slate-metagraywacke sequence. The mineral constituents of these soils are similar, except that muscovite is more common in the contact metamorphic soil; carbonaceous material is common in both soils. Contact metamorphic soil have lower reflectance, especially in the 1.6-micrometers wavelength region (TM 5), and weaker Al-OH, Mg-OH, and Fe3+ absorption features than do spectra of the slate-metagraywacke soil. The low-reflectance and subdued absorption features exhibited by the contact metamorphic soil spectra are attributed to the high absorption coefficient f the carbonaceous material caused by heating during emplacement of the granitic plutons. These spectral differences are evident in a TM 4/3, 4/5, 3/1 color-composite image. Initially, this image was used to outline the contact aureoles, but digital classification of the TM data was necessary for generating internally consistent maps of the distribution of the exposed contact metamorphic soil. In an August 1984, TM scene of the Caceras area, the plowed, vegetation-free fields were identified by their low TM 4/3 values. Then, ranges of TM 4/5 and 3/1 values were determine for selected plower fields within and outside the contact aureoles; TM 5 produced results similar to TM 4/5. Field evaluation, supported by X-ray diffraction and petrographic studies, confirmed the presence of more extensive aureoles than shown in published geologic maps; few misclassified areas were noted. Additional plowed fields consisting of exposed contact metamorphic soil were mapped digitally in an August 1985 TM scene. Subsequently, this approach was used to map two 1-km-wide linear zones of contact metamorphosed rock and oil in the San Nicolas-Sn-W Mine area, which is located approximated 125 km southeast of the Caceras study area. Exposures of granite in the San Nicolas area are limited to a few unaltered granitic dikes in the mine and a small exposure of unaltered pegmatite-bearing granite in a quarry about 1.5 km west of the mine. The present of coarsely crystalline biotite and beryl in the granite in the quarry and of contact metamorphosed slate up to 2.5 km from the nearest granite exposure suggest that only the apical part of a pluton is exposed in the quarry and that a larger, shallowly buried body is probably present. These results indicate that potential application of TM image analysis to mineral exploration in lithologically similar areas that are cultivated in spite of poor rock exposures.

The "Key" Method of Identifying Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks in Introductory Laboratory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eves, Robert Leo; Davis, Larry Eugene

1987-01-01

Proposes that identification keys provide an orderly strategy for the identification of igneous and metamorphic rocks in an introductory geology course. Explains the format employed in the system and includes the actual key guides for both igneous and metamorphic rocks. (ML)

Raman spectral characteristics of magmatic-contact metamorphic coals from Huainan Coalfield, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shancheng; Wu, Dun; Liu, Guijian; Sun, Ruoyu

2017-01-01

Normal burial metamorphism of coal superimposed by magmatic-contact metamorphism makes the characteristics of the Raman spectrum of coal changed. Nine coal samples were chosen at a coal transect perpendicular to the intrusive dike, at the No. 3 coal seam, Zhuji Coal Mine, Huainan Coalfield, China, with different distances from dike-coal boundary (DCB). Geochemical (proximate and ultimate) analysis and mean random vitrinite reflectance (R0, %) indicate that there is a significant relationship between the values of volatile matter and R0 in metamorphosed coals. Raman spectra show that the graphite band (G band) becomes the major band but the disordered band (D band) disappears progressively, with the increase of metamorphic temperature in coals, showing that the structural organization in high-rank contact-metamorphosed coals is close to that of well-crystallized graphite. Evident relationships are observed between the calculated Raman spectral parameters and the peak metamorphic temperature, suggesting some spectral parameters have the potentials to be used as geothermometers for contact-metamorphic coals.

Rethinking how Undergraduate ``Hard Rock'' Petrology is Taught

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reid, M. R.

2010-12-01

A course in "hard rock" petrology forms a core component of undergraduate training in the geosciences. In most cases, the subjects of igneous and metamorphic petrology are combined in a single course and the course is traditionally structured so that the two subjects are covered in series. This approach enables students to focus on each subject separately, with knowledge of igneous rocks helping students to understand metamorphic rock protoliths. Student assessment shows, however, that this approach tends to compartmentalize learning and the two main subjects might just as well be taught in separate courses. In practical applications such as fieldwork, students must be able to access their understanding of igneous and metamorphic rocks virtually simultaneously. To better integrate student learning, I developed a spiral learning approach to teaching petrology (e.g., Bruner, 1990; Dyar et al., 2004) so that commonalities could be revisited several times over the course of a semester and, in so doing, students' grasp of the fundamental insights provided by igneous and metamorphic rocks could be scaffolded into greater understanding. The course initially focuses on the dynamics of the environments in which igneous and metamorphic rocks form: heat flow, fluid flow, and plate tectonics. Several subsequent weeks explore topics relevant to identifying and understanding igneous and metamorphic rocks in the field: crystal nucleation and growth, the roles of pressure and heat, and field classification. Laboratory exercises parallel this structure, also emphasizing observations that are valuable in the field: the relationship between minerals and rocks, textural observations, and general rock classification. The final portion of the course explores “hard rocks” in more detail with a greater emphasis on the interplay between chemistry and mineralogy. A variety of learner-centered activities in the course help students bridge the gap between novice and expert and include more explicit emphasis on visualization and on helping students become comfortable with interpreting data numerically and graphically. Pen tablet computers are used extensively in the laboratory for visualization, photomicrograph capture, and annotation. Cooperative learning activities developed for this course make use of learning methods such as pair share, round-robin, small group explorations case studies, and jigsaw exercises (sometimes as introduction to, sometimes as review of material), and Jeopardy-style review sessions. On an assessment questionnaire at the end of the semester students ranked the in-class cooperative learning activities as on par with lectures and homework exercises in facilitating their learning. Students reported satisfactory attainment of three major goals identified for the course even though they were not explicitly reminded of these goals at the time of assessment. References cited: Bruner, J., 1990. Acts of Meaning. Harvard University Press.; Dyar, M.D., Gunter, M.E., Davis, J.C., and Odell, M.R., 2004. Integration of new methods into teaching mineralogy; Huba, M.E. and Freed, J.E., 2000. Learner-centered Assessment on College Campus: Shifting the Focus from Teaching to Learning. Allyn and Bacon.

Decompressional metamorphic P-T paths from kyanite-sillimanite-andalusite bearing rocks in north-central New Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daniel, C.G.; Thompson, A.G.; Grambling, J.A.

1992-01-01

Proterozoic rocks in six uplifts in northern and central New mexico display decompressional metamorphic P-T paths, apparently, related to crustal extension at a time near 1,440 Ma. Metamorphic P-T paths from the Picuris, Rincon, Truchas, Rio Mora, Sandia and southern Manzano Mountains are constrained by three independent techniques: (1) Al[sub 2]SiO[sub 5] and other mineral parageneses; (2) the Gibbs method applied to compositional zoning in garnet and plagioclase; and (3) a new technique based upon Fe[sup 3+] and Mn[sup 3+] zoning in andalusite. Aluminum silicate textures suggest that kyanite and subsequent sillimanite (commonly aligned parallel to the regional foliation andmore » lineation) are earlier than andalusite, which overprints foliation. The decompressional P-T paths are interpreted to reflect crustal extension. Contact metamorphic aureoles associated with the Priest pluton in the southern Manzano and the Sandia Granite in the Sandia Mountains place constraints upon the timing of the Ky-Sil-And metamorphism. In the southern Manzano Mountains metamorphic isograds marking the first appearance of staurolite and (closer to the pluton) sillimanite are parallel to the margin of the 1,440 Ma Priest quartz monzonite pluton. Similarly, isograds also surround the NW margin of the 1,420 Ma Sandia pluton. The regional metamorphism appears to have coincided with and to have been enhanced by the emplacement of the plutons. Because plutonism and regional metamorphism appear to have been synchronous, pluton emplacement occurred during decompression.« less

Role of glutamate and substance P in the amphibian respiratory network during development

PubMed Central

Chen, Anna K.; Hedrick, Michael S.

2008-01-01

This study tested the hypothesis that glutamatergic ionotropic (AMPA/kainate) receptors and neurokinin receptors (NKR) are important in the regulation of respiratory motor output during development in the bullfrog. The roles of these receptors were studied with in vitro brainstem preparations from pre-metamorphic tadpoles and post-metamorphic frogs. Brainstems were superfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid at 20–22°C containing CNQX, a selective non-NMDA antagonist, or with substance P (SP), an agonist of NKR. Blockade of glutamate receptors with CNQX in both groups caused a reduction of lung burst frequency that was reversibly abolished at 5 μM (P<0.01). CNQX, but not SP, application produced a significant increase (P<0.05) in gill and buccal frequency in tadpoles and frogs, respectively. SP caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in lung burst frequency at 5 μM in both groups. These results suggest that glutamatergic activation of AMPA/kainate receptors is necessary for generation of lung burst activity and that SP is an excitatory neurotransmitter for lung burst frequency generation. Both glutamate and SP provide excitatory input for lung burst generation throughout the aquatic to terrestrial developmental transition in bullfrogs. PMID:18450524

Role of glutamate and substance P in the amphibian respiratory network during development.

PubMed

Chen, Anna K; Hedrick, Michael S

2008-06-30

This study tested the hypothesis that glutamatergic ionotropic (AMPA/kainate) receptors and neurokinin receptors (NKR) are important in the regulation of respiratory motor output during development in the bullfrog. The roles of these receptors were studied with in vitro brainstem preparations from pre-metamorphic tadpoles and post-metamorphic frogs. Brainstems were superfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid at 20-22 degrees C containing CNQX, a selective non-NMDA antagonist, or with substance P (SP), an agonist of NKR. Blockade of glutamate receptors with CNQX in both groups caused a reduction of lung burst frequency that was reversibly abolished at 5 microM (P<0.01). CNQX, but not SP, application produced a significant increase (P<0.05) in gill and buccal frequency in tadpoles and frogs, respectively. SP caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in lung burst frequency at 5 microM in both groups. These results suggest that glutamatergic activation of AMPA/kainate receptors is necessary for generation of lung burst activity and that SP is an excitatory neurotransmitter for lung burst frequency generation. Both glutamate and SP provide excitatory input for lung burst generation throughout the aquatic to terrestrial developmental transition in bullfrogs.

Structural profile reconstructions and thermal metamorphic evolution in the slate belt of southern Hsuehshan Range in the active Taiwan mountain belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yu; Chen, Chih-Tung; Lee, Jian-Cheng; Shyu, J. Bruce H.

2017-04-01

The fate of passive continental margin in collisional orogens is crucial in understanding tectonic evolution of mountain belts. The active arc-continent collision of Taiwan is considered as a model case in studying mountain building processes, and largely consists of deformed margin basement and cover series. Among the whole orogeny belt, the slate belt of the Hsuehshan Range (HR) is a prominent large-scale pop-up structural on the prowedge part of the orogen, and is composed of metamorphosed Eocene to Miocene sediments which experienced only the Neogene Taiwan orogeny after diagenesis in margin graben. Characterizing the metamorphic history of the HR is essential for reconstructing its geological evolution during the mountain building processes. However, previous studies were mostly focused on northern and central HR, structural investigation coupled with metamorphic documentation in the southern part of HR, which is the most active part of the orogeny belt, is therefore targeted in this work. Since carbonaceous material is common in pelitic protolith of HR slates, the Raman spectrum of carbonaceous material (RSCM) measuring the rock peak temperature is chosen for quantitative thermal metamorphic documentation. In this study, we reconstruct a geological structural profile in western central Taiwan across the prowedge part of the mountain belt containing the southern HR by combining the surface geological data, well log records and published seismic reflection profiles. Although most of the existing data are concentrated in the fold-and-thrust belt, they are now reinforced by new field structural measurements and RSCM samples in the southern HR. In total 27 RSCM samples were collected along 2 transects perpendicular to the average strike with a dense interval about 2 km. The results allow us to map peak temperature distribution across southern HR, and provide new constraints for structural profile reconstruction and reappraisal of the structural evolution of the HR and neighboring fold-and-thrust belt. As shown in the previous thermal metamorphic investigation, we expected that southern HR strata acquired highest temperature during its burial stage than the orogenic stage like their central HR counterparts, thus experiencing mostly retrograde metamorphism in the entire mountain building processes.

Introduction to the structures and processes of subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yong-Fei; Zhao, Zi-Fu

2017-09-01

Subduction zones have been the focus of many studies since the advent of plate tectonics in 1960s. Workings within subduction zones beneath volcanic arcs have been of particular interest because they prime the source of arc magmas. The results from magmatic products have been used to decipher the structures and processes of subduction zones. In doing so, many progresses have been made on modern oceanic subduction zones, but less progresses on ancient oceanic subduction zones. On the other hand, continental subduction zones have been studied since findings of coesite in metamorphic rocks of supracrustal origin in 1980s. It turns out that high-pressure to ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in collisional orogens provide a direct target to investigate the tectonism of subduction zones, whereas oceanic and continental arc volcanic rocks in accretionary orogens provide an indirect target to investigate the geochemistry of subduction zones. Nevertheless, metamorphic dehydration and partial melting at high-pressure to ultrahigh-pressure conditions are tectonically applicable to subduction zone processes at forearc to subarc depths, and crustal metasomatism is the physicochemical mechanism for geochemical transfer from the slab to the mantle in subduction channels. Taken together, these provide us with an excellent opportunity to find how the metamorphic, metasomatic and magmatic products are a function of the structures and processes in both oceanic and continental subduction zones. Because of the change in the thermal structures of subduction zones, different styles of metamorphism, metasomatism and magmatism are produced at convergent plate margins. In addition, juvenile and ancient crustal rocks have often suffered reworking in episodes independent of either accretionary or collisional orogeny, leading to continental rifting metamorphism and thus rifting orogeny for mountain building in intracontinental settings. This brings complexity to distinguish the syn-subduction processes and products from post-subduction processes and products. Nevertheless, available results indicate that our definition and understanding of subduction zone processes and products can be advanced by the convergence of observations and interpretations from geochemical, geological, geophysical and geodynamic studies of both oceanic and continental subduction zones. Therefore, insights into subduction zones can be provided by intergration of different approaches from different targets in the near future.

Introduction to the structures and processes of subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yong-Fei; Zhao, Zi-Fu

2017-09-01

Subduction zones have been the focus of many studies since the advent of plate tectonics in 1960s. Workings within subduction zones beneath volcanic arcs have been of particular interest because they prime the source of arc magmas. The results from magmatic products have been used to decipher the structures and processes of subduction zones. In doing so, many progresses have been made on modern oceanic subduction zones, but less progresses on ancient oceanic subduction zones. On the other hand, continental subduction zones have been studied since findings of coesite in metamorphic rocks of supracrustal origin in 1980s. It turns out that high-pressure to ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in collisional orogens provide a direct target to investigate the tectonism of subduction zones, whereas oceanic and continental arc volcanic rocks in accretionary orogens provide an indirect target to investigate the geochemistry of subduction zones. Nevertheless, metamorphic dehydration and partial melting at high-pressure to ultrahigh-pressure conditions are tectonically applicable to subduction zone processes at forearc to subarc depths, and crustal metasomatism is the physicochemical mechanism for geochemical transfer from the slab to the mantle in subduction channels. Taken together, these provide us with an excellent opportunity to find how the metamorphic, metasomatic and magmatic products are a function of the structures and processes in both oceanic and continental subduction zones. Because of the change in the thermal structures of subduction zones, different styles of metamorphism, metasomatism and magmatism are produced at convergent plate margins. In addition, juvenile and ancient crustal rocks have often suffered reworking in episodes independent of either accretionary or collisional orogeny, leading to continental rifting metamorphism and thus rifting orogeny for mountain building in intracontinental settings. This brings complexity to distinguish the syn-subduction processes and products from post-subduction processes and products. Nevertheless, available results indicate that our definition and understanding of subduction zone processes and products can be advanced by the convergence of observations and interpretations from geochemical, geological, geophysical and geodynamic studies of both oceanic and continental subduction zones. Therefore, insights into subduction zones can be provided by integration of different approaches from different targets in the near future.

Temporal and spatial distribution of Paleozoic metamorphism in the southern Appalachian Blue Ridge and Inner Piedmont delimited by ion microprobe U-Pb ages of metamorphic zircon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Merschat, Arthur J.; Bream, Brendan R.; Huebner, Matthew T.; Hatcher, Robert D.; Miller, Calvin F.

2017-01-01

Ion microprobe U-Pb zircon rim ages from 39 samples from across the accreted terranes of the central Blue Ridge, eastward across the Inner Piedmont, delimit the timing and spatial extent of superposed metamorphism in the southern Appalachian orogen. Metamorphic zircon rims are 10–40 µm wide, mostly unzoned, and dark gray to black or bright white in cathodoluminescence, and truncate and/or embay interior oscillatory zoning. Black unzoned and rounded or ovoid-shaped metamorphic zircon morphologies also occur. Th/U values range from 0.01 to 1.4, with the majority of ratios less than 0.1. Results of 206Pb/238U ages, ±2% discordant, range from 481 to 305 Ma. Clustering within these data reveals that the Blue Ridge and Inner Piedmont terranes were affected by three tectonothermal events: (1) 462–448 Ma (Taconic); (2) 395–340 Ma (Acadian and Neoacadian); and (3) 335–322 Ma, related to the early phase of the Alleghanian orogeny. By combining zircon rim ages with metamorphic isograds and other published isotopic ages, we identify the thermal architecture of the southern Appalachian orogen: juxtaposed and superposed metamorphic domains have younger ages to the east related to the marginward addition of terranes, and these domains can serve as a proxy to delimit terrane accretion. Most 462–448 Ma ages occur in the western and central Blue Ridge and define a continuous progression from greenschist to granulite facies that identifies the intact Taconic core. The extent of 462–448 Ma metamorphism indicates that the central Blue Ridge and Tugaloo terranes were accreted to the western Blue Ridge during the Taconic orogeny. Zircon rim ages in the Inner Piedmont span almost 100 m.y., with peaks at 395–385, 376–340, and 335–322 Ma, and delimit the Acadian-Neoacadian and Alleghanian metamorphic core. The timing and distribution of metamorphism in the Inner Piedmont are consistent with the Devonian to Mississippian oblique collision of the Carolina superterrane, followed by an early phase of Alleghanian metamorphism at 335–322 Ma (temperature >500 °C). The eastern Blue Ridge contains evidence of three possible tectonothermal events: ~460 Ma, 376–340 Ma, and ~335 Ma. All of the crystalline terranes of the Blue Ridge–Piedmont megathrust sheet were affected by Alleghanian metamorphism and deformation.

Constraining metamorphic rates through allanite and monazite petrochronology: a case study from the Miyar Valley (High Himalayan Crystalline of Zanskar, NW India)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robyr, Martin; Goswami-Banerjee, Sriparna

2014-05-01

Dating metamorphic rocks raises specific issues because metamorphism comprises a complex sequence of structural changes and chemical reactions that can be extended over millions or tens of millions of years so that metamorphic rocks cannot in general be said to have "an age". Therefore, an accurate interpretation of radiometric age data from metamorphic rocks requires first to establish the behavior of the isotopic system used for dating relative to the pressure and temperature (P-T) conditions that a metamorphic rock experienced. As the U-Th-Pb system in LREE-accessory phases like monazite and allanite is not easily reset during subsequent temperature increase, allanite and monazite U-Th-Pb ages are collectively interpreted as reflecting crystallization ages. As a consequence, to correctly interpret allanite and monazite crystallization ages, it is essential to accurately determine the physical conditions of their crystallization. A meticulous account of the chemical and textural evolution of monazite and allanite along a well constrained prograde pelitic sequence of the High Himalayan Crystalline of Zanskar (Miyar Valley; e.g. Robyr et al., 2002; 2006; 2014) reveals that: (1) the occurrence of the first metamorphic allanite coincides with the biotite-in isograd and (2) the formation of the first metamorphic monazite occurs at the staurolite-in isograd. The finding of both monazite and allanite as inclusion in staurolite porphyroblasts indicates that the breakdown of allanite and the formation of monazite occurred during staurolite crystallization. Thermobarometry results show that the metamorphic allanites are appeared in the 400-420 °C, while the signature of the first metamorphic monazite is found at ~ 600 °C with staurolite-in isograd. Allanite and monazite U-Th-Pb ages thus constrain the timing when the rocks reached the ~ 420 °C and ~ 600 °C isotherms respectively. In situ LA-ICPMS dating of coexisting allanite and monazite inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts yield respective ages of 33.6 ± 0.9 Ma and 29.5 ± 0.2 Ma, constraining the time elapsed between allanite crystallization (~ 420 °C) and monazite crystallization (~ 600°C). These data indicate that the rock needed ~ 4 Myr to be subducted from the 420 °C isotherm down to the 600°C isotherm, implying a heating rate of ca. 45°C/m.y. References Robyr, M., Epard, J.-L. & El Korh, A., 2014. Structural, metamorphic and geochronological relations between the Zanskar Shear Zone and the Miyar Shear Zone (NW Indian Himalaya): Evidence for two distinct tectonic structures and implications for the evolution of the High Himalayan Crystalline of Zanskar. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 79, 1-15. Robyr, M., Hacker, B. R. & Mattinson, J. M., 2006. Doming in compressional orogenic settings: New geochronological constraints from the NW Himalaya. Tectonics, 25. Robyr, M., Vannay, J. C., Epard, J. L. & Steck, A., 2002. Thrusting, extension, and doming during the polyphase tectonometamorphic evolution of the High Himalayan Crystalline Zone in NW India. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 21, 221-239.

Continental origin of the Gubaoquan eclogite and implications for evolution of the Beishan Orogen, Central Asian Orogenic Belt, NW China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saktura, Wanchese M.; Buckman, Solomon; Nutman, Allen P.; Belousova, Elena A.; Yan, Zhen; Aitchison, Jonathan C.

2017-12-01

The Gubaoquan eclogite occurs in the Paleozoic Beishan Orogen of NW China. Previously it has been interpreted as a fragment of subducted oceanic crust that was emplaced as a mélange within continental rocks. Contrary to this, we demonstrate that the Gubaoquan eclogite protolith was a Neoproterozoic basic dyke/sill which intruded into Proterozoic continental rocks. The SHRIMP Usbnd Pb zircon dating of the metamorphic rims of the Gubaoquan eclogite yields an age 466 ± 27 Ma. Subdued heavy rare earth element abundances and lack of negative Eu anomalies of the metamorphic zircon domains confirm that this age represents eclogite facies metamorphism. The host augen orthogneiss has a Usbnd Pb zircon age of 920 ± 14 Ma, representing the timing of crystallization of the granitic protolith. A leucogranitic vein which intrudes the eclogite has a Usbnd Pb zircon age of 424 ± 8.6 Ma. This granitic vein marks the end of high-grade metamorphism in this area. The overcomplication of tectonic history of the Beishan Orogen is partially caused by inconsistent classifications and nomenclature of the same rock units and arbitrary subdivisions of Precambrian blocks as individual microcontinents. In an attempt to resolve this, we propose a simpler model that involves the partial subduction of the northern passive margin of the Dunhuang Block beneath the active continental margin developing on the Mazongshan-Hanshan Block to the north. Ocean closure and continental collision during the Late Ordovician resulted in continental thickening and eclogite facies metamorphism recorded by the mafic dykes/sills (now the Gubaoquan eclogite). In the light of the new data, the tectonothermal evolution of the Beishan Orogen is reviewed and integrated with the evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Retrogressive hydration of calc-silicate xenoliths in the eastern Bushveld complex: evidence for late magmatic fluid movement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallmach, T.; Hatton, C. J.; De Waal, S. A.; Gibson, R. L.

1995-11-01

Two calc-silicate xenoliths in the Upper Zone of the Bushveld complex contain mineral assemblages which permit delineation of the metamorphic path followed after incorporation of the xenoliths into the magma. Peak metamorphism in these xenoliths occurred at T=1100-1200°C and P <1.5 kbar. Retrograde metamorphism, probably coinciding with the late magmatic stage, is characterized by the breakdown of akermanite to monticellite and wollastonite at 700°C and the growth of vesuvianite from melilite. The latter implies that water-rich fluids (X CO 2 <0.2) were present and probably circulating through the cooling magmatic pile. In contrast, calc-silicate xenoliths within the lower zones of the Bushveld complex, namely in the Marginal and Critical Zones, also contain melilite, monticellite and additional periclase with only rare development of vesuvianite. This suggests that the Upper Zone cumulate pile was much 'wetter' in the late-magmatic stage than the earlier-formed Critical and Marginal Zone cumulate piles.

A coupled model between mechanical deformation and chemical diffusion: An explanation for the preservation of chemical zonation in plagioclase at high temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Xin; Vrijmoed, Johannes; Moulas, Evangelos; Tajcmanová, Lucie

2016-04-01

Compositional zoning in metamorphic minerals have been generally recognized as an important geological feature to decipher the metamorphic history of rocks. The observed chemical zoning of, e.g. garnet, is commonly interpreted as disequilibrium between the fractionated inner core and the surrounding matrix. However, chemically zoned minerals were also observed in high grade rocks (T>800 degree C) where the duration of metamorphic processes was independently dated to take several Ma. This implies that temperature may not be the only factor that controls diffusion timescales, and grain scale pressure variation was proposed to be a complementary factor that may significantly contribute to the formation and preservation of chemical zoning in high temperature metamorphic minerals [Tajcmanová 2013, 2015]. Here, a coupled model is developed to simulate viscous deformation and chemical diffusion. The numerical approach considers the conservation of mass, momentum, and a constitutive relation developed from equilibrium thermodynamics. A compressible viscoelastic rheology is applied, which associates the volumetric change triggered by deformation and diffusion to a change of pressure. The numerical model is applied to the chemically zoned plagioclase rim described by [Tajcmanová 2014]. The diffusion process operating during the plagioclase rim formation can lead to a development of a pressure gradient. Such a pressure gradient, if maintained during ongoing viscous relaxation, can lead to the preservation of the observed chemical zonation in minerals. An important dimensionless number, the Deborah number, is defined as the ratio between the Maxwell viscoelastic relaxation time and the characteristic diffusion time. It characterizes the relative influence between the maintenance of grain scale pressure variation and chemical diffusion. Two extreme regimes are shown: the mechanically-controlled regime (high Deborah number) and diffusion-controlled regime (low Deborah number). In the mechanically-controlled regime, the grain scale pressure variation and thus the chemical zonation can be maintained due to slow viscous relaxation. Furthermore, by utilizing experimental flow laws and diffusion coefficients, the Deborah number is estimated in a variety of physical conditions. References Tajcmanová, L., Y. Podladchikov, R. Powell, E. Moulas, J.C. Vrijmoed, and J.A.D. Connolly, 2014. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 32(2):195-207. Tajcmanová, L., J.C. Vrijmoed, and E. Moulas, 2015. Lithos, 216-217:338-351.

A Simulated Research Problem for Undergraduate Metamorphic Petrology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amenta, Roddy V.

1984-01-01

Presents a laboratory problem in metamorphic petrology designed to simulate a research experience. The problem deals with data on scales ranging from a geologic map to hand specimens to thin sections. Student analysis includes identifying metamorphic index minerals, locating their isograds on the map, and determining the folding sequence. (BC)

Detrital zircon age patterns and provenance of the metamorphic complexes of southern Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hervé, F.; Fanning, C. M.; Pankhurst, R. J.

2003-05-01

Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb age patterns are reported for 13 metasedimentary rocks from the low grade metamorphic complexes of the Patagonian Andes. Combined with four recently published patterns, these provide the first detailed survey of the provenance of these complexes. The youngest dated zircons, corresponding to maximum sedimentation ages, are Devonian-Late Triassic in the eastern Andes metamorphic complex, Carboniferous in the main range metamorphic complex, Permian in the Duque de York complex, and Late Triassic in the Chonos metamorphic complex. In the last two cases, these ages are in agreement with their respective fossil ages. Older components in the eastern Andes metamorphic complex include a large proportion of Proterozoic (predominantly 1000-1200 Ma) zircons, which may indicate distribution, probably by rivers, of detrital material from regions currently in northern South America, Africa, or east Antarctica. The abundance of Proterozoic zircons is very much less in the Duque de York complex, possibly because of the rise of an inferred Permian magmatic arc related to the Gondwanan orogeny and consequent westward migration of the watershed. A Late Triassic magmatic episode is registered in the Chonos metamorphic complex, where reappearance of significant Proterozoic zircons indicates exhumation of the cratonic areas or of recycled sedimentary material.

Metamorphic III–V Solar Cells: Recent Progress and Potential

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garcia, Ivan; France, Ryan M.; Geisz, John F.

Inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cells have been demonstrated to be a pathway to achieve the highest photovoltaic (PV) conversion efficiencies. Attaining high-quality lattice-mismatched (metamorphic) semiconductor devices is challenging. However, recent improvements to compositionally graded buffer epitaxy and junction structures have led to the achievement of high-quality metamorphic solar cells exhibiting internal luminescence efficiencies over 90%. For this high material quality, photon recycling is significant, and therefore, the optical environment of the solar cell becomes important. In this paper, we first present recent progress and performance results for 1- and 0.7-eV GaInAs solar cells grown on GaAs substrates. Then, an electroopticalmore » model is used to assess the potential performance improvements in current metamorphic solar cells under different realizable design scenarios. The results show that the quality of 1-eV subcells is such that further improving its electronic quality does not produce significant Voc increases in the four-junction inverted metamorphic subcells, unless a back reflector is used to enhance photon recycling, which would significantly complicate the structure. Conversely, improving the electronic quality of the 0.7-eV subcell would lead to significant Voc boosts, driving the progress of four-junction inverted metamorphic solar cells.« less

Organic matter and metamorphic history of CO chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonal, Lydie; Bourot-Denise, Michèle; Quirico, Eric; Montagnac, Gilles; Lewin, Eric

2007-03-01

The metamorphic grades of a series of eight CO3 chondrites (ALHA77307, Colony, Kainsaz, Felix, Lancé, Ornans, Warrenton and Isna) have been quantified. The method used was based on the structural grade of the organic matter trapped in the matrix, which is irreversibly transformed by thermal metamorphism. The maturation of the organic matter is independent with respect to the mineralogical context and aqueous alteration. This metamorphic tracer is thus valid whatever the chemical class of chondrites. Moreover, it is sensitive to the peak metamorphic temperature. The structural grade of the organic matter was used along with other metamorphic tracers such as petrography of opaque minerals, Fa and Fs silicate composition in type I chondrules, presolar grains and noble gas (P3 component) abundance. The deduced metamorphic hierarchy and the attributed petrographic types are the following: ALHA77307 (3.03) < Colony (3.1) < Kainsaz (3.6) < Felix (3.6 (1)) < Ornans (3.6 (2)) < Lancé (3.6 (3)) < Warrenton (3.7 (1)) < Isna (3.7 (2)). For most metamorphosed objects, the peak metamorphic temperature can be estimated using a geothermometer calibrated with terrestrial metasediments [Beyssac O., Goffe B., Chopin C., and Rouzaud J. N. (2002) Raman spectrum of carbonaceous material in metasediments: a new geothermometer. J. Metamorph. Geol., 20, 859-871]. A value of 330 °C was obtained for Allende (CV chondrite), Warrenton and Isna, consistent with temperatures estimated from Fe diffusion [Weinbruch S., Armstrong J., and Palme H. (1994). Constraints on the thermal history of the Allende parent body as derive from olivine-spinel thermometry and Fe/Mg interdiffusion in olivine. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta58(2), 1019-1030.], from the Ni content in sulfide-metal assemblages [Zanda B., Bourot-Denise M., and Hewins R. (1995) Condensate sulfide and its metamorphic transformations in primitive chondrites. Meteorit. Planet. Sci.30, A605.] and from the d002 interlayer spacing in poorly graphitized carbon [Rietmeijer, F., and MacKinnon, I. (1985) Poorly graphitized carbon as a new cosmothermometer for primitive extraterrestrial materials. Nature, 315, 733-736]. The trapped noble gas and C content appear to be sensitive but not precise metamorphic tracers, indicating that the "Ornans paradox" does not exist. Major problems with the current petrologic types derived from Induced ThermoLuminescence are pointed out.

The behaviour of monazite from greenschist facies phyllites to anatectic gneisses: An example from the Chugach Metamorphic Complex, southern Alaska

PubMed Central

Gasser, Deta; Bruand, Emilie; Rubatto, Daniela; Stüwe, Kurt

2012-01-01

Monazite is a common accessory mineral in various metamorphic and magmatic rocks, and is widely used for U–Pb geochronology. However, linking monazite U–Pb ages with the PT evolution of the rock is not always straightforward. We investigated the behaviour of monazite in a metasedimentary sequence ranging from greenschist facies phyllites into upper amphibolites facies anatectic gneisses, which is exposed in the Eocene Chugach Metamorphic Complex of southern Alaska. We investigated textures, chemical compositions and U–Pb dates of monazite grains in samples of differing bulk rock composition and metamorphic grade, with particular focus on the relationship between monazite and other REE-bearing minerals such as allanite and xenotime. In the greenschist facies phyllites, detrital and metamorphic allanite is present, whereas monazite is absent. In lower amphibolites facies schists (~ 550–650 °C and ≥ 3.4 kbar), small, medium-Y monazite is wide-spread (Mnz1), indicating monazite growth prior and/or simultaneous with growth of garnet and andalusite. In anatectic gneisses, new low-Y, high-Th monazite (Mnz2) crystallised from partial melts, and a third, high-Y, low-Th monazite generation (Mnz3) formed during initial cooling and garnet resorption. U–Pb SHRIMP analysis of the second and third monazite generations yields ages of ~ 55–50 Ma. Monazite became unstable and was overgrown by allanite and/or allanite/epidote/apatite coronas within retrograde muscovite- and/or chlorite-bearing shear zones. This study documents polyphase, complex monazite growth and dissolution during a single, relatively short-lived metamorphic cycle. PMID:26525358

U-Pb SHRIMP geochronology of zircon in garnet peridotite from the Sulu UHP terrane, China: Implications for mantle metasomatism and subduction-zone UHP metamorphism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zhang, R.Y.; Yang, J.S.; Wooden, J.L.; Liou, J.G.; Li, T.F.

2005-01-01

We studied the Zhimafang ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHP) peridotite from pre-pilot drill hole PP-1 of Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling project in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China. The peridotite occurs as lens within quartofeldspathic gneiss, and has an assemblage of Ol + Opx + Cpx + Phl + Ti-clinohumite (Ti-Chu) + Grt (or chromite) ?? magnesite (Mgs). Zircons were separated from cores at depths of 152 m (C24, garnet lhezolite), 160 m (C27, strongly retrograded phlogopite-rich peridotite) and 225 m (C50, banded peridotite), and were dated by SHRIMP mass spectrometer. Isometric zircons without inherited cores contain inclusions of olivine (Fo91-92), enstatite (En91-92), Ti-clinohumite, diopside, phlogopite and apatite. The enstatite inclusions have low Al2O3 contents of only 0.04-0.13 wt.%, indicating a UHP metamorphic origin. The weighted mean 206Pb/238U zircon age for garnet lherzolite (C24) is 221 ?? 3 Ma, and a discordia lower intercept age for peridotite (C50) is 220 ?? 2 Ma. These ages are within error and represent the time of subduction-zone UHP metamorphism. A younger lower intercept age of 212 ?? 3 Ma for a foliated wehrlite (C27) was probably caused by Pb loss during retrograde metamorphism. The source of zirconium may be partially attributed to melt/fluid metasomatism within the mantle wedge. Geochronological and geochemical data confirm that the mantle-derived Zhimafang garnet peridotites (probably the most representative type of Sulu garnet peridotites) were tectonically inserted into a subducting crustal slab and subjected to in situ Triassic subduction-zone UHP metamorphism. ?? 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monazite behaviours during high-temperature metamorphism: a case study from Dinggye region, Tibetan Himalaya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jia-Min; Wu, Fu-Yuan; Rubatto, Daniela; Liu, Shi-Ran; Zhang, Jin-Jiang

2017-04-01

Monazite is a key accessory mineral for metamorphic geochronology, but its growth mechanisms during melt-bearing high-temperature metamorphism is not well understood. Therefore, the petrology, pressure-temperature and timing of metamorphism have been investigated in pelitic and psammitic granulites from the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex (GHC) in Dinggye, southern Tibet. These rocks underwent an isothermal decompression process from pressure conditions of >10 kbar to <5 kbar with constant temperatures of 750-830°C, and recorded three metamorphic stages of kyanite-grade (M1), sillimanite-grade (M2) and cordierite-spinel grade (M3). Monazite and zircon crystals were analyzed for ages by microbeam techniques either in mounts or thin sections. Ages were linked to specific conditions of mineral growth by comprehensive studies on zoning patterns, trace element signatures, index mineral inclusions (melt inclusions, sillimanite and K-feldspar) in dated domains and textural correlations with coexisting minerals. The results show that inherited domains (500-400 Ma) are common in monazite even at granulite-facies conditions. Few monazites formed at the M1-stage ( 30-29 Ma) and recorded heterogeneous Th, Y, and HREE compositions, which formed by recrystallization related to muscovite dehydration melting reaction. These monazite grains were protected from dissolution or lateral overprinting mainly by the armour effect of matrix crystals (biotite and quartz). Most monazite grains formed at the M3-stage (21-19 Ma) through either dissolution-reprecipitation or recrystallization that was related to biotite dehydration melting reaction. These monazite grains record HREE and Y signatures in local equilibrium with different reactions involving either garnet breakdown or peritectic garnet growth. Another peak of monazite growth occurs during melt crystallization ( 15 Ma), and these monazites are unzoned and have homogeneous compositions. Our results documented the widespread recrystallization to account for monazite growth during high-temperature metamorphism and related melting reactions that trigger monazite recrystallization. In a regional sense, our P-T-t data along with published data indicate that the pre-M1 eclogite-facies metamorphism occurred at 39-30 Ma in the Dinggye Himalaya. Our results are in favour of a steady exhumation of the GHC rocks since Oligocene that was contributed by partial melting. Key words: U-Th-Pb geochronology, Monazite, Recrystallization, Pelitic granulite, Himalaya

Metamorphic and geochronogical study of the Triassic El Oro metamorphic complex, Ecuador: Implications for high-temperature metamorphism in a forearc zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riel, N.; Guillot, S.; Jaillard, E.; Martelat, J.-E.; Paquette, J.-L.; Schwartz, S.; Goncalves, P.; Duclaux, G.; Thebaud, N.; Lanari, P.; Janots, E.; Yuquilema, J.

2013-01-01

In the forearc of the Andean active margin in southwest Ecuador, the El Oro metamorphic complex exhibits a well exposed tilted forearc section partially migmatized. We used Raman spectroscopy on carbonaceous matter (RSCM) thermometry and pseudosections coupled with mineralogical and textural studies to constrain the pressure-temperature (P-T) evolution of the El Oro metamorphic complex during Triassic times. Our results show that anatexis of the continental crust occurred by white-mica and biotite dehydration melting along a 10 km thick crustal domain (from 4.5 to 8 kbar) with increasing temperature from 650 to 700 °C. In the biotite dehydration melting zone, temperature was buffered at 750-820 °C in a 5 km thick layer. The estimated average thermal gradient during peak metamorphism is of 30 °C/km within the migmatitic domain can be partitioned into two apparent gradients parts. The upper part from surface to 7 km depth records a 40-45 °C/km gradient. The lower part records a quasi-adiabatic geotherm with a 10 °C/km gradient consistent with an isothermal melting zone. Migmatites U-Th-Pb geochronology yielded zircon and monazite ages of 229.3 ± 2.1 Ma and 224.5 ± 2.3 Ma, respectively. This thermal event generated S-type magmatism (the Marcabeli granitoid) and was immediately followed by underplating of the high-pressure low-temperature (HP-LT) Arenillas-Panupalí unit at 225.8 ± 1.8 Ma. The association of high-temperature low-pressure (HT-LP) migmatites with HP-LT unit constitutes a new example of a paired metamorphic belt along the South American margin. We propose that in addition to crustal thinning, underplating of the Piedras gabbroic unit before 230 Ma provided the heat source necessary to foster crustal anatexis. Furthermore, its MORB signature shows that the asthenosphere was involved as the source of the heat anomaly. S-type felsic magmatism is widespread during this time and suggests that a large-scale thermal anomaly affected a large part of the South American margin during the late Triassic. We propose that crustal anatexis is related to an anomaly that arose during subduction of the Panthalassa ocean under the South American margin. Slab verticalization or slab break-off can be invoked as the origin of the upwelling of the asthenosphere.

Mercury bioaccumulation in wood frogs developing in seasonal pools

USGS Publications Warehouse

Loftin, Cynthia S.; Calhoun, Aram J.K.; Nelson, Sarah J.; Elskus, Adria; Simon, Kevin S.

2012-01-01

Seasonal woodland pools contribute significant biomass to terrestrial ecosystems through production of pool-breeding amphibians. The movement of amphibian metamorphs potentially transports toxins bioaccumulated during larval development in the natal pool into the surrounding terrestrial environment. We documented total mercury (THg) in seasonal woodland pool water, sediment, litter, and Lithobates sylvaticus LeConte (Wood Frog) in Acadia National Park, ME. THg concentrations in pool water varied over the study season, increasing during April—June and remaining high in 2 of 4 pools upon October refill. Water in pools surrounded by softwoods had lower pH, greater dissolved organic carbon, and greater THg concentrations than pools surrounded by hardwoods, with seasonal patterns in sediment THg but not litter THg. THg increased rapidly from near or below detection in 1–2 week old embryos (<0.2 ng; 0–0.49 ppb wet weight) to 17.1–54.2 ppb in tadpoles within 6 weeks; 7.2–42.0% of THg was methyl Hg in tadpoles near metamorphosis. Metamorphs emigrating from seasonal pools may transfer mercury into terrestrial food webs.

Structural, metamorphic and geochronological insights on the Variscan evolution of the Alpine basement in the Belledonne Massif (France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fréville, Kévin; Trap, Pierre; Faure, Michel; Melleton, Jérémie; Li, Xian-Hua; Lin, Wei; Blein, Olivier; Bruguier, Olivier; Poujol, Marc

2018-02-01

A structural and petrochronological study was carried out in the southern part of the Belledonne crystalline massif. A first tectonometamorphic event, Dx, corresponds to the eastward thrusting of the Chamrousse ophiolitic complex characterized by a low-temperature-moderate-pressure metamorphism reaching 0.535 ± 0.045 GPa and 427.5 ± 17.5 °C. A subsequent D1 deformation is defined by a penetrative S1 foliation that mostly dips toward the west and displays an E-W- to NE-SW-trending mineral and stretching lineation L1. D1 is associated with a top-to-the east shearing and is responsible for the crustal thickening accommodated by the eastward nappe stacking and the emplacement of the Chamrousse ophiolitic complex upon the Rioupéroux-Livet unit. This event is characterized by an amphibolite facies metamorphism (0.58 GPa ± 0.06; 608 ± 14 °C) that attains partial melting at the base of the nappe pile (0.78 ± 0.07 GPa; 680.5 ± 11.5 °C). LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of monazite grains from the mica schists of the Rioupéroux-Livet unit constrain the age of D1 to 337 ± 7 Ma. The D2 tectono-metamorphic event is characterized by NE-SW trending, upright to NE-verging synfolial folding. Folding associated with D2 is pervasively developed in all lithotectonic units with the development of a steeply-dipping S2 foliation. In particular, D2 involves the uppermost weakly metamorphosed Taillefer unit. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating performed on detrital zircon grains shows that the Taillefer conglomerates was deposited during the Visean. A zircon SIMS U-Pb age of 352 ± 1 Ma from a plagioglase-rich leucocratic sill of the Rioupéroux-Livet unit is interpreted as the age of magmatic emplacement. Our results suggest that the D2 event took place between 330 Ma and 310 Ma. We propose a new interpretation of the tectonometamorphic evolution of the southern part of the Belledonne massif, focusing on the Middle Carboniferous stages of the Variscan orogeny.

Kyanite-bearing migmatites in the central Adirondack Mountains: Implications for late to post-orogenic metamorphism and melting in a collisional orogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reeder, J.; Metzger, E. P.; Bickford, M. E.; Leech, M. L.

2016-12-01

Sillimanite-rich felsic migmatites exposed at Ledge Mountain in the Central Adirondack Highlands (AH) represent the only location in the AH where kyanite is found. The texturally young kyanite is overprinted on sillimanite in largely undeformed pegmatitic leucosomes, suggesting a late episode of melting taking place deeper than previously thought, and requiring a counter-clockwise P-T path. A final phase of anatexis ca. 1050 Ma in the Eastern AH is consistent with an influx of fluid or decompression from extension in sillimanite-bearing migmatites. Temperatures both from this study and previous work are consistent with granulite-facies metamorphism; however, the presence of kyanite requires higher pressure conditions corresponding to deeper burial of rocks exposed in the central Adirondacks. The Adirondacks are associated with the Grenville Province of eastern North America, that formed during four orogenic events. The most recent (Grenville) orogeny consisted of two stages: crustal thickening and granulite facies metamorphism during the Ottawan phase (ca 1090-1020) then metamorphism and melting in the kyanite field during the much shorter Rigolet pulse (ca 1005-980 Ma). Preliminary U-Pb SHRIMP zircon ages from Ledge Mountain kyanite-bearing migmatites suggest that melting in the Central AH persisted into the Rigolet phase. On the basis of mineral composition and chemistry and the presence of distinctive quartz-sillimanite nodules, the Ledge Mountain migmatites closely resemble the K-rich phase of the Ottawan-age Lyon Mountain granite (LMG) and may represent LMG that was metamorphosed to sillimanite grade and then overprinted by a higher pressure, lower temperature assemblage. Kyanite-bearing felsic anatectites of Rigolet age have previously been observed only in the western portion of the Grenville Province. Documentation of a counterclockwise P-T path and post-Ottawan melting in the Ledge Mountain migmatites requires re-evaluation of current tectonic models for the Grenville Province and its Adirondacks outlier. Further analysis of age, geochemical, and petrographic data will help develop a better-defined P-T-t path and may lead to the development of a new tectonic model to be compared with other collisional orogens such as Himalaya or the Bohemian Massif of the Variscan orogenic belt.

The Tectonometamorphic Evolution of a 3.2 Ga Tectonic Mélange at the Base of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa: P-T-t Constraints From the Theespruit Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diener, J.; Stevens, G.; Kisters, A.; Poujol, M.

2004-05-01

The Paleo- to Mesoarchaean Barberton granite-greenstone terrain in South Africa consists of two main components: a southern high-grade metamorphic granite-gneiss terrain and the low-grade metamorphic supracrustal sequence of the Barberton greenstone belt in the north. The gneiss terrain records peak metamorphic conditions of 8 - 11 kbar and 650 - 700 °C, attained at 3229 ± 9 Ma (Dziggel et al., 2002), coinciding with the main phase of collisional tectonics in the greenstone belt (De Ronde and De Wit, 1994). Conversely, estimates of 2.6 ± 0.6 kbar and 360 ± 50 °C reflect metamorphic conditions in the low-grade supracrustal at this time (Cloete, 1999). The boundary of the two different domains corresponds to the Theespruit Formation, a highly tectonized mélange of metabasites, felsic volcanics and rare, aluminous clastic sediments. The metamorphic and structural evolution of the Theespruit Formation was investigated in the Tjakastad Schist Belt in order to constrain the tectonometamorphic history and the significance of this basal mélange for the juxtaposition of these two crustal domains. The pretectonic peak metamorphic assemblage Ky-St-Bt-Ms-Pl-Q quartz occurs in aluminous horizons within the metasediments. These horizons are intercalated with more Fe-Mg-rich sediments that record the peak metamorphic assemblage Grt-St-Bt-Chl-Pl-Q. THERMOCALC estimates from the garnet-bearing metasediments constrain peak P-T conditions at 7.7 ± 0.9 kbar and 560 ± 15 °C. Associated metabasites display peak assemblages consisting of garnet + hornblende + epidote + plagioclase + quartz, which yields a P-T estimate of 7.0 ± 1.6 kbar and 560 ± 60 °C. Retrograde estimates of 3.8 ± 1.3 kbar and 543 ± 20 °C, as well as sillimanite overgrowths on kyanite, indicate that retrogression involved close to isothermal decompression of ca. 4 kbar prior to cooling into the greenschist facies. The age of amphibolite facies metamorphism has been determined by in situ LA-ICP-MS analysis of sphene in metabasite and is constrained at 3229 ± 25 Ma. The timing of peak metamorphic conditions in the Theespruit Formation and granite-gneiss terrain are identical and both localities exhibit a similar style of high-P low-T metamorphism with remarkably low apparent geothermal gradients of 18 - 20 °C/km. Thus, rocks of both the Theespruit Formation and the gneiss terrain record burial metamorphism to mid- and lower crustal levels during the main collisional event at 3230 Ma. P-T estimates from the Onverwacht Group some 4 km north of the study area indicate that a metamorphic break of at least 5 kbar, corresponding to a crustal column of ~18 km, exists between these two localities. This investigation has revealed that the metamorphic history of the Theespruit Formation is very similar to that experienced by the granite-gneiss terrain and differs radically from that experienced by the greenstone sequence. This high-grade terrain is allochtonous to the greenstone belt and represents a tectonically exhumed and underplated terrain. The depths of burial and extremely low geothermal gradients recorded in this terrain are only possible in cool and rigid crustal environments, indicating that a modern continental crustal thermal regime must have been established in the Barberton terrain as early as 3230 Ma. Cloete, M. (1999), Mem. Geol. Survey S. Africa, 84, 232pp De Ronde, C.E.J., De Wit, M.J. (1994), Tectonics, 13, 983 - 1005 Dziggel, A., Stevens, G., Poujol, M., Anhaeusser, C.R., Armstrong, R.A. (2002), Precambrian Res., 114, 221 - 247

Organic nitrogen chemistry during low-grade metamorphism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boudou, J.-P.; Schimmelmann, A.; Ader, M.; Mastalerz, Maria; Sebilo, M.; Gengembre, L.

2008-01-01

Most of the organic nitrogen (Norg) on Earth is disseminated in crustal sediments and rocks in the form of fossil nitrogen-containing organic matter. The chemical speciation of fossil Norg within the overall molecular structure of organic matter changes with time and heating during burial. Progressive thermal evolution of organic matter involves phases of enhanced elimination of Norg and ultimately produces graphite containing only traces of nitrogen. Long-term chemical and thermal instability makes the chemical speciation of Norg a valuable tracer to constrain the history of sub-surface metamorphism and to shed light on the subsurface biogeochemical nitrogen cycle and its participating organic and inorganic nitrogen pools. This study documents the evolutionary path of Norg speciation, transformation and elimination before and during metamorphism and advocates the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to monitor changes in Norg speciation as a diagnostic tool for organic metamorphism. Our multidisciplinary evidence from XPS, stable isotopes, traditional quantitative coal analyses, and other analytical approaches shows that at the metamorphic onset Norg is dominantly present as pyrrolic and pyridinic nitrogen. The relative abundance of nitrogen substituting for carbon in condensed, partially aromatic systems (where N is covalently bonded to three C atoms) increases exponentially with increasing metamorphic grade, at the expense of pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen. At the same time, much Norg is eliminated without significant nitrogen isotope fractionation. The apparent absence of Rayleigh-type nitrogen isotopic fractionation suggests that direct thermal loss of nitrogen from an organic matrix does not serve as a major pathway for Norg elimination. Instead, we propose that hot H, O-containing fluids or some of their components gradually penetrate into the carbonaceous matrix and eliminate Norg along a progressing reaction front, without causing nitrogen isotope fractionation in the residual Norg in the unreacted core of the carbonaceous matrix. Before the reaction front can reach the core, an increasing part of core Norg chemically stabilizes in the form of nitrogen atoms substituting for carbon in condensed, partially aromatic systems forming graphite-like structural domains with delocalized ??-electron systems (nitrogen atoms substituting for "graphitic" carbon in natural metamorphic organic matter). Thus, this nitrogen species with a conservative isotopic composition is the dominant form of residual nitrogen at higher metamorphic grade. ?? 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metamorphic sole formation reveals plate interface rheology during early subduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathieu, S.; Agard, P.; Dubacq, B.; Plunder, A.; Prigent, C.

2015-12-01

Metamorphic soles are m to ~500m thick tectonic slices welded beneath most large ophiolites. They correspond to highly to mildly deformed portions of oceanic lithosphere metamorphosed at amphibolite to granulite facies peak conditions. Metamorphic soles are interpreted as formed ≤1-2Ma after intraoceanic subduction initiation by heat transfer from the hot, incipient mantle wegde to the underthrusting lower plate. Their early accretion and exhumation together with the future ophiolite implies at least one jump of the subduction plate interface from above to below the metamorphic sole. Metamorphic soles thus represent one of the few remnants of the very early evolution of the subduction plate interface and provide major constraints on the thermal structure and the effective rheology of the crust and mantle along the nascent slab interface.We herein present a structural and petrological detailed description of the Oman and Turkey metamorphic soles. Both soles present a steep inverted metamorphic structure, with isograds subparallel to the peridotite contact, in which the proportion of mafic rocks, pressure and temperature conditions increase upward. They comprise, as most metamorphic soles worldwide, two main units: (1) a high-grade unit adjacent to the overlying peridotite composed of granulitized to amphibolized metabasalts, with rare metasedimentary interlayers (~800±100ºC at 10±2kbar) and (2) a low-grade greenschist facies unit composed of metasedimentary rocks with rare metatuffs (~500±100ºC at 5±2kbar). We provide for the first time refined P-T peak condition estimations by means of pseudosection modelling and maximum temperature constraints for the Oman low-grade sole by RAMAN thermometry. In order to quantify micro-scale deformations trough the sole, we also present EBSD data on the Oman garnet-bearing and garnet-free high-grade sole.With these new constraints, we finally propose a new conceptual mechanical model for metamorphic sole formation. This model excludes the presence of a continuous inverted metamorphic gradient through the sole but implies the stacking of several homogeneous slivers to constitute the present structure of the sole. These successive thrusts are the result of rheological changes as the plate interface progressively cools.

Deformation sequences of the Day Nui Con Voi metamorphic belt, northern Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, M. W.; Lee, T. Y.; Lo, C. H.; Chung, S. L.; Lan, C. Y.; Lee, J. C.; Lin, T. S.; Lin, Y. J.

2003-04-01

The correlation of structure, microstructure and metamorphic assemblages is of fundamental importance to the understanding of the complex tectonic history and kinematics of the Day Nui Con Voi (DNCV) metamorphic belt in Vietnam along the Ailao Shan-Red River (ASRR) shear zone as it provides constraints on the relative timing of the deformation, kinematics and metamorphism. High-grade metamorphic rocks of amphibolite faces showed consistent deformation sequences of three folding events followed by one brittle deformation through all four cross sections from Lao Cai to Viet Tri indicated the DNCV belt experienced similar deformation condition throughout its length. The first deformation event, D1, produced up-right folds (locally preserved) with sub-vertical, NE-SW striking axial planes with dextral sense of shear probably formed during the early phase of the lowermost Triassic Indosinian orogeny. Followed by this compressional event is a gravitational collapsing event, D2, which is the major deformation and metamorphic event characterized by kyanite grade metamorphism and large scale horizontal folds with NW-SE (320) striking sub-horizontal axial pane showing sinsistral sense of shear most likely formed during the Oligocene-Miocene SE extrusion of Indochina peninsula. The 3rd folding event, D3, is a post-metamorphism doming event with NW-SE (310) striking sub-vertical axial plane that folded/tilted the once sub-horizontal D2 axial planes into shallowly (<30 degrees) NE dipping on the NE limb, and SW dipping on the SW limb possibly due to left-lateral movement of the N-S trending Xian Shui He fault system in Mid-Miocene. The outward decreasing of the metamorphic grade from kyanite to garnet then biotite indicated the D3 occurred post metamorphism. Reactivation of the sub-horizontal D2 fold axial planes showed dextral sense of shear possibly due to Late Miocene-Pliocene right-lateral movement of the ASRR shear zone. This right lateral movement continuously deformed the DNCV with brittle fractures such as joints and normal faults (D4) striking NE-SW to E-W and NW-SE.

Protracted or multiple subduction of metapelites (Rhodope UHP domain, Greece)?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krohe, A.; Wawrzenitz, N. H.; Mposkos, E.; Romer, R. L.

2012-12-01

The Rhodope domain formed along the suture between the European and the Apulian/Adriatic plate, which collided in the early Tertiary (closure of the Vardar/Axios ocean). Its metamorphic history includes UHP metamorphism documented by diamond inclusions in garnet (Mposkos & Kostopoulos 2001, Perraki et al. 2006, Schmidt et al. 2010), presumably of Jurassic age, and Eocene stages of MP and HP metamorphism. The age of UHPM is still a matter of debate: U-Pb SHRIMP ages extend from 184-172 Ma (monazite in metapelites) to ca. 42 Ma with clusters at 170-160, 150-140, 80-60, 50, 42 Ma, (U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircon from amphibolitized eclogites and metapelites). These ages are interpreted to date subsequent stages of (U)HP metamorphism and decompression (Liati et al., 2005, Hoinkes et al. 2008, Bauer et al. 2006, Krenn et al 2010). However, these ages are obviously difficult to link with the metamorphic reactions. The metamorphic history has been interpreted in different ways, reflecting: (i) successive accretion of small terranes with rapid subduction and uplift histories (e.g. Liati et al. 2005); (ii) a composite of different tectonic units varying in earlier P-T histories, assembled by shear zones that reflect tectonic erosion and differential exhumation along the plate interface and that are now erased and overprinted (Krohe and Mposkos, 2002, Mposkos et al., 2010). These interpretations imply a different kinematics of the tectonic movements at depths, mechanical processes and process rates. Additionally, a protracted polymetamorphic history of larger volumes of the Rhodope UHP domain may be considered; e.g. the Kimi complex stayed in the lower crust for ca. 50-60 Ma after exhumation of the UHP rocks to this lower crustal level (Mposkos and Krohe, 2006). To constrain a precise age of the HP granulite facies and a minimum age of UHP metamorphism, we conduct an integrated structural, petrologic and geochronological study in a metapelite from the Sidronero Complex. The mineral assemblages Grt-Ky-Bt-Pl-Kfs-Qtz-Rt and Grt-Ky-Bt-Ms-Pl-Qtz-Rt, record a HP granulite facies metamorphism followed by upper amphibolite facies. The rock is particularly well suited for studying the granulite facies metamorphism, as it contains domains that are only weakly overprinted by later metamorphic episodes. ID-TIMS U-Pb ages of single monazite grains and fractions of few grains, that are only locally patchy-zoned and associated with garnet and kyanite, plot along the concordia between 64 to 60 Ma. One date of 55 Ma might represent Pb-loss during later fluid-induced dissolution-reprecipitation, probably related to biotite growth during the amphibolite facies overprint. On the base of these data, a model is discussed, in which rocks from the upper plate and HP-rocks that have been already exhumed, were dragged again into the subduction channel by subduction erosion Bauer et al. 2006, Lithos, 29, 207-228; Hoinkes et al. 2008, 3rd IGC Oslo, UHP-4; Krenn et al 2010, Tectonics, 29, TC4001; Krohe & Mposkos, 2002, Geol. Soc. Sp. Pub. 204, 151-178; Liati, A., 2005, Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 150, 608-630; Mposkos, & Kostopoulos, 2001, EPSL, 192, 497-506; Mposkos & Krohe, 2006. Can. J. Earth Sci., 43, 1755-1776; Mposkos et al., 2010 Proc. XIX CBGA Congress, 100, 173-178; Perraki et al., 2006, EPSL, 241, 672-685; Schmidt et al., 2010, EJM, 22, 189-198.

Mesoproterozoic syntectonic garnet within Belt Supergroup metamorphic tectonites: Evidence of Grenville-age metamorphism and deformation along northwest Laurentia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nesheim, T.O.; Vervoort, J.D.; McClelland, W.C.; Gilotti, J.A.; Lang, H.M.

2012-01-01

Northern Idaho contains Belt-Purcell Supergroup equivalent metamorphic tectonites that underwent two regional deformational and metamorphic events during the Mesoproterozoic. Garnet-bearing pelitic schists from the Snow Peak area of northern Idaho yield Lu-Hf garnet-whole rock ages of 1085??2. Ma, 1198??79. Ma, 1207??8. Ma, 1255??28. Ma, and 1314??2. Ma. Garnet from one sample, collected from the Clarkia area, was micro-drilled to obtain separate core and rim material that produced ages of 1347??10. Ma and 1102??47. Ma. The core versus rim ages from the micro-drilled sample along with the textural and spatial evidence of the other Lu-Hf garnet ages indicate two metamorphic garnet growth events at ~. 1330. Ma (M1) and ~. 1080. Ma (M2) with the intermediate ages representing mixed ages. Some garnet likely nucleated and grew M1 garnet cores that were later overgrown by younger M2 garnet rims. Most garnet throughout the Clarkia and Snow Peak areas are syntectonic with a regional penetrative deformational fabric, preserved as a strong preferred orientation of metamorphic matrix minerals (e.g., muscovite and biotite). The syntectonic garnets are interpreted to represent one regional, coeval metamorphic and deformation event at ~. 1080. Ma, which overlaps in time with the Grenville Orogeny. The older ~. 1330. Ma ages may represent an extension of the East Kootenay Orogeny described in western Canada. These deformational and metamorphic events indicate that western Laurentia (North America) was tectonically active in the Mesoproterozoic and during the assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia. ?? 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Development and application of laser microprobe techniques for oxygen isotope analysis of silicates, and, fluid/rock interaction during and after granulite-facies metamorphism, highland southwestern complex, Sri Lanka

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elsenheimer, D.W.

1992-01-01

The extent of fluid/rock interaction within the crust is a function of crustal depth, with large hydrothermal systems common in the brittle, hydrostatically pressured upper crust, but restricted fluid flow in the lithostatically pressured lower crust. To quantify this fluid/rock interaction, a Nd-YAG/CO[sub 2] laser microprobe system was constructed to analyze oxygen isotope ratios in silicates. Developed protocols produce high precision in [sigma][sup 18]O ([+-]0.2, 1[sigma]) and accuracy comparable to conventional extraction techniques on samples of feldspar and quartz as small as 0.3mg. Analysis of sub-millimeter domains in quartz and feldspar in granite from the Isle of Skye, Scotland, revealsmore » complex intragranular zonation. Contrasting heterogeneous and homogeneous [sigma][sup 18]O zonation patterns are revealed in samples <10m apart. These differences suggest fluid flow and isotopic exchange was highly heterogeneous. It has been proposed that granulite-facies metamorphism in the Highland Southwestern Complex (HSWC), Sri Lanka, resulted from the pervasive influx of CO[sub 2], with the marbles and calc-silicates within the HSWC a proposed fluid source. The petrologic and stable isotopic characteristic of HSWC marbles are inconsistent with extensive decarbonation. Wollastonite calc-silicates occur as deformed bands and as post-metamorphis veins with isotopic compositions that suggest vein fluids that are at least in part magmatic. Post-metamorphic magmatic activity is responsible for the formation of secondary disseminated graphite growth in the HSWC. This graphite has magmatic isotopic compositions and is associated with vein graphite and amphibolite-granulite facies transitions zones. Similar features in Kerela Khondalite Belt, South India, may suggest a common metamorphic history for the two terranes.« less

Regional and contact metamorphism within the Moy Intrusive Complex, Grampian Highlands, Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaleski, E.

1985-04-01

In central Scotland, the Moy Intrusive Complex consists of (1) the Main Phase — syntectonic peraluminous granodiorite to granite emplaced at c. 455 Ma, intruded by (2) the Finglack Alaskite — post-tectonic leucocratic granite emplaced at 407+/-5 Ma. The Main Phase was emplaced into country rocks at amphibolite facies temperatures. Rb-Sr dates and a compositional spectrum of decreasing celadonite content in Main Phase muscovite suggest the persistence of c. 550° C temperatures for c. 30 Ma but with a declining pressure regime, i.e. isothermal uplift. The Finglack Alaskite was intruded at high structural level, leading to the development of a contact metamorphic aureole in the Main Phase. The thermal effects of contact metamorphism include intergrowths of andalusite, biotite and feldspar in pseudomorphs after muscovite. This is associated with recrystallized granoblastic quartz. Muscovite breakdown and reaction with adjacent biotite, quartz and feldspar, i.e. a function of local mineral assemblage rather than bulk rock composition, is postulated to explain the occurrence of metamorphic andalusite in a granitoid rock. The Main Phase pluton of the Moy Intrusive Complex lies within a NNE trending belt of c. 450 Ma Caledonian tectonic and magmatic activity paralleling the Moine Thrust, and extending from northern Scotland to the Highland Boundary Fault. Syntectonic ‘S-type’ magmatism with upper crustal source areas implies crustal thickening and suggests an intracratonic orogeny.

Inheritance, Variscan tectonometamorphic evolution and Permian to Mesozoic rejuvenations in the metamorphic basement complexes of the Romanian Carpathians revealed by monazite microprobe geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Săbău, Gavril; Negulescu, Elena

2014-05-01

Monazite U-Th-Pb chemical dating reaches an acceptable compromise between precision and accuracy on one side, and spatial resolution and textural constraints on the other side. Thus it has a powerful potential in testing the coherence of individual metamorphic basement units, and enabling correlations among them. Yet, sensitivity and specificity issues in monazite response to thermotectonic events, especially in the case of superposed effects, remain still unclear. Monazite dating at informative to detailed scale in the main metamorphic basement units of the Carpathians resulted in complex age spectra. In the main, the spectra are dominated by the most pervasive thermal and structural overprint, as checked against independent geochronological data. Post-peak age resetting is mostly present, but statistically subordinate. Resetting in case of superposed events is correlated with the degree of textural and paragenetic overprinting, inheritances being always indicated by more or less well-defined age clusters. The lack of relict ages correlating with prograde structural and porphyroblast zonation patterns is indicative for juvenile formations. Age data distribution in the Carpathians allowed distinction of pre-Variscan events, syn-metamorphic Variscan tectonic stacking of juvenile and reworked basement, post-Variscan differential tectonic uplift, as well as prograde metamorphic units ranging down to Upper Cretaceous ages. In the South Carpathians, the Alpine Danubian domain consists of several Variscan and Alpine thrust sheets containing a metamorphic complex dominated by Upper Proterozoic to Lower Cambrian metamorphic and magmatic ages (Lainici-Păiuş), and several complexes with metamorphic overprints ranging from Carboniferous to Lower Permian. Any correlation among these units, as well as geotectonic models placing a Lower Paleozoic oceanic domain between pre-existing Lainici-Păiuş and Drăgşan terranes are precluded by the age data. Other basement of the South Carpathians contain lower Paleozoic or older units intruded by Ordovician granitoids, imbricated with juvenile Variscan slivers, the structural sequence differing in individual basement complexes. So, in the Leaota Massif the lowermost term of the sequence is prograde Variscan, tectonically overlain by reworked lower Paleozoic gneisses, supporting thrust sheets with very low- to low-grade Variscan schists. In the Făgăraş Massif a lower Paleozoic (Cumpăna) complex bearing a strong Variscan overprint, straddles Variscan juvenile rocks, and the lowermost visible structural level is assumed by upper Carboniferous to Permian juvenile medium-grade metamorphic schists. In the Lotru Metamorphic Suite of the Alpine Getic Nappe, the Variscan stacking is overprinted by post-orogenic differential uplift, documented by the correlation among younging ages, structural and metamorphic low-pressure overprints, recording often higher metamorphic temperatures. The most spectacular structure is Upper Jurassic in age, contains high-grade metamorphic rocks and peraluminous anatectic granitoids, is outlined by a deformed boundary evolving from ductile to brittle regime during cooling, and induces a thermal overprint in the neighbouring rocks. In the basement units thrust over the Getic Nappe, the Sibişel unit yielded Permian prograde peak metamorphic ages and Triassic post-peak overprints, while an adjacent gneissic unit (Laz) delivered an exclusively Cretaceous age pattern. Unexpectedly young metamorphic ages resulted also for the East Carpathians and the Apuseni Mountains. While most of the ages obtained so far correspond to Variscan retrogression of older basement units, the lowermost structural unit of the infra-Bucovinian nappe system in the East Carpathians yielded Upper Cretaceous metamorphic ages in apparently monometamorphic medium-grade schists. In the Apuseni Mountains, schists of the Baia de Arieş Unit display an Upper Jurassic age spectrum, corresponding to a clearly prograde medium-grade event. The ages recorded not only question some of the currently accepted correlations among basement units, but urge to reconsideration of the way in which the basement-cover relationships are interpreted and extrapolated.

2.8 {mu}m emission from type-I quantum wells grown on InAs{sub x}P{sub 1-x}/InP metamorphic graded buffers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jung, Daehwan; Song, Yuncheng; Larry Lee, Minjoo

We report 2.8 {mu}m emission from compressively strained type-I quantum wells (QWs) grown on InP-based metamorphic InAs{sub x}P{sub 1-x} step-graded buffers. High quality metamorphic graded buffers showed smooth surface morphology and low threading dislocation densities of approximately 2.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 6} cm{sup -2}. High-resolution x-ray diffraction scans showed strong satellites from multiple quantum wells grown on metamorphic buffers, and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed smooth and coherent quantum well interfaces. Room-temperature photoluminescence emission at 2.8 {mu}m with a narrow linewidth ({approx}50 meV) shows the promise of metamorphic growth for mid-infrared laser diodes on InP.

Li/B ratio in deep fluids an indicator of their generation depth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirajima, Takao; Sengen, Yoshiteru; Nishimura, Koshi; Ohsawa, Shinji

2010-05-01

Deep fluids derived from subducted terrestrial materials significantly affect and cause various physicochemical processes in the subduction zone, e.g., earthquakes in the subducting plate, partial melting in the mantle wedge, which causes island arc volcanism, the exhumation of high pressure metamorphic rocks, and so on (e.g., Schmidt and Poli, 1998). However, nature of deep fluids is still under the deep veil. To evaluate precisely the effect of deep fluids which affect various subduction processes, following aspects concerning the nature of deep fluids should be evaluated well, 1) the depths and the amounts of fluid release, 2) species and compositions of fluids, 3) the fluid paths and scale of motion, and etc. (e.g., Scambelluri and Philippot, 2001). In recent years, the depths and amounts of fluid release become to be evaluated well by synthetic experiments and thermodynamic calculation in the basaltic system (e.g., Schmidt and Poli, 1998; Hacker et al., 2003). The information on species and compositions of fluids can be obtained directly from fluid inclusions trapping in natural HP/UHP metamorphic rocks, but quantitative analyses of their major and trace element composition are still in the hard task. This paper reports the Li-B-Cl ratio of deep fluids extracted from quartz veins/lenses developing parallel to the main foliation of LT/HP type metamorphic rocks crystallized from 20 to 60 km depths in the Sanbagawa belt, Japan. The quartz veins crosscutting the main foliation, i.e., formed during the retrograde stage, are out of scope in this paper. Raman spectroscopy for fluid inclusions in quartz veins/lenses reveals that most inclusions are composed of aqueous liquid and gas species of CO2, CH4 and/or N2. Aqueous bubble was not detected. Microthermometry for them reveals that freezing temperature varies from -15oC to 0oC .Rough negative correlation is detected between the freezing temperature and homogenization temperature (120-450 oC). These results suggest that the fluid inclusions in the studied specimens were produced during multi-stages, probably higher salinity syn-metamorphic ones and lower salinity post-peak metamorphic ones. The deep fluids contained in the quartz veins/lenses were leached into the extra-pure water by the crush leaching technique, mainly following Banks and Yardley (1992) and Bottrell et al. (1988). Composition in the leached fluids was analyzed using gas-chromatography and ICP-MS. All extracted fluids are characterized by significantly lower Cl/(Lix2000+Bx500+Cl) (<0.2) ratio than the value of the modern sea water (ca. 0.8). Li(x2000)/B(x500) ratio of extracted fluids varies from 0.1 to 1.0 and shows a positive correlation with the metamorphic grade of the host rock., i.e., ca. 0.1 in the chlorite zone, ca. 0.2 in the garnet zone, ca. 0.4 in the biotite zone and 0.4-1.0 in the eclogite unit. Literature data of Li-B contents in natural HP metamorphic rocks suggest that Li/B ration of dehydrated fluid released from subducted meta-basalts increases with the metamorphic depth (Marschall et al., 2006; 2007). These evidences suggest that Li/B ratio of deep fluids has a potential evaluating the generated depth, although there remains several factors which control should Li/B ration ratio in the fluid should be clarified.

Identifying Early Paleozoic tectonic relations in a region affected by post-Taconian transcurrent faulting, an example from the PA-DE Piedmont

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alcock, J.; Wagner, M.E.; Srogi, L.A.

1993-03-01

Post-Taconian transcurrent faulting in the Appalachian Piedmont presents a significant problem to workers attempting to reconstruct the Early Paleozoic tectonic history. One solution to the problem is to identify blocks that lie between zones of transcurrent faulting and that retain the Early Paleozoic arrangement of litho-tectonic units. The authors propose that a comparison of metamorphic histories of different units can be used to recognize blocks of this type. The Wilmington Complex (WC) arc terrane, the pre-Taconian Laurentian margin rocks (LM) exposed in basement-cored massifs, and the Wissahickon Group metapelites (WS) that lie between them are three litho-tectonic units in themore » PA-DE Piedmont that comprise a block assembled in the Early Paleozoic. Evidence supporting this interpretation includes: (1) Metamorphic and lithologic differences across the WC-WS contact and detailed geologic mapping of the contact that suggest thrusting of the WC onto the WS; (2) A metamorphic gradient in the WS with highest grade, including spinel-cordierite migmatites, adjacent to the WC indicating that peak metamorphism of the WS resulted from heating by the WC; (3) A metamorphic discontinuity at the WS-LM contact, evidence for emplacement of the WS onto the LM after WS peak metamorphism; (4) A correlation of mineral assemblage in the Cockeysville Marble of the LM with distance from the WS indicating that peak metamorphism of the LM occurred after emplacement of the WS; and (5) Early Paleozoic lower intercept zircon ages for the LM that are interpreted to date Taconian regional metamorphism. Analysis of metamorphism and its timing relative to thrusting suggest that the WS was associated with the WC before the WS was emplaced onto the LM during the Taconian. It follows that these units form a block that has not been significantly disrupted by later transcurrent shear.« less

Mesozoic thermal history and timing of structural events for the Yukon-Tanana Upland, east-central Alaska: 40Ar/39Ar data from metamorphic and plutonic rocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dusel-Bacon, C.; Lanphere, M.A.; Sharp, W.D.; Layer, P.W.; Hansen, V.L.

2002-01-01

We present new 40Ar/39Ar ages for hornblende, muscovite, and biotite from metamorphic and plutonic rocks from the Yukon-Tanana Upland, Alaska. Integration of our data with published 40Ar/39Ar, kinematic, and metamorphic pressure (P) and temperature (T) data confirms and refines the complex interaction of metamorphism and tectonism proposed for the region. The oldest metamorphic episode(s) postdates Middle Permian magmatism and predates the intrusion of Late Triassic (215-212 Ma) granitoids into the Fortymile River assemblage (Taylor Mountain assemblage of previous papers). In the eastern Eagle quadrangle, rapid and widespread Early Jurassic cooling is indicated by ???188-186 Ma 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages for hornblende from plutons that intrude the Fortymile River assemblage, and for metamorphic minerals from the Fortymile River assemblage and the structurally underlying Nasina assemblage. We interpret these Early Jurassic ages to represent cooling resulting from northwest-directed contraction that emplaced the Fortymile River assemblage onto the Nasina assemblage to the north as well as the Lake George assemblage to the south. This cooling was the final stage of a continuum of subduction-related contraction that produced crustal thickening, intermediate- to high-P metamorphism within both the Fortymile River assemblage and the structurally underlying Lake George assemblage, and Late Triassic and Early Jurassic plutonism in the Fortymile River and Nasina assemblages. Although a few metamorphic samples from the Lake George assemblage yield Jurassic 40Ar/39Ar cooling ages, most yield Early Cretaceous 40Ar/39Ar ages: hornblende ???135-115 Ma, and muscovite and biotite ???110-108 Ma. We interpret the Early Cretaceous metamorphic cooling, in most areas, to have resulted from regional extension and exhumation of the lower plate, previously tectonically thickened during Early Jurassic and older convergence.

Early Temporal Effects of Three Thyroid Hormone Synthesis Inhibitors in Xenopus laevis

EPA Science Inventory

Thyroid axis disruption is an important consideration when evaluating the risks associated with chemicals. Bioassay methods that include thyroid-related endpoints have been developed in a variety of species, including amphibians, whose metamorphic development is thyroid hormone ...

U-Pb zircon and CHIME monazite dating of granitoids and high-grade metamorphic rocks from the Eastern and Peninsular Thailand - A new report of Early Paleozoic granite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawakami, T.; Nakano, N.; Higashino, F.; Hokada, T.; Osanai, Y.; Yuhara, M.; Charusiri, P.; Kamikubo, H.; Yonemura, K.; Hirata, T.

2014-07-01

In order to understand the age and tectonic framework of Eastern to Peninsular Thailand from the viewpoint of basement (metamorphic and plutonic) geology, the LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating and the chemical Th-U-total Pb isochron method (CHIME) monazite dating were performed in the Khao Chao, Hub-Kapong to Pran Buri, and Khanom areas in Eastern to Peninsular Thailand. The LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating of the garnet-hornblende gneiss from the Khao Chao area gave 229 ± 3 Ma representing the crystallization age of the gabbro, and that of the garnet-biotite gneisses gave 193 ± 4 Ma representing the timing of an upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. The CHIME monazite dating of pelitic gneiss from the Khao Chao gneiss gave scattered result of 68 ± 22 Ma, due to low PbO content and rejuvenation of older monazite grains during another metamorphism in the Late Cretaceous to Tertiary time. The U-Pb ages of zircon from the Hua Hin gneissic granite in the Hub-Kapong to Pran Buri area scatter from 250 Ma to 170 Ma on the concordia. Granite crystallization was at 219 ± 2 Ma, followed by the sillimanite-grade regional metamorphism at 185 ± 2 Ma. Monazite in the pelitic gneiss from this area also preserves Early to Middle Jurassic metamorphism and rejuvenation by later contact metamorphism by non-foliated granite or by another fluid infiltration event in the Late Cretaceous to Tertiary time. The Khao Dat Fa granite from the Khanom area of Peninsular Thailand gave a U-Pb zircon age of 477 ± 7 Ma. This is the second oldest granite pluton ever reported from Thailand, and is a clear evidence for the Sibumasu block having a crystalline basement that was formed during the Pan-African Orogeny. The Khao Pret granite gives U-Pb zircon concordia age of 67.5 ± 1.3 Ma, which represents the timing of zircon crystallization from the granitic melt and accompanied sillimanite-grade contact metamorphism against surrounding metapelites and gneisses. Metamorphic rocks in the Doi Inthanon area also share the similar plutono-metamorphic history with the Khanom and the Hub-Kapong to Pran Buri areas. This suggests that these three areas belong to the Sibumasu block, and the Sibumasu block records similar plutono-metamorphic history from Northern to Peninsular Thailand. Relative abundance of oceanic components in the Khao Chao gneiss, their Late Triassic magmatic ages, and the Early Jurassic metamorphic ages prefer the interpretation that the Khao Chao gneiss belongs to the Sukhothai Arc.

Magnetotelluric and Audio-magnetotelluric measurements in Alasehir Graben for geothermal exploration purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tekesin-Cankurtaranlar, Ozge; Tuysuz, Okan; Riza Kilic, Ali

2017-04-01

In this study, we present the results of Magnetotelluric (MT) and Audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) soundings over a potential geothermal field. Study area is located in the northeasternmost part of the Alasehir (or Gediz) Graben, Western Anatolia, which is delimited by NW-SE trending fault systems and is filled by Miocene to Recent sediments. Study area is also very close to the Kula Quaternary volcanic region, a possible geothermal heat source for the region, last eruption of which was 12.000 years ago. Relatively thin crust, high heat flow values and intense tectonic activity of the Western Anatolia possibly refers to the high geothermal potential. In fact, along the southern and central part of the graben there are many productive areas reaching up to 300 degrees Celsius. By this motivation, to determine the geothermal potential of the study area MT and AMT measurements had been carried out on a total of 45 stations covering about 8 km2 area. All profiles shows higher resistivity values (>140 ohm.m) at greater depths, possibly indicating a metamorphic basement covered by Miocene to Recent sediments. This metamorphic basement gets shallower towards the North where the geothermally weathered schists and marbles crop out. Furthermore, a normal fault interface between metamorphic basement and Neogene sediments shows high resistivity contrast. Results indicate that the metamorphic basement is a less conductive block located at a depth of 1500 - 2000 m at the south and gets shallower towards the north as normal fault blocks.

Metamorphism of CO3 Chondrites: A Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newton, J.; Arden, J. W.; Pillinger, C. T.

1992-07-01

Our previous work involving carbon and nitrogen abundance and isotopic composition of Ornans group chondrites (1) has shown that these measurements have the potential for investigating parent body metamorphism, and we now expand this study. The HF/HCl residues of Colony, Kainsaz, Ornans, Lance and Acfer 094 show unimodal carbon yield profiles. The peak yields are seen to increase as a function of temperature according to known petrologic subtype (2), revealing a concordant increase in the crystallinity of the amorphous carbon with progressive metamorphism. Only the least metamorphosed Colony and Acfer 094 residues display any evidence of presolar silicon carbide. The inference here is that silicon carbide is destroyed during only mild metamorphism. Chromic and perchloric acid residues have revealed that CO3 diamonds are characterized by delta^13C minima of between -34.3o/oo and -40.3o/oo and delta^15N minima of -342+-9.2o/oo, consistent with similar work on other chondrites (3). C/N ratios of diamonds have been used as indicators of relative metamorphic grade (3,4), as nitrogen-rich diamonds are presumed to be lost progressively during metamorphism (5). On this basis, Colony has undergone a much lesser degree of metamorphism than Kainsaz or Lance which are less distinguishable on a C/N plot. An experiment on Ornans which provided only incomplete data suggests that its C/N plateau lies slightly above that of Colony, in agreement with its subtype. The diamond contents of these meteorites are 135 ppm (Colony), 61 ppm (Kainsaz) and 59 ppm (Lance), showing that diamond is present to moderate grades of metamorphism. Carbon data for silicon carbide has been acquired for Colony, Kainsaz and Lance from high temperature experiments on the diamond residues. The amount of SiC in Colony is now established as about 1 ppm of the whole-rock. Neither Kainsaz nor Lance show evidence of silicon carbide, although both show a heavy carbon component combusting around 800 degrees C. There is about 26 times as much of this component in Kainsaz as there is in Lance, and an unresolvable amount in Colony. A precombusted HF/HCl residue of Acfer 094 has demonstrated a SiC content of around 7 ppm, equivalent to values expected for CM2's and further questioning the legitimacy of assigning Acfer 094 to the CO3 group. The data acquired so far shows that these meteorites contain diamond with nitrogen concentrations which range between CV3 and CM2 averages. Only the 3.0 subtypes contain silicon carbide. There seems to be a hiatus between subtypes 3.0 and 3.1, where silicon carbide is completely destroyed, and the diamond content is halved. This is analagous to the discontinuity between ordinary chondrite subtypes 3.4 and 3.5 (4), although at a higher metamorphic grade and suggests that silicon carbide is more susceptible to metamorphic destruction under the oxidizing conditions of the CO3 group than diamond. The effect is still not yet understood, but is likely to be an important parameter in distinguishing nebular and parent body effects. The fact that Indarch, a highly reduced enstatite chondrite, shows the opposite effect, i.e. a high SiC-to-diamond ratio clearly has implications for understanding the destruction of presolar grains by metamorphism under different conditions. References 1. Newton, J. et al. (1992) LPSC XXIII 985-986. 2. Scott, E.R.D. & Jones, R.H. (1990) Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 54 2485-2502. 3. Russell, S.S. et al. (1990) Science 254 1188-1191. 4. Huss, G.R. (1990) Nature 347 159-162. 5. Russell, S.S. et al. (1992) LPSC XXIII 1187-1188.

Interpretation of zircon coronae textures from metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone, northern Italy: two-stage decomposition of Fe-Ti oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovaleva, Elizaveta; Austrheim, Håkon O.; Klötzli, Urs S.

2017-07-01

In this study, we report the occurrence of zircon coronae textures in metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone. Unusual zircon textures are spatially associated with Fe-Ti oxides and occur as (1) vermicular-shaped aggregates 50-200 µm long and 5-20 µm thick and as (2) zircon coronae and fine-grained chains, hundreds of micrometers long and ≤ 1 µm thick, spatially associated with the larger zircon grains. Formation of such textures is a result of zircon precipitation during cooling after peak metamorphic conditions, which involved: (1) decomposition of Zr-rich ilmenite to Zr-bearing rutile, and formation of the vermicular-shaped zircon during retrograde metamorphism and hydration; and (2) recrystallization of Zr-bearing rutile to Zr-depleted rutile intergrown with quartz, and precipitation of the submicron-thick zircon coronae during further exhumation and cooling. We also observed hat-shaped grains that are composed of preexisting zircon overgrown by zircon coronae during stage (2). Formation of vermicular zircon (1) preceded ductile and brittle deformation of the host rock, as vermicular zircon is found both plastically and cataclastically deformed. Formation of thin zircon coronae (2) was coeval with, or immediately after, brittle deformation as coronae are found to fill fractures in the host rock. The latter is evidence of local, fluid-aided mobility of Zr. This study demonstrates that metamorphic zircon can nucleate and grow as a result of hydration reactions and mineral breakdown during cooling after granulite-facies metamorphism. Zircon coronae textures indicate metamorphic reactions in the host rock and establish the direction of the reaction front.

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotope studies of the regional metamorphic complex at Naxos, Greece

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rye, R.O.; Schuiling, R.D.; Rye, D.M.; Jansen, J.B.H.

1976-01-01

At Naxos, Greece, a migmatite dome is surrounded by schists and marbles of decreasing metamorphic grade. Sillimanite, kyanite, biotite, chlorite, and glaucophane zones are recognized at successively greater distances from the migmatite dome. Quartz-muscovite and quartz-biotite oxygen isotope and mineralogie temperatures range from 350 to 700??C. The metamorphic complex can be divided into multiple schist-rich (including migmatites) and marblerich zones. The ??18O values of silicate minerals in migmatite and schist units and quartz segregations in the schist-rich zones decrease with increase in metamorphic grades. The calculated ??18OH2O values of the metamorphic fluids in the schist-rich zones decrease from about 15??? in the lower grades to an average of about 8.5??? in the migmatite. The ??D values of OH-minerals (muscovite, biotite, chlorite, and glaucophane) in the schist-rich zones also decrease with increase in grade. The calculated ??DH2O values for the metamorphic fluid decrease from -5??? in the glaucophane zone to an average of about -70??? in the migmatite. The ??D values of water in fluid inclusions in quartz segregations in the higher grade rocks are consistent with this trend. The??18O values of silicate minerals and quartz segregations in marble-rich zones are usually very large and were controlled by exchange with the adjacent marbles. The ??D values of the OH minerals in some marble-rich zones may reflect the value of water contained in the rocks prior to metamorphism. Detailed data on 20 marble units show systematic variations of ??18O values which depend upon metamorphic grade. Below the 540??C isograd very steep ??18O gradients at the margins and large ??18O values in the interior of the marbles indicate that oxygen isotope exchange with the adjacent schist units was usually limited to the margins of the marbles with more exchange occurring in the stratigraphic bottom than in the top margins. Above the 540??C isograd lower ??18O values occur in the interior of the marble units reflecting a greater degree of recrystallization and the occurrence of Ca-Mg-silicates. Almost all the ??13C values of the marbles are in the range of unaltered marine limestones. Nevertheless, the ??13C values of most marble units show a general correlation with ??18O values. The CO2 H2O mole ratio of fluid inclusions in quartz segregations range from 0.01 to 2. The??13C values of the CO2 range from -8.0 to 3.6??? and indicate that at some localities CO2 in the metamorphic fluid was not in carbon isotopic equilibrium with the marbles. ?? 1976.

Phase equilibria modelling and zircon dating for Precambrian metapelites from Xinghuadukou Group in Lvlin Forest of Erguna Massif, NE China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiulei; Zheng, Changqing; Tajcmanova, Lucie; Zhong, Xin; Xu, Xuechun; Han, Xiaomeng; Wang, Zhaoyuan

2017-04-01

Xinghuadukou Group, the basement metamorphic complex of Erguna Massif in NE China, is considered to be Mesoproterozoic with Sm-Nd age of 1157±32 Ma. However, the new zircon data from these metamorphic supracrustal rocks in Lvlin Forest show that they formed in Neoproterozoic with the age of 800 Ma. Old zircon age with 2.5 Ga, 2.0 Ga and 1.8 Ga, indicate that the Erguna Massif had an affinity to both Columbia and Rodinia continents. Furthermore, we also present 500 Ma metamorphic age in micashists and 500 Ma age of adjacent granitoids that might have thermally influenced its surrounding. No detailed studies have been undertaken on the metamorphic evolution of the Xinghuadukou Complex. The typical paragneissic mineral assemblage of garnet sillimanite mica schist is Grt+Sil+Bt+Mus+Qtz±Kfs. (Zhou et al., 2011) proposed that the Xinghuadukou Complex appears to have undergone similar granulite facies metamorphic conditions based on the similarity of mineral assemblages to the Mashan Complex in the Jiamusi Massif, NE China. However, the new phase equilibria modelling result shows that these rocks are high amphibolite facies product with 650℃. We can easily find K-feldspar formed by partial melting due to the consuming of muscovite. Also the remaining muscovite is directly connected with a fluid channel in thin sections which indicate that the remaining muscovite formed from retrograde with the existence of fluid. The zoned garnet has low MgO and high CaO content in rims and high MgO and low CaO content in core. It seems that this garnet has high pressure and low temperature (HP-LT) in rims and low pressure and high temperature (LP-HT) in core which would point to an anti-clockwise metamorphic evolution. Zhou, J.B., Wilde, S.A., Zhang, X.Z., Zhao, G.C., Liu, F.L., Qiao, D.W., Ren, S.M. and Liu, J.H., 2011b. A> 1300km late Pan-African metamorphic belt in NE China: new evidence from the Xing'an block and its tectonic implications. Tectonophysics, 509(3): 280-292.

Deciphering the tectonometamorphis history of the Anarak Metamorphic Complex, Central Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanchetta, Stefano; Malaspina, Nadia; Zanchi, Andrea; Martin, Silvana; Benciolini, Luca; Berra, Fabrizio; Javadi, Hamid Reza; Koohpeyma, Meysam; Ghasemi, Mohammad R.; Sheikholeslami, Mohammad Reza

2014-05-01

The Cimmerian orogeny shaped the southern margin of Eurasia during the Late Permian and the Triassic. Several microplates, detached from Gondwana in the Early Permian, migrated northward to be accreted to the Eurasia margin. In the reconstruction of such orogenic event Iran is a key area. The occurrence of several "ophiolites" belt of various age, from Paleozoic to Cretaceous, poses several questions on the possibility that a single rather than multiple Paleotethys sutures occur between Eurasia and Iran. In this scenario the Anarak region in Central Iran still represents a conundrum. Contrasting geochronological, paleontological, paleomagnetic data and reported field evidence suggest different origins for the Anarak Metamorphic Complex (AMC). The AMC is either interpreted to be part of microplate of Gondwanan affinity, a relic of an accretionary wedge developed at the Eurasia margin during the Paleothetys subduction or part of the Cimmerian suture zone, occurring in NE Iran, displaced to central Iran by counterclockwise rotation of the central Iranian blocks from the Triassic. Our field structural data, petrographic and geochemical data, carried out in the frame of the DARIUS PROGRAMME, indicate that the AMC is not a single coherent block, but it consists of several units (Morghab, Chah Gorbeh, Patyar, Palhavand Gneiss, Lakh Marble, Doshak and dismembered "ophiolites") which display different tectonometamorphic evolutions. The Morghab and Chah Gorbeh units share a common history and they preserve, as a peculiar feature within metabasites, a prograde metamorphism with sin- to post-deformation growth of blueschists facies assemblages on pre-existing greenschist facies mineralogical associations. LT-HP metamorphism responsible for the growth of sodic amphibole has been recognized also within marble lenses at the southern limit of the Chah Gorbeh unit. Finally, evidence of LT-HP metamorphism also occur in the metabasites and possibly also in the serpentinites that form most of the "ophiolites" within the AMC. Structural analyses show that the Chah Gorbeh, Morghab units and the "ophiolites" have been tectonically coupled during at least two deformational phases that occurred at greenschist facies conditions and predate the LT-HP metamorphic overprint. Available geochronological data loosely constraints the subduction event in the Late Permian - Early Triassic times. Subsequent deformation events that occurred during the whole Mesozoic and the Cenozoic up to the Miocene and possibly later, resulted in folding, thrusting and faulting that dismembered the original tectonic contacts. Therefore, the correlations among deformation structures and metamorphic events in the different units are not straightforward. The other units of the AMC lack evidence of HP metamorphism, especially the Lakh Marble a large thrust sheet that occupies the uppermost structural position in the AMC. The contact with the underlying units is invariably tectonic, thus no original relationships have been preserved. So, if structural and petrographic data point out an accretionary wedge setting for the evolution of the Chah Gorbeh, Morghab and the "ophiolites", geodynamic significance and paleogeographic attribution of other units still remain controversial. In progress U-Pb dating of undeformed intrusive bodies and metamorphic minerals in the LT-HP rocks will soon help to better constrain the evolution of the ACM.

U-Th-PbT Monazite Gechronology in the South Carpathian Basement: Variscan Syn-Metamorphic Tectonic Stacking and Long-Lasting Post-Peak Decompressional Overprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Săbău, G.; Negulescu, E.

2012-12-01

Dating metamorphic events appears to be unsatisfactorily addressed by most of the widely-employed and otherwise accurate and productive isotopic techniques, because the phases and systems investigated do not directly relate to the metamorphic events themselves. An adequate answer to this challenge is instead provided by microprobe-assisted chemical U-Th-PbT monazite geochronology, by its spatial resolution, truly in situ character and the possibility to reference analyses against well-defined textural environments and features, as well as a qualitative timeframe derived therefrom. Though chemical U-Th-PbT monazite geochronology is increasingly applied to seek answers ranging form a general characterization to fine details of the thermotectonic evolution of magmatic and metamorphic rocks, there are so far, unlike in the case of isotopic geochronological methods, no clearly defined standard analytical and data processing protocols. Two main reasons for this have to be mentioned, namely that chemical U-Th-PbT chronology is actually a proxy for isotopic geochronology, and the quantification of the errors and their propagation cannot be directly assessed because apparent ages are related to the measured element concentrations by an implicit function, the law of radioactive decay. Current approaches rely on treating calculated individual age values as primary data, a priori grouping of analyses supposed (and subsequently tested) to be coeval, and their statistical processing in order to obtain age values. An alternative approach we applied in basement units of the South Carpathians consists in an explicit approximation of the age formula and associated errors propagated from element concentrations to age values, and individual treatment of each age datum. The separation of the age clusters from the overall age spectrum of each sample was operated by tracing the variations of the normalized age gradient on the age spectrum sorted by increasing age values, and fine-tuned by comparison with the general probability function calculated from all individual age and error values. Monazite chemical compositions and variations, in connection with the textural and zonal setting of the analyzed spots, were used to estimate the geological relevance of the derived age clusters, along with inter-sample comparisons anchored on granitoid samples displaying well-expressed age plateaus, conspicuously related to consolidation and emplacement ages. The resultant ages are consistent with sandwiching of juvenile Variscan metamorphic units and slivers of reworked older basement fragments in structurally coherent sequences, formed by syn/late-metamorphic tectonic stacking. Differential exhumation and ensuing areal or local lower pressure overprinting initiated in early Permian lasted up until the Late Jurassic. The age distribution of the pervasive metamorphic overprints, in consistency with the variation of the metamorphic conditions recorded, requires a partial revision and an iterative adjustment between determined ages and metamorphic features, and the lithostratigraphic separations operated in several basement units of the South Carpathians. Acknowledgements Grant PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0030 by the Romanian Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI)

The timing of tertiary metamorphism and deformation in the Albion-Raft River-Grouse Creek metamorphic core complex, Utah and Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Strickland, A.; Miller, E.L.; Wooden, J.L.

2011-01-01

The Albion-Raft River-Grouse Creek metamorphic core complex of southern Idaho and northern Utah exposes 2.56-Ga orthogneisses and Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks that were intruded by 32-25-Ma granitic plutons. Pluton emplacement was contemporaneous with peak metamorphism, ductile thinning of the country rocks, and top-to-thewest, normal-sense shear along the Middle Mountain shear zone. Monazite and zircon from an attenuated stratigraphic section in the Middle Mountain were dated with U-Pb, using a SHRIMP-RG (reverse geometry) ion microprobe. Zircons from the deformed Archean gneiss preserve a crystallization age of 2532 ?? 33 Ma, while monazites range from 32.6 ?? 0.6 to 27.1 ?? 0.6 Ma. In the schist of the Upper Narrows, detrital zircons lack metamorphic overgrowths, and monazites produced discordant U-Pb ages that range from 52.8 ?? 0.6 to 37.5 ?? 0.3 Ma. From the structurally and stratigraphically highest unit sampled, the schist of Stevens Spring, narrow metamorphic rims on detrital zircons yield ages from 140-110 Ma, and monazite grains contained cores that yield an age of 141 ??2 Ma, whereas rims and some whole grains ranged from 35.5 ?? 0.5 to 30.0 ?? 0.4 Ma. A boudinaged pegmatite exposed in Basin Creek is deformed by the Middle Mountains shear zone and yields a monazite age of 27.6 ?? 0.2 Ma. We interpret these data to indicate two periods of monazite and metamorphic zircon growth: a poorly preserved Early Cretaceous period (???140 Ma) that is strongly overprinted by Oligocene metamorphism (???32-27 Ma) related to regional plutonism and extension. ?? 2011 by The University of Chicago.

Pyrite deformation and connections to gold mobility: insight from micro-structural analysis and trace element mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubosq, Renelle; Rogowitz, Anna; Lawley, Christopher; Schneider, David; Jackson, Simon

2017-04-01

Pyrite is an important and ubiquitous gold-bearing phase in many orogenic gold deposits making the study of its deformation behaviour under metamorphic conditions crucial to the understanding of gold (re)mobilization. However, pyrite deformation mechanisms and their influence on the retention or release of trace elements during deformation and metamorphism remain poorly understood. We propose a syn- to post-peak metamorphic and deformation driven gold upgrading model where gold is remobilized through deformation-induced diffusion pathways in the form of substructures in pyrite. The middle amphibolite facies assemblage (actinolite-biotite-plagioclase-almandine) of the Detour Lake deposit (Canada) makes it an ideal study area due to maximum temperatures reaching 550°C, exceeding the conditions for plastic deformation in pyrite (450°C). The world-class Detour Lake deposit, containing 16.4 Moz of Au at 1 g/t, is a Neoarchean orogenic gold ore body located in the northern Abitibi district within the Superior Province. The mine is situated along the high strain, sub-vertical ductile-brittle Sunday Lake Deformation Zone (SLDZ) parallel to the broadly E-W trending Abitibi greenstone belt. Herein we combine orientation contrast (OC) forescatter imaging, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and 2D laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element pyrite mapping to evaluate the influence of pyrite brittle and plastic deformation on the release of trace elements during syn-metamorphic gold remobilization. Local misorientation patterns in pyrite exhibit parallel bands that can be described by continuous rotation around one of the <100> axes, whereas higher strain areas reveal more heterogeneous misorientation patterns and the development of low-angle grain boundaries with late fractures indicative of dislocation creep and strain hardening. These late fractures are an important micro-structural setting for gold and clusters of precious-metal mineral inclusions (telluride minerals). Minor recrystallization processes can also be observed along phase boundaries between pyrite and more competent amphibole crystals. LA-ICP-MS trace element maps document primary, syn-metamorphic oscillatory zoning of some chalcophile and siderophile elements during crystallization of pyrite porphyroblasts. These primary pyrite features are cut by late metal-rich fractures suggesting that remobilization of gold occurred with trace element enrichment of other chalcophile and siderophile elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Bi, Te), which post-dates the main period of syn-metamorphic pyrite crystallization at the margins of pre- to syn-deformation, high-grade gold veins. Pyrite grain boundaries and subgrains are also base and precious metal rich, suggesting that late gold remobilization also occurred during pyrite recrystallization. Additional trace element mapping will help determine to what extent pyrite plastic deformation facilitates the diffusion of gold and other trace elements during gold precipitation and remobilization, which, in turn, will inform the source to sink pathways of ore deposition.

At what conditions does zircon grow/dissolve during high-T metamorphism? Relating zircon textures to PT-conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunz, Barbara E.; Regis, Daniele; Manzotti, Paola; Engi, Martin

2015-04-01

A key question in ziconology is when and how zircon grows during metamorphism. To shed light on zircon forming processes and the corresponding PT-conditions during high-T metamorphism a case study was undertaken. The Ivrea Zone (N-Italy) exposes a lower continental crustal section in which a continuous metamorphic field gradient from amphibolite to granulite facies is documented. This field gradient is thought to reflect protracted heating during late Paleozoic times, with a probable high-T peak in the Permian. We present first results from a primarily textural study supported by U-Pb ages, Th/U ratios and Ti-in-Zrn thermometry. Four types of zircon were identified based on their overgrowth proportions and the preservation of detrital cores. Zircon grains were thus classified as Type1 - detrital grains with no overgrowth or very narrow rims (300 Ma) and appears to reflect an early dehydration phase. Rim2b has Permian ages (median 275 Ma), is by far the most common overgrowth type, found in a wide PT-range. Its development appears related to biotite breakdown. Rim3 is texturally indicative of magmatic zircon, occurs only in diatexites. Rim4 is the latest overgrowth and is locally found at all metamorphic grades. Textural features suggest late fluid-related recrystallization of existing zircon. At lowest grade (675±35°C, 6±2 kbar) zircons show type1 only, overgrowths are too thin to clearly identify the rim type. Further upgrade (~700°C, 7 kbar) type1 and type2 dominate. Type2 zircons show rim1, rim2a and occasionally rim4. At the Mu-out isograd (750±50°C, 8.2±1.4 kbar) most zircons are of type2, now with rim2b instead of 2a, in addition to rim1 and rim4. Near and in granulite facies (to 800°C, 8±2 kbar) mostly zircon type2 and type4 are present. While rim1 gets more narrow with increasing metamorphic grade, rim2b grows significantly thicker. Occasionally rim2a and rim4 occur. Close to the Bt-out isograd (~860°C, 9.2±1.7 kbar), mostly type3 and type4 are found. Rim1 is absent, and rim2b is commonly overgrown by rim3. Above the Bt-out isograd (>870°C, 9.5 kbar) zircon types3 and type4 dominate. Rim1 is missing, while Rim2b is the most common type, often with a thin rim4. Detailed textural features alone often are not sufficient to relate zircon growth zones to PT-conditions. In combination with U-Pb ages, Th/U ratios and Ti-in-Zrn thermometry, however it is possible to link spot ages to PT-conditions.

Metamorphic and tectonic evolution of the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex in Nyalam region, south Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jia-Min; Zhang, Jin-Jiang; Rubatto, Daniela

2016-04-01

Recent studies evoke dispute whether the Himalayan metamorphic core - Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex (GHC) - was exhumed as a lateral crustal flow or a critical taper wedge during the India-Asia collision. This contribution investigated the evolution of the GHC in the Nyalam region, south Tibet, with comprehensive studies on structural kinematics, metamorphic petrology and geochronology. The GHC in the Nyalam region can be divided into the lower and upper GHC. Phase equilibria modelling and conventional thermobarometric results show that peak temperature conditions are lower in the lower GHC (~660-700°C) and higher in the upper GHC (~740-780°C), whereas corresponding pressure conditions at peak-T decrease from ~9-13 kbar to ~4 kbar northward. Monazite, zircon and rutile U-Pb dating results reveal two distinct blocks within the GHC of the Nyalam region. The upper GHC underwent higher degree of partial melting (15-25%, via muscovite dehydration melting) that initiated at ~32 Ma, peaked at ~29 Ma to 25 Ma, possibly ended at ~20 Ma. The lower GHC underwent lower degree of melting (0-10%) that lasted from 19 to 16 Ma, which was produced mainly via H2O-saturated melting. At different times, both the upper and lower blocks underwent initial slow cooling (35 ± 8 and 10 ± 5°C/Myr, respectively) and subsequent rapid cooling (120 ± 40°C/Myr). The established timescale of metamorphism suggests that high-temperature metamorphism within the GHC lasted a long duration (~15 Myr), whereas duration of partial melting lasted for ~3 Myr in the lower GHC and lasted for 7-12 Myr in the upper GHC. The documented diachronous metamorphism and discontinuity of peak P-T conditions implies the presence of the Nyalam Thrust in the study area. This thrust is probably connected to the other thrusts in Nepal and Sikkim Himalaya, which extends over ~800 km and is named the "High Himalayan Thrust". Timing of activity along this thrust is at ~25-16 Ma, which is coeval with active timing along the South Tibetan detachment (27-16 Ma) but precedes that along the MCT (16-10 Ma). Comparison between the obtained P-T-t data and model predictions implies that a lateral crustal flow process dominated the exhumation of the high-grade upper GHC migmitites during 25-16 Ma, whereas a critical taper thrusting process dominated the exhumation of the MCT zone nonmigmatites and cooled migmatites in the lower GHC at 16-10 Ma. In other words, at different temporal and spatial scale, both propagating thrusting along large tectonic boundaries and a low-viscosity melting crust could contribute to the exhumation of high-grade metamorphic rocks in Himalaya-like large hot collisional orogens. KEY WORDS: Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex; P-T path; U-Pb geochronology; channel flow; tectonic discontinuity References: Wang, J.M., Rubatto, D., Zhang, J.J., 2015a. Timing of partial melting and cooling across the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex (Nyalam, central Himalaya): in-sequence thrusting and its implications. Journal of Petrology, 56, 1677-1702. Wang, J.M., Zhang, J.J., Wei, C.J., Rai, S.M., Wang, M., Qian, J.H., 2015b. Characterizing the metamorphic discontinuity across the Main Central Thrust Zone of eastern-central Nepal. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 101, 83-100. Wang, J.M., Zhang, J.J., Wang, X.X., 2013. Structural kinematics, metamorphic P-T profiles and zircon geochronology across the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex in south-central Tibet: implication for a revised channel flow. Journal of Metamorphic Geology 31, 607-628.

Magnetic properties of Apollo 14 breccias and their correlation with metamorphism.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gose, W. A.; Pearce, G. W.; Strangway, D. W.; Larson, E. E.

1972-01-01

The magnetic properties of Apollo 14 breccias can be explained in terms of the grain size distribution of the interstitial iron which is directly related to the metamorphic grade of the sample. In samples 14049 and 14313 iron grains less than 500 A in diameter are dominant as evidenced by a Richter-type magnetic aftereffect and hysteresis measurements. Both samples are of lowest metamorphic grade. The medium metamorphic-grade sample 14321 and the high-grade sample 14312 both show a logarithmic time-dependence of the magnetization indicative of a wide range of relaxation times and thus grain sizes, but sample 14321 contains a stable remanent magnetization whereas sample 14312 does not. This suggests that small multidomain particles (less than 1 micron) are most abundant in sample 14321 while sample 14312 is magnetically controlled by grains greater than 1 micron. The higher the metamorphic grade, the larger the grain size of the iron controlling the magnetic properties.

Crustal shortening and thickening in Neoarchean granite-greenstone belts: A case study from the link between the ∼2.7 Ga Elu and Hope Bay belts, northeast Slave craton, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mvondo, Hubert; Lentz, Dave; Bardoux, Marc

2017-11-01

The Elu Link between the ∼2.7 Ga Hope Bay and Elu belts in the northeast Bathurst Block of the Slave craton comprises supracrustal and intrusive rocks variably deformed by three tectono-metamorphic events (D1-D3). The geometry of D1 structures formed during prograde metamorphism is uncertain, because of subsequent overprint. D2 occurred in two stages predating (D2a) and postdating (D2b) peak metamorphism. D1 and D2a were thrusting events inferred from peak metamorphic pressures of ∼6.7 kbar (670 MPa) retained by a garnet orthogneiss. The latter is diagnostic of thrust tectonism in Archean granite-greenstone belts with no characteristic thrust faults. Unlike D2a, D2b was a vertical general flattening event prevailing during the formation of magmatic domes and interdomal folds that form the main strain patterns of the belts. This was followed by the formation of buckled F3 folds associated with D3 vertical constriction. The switch from thrust to vertical tectonics during peak metamorphism and subsequent deformation resulted in intense recrystallization that explains the poor preservation and scarcity of early-formed shears, including thrust zones. A tectonic process, combining D1+D2a thrust stacking, sagduction, and vertical stretching during D2b and D3, is suggested to explain crustal thickening in the Elu Link and terrains of similar ages.

Structural evolution of the La Paya pluton (Sierra de Cachi, NW Argentina): insights from the study of its magnetic fabric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aranguren, Aitor; Hongn, Fernando; María Tubía, José; Vegas, Néstor

2017-04-01

The La Paya granite is a pluton elongated in a northerly direction that spreads over 10 km2 in the Sierra de Cachi (Eastern Cordillera of Salta, Andean belt, NW Argentina). This pluton intrudes into high-temperature and low-pressure migmatites and schists. The metamorphic evolution of the country rocks and the emplacement of the La Paya pluton took place in an extensional tectonic setting during Ordovician times (Hongn et al., 2014). Subsequently, a compressional tectonic event led to the formation of large E-verging folds with a penetrative axial planar foliation. Due to the folding event, the current metamorphic zonation is inverted and the metamorphic degree rises towards the west. The granite is concordant with the metamorphic zonation and with the country rocks foliation. Schists with biotite and andalucite (low to medium metamorphic grade) crop out in the eastern border of the pluton and schists with cordierite (high grade) in the western border. The pluton is characterized by the coexistence of magmatic and solid-state structures. The deformation is localized in shear bands concentrated in the pluton roof. Wide sectors of the pluton core preserve medium- to coarse-grained equigranular textures of magmatic origin on which we have collected samples from 28 sites in order to perform an AMS study. Susceptibility values are very low, with k ranging between 19 and 67 x 10-6 SI. The obtained anisotropy values are in agreement with the magmatic character of the analysed samples (Pj between 1,03-1,07). The magnetic foliations are concordant with the contacts of the pluton. They show northwards trends and dips to the west that are steeper close to the eastern pluton border. Magnetic lineations are concentrated in two main maxima that define a great circle parallel to the pluton elongation. The parallelism between the magnetic fabrics from areas with magmatic structures and the structures observed in domains with solid-state deformation points to a syn-kinematic emplacement of the pluton during the development of the roof shear zone. The cartographic data and the distribution of the magnetic lineations of the La Paya granite allows to recognize an east-vergent antiform that folds the roof shear zone and the overall laminar pluton. Hongn, F.D., Tubía, J.M., Esteban, J.J., Aranguren, A., Vegas, N., Sergeev, S., Larionov, A. and Basei, M. (2014). Journal of Iberian Geology 40 (2), 225-240. DOI: 10.5209/rev_JIGE.2014.v40.n2.45303

Reactive Fluid Flow and Applications to Diagenesis, Mineral Deposits, and Crustal Rocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rye, Danny M.; Bolton, Edward W.

2002-11-04

The objective is to initiate new: modeling of coupled fluid flow and chemical reactions of geologic environments; experimental and theoretical studies of water-rock reactions; collection and interpretation of stable isotopic and geochemical field data at many spatial scales of systems involving fluid flow and reaction in environments ranging from soils to metamorphic rocks. Theoretical modeling of coupled fluid flow and chemical reactions, involving kinetics, has been employed to understand the differences between equilibrium, steady-state, and non-steady-state behavior of the chemical evolution of open fluid-rock systems. The numerical codes developed in this project treat multi-component, finite-rate reactions combined with advective andmore » dispersive transport in multi-dimensions. The codes incorporate heat, mass, and isotopic transfer in both porous and fractured media. Experimental work has obtained the kinetic rate laws of pertinent silicate-water reactions and the rates of Sr release during chemical weathering. Ab-initio quantum mechanical techniques have been applied to obtain the kinetics and mechanisms of silicate surface reactions and isotopic exchange between water and dissolved species. Geochemical field-based studies were carried out on the Wepawaug metamorphic schist, on the Irish base-metal sediment-hosted ore system, in the Dalradian metamorphic complex in Scotland, and on weathering in the Columbia River flood basalts. The geochemical and isotopic field data, and the experimental and theoretical rate data, were used as constraints on the numerical models and to determine the length and time scales relevant to each of the field areas.« less

Health status of tadpoles and metamorphs of Rhinella arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae) that inhabit agroecosystems and its implications for land use.

PubMed

Babini, María Selene; Bionda, Clarisa de Lourdes; Salas, Nancy Edith; Martino, Adolfo Ludovico

2015-08-01

Perturbations of water bodies near agricultural and livestock systems can affect embryonic and larval stages of anurans and negatively impact adult populations and structure of amphibian communities. This study is focused on early development of Rhinella arenarum, for which body growth, abnormalities in the oral disc and genetic damage on erythrocytes were analyzed to establish the impact of agroecosystems on local populations of amphibians. Tadpoles and metamorphs of R. arenarum were collected in three agroecosystems (namely, C1, C2, and C3) and in a site without agricultural and livestock activities (SM) from central Argentina. Egg masses of C1 were extracted for breeding tadpoles under laboratory conditions (Lab). Tadpoles were in small size and lighter in weight in C1 and C2. Metamorphs were shorter and lighter in weight in C1 and C3. In SM and Lab samples, no tadpoles with abnormal LTRF (labial tooth row formula) or without labial teeth were observed. In C1, the highest frequency of abnormal LTRF was recorded and was the only site in which tadpoles without labial teeth were found. In C1 and C2 the tadpoles had highest micronucleus frequencies and nuclear abnormalities. C1 can be considered as the site with the highest anthropogenic perturbation and with less healthy tadpoles. Livestock practices such as alternating cattle between parcel and keeping a buffer between crops and water bodies, would allow a better development of the first aquatic stages that are essential for the conservation of the anuran populations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biochemical effects of chlorpyrifos on two developmental stages of Xenopus laevis.

PubMed

Richards, Sean M; Kendall, Ron J

2002-09-01

Abstract-The effects of a 96-h static exposure to chlorpyrifos were examined in two developmental stages of larval Xenopus laevis (premetamorph and metamorph). Measures of effect included mortality, deformity, cholinesterase (ChE) activity, and DNA and protein concentration. All parameters indicated that metamorphs were more sensitive than were premetamorphs. For larvae exposed as premetamorphs, the median lethal concentration and median effective concentration were 14.6 mg/L and 1.71 mg/L; for those exposed as metamorphs, values were 0.56 mg/L and 0.24 mg/L, respectively. Cholinesterase activity was the most sensitive biochemical parameter. Exposure to chlorpyrifos at 0.01 mg/L caused significant decreases in the ChE activity of metamorphs; 0.1 mg/L significantly decreased premetamorph ChE activity. Metamorph DNA was significantly decreased at 0.1 mg/L; premetamorph DNA was not reduced until exposure to 1.0 mg/L. Whole-body protein was the least sensitive biochemical measure of effect. Premetamorphs did not experience a reduction in protein concentrations. Metamorph protein concentration was significantly decreased at 1.0 mg/L. Based on current surface water data, the most sensitive effect would not have a high probability (< or = 4.2%) of occurring in the environment.

Pan-African granulites of central Dronning Maud Land and Mozambique: A comparison within the East-African-Antarctic orogen

USGS Publications Warehouse

Engvik, A.K.; Elevevold, S.; Jacobs, J.; Tveten, E.; de Azevedo, S.; Njange, F.

2007-01-01

Granulite-facies metamorphism is extensively reported in Late Neoproterozoic/Early Palaeozoic time during formation of the East-African-Antarctic orogen (EAAO). Metamorphic data acquired from the Pan-African orogen of central Dronning Maud Land (cDML) are compared with data from northern Mozambique. The metamorphic rocks of cDML are characterised by Opx±Grt-bearing gneisses and Sil+Kfs-bearing metapelites which indicate medium-P granulite-facies metamorphism. Peak conditions, which are estimated to 800-900ºC at pressures up to 1.0 GPa, were followed by near-isothermal decompression during late Pan-African extension and exhumation. Granulite-facies lithologies are widespread in northern Mozambique, and Grt+Cpx-bearing assemblages show that high-P granulite-facies conditions with PT reaching 1.55 GPa and 900ºC were reached during the Pan-African orogeny. Garnet is replaced by symplectites of Pl+Opx+Mag indicating isothermal decompression, and the subsequent formation of Pl+amphibole-coronas suggests cooling into amphibolite facies. It is concluded that high-T metamorphism was pervasive in EAAO in Late Neoproterozoic/Early Paleozoic time, strongly overprinting evidences of earlier metamorphic assemblages.

New data for paleoprotherozoic PGE-bearing anorthosite of Kandalaksha massif (Baltic shield): U-Pb and Sm-Nd ages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steshenko, Ekaterina; Bayanova, Tamara; Serov, Pavel

2015-04-01

The aims of this researches were to study the isotope U-Pb age of zircon and rutile and Sm-Nd (rock forming and sulphide minerals) on Kandalaksha anorthosite massif due to study of polimetamorphic history. In marginal zone firstly have been obtained the presence of sulphide mineralization with PGE (Chashchin, Petrov , 2013). Kandalaksha massif is located in the N-E part of Baltic shield and consists of three parts. Marginal zone (mesocratic metanorite) lies at the base of the massif. Main zone is composed of leucocratic metagabbro. The upper zone is alteration of mataanorthosite and leucocratic metagabbro. All rocks were subjected to granulate polymetamorphism. Two fractions of single grains from anorthosite of the massif gave precise U-Pb age, which is equal to 2450± 3 Ma. Leucocratic gabbro-norite were dated by U-Pb method, with age up to 2230 ± 10 Ma. This age reflects the time of granulite metamorphism according to data of (Mitrofanov, Nirovich, 2003). Two fractions of rutile have been analyzed by U-Pb method and reflect age of 1700 ± 10 Ma. It is known that the closure temperature of U-Pb system rutile is 400-450 ° C (Mezger et.al., 1989), thus cooling processes of massif rocks to these temperatures was about 1.7 Ga. These data reflect one of the stages of metamorphic alteration of the massif. Three stages of metamorphism are distinguished by Sm-Nd method. Isotope Sm-Nd dating on Cpx-WR line gives the age of 2311 Ma which suggested of high pressure granulite metamorphism. Moreover Cpx-Pl line reflect the age 1908 Ma of low pressure granulite metamorphism. Also two-points (Grt-Rt) Sm-Nd isochrone yield the age 1687 Ma of the last metamorphic alterations in Kandalaksha anorthosite massif. Model Sm-Nd age of the leucocratic gabbro-norite is 2796 Ma with positive ɛNd (+0.32). It means that the source of gabbro-norite was mantle reservoir. All investigations are devoted to memory of academician PAS F. MItrofanov which was a leader of scientific school for geology, geochemistry and metallogenesis of ore deposits. The studies are contribution by RFBR OFI-M 13-05-12055, 13-05-00493, Department of Earth Sciences RAS (programs 2 and 4), and IGCP-SIDA 599.

Long-term effects of pesticide exposure at various life stages of the southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bridges, C.M.

2000-01-01

Amphibian larvae are commonly exposed to low levels of pesticides during their development. Chronic studies generally examine the effects of long-term exposure, but they often disregard the importance of the individual life stage at which tadpoles are exposed. I determined the point during development at which carbaryl effects are manifested by exposing southern leopard frog tadpoles (Rana sphenocephala) to the pesticide carbaryl at five different times during development. Metamorphs exposed throughout the tadpole stage and throughout development (egg, embryo, tadpole) experienced significant mortality at all chemical levels. Although the length of the larval period was the same for all experimental groups, metamorphs exposed during the egg stage were smaller than their corresponding controls, independent of whether they were exposed at any other stage. Nearly 18% of individuals exposed to carbaryl during development exhibited some type of developmental deformity (including both visceral and limb malformities), compared to a single deformed (< 1%) control tadpole, demonstrating that a chemical hypothesis for amphibian deformities remains viable. Because exposure to nonpersistent chemicals may last for only a short period of time, it is important to examine the long-term effects that short-term exposure has on larval amphibians and the existence of any sensitive life stage. Any delay in metamorphosis or decrease in size at metamorphosis can impact demographic processes of the population, potentially leading to declines or local extinction.

Metamorphic brines and no surficial fluids trapped in the detachment footwall of a Metamorphic Core Complex (Nevado-Filábride units, Betics, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dyja-Person, Vanessa; Tarantola, Alexandre; Richard, Antonin; Hibsch, Christian; Siebenaller, Luc; Boiron, Marie-Christine; Cathelineau, Michel; Boulvais, Philippe

2018-03-01

The ductile-brittle transition zone in extensional regimes can play the role of a hydrogeological barrier. Quartz veins developed within an orthogneiss body located in the detachment footwall of a Metamorphic Core Complex (MCC) in the Nevado-Filábride units (Betics, Spain). The detachment footwall is composed mainly of gneisses, schists and metacarbonates from the Bédar-Macael sub-unit. Schist and metacarbonate bodies show evidence of ductile deformation at the time the gneiss was already undergoing brittle deformation and vein opening during exhumation. The vein system provides the opportunity to investigate the origin, composition and PVTX conditions of the fluids that circulated in the detachment footwall while the footwall units were crossing the ductile-brittle transition. The analysis of fluid inclusions reveals the presence of a single type of fluid: 30-40 mass% NaCl > KCl > CaCl2 > MgCl2 brines, with trace amounts of CO2 and N2 and tens to thousands of ppm of metals such as Fe, Sr, Li, Zn, Ba, Pb and Cu. δDfluid values between -39.8 and -16.7‰ and δ18Ofluid values between 4.4 and 11.7 ± 0.5‰ show that the brines have undergone protracted interaction with the host orthogneissic body. Coupled salinity and Cl/Br ratios (200 to 4400) indicate that the brines originate from dissolution of Triassic metaevaporites by metamorphic fluids variably enriched in Br by interaction with graphitic schists. This study highlights the absence of any record of surficial fluids within the veins, despite the brittle deformation conditions prevailing in this orthogneiss body. The fact that fluids from the detachment footwall were isolated from surficial fluid reservoirs may result from the presence of overlying schists and metacarbonates that continued to be affected by ductile deformation during vein formation in the gneiss, preventing downward circulation of surface-derived fluids.

Thermal and impact history of the H chondrite parent asteroid during metamorphism: Constraints from metallic Fe-Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, Edward R. D.; Krot, Tatiana V.; Goldstein, Joseph I.; Wakita, Shigeru

2014-07-01

We have studied cloudy taenite, metallographic cooling rates, and shock effects in 30 H3-6 chondrites to elucidate the thermal and early impact history of the H chondrite parent body. We focused on H chondrites with old Ar-Ar ages (>4.4 Gyr) and unshocked and mildly shocked H chondrites, as strongly shocked chondrites with such old ages are very rare. Cooling rates for most H chondrites at 500 °C are 10-50 °C/Myr and do not decrease systematically with increasing petrologic type as predicted by the onion-shell model in which types 3-5 are arranged in concentric layers around a type 6 core. Some type 4 chondrites cooled slower than some type 6 chondrites and type 3 chondrites did not cool faster than other types, contrary to the onion-shell model. Cloudy taenite particle sizes, which range from 40 to 120 nm, are inversely correlated with metallographic cooling rates and show that the latter were not compromised by shock heating. The three H4 chondrites that were used to develop the onion-shell model, Ste. Marguerite, Beaver Creek, and Forest Vale, cooled through 500 °C at ⩾5000 °C/Myr. Our thermal modeling shows that these rates are 50× higher than could be achieved in a body that was heated by 26Al and cooled without disturbance by impact. Published Ar-Ar ages do not decrease systematically with increasing petrologic type but do correlate inversely with cloudy taenite particle size suggesting that impact mixing decreased during metamorphism. Metal and silicate compositions in regolith breccias show that impacts mixed material after metamorphism without causing significant heating. Impacts during metamorphism created Portales Valley and two other H6 chondrites with large metallic veins, excavated the fast-cooled H4 chondrites around 3-4 Myr after accretion, and mixed petrologic types. Metallographic data do not require catastrophic disruption by impact during cooling.

Gold deposits in metamorphic belts: Overview of current understanding, outstanding problems, future research, and exploration significance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Groves, D.I.; Goldfarb, R.J.; Robert, F.; Hart, C.J.R.

2003-01-01

Metamorphic belts are complex regions where accretion or collision has added to, or thickened, continental crust. Gold-rich deposits can be formed at all stages of orogen evolution, so that evolving metamorphic belts contain diverse gold deposit types that may be juxtaposed or overprint each other. This partly explains the high level of controversy on the origin of some deposit types, particularly those formed or overprinted/remobilized during the major compressional orogeny that shaped the final geometry of the hosting metamorphic belts. These include gold-dominated orogenic and intrusion-related deposits, but also particularly controversial gold deposits with atypical metal associations. There are a number of outstanding problems for all types of gold deposits in metamorphc belts. These include the following: (1) definitive classifications, (2) unequivocal recognition of fluid and metal sources, (3) understanding of fluid migration and focusing at all scales, (4) resolution of the precise role of granitoid magmatism, (5) precise gold-depositional mechanisms, particularly those producing high gold grades, and (6) understanding of the release of CO2-rich fluids from subducting slabs and subcreted oceanic crust and granitoid magmas at different crustal levels. Research needs to be better coordinated and more integrated, such that detailed fluid-inclusion, trace-element, and isotopic studies of both gold deposits and potential source rocks, using cutting-edge technology, are embedded in a firm geological framework at terrane to deposit scales. Ultimately, four-dimensional models need to be developed, involving high-quality, three-dimensional geological data combined with integrated chemical and fluid-flow modeling, to understand the total history of the hydrothermal systems involved. Such research, particularly that which can predict superior targets visible in data sets available to exploration companies before discovery, has obvious spin-offs for global- to deposit-scale targeting of deposits with superior size and grade in the covered terranes that will be the exploration focus of the twenty-first century.

Geochemical and K Ar age constraints on the Late Neoproterozoic (?) gneisses at Um Tenassib area, north Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eliwa, Hassan A.

2007-05-01

Wadi Um Tenassib metamorphic rocks consist mainly of biotite gneiss and biotite-hornblende gneiss with subordinate intercalations of amphibolite, migmatitic gneiss, and aplitic granite. Biotite-hornblende gneiss, biotite gneiss, and aplitic granite are geochemically characterized and their cooling ages are determined by using the K-Ar method on biotite. The Um Tenassib gneisses (UTG) range in composition from quartz diorite/monzodiorite to granodiorite. They were derived from igneous rocks that pertain to calc alkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous affinities and were generated in continental volcanic arc setting. REE patterns of the UTG are moderately fractionated (La N/Lu N = 5.9-7.5) relative to those of the aplitic granite (La N/Lu N = 33). The similarity in the geochemical characteristics and REE patterns of both gneiss types indicate their magmatic consanguinity. Amphiboles of the UTG biotite-hornblende gneisses are mainly hornblende, together with few paragasitic hornblende and edenite. Plagioclase composition is oligoclase to andesine (An 21-46) in the biotite-hornblende gneiss, and oligoclase (An 11-26) in the biotite gneiss. Mineral chemistry of amphibole and plagioclase indicate that the gneisses were metamorphosed under low- to medium-pressure of 2.6-6.4 kbar and at medium to high temperatures of 660-755 °C. The K-Ar biotite cooling ages (seven samples) range from 585 ± 12 Ma to 598 ± 12 Ma for the UTG, except one biotite-hornblende gneiss sample gives age of 577 ± 11 Ma. These ages suggest a latest metamorphic cooling event at ca. 585-600 Ma time span, which is consistent with the proposed cooling ages of ˜600 Ma for the Elat metamorphic rocks [Cosca, M.A., Shimron, A., Caby, R., 1999. Late Precambrian metamorphism and cooling in the Arabian-Nubian Shield: petrology and 40Ar/ 39Ar geochronology of metamorphic rocks of the Elat area (southern Israel). Precamb. Res. 98, 107-127]. It may indicate that the metamorphism of the UTG might have been contemporaneous with the suggested regional metamorphism at 620 ± 10 Ma for Sinai metamorphic rocks (Cosca et al., 1999) and/or the emplacement age at 614 Ma for the granodiorite in the study area [Stern, R.J., Hedge, C.E., 1985. Geochronological and isotopic constraints on the Late Precambrian crustal evolution in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Am. J. Sci. 285, 97-127]. These ages also lie within the range of magmatic activity of the Younger Granites in the North Eastern Desert (575-600 Ma).

Petrological evolution of subducted rodingite from seafloor metamorphism to dehydration of enclosing antigorite-serpentinite (Cerro del Almirez massif, southern Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laborda-López, Casto; López Sánchez-Vizcaíno, Vicente; Marchesi, Claudio; Gómez-Pugnaire, María Teresa; Garrido, Carlos J.; Jabaloy-Sánchez, Antonio; Padrón-Navarta, José Alberto

2016-04-01

Rodingites are common rocks associated with serpentinites in exhumed terrains that experienced subduction and high pressure metamorphism. However, the response of these rocks to devolatilization and redox reactions in subduction settings is not well constrained. In the Cerro del Almirez ultramafic massif (southern Spain) rodingites constitute about 1-2% of the total volume of exposed rocks. Metarodingites are enclosed in antigorite-serpentinite and chlorite-harzburgite separated by a transitional zone that represents the front of prograde serpentinite-dehydration in a paleo-subduction setting (Padrón-Navarta et al., 2011). Metarodingites occur as boudin lenses, 1 to 20 m in length and 30 cm to 2 m in thickness. During serpentinization of peridotite host rocks, dolerites and basalts precursor of rodingites underwent intense seafloor metasomatism, causing the enrichment in Ca and remobilization of Na and K. Subsequent metamorphism during subduction transformed the original igneous and seafloor metamorphic mineralogy into an assemblage of garnet (Ti-rich hydrogrossular), diopside, chlorite, and epidote. During prograde metamorphism, garnet composition changed towards higher andradite contents. High-pressure transformation of enclosing antigorite-serpentinite to chlorite-harzburgite released fluids which induced breakdown of garnet to epidote in metarodingites. Ti liberation by this latter reaction produced abundant titanite. Released fluids also triggered the formation of amphibole by alkalis addition. Highly recrystallized metarodingites in chlorite-harzburgite present a new generation of idiomorphic garnet with composition equal to 10-30% pyrope, 30-40% grossular and 35-55% almandine + spessartine. This garnet has titanite inclusions in the core and rutile inclusions in the rim. The contact between metarodingites and ultramafic rocks consists of a metasomatic zone (blackwall) with variable thickness (7 to 40 cm) constituted by chlorite, diopside, and titanite. Close to the contact with the blackwall, antigorite-serpentinite is very rich in diopside, olivine and Ti-clinohumite. In this study we present a thermodynamic model of phase relationships in rodingites and transitional blackwalls during their metamorphic history. We mainly aim to establish the evolution of P-T conditions experienced by metarodingites during subduction and the influence of fluids in the formation of mineral assemblages at different metamorphic stages. REFERENCES Padrón-Navarta, J.A., López Sánchez-Vizcaíno, V., Garrido, C.J., Gómez-Pugnaire, M.T., (2011): Metamorphic record of high-pressure dehydration of antigorite serpentinite to chlorite harzburgite in a subduction setting (Cerro Del Almirez, Nevado-Filábride Complex, Southern Spain). Journal of Petrology, 52, 2047-2078.

All-Optical Fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss Interferometer to study 1300 nm single photon emission of a metamorphic InAs Quantum Dot

PubMed Central

Muñoz-Matutano, G.; Barrera, D.; Fernández-Pousa, C.R.; Chulia-Jordan, R.; Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.; Frigeri, P.; Sales, S.; Martínez-Pastor, J.

2016-01-01

New optical fiber based spectroscopic tools open the possibility to develop more robust and efficient characterization experiments. Spectral filtering and light reflection have been used to produce compact and versatile fiber based optical cavities and sensors. Moreover, these technologies would be also suitable to study N-photon correlations, where high collection efficiency and frequency tunability is desirable. We demonstrated single photon emission of a single quantum dot emitting at 1300 nm, using a Fiber Bragg Grating for wavelength filtering and InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes operated in Geiger mode for single photon detection. As we do not observe any significant fine structure splitting for the neutral exciton transition within our spectral resolution (46 μeV), metamorphic QD single photon emission studied with our all-fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss interferometer could lead to a more efficient analysis of entangled photon sources at telecom wavelength. This all-optical fiber scheme opens the door to new first and second order interferometers to study photon indistinguishability, entangled photon and photon cross correlation in the more interesting telecom wavelengths. PMID:27257122

Geochemical and geochronological constraints on the origin and evolution of rocks in the active Woodlark Rift of Papua New Guinea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirakparvar, Nasser Alexander

Tectonically active regions provide important natural laboratories to glean information that is applicable to developing a better understanding of the geologic record. One such area of the World is Papua New Guinea, much of which is situated in an active and transient plate boundary zone. The focus of this PhD research is to develop a better understanding of rocks in the active Woodlark Rift, situated in Papua New Guinea's southernmost reaches. In this region, rifting and lithospheric rupture is occurring within a former subduction complex where there is a history of continental subduction and (U)HP metamorphism. The lithostratigraphic units exposed in the Woodlark Rift provide an opportunity to better understand the records of plate boundary processes at many scales from micron-sized domains within individual minerals to regional geological relationships. This thesis is composed of three chapters that are independent of one another but are all related to the overall goal of developing a better understanding of the record of plate boundary processes in the rocks currently exposed in the Woodlark Rift. The first chapter, published in its entirety in Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2011 v. 309, p. 56 - 66), is entitled 'Lu-Hf garnet geochronology applied to plate boundary zones: Insights from the (U)HP terrane exhumed within the Woodlark Rift'. This chapter focuses on the use of the Lu-Hf isotopic system to date garnets in the Woodlark Rift. Major findings of this study are that some of the rocks in the Woodlark Rift preserve a Lu-Hf garnet isotopic record of initial metamorphism and continental subduction occurring in the Late Mesozoic, whereas others only preserve a record of tectonic processes related to lithospheric rupture during the initiation of rifting in the Late Cenozoic. The second chapter is entitled 'Geochemical and geochronological constraints on the origin of rocks in the active Woodlark Rift of Papua New Guinea: Recognizing the dispersed fragments of an active margin'. This chapter uses a panoply of geochronological (U-Pb zircon) and geochemical (Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotopes, trace/REEs, and major elements) tools to investigate the origin the major lithostratigraphic units in the Woodlark Rift. Important findings in this chapter include the establishment of a tectonic link between sialic metamorphic rocks in the Woodlark Rift and the remnants of a Late Cretaceous aged bi-modal volcanic province along Australia's northern Queensland coast. This link is important because it identifies another rifted fragment of the former Australian continental margin in Gondwana, and demonstrates the complexity of recognizing the dispersed fragments of active margins. Another important finding of this chapter is that Quaternary aged high silica rhyolites erupted in the western Woodlark Rift have mantle isotopic and geochemical signatures, and are therefore not the extrusive equivalents of partially melted metamorphic rocks found in the lower plates of large metamorphic core complexes. This is important because it signifies that lithospheric rupture has already occurred, despite the fact that mid-ocean ridge basalts are not yet being erupted and there are still topographically prominent metamorphic core complexes in the region. This chapter is not yet published, but is being prepared for submission to Gondwana Research. The third chapter is entitled 'Zircon growth in rapidly evolving plate boundary zones: Evidence from the active Woodlark Rift of Papua New Guinea'. The original purpose of this chapter was simply to use U-Pb dating of zircons from felsic and intermediate gneisses in the Woodlark Rift to understand the history of rocks from (U)HP terranes that don't preserve the (U)HP metamorphic paragenesis. It was soon realized that the types of U-Pb zircon analyses typically performed on a SIMS instrument were going to be insufficient to fully understand the geochemical and geochronological records within zircons from these rocks. Because of this, traditional SIMS analyses for zircons from these rocks are augmented by U-Pb age and elemental depth profiles that elucidate the isotopic and geochemical nature of the sharp boundaries between different aged domains in these polygenetic zircons. The results presented in this chapter demonstrate that zircon U-Pb ages record specific plate boundary events that can be related to the development of the Woodlark Rift, and that traditional assumptions regarding geochemical equilibrium might not hold true in all situations.

Complete life cycle of a pennellid Peniculus minuticaudae Shiino, 1956 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) infecting cultured threadsail filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer

PubMed Central

Ismail, Norshida; Ohtsuka, Susumu; Venmathi Maran, Balu Alagar; Tasumi, Satoshi; Zaleha, Kassim; Yamashita, Hirofumi

2013-01-01

The complete life cycle of a pennellid copepod Peniculus minuticaudae Shiino, 1956 is proposed based on the discovery of all post-embryonic stages together with the post-metamorphic adult females infecting the fins of threadsail filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer (Monacanthidae) cultured in a fish farm at Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The hatching stage was the infective copepodid. The life cycle of P. minuticaudae consists of six stages separated by moults: the copepodid, four chalimi and adult. In this study, the adult males were observed frequently in precopulatory amplexus with various stages of females however, copulation occurs only between adults. Fertilized pre-metamorphic adult females carrying spermatophores may detach from the host and settle again before undergoing massive differential growth into the post-metamorphic adult female. Comparison of the life cycle of P. minuticaudae has been made with three known pennellids: Lernaeocera branchialis (Linnaeus, 1767), Cardiodectes medusaeus (Wilson, 1908) and Lernaeenicus sprattae (Sowerby, 1806). Among the compared species, P. minuticaudae is the first ectoparasitic pennellid to be discovered to complete its life cycle on a single host without any change in infection site preferences between infective copepodid and fertilized pre-metamorphic female. PMID:24165196

Isukasia area: Regional geological setting (includes excursion guide)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nutman, A. P.; Rosing, M.

1986-01-01

A brief account of the geology of the Isukasis area is given and is biased toward the main theme of the itinerary for the area: What has been established about the protoliths of the early Archean rocks of the area - the Isua supracrustal belt and the Amitsoq gneisses? The area's long and complex tectonometamorphic history of events can be divided into episodes using a combination of dike chronology, isotopic, and petrological studies. The earliest dikes, the ca 3700 Ma Inaluk dikes, intrude the earliest (tonalitic) components of the Amitsoq gneisses but are themselves cut up by the injection of the younger (granitic and pegmatitic) phases of the Amitsoq gneisses of the area. The areas of low late Archean deformation, strongly deformed early Archean mafic rocks have coarse grained metamorphic segregations and are cut by virtually undeformed mid-Archean Tarssartoq (Ameralik) dikes devoid of metamorphic segregations. The shows that the area was affected by regional amphibolite facies metamorphism in the early Archean. Late Archean and Proterozoic metamorphic imprints are marked to very strong in the area. Much of the early Archean gneiss complex was already highly deformed when the mid-Archean Tarssartoq dikes were intruded.

Photoelectric properties of the metamorphic InAs/InGaAs quantum dot structure at room temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Golovynskyi, S. L., E-mail: golovynskyi@isp.kiev.ua; Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.

We present the study of optical and photoelectric properties of InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown on a metamorphic In{sub 0.15}Ga{sub 0.85}As buffer layer: such nanostructures show efficient light emission in the telecom window at 1.3 μm (0.95 eV) at room temperature. We prepared a sample with vertical geometry of contacts isolated from the GaAs substrate. The structure is found to be photosensitive in the spectral range above 0.9 eV at room temperature, showing distinctive features in the photovoltage and photocurrent spectra attributed to QDs, InAs wetting layer, and In{sub 0.15}Ga{sub 0.85}As metamorphic buffer, while a drop in the photoelectric signal above 1.36 eV ismore » related to the GaAs layer. No effect of defect centers on the photoelectrical properties is found, although they are observed in the absorption spectrum. We conclude that metamorphic QDs have a low amount of interface-related defects close to the optically active region and charge carriers can be effectively collected into InAs QDs.« less

Early post-metamorphic, Carboniferous blastoid reveals the evolution and development of the digestive system in echinoderms.

PubMed

Rahman, Imran A; Waters, Johnny A; Sumrall, Colin D; Astolfo, Alberto

2015-10-01

Inferring the development of the earliest echinoderms is critical to uncovering the evolutionary assembly of the phylum-level body plan but has long proven problematic because early ontogenetic stages are rarely preserved as fossils. Here, we use synchrotron tomography to describe a new early post-metamorphic blastoid echinoderm from the Carboniferous (approx. 323 Ma) of China. The resulting three-dimensional reconstruction reveals a U-shaped tubular structure in the fossil interior, which is interpreted as the digestive tract. Comparisons with the developing gut of modern crinoids demonstrate that crinoids are an imperfect analogue for many extinct groups. Furthermore, consideration of our findings in a phylogenetic context allows us to reconstruct the evolution and development of the digestive system in echinoderms more broadly; there was a transition from a straight to a simple curved gut early in the phylum's evolution, but additional loops and coils of the digestive tract (as seen in crinoids) were not acquired until much later. © 2015 The Author(s).

Development of Manufacturable Process to Deposit Metal Matrix Composites on Inverted Metamorphic Multijunction Solar Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-14

substrates using a titanium adhesion layer, and (3) characterized hardness and electrical conductivity of plated silver before and after rapid thermal...layer composite films. We observed that the silver erosion during carboxylated carbon nanotube deposition leads to significant porosity within the...composite films. We plan to explore amine-terminated carbon nanotubes in the near future to eliminate the porosity and study how different

Hydrothermal alteration and timing of gold mineralisation in the Rumbia Complex, Southeast Arm of Sulawesi, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mawaleda, Musri; Suparka, Emmy; Idham Abdullah, Chalid; Indro Basuki, Nurcahyo; Forster, Marnie; Jamal; Kaharuddin

2017-06-01

The Rumbia Mountains, which in this study named Rumbia schist Complex is an east-west oriented, composed by a high-pressure/low-temperature, and a medium-pressure/low-temperature metamorphic rocks. Identified as mica schist, glauchopane schist, and green schist. Rumbia complex known as the location of gold deposits prospects discovered by local communities since 2007. The results of research showed that the metamorphic rocks are as hosts. There are two phase of gold mineralization that occurs in this area, namely: 1) Associated with tectonic deformation and metamorphic rocks exhumation, and 2) gold-related hydrothermal deposits. Radiometric age dating used 40Ar/39Ar geochronology, indicate that the first of gold mineralisation in the Rumbia Complex occurred ∼23 million years ago, and the second gold mineralisation were subsequently overprinting at 7 million years ago.

Optical properties of metamorphic GaAs/InAlGaAs/InGaAs heterostructures with InAs/InGaAs quantum wells, emitting light in the 1250–1400-nm spectral range

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Egorov, A. Yu., E-mail: anton@beam.ioffe.ru; Karachinsky, L. Ya.; Novikov, I. I.

It is demonstrated that metamorphic GaAs/InAlGaAs/InGaAs heterostructures with InAs/InGaAs quantum wells, which emit light in the 1250–1400 nm spectral range, can be fabricated by molecular-beam epitaxy. The structural and optical properties of the heterostructures are studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and the photoluminescence method. Comparative analysis of the integrated photoluminescence intensity of the heterostructures and a reference sample confirm the high efficiency of radiative recombination in the heterostructures. It is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy that dislocations do not penetrate into the active region of the metamorphic heterostructures, where the radiative recombination of carriers occurs.

Field Demonstration of Propane Biosparging for In Situ Remediation of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Groundwater

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

and metamorphic rocks that make up the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Aerojet is underlain by fluvial and marine sedimentary deposits ranging in...age from Cretaceous to Recent. These sedimentary deposits unconformably overlie Jurassic-aged metamorphic basement rocks that dip to the west. These...BSW-1. Figure 5-3. Bromide concentrations in PMW-2, PMW-3 ( used as injection well), and PMW-4 during 14-day tracer study. Figure 5-4. Darcy

Widespread hydrothermal alteration minerals in the fine-grained matrices of the Tieschitz unequilibrated ordinary chondrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobricǎ, E.; Brearley, A. J.

2014-08-01

Mineralogic, textural, and compositional studies of black and white matrices in the unequilibrated ordinary chondrite Tieschitz (H/L, 3.6) show, for the first time in an ordinary chondrite, the presence of widespread, randomly distributed geode-like voids and veins. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies show that these voids and veins are partially or completely filled by sodic-calcic amphiboles (winchite and barroisite). The occurrence of amphiboles provides unequivocal evidence of the involvement of fluids in the metamorphic evolution of the parent body of Tieschitz. The presence of amphiboles as the main hydrous phases, rather than phyllosilicates, indicates that aqueous fluids were present at or close to the peak of thermal metamorphism, rather than during the waning stages of the cooling history of the parent body. In addition, ferrous olivine crystals, in association with the amphibole, also establish an important link between thermal metamorphism and hydrous phases formed at high temperatures. Mineralogic and textural evidence suggests that the white matrix and amphibole formed contemporaneously from the same hydrous fluid, prior to the formation of ferrous olivine crystals. Additionally, a dark inclusion identified in the host chondrite has mineralogic, petrologic, and bulk chemical characteristics that are similar to the black matrix of host Tieschitz, suggesting that this dark inclusion was emplaced before or during parent body metamorphism.

Post-Metamorphic Thermal Anomaly across the Nacimiento Block, Central California: a Hydrothermal Overprint?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacroix, B.; Hughes, J.; Lahfid, A.; Delchini, S.

2017-12-01

The thermal history of the Nacimiento block located within the Franciscan Complex (California, USA) has been previously proposed based on both vitrinite reflectance (Rm) and illite cristallinity methods (Underwood et al., 1995). These authors suggest that the Nacimiento block is locally perturbed by a thermal anomaly (up to 300ºC), probably caused by post-metamorphic hydrothermal activity linked to the emplacement of an Au-deposit: the Los Burros Gold deposit. Although both thermal anomaly and deposit seem spatially correlated, their relationship is still poorly constrained. Detailed geological and structural mapping within the Los Burros Mining District (LBMD) coupled with a thermal study was conducted to better understand processes responsible for the anomalous temperatures recorded near the deposit. The regional maximum temperature reached by metasediments from the Nacimiento block have been first investigated using the Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Materials (RSCM) method. In addition, through careful fluid-inclusion and stable isotopes (O and C) studies on the deposit, the temperature and the potential source of the fluid responsible for the Los Burros Au-deposit emplacement were investigated. RSCM technique confirms the presence of a thermal anomaly in the range 260-320ºC near LBMD. However, our structural and petrographic results suggest that the thermal anomaly is not correlated to a post-metamorphic hydrothermal overprint but rather to a late, transpressive deformation uplifting buried metamorphic rocks.

The Balmat-Edwards zinc-lead deposits-synsedimentary ore from Mississippi valley-type fluids.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Whelan, J.F.; Rye, R.O.; Delorraine, W.

1984-01-01

The Balmat-Edwards Zn-Pb district in New York is in Mid-Proterozoic Grenville marbles. Tabular to podiform, generally conformable massive sphalerite-galena orebodies occur at various horizons in the approx 1 km-thick marbles. Metamorphism obscured or obliterated most primary characteristics, whose reconstruction is attempted through detailed S, C, and O isotope studies of the Fowler orebody, and trace element and S isotope studies of sphalerite concentrates and composite ore samples from 22 orebodies. Sulphur isotope data reflect equilibration at near peak metamorphism with some indication of re-equilibration during retrograde metamorphism. The carbon and oxygen isotope composition of gangue carbonates suggests derivation from the host marbles. The oxygen isotope composition of gangue quartz is compatible with a chert origin or metamorphism-equilibration with other minerals. Sulphur and lead isotopes and sulphide mineralogy suggests that the ore fluids were evolved basin brines, chemically like those responsible for Mississippi Valley-type deposits. The large stratigraphic span (> 600 m) of the Balmat orebodies may be due to basin dewatering of million-year intervals. Stratigraphically increasing 34S values of evaporite-anhydrite are postulated to record hydrothermal events and to imply bacterial sulphate reduction on an unusually large scale. Such a stratigraphic increase may be a general exploration guide where sediment-hosted exhalative deposits or Mississippi Valley-type deposits occur.-G.J.N.

Petrology and geochronology of crustal xenoliths from the Bering Strait region: Linking deep and shallow processes in extending continental crust

USGS Publications Warehouse

Akinin, V.V.; Miller, E.L.; Wooden, J.L.

2009-01-01

Petrologic, geochemical, and metamorphic data on gneissic xenoliths derived from the middle and lower crust in the Neogene Bering Sea basalt province, coupled with U-Pb geochronology of their zircons using sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe-reverse geometry (SHRIMP-RG), yield a detailed comparison between the P-T-t and magmatic history of the lower crust and magmatic, metamorphic, and deformational history of the upper crust. Our results provide unique insights into the nature of lithospheric processes that accompany the extension of continental crust. The gneissic, mostly maficxenoliths (constituting less than two percent of the total xenolith population) from lavas in the Enmelen, RU, St. Lawrence, Nunivak, and Seward Peninsula fields most likely originated through magmatic fractionation processes with continued residence at granulite-facies conditions. Zircon single-grain ages (n ??? 125) are interpreted as both magmatic and metamorphic and are entirely Cretaceous to Paleocene in age (ca. 138-60 Ma). Their age distributions correspond to the main ages of magmatism in two belts of supracrustal volcanic and plutonic rocks in the Bering Sea region. Oscillatory-zoned igneous zircons, Late Cretaceous to Paleocene metamorphic zircons and overgrowths, and lack of any older inheritance in zircons from the xenoliths provide strong evidence for juvenile addition of material to the crust at this time. Surface exposures of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks locally reached upper amphibolite-facies (sillimanite grade) to granulite-facies conditions within a series of extension-related metamorphic culminations or gneiss domes, which developed within the Cretaceous magmatic belt. Metamorphic gradients and inferred geotherms (??30-50 ??C/km) from both the gneiss domes and xenoliths aretoo high to be explained by crustal thickening alone. Magmatic heat input from the mantle is necessary to explain both the petrology of the magmas and elevated metamorphic temperatures. Deep-crustal seismic-reflection and refraction data reveal a 30-35-km-thick crust, a sharp Moho and refl ective lower and middle crust. Velocities do not support a largely mafic (underplated) lower crust, but together with xenolith data suggest that Late Cretaceous to early Paleocene maficintrusions are likely increasingly important with depth in the crust and that the elevated temperatures during granulite-facies metamorphism led to large-scale flow of crustal rocks to produce gneiss domes and the observed subhorizontal refl ectivity of the crust. This unique combined data set for the Bering Shelf region provides compelling evidence for the complete reconstitution/re-equilibration of continental crust from the bottom up during mantle-driven magmatic events associated with crustal extension. Thus, despite Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks at the surface and Alaska's accretionary tectonic history, it is likely that a significant portion of the Bering Sea region lower crust is much younger and related to post-accretionary tectonic and magmatic events. ?? 2009 The Geological Society of America.

Origin of peraluminous minerals (corundum, spinel, and sapphirine) in a highly calcic anorthosite from the Sittampundi Layered Complex, Tamil Nadu, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, Shreya; Mukherjee, Subham; Sanyal, Sanjoy; Sengupta, Pulak

2017-08-01

The highly calcic anorthosite (An>95) from the Sittampundi Layered Complex (SLC) develops corundum, spinel and sapphirine that are hitherto not reported from any anorthositic rocks in the world. Petrological observations indicate the following sequence of mineral growth: plagioclasematrix → corundum; clinopyroxene → amphibole; corundum + amphibole → plagioclasecorona + spinel; and spinel + corundum → coronitic sapphirine. Phase relations in the CaO-Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (CNASH) system suggest that corundum was presumably developed through vapour present incongruent melting of the highly calcic plagioclase during ultra-high temperature (UHT) metamorphism ( T ≥ 1000 °C, P ≥ 9 kbar). Topological constraints in parts of the Na2O-CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (NCMASH) system suggest that subsequent to the UHT metamorphism, aqueous fluid(s) permeated the rock and the assemblage corundum + amphibole + anorthite + clinozoisite was stabilized during high-pressure (HP) metamorphism (11 ± 2 kbar, 750 ± 50 °C). Constraints of the NCMASH topology and thermodynamic and textural modeling study suggest that coronitic plagioclase and spinel formed at the expense of corundum + amphibole during a steeply decompressive retrograde P- T path (7-8 kbar and 700-800 °C) in an open system. Textural modeling studies combined with chemical potential diagrams (μSiO2-μMgO) in the MASH system support the view that sapphirine also formed from due to silica and Mg metasomatism of the precursor spinel ± corundum, on the steeply decompressive retrograde P- T path, prior to onset of significant cooling of the SLC. Extremely channelized fluid flow and large positive solid volume change of the stoichiometrically balanced sapphirine forming reaction explains the localized growth of sapphirine.

Developing a Trace Element Biosignature for Early Earth and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangidine, A.; Czaja, A. D.; Havig, J.

2018-04-01

Due to metamorphism and diagenesis, determining the biogenicity of ancient fossils is difficult and often contentious. Using trace element concentrations, we propose a novel biosignature independent from organic and morphological preservation.

Using the geologic setting of talc deposits as an indicator of amphibole asbestos content

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Gosen, B. S.; Lowers, H.A.; Sutley, S.J.; Gent, C.A.

2004-01-01

This study examined commercial talc deposits in the U.S. and their amphibole-asbestos content. The study found that the talc-forming environment directly influenced the amphibole and amphibole-asbestos content of the talc deposit. Large talc districts in the U.S. have mined hydrothermal talcs that replaced dolostone. Hydrothermal talcs, created by siliceous fluids heated by magmas at depth, consistently lack amphiboles as accessory minerals. In contrast, mineable talc deposits that formed by contact or regional metamorphism consistently contain amphiboles, locally as asbestiform varieties. Examples of contact metamorphic deposits occur in Death Valley, California; these talc-tremolite deposits contain accessory amphibole-asbestos. Talc bodies formed by regional metamorphism always contain amphiboles, which display a variety of compositions and habits, including asbestiform. Some industrial mineral deposits are under scrutiny as potential sources of accessory asbestos minerals. Recognizing consistent relations between the talc-forming environment and amphibole-asbestos content may be used in prioritizing remediation or monitoring of abandoned and active talc mines.

Metamorphic fluids and uplift-erosion history of a portion of the Kapuskasing structural zone, Ontario, as deduced from fluid inclusions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudnick, R. L.; Ashwal, L. D.; Henry, D. J.

1983-01-01

Fluid inclusions can be used to determine the compositional evolution of fluids present in high grade metamorphic rocks (Touret, 1979) along with the general P-T path followed by the rocks during uplift and erosion (Hollister et al., 1979). In this context, samples of high grade gneisses from the Kapuskasing structural zone (KSZ, Fig. 1) of eastern Ontario were studied in an attempt to define the composition of syn- and post-metamorphic fluids and help constrain the uplift and erosion history of the KSZ. Recent work by Percival (1980), Percival and Card (1983) and Percival and Krogh (1983) shows that the KSZ represents lower crustal granulites that form the lower portion of an oblique cross section through the Archean crust, which was up faulted along a northeast striking thrust fault. The present fluid inclusion study places constraints upon the P-T path which the KSZ followed during uplift and erosion.

Seismic evidence for multiple-stage exhumation of high/ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks in the eastern Dabie orogenic belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Yinhe; Zhao, Kaifeng; Tang, Chi-Chia; Xu, Yixian

2018-05-01

The Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt in China contains one of the largest exposures of high and ultrahigh pressure (HP and UHP) metamorphic rocks in the world. The origin of HP/UHP metamorphic rocks and their exhumation to the surface in this belt have attracted great interest in the geologic community because the study of exhumation history of HP/UHP rocks helps to understand the process of continental-continental collision and the tectonic evolution of post-collision. However, the exhumation mechanism of the HP-UHP rocks to the surface is still contentious. In this study, by deploying 28 broadband seismic stations in the eastern Dabie orogenic belt and combining seismic data from 40 stations of the China National Seismic Network (CNSN), we image the high-resolution crustal isotropic shear velocity and radial anisotropy structure using ambient noise tomography. Our high-resolution 3D models provide new information about the exhumation mechanism of HP/UHP rocks and the origin of two dome structures.

Acquisition of Ca2+ and HCO3−/CO32− for shell formation in embryos of the common pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis

PubMed Central

O’Donnell, Michael J.; Grosell, Martin

2010-01-01

Embryos of the freshwater common pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis develop to hatch within 10 days under control conditions (22°C, Miami-Dade tap water) and this development is impaired by removal of ambient calcium. In contrast, embryos did not exhibit dependence upon an ambient HCO3−/CO32− source, developing and hatching in HCO3−/CO32−-free water at rates comparable to controls. Post-metamorphic, shell-laying embryos exhibited a significant saturation-type calcium uptake as a function of increasing ambient calcium concentration. However, changes in ambient bicarbonate concentration did not influence calcium or apparent titratable alkalinity uptake. There was a distinct shift from no significant flux in pre-metamorphic embryos to net uptake of calcium in post-metamorphic stages as indicated by an increased uptake from the micro-environment surrounding the egg mass and increased net uptake in 24-h, whole egg mass flux measurements. Furthermore, HCO3−/CO32− acquisition as measured by titratable alkalinity flux is at least partially attributable to an endogenous carbonate source that is associated with acid extrusion. Thus, calcium requirements for embryonic shell formation are met via uptake but HCO3−/CO32−, which is also necessary for shell formation is acquired in part from endogenous sources with no detectable correlation to ambient HCO3−/CO32− availability. PMID:20361194

Late Carboniferous high-pressure metamorphism of the Kassan Metamorphic Complex (Kyrgyz Tianshan) and assembly of the SW Central Asian Orogenic Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mühlberg, M.; Hegner, E.; Klemd, R.; Pfänder, J. A.; Kaliwoda, M.; Biske, Y. S.

2016-11-01

High-pressure (HP) metamorphism of the Kassan Metamorphic Complex (KMC) in the western Kyrgyz Tianshan has been related to either late Ordovician or late Carboniferous-Permian subduction processes. We report Sm-Nd ages for retrogressed eclogite samples and 40Ar/39Ar cooling ages for enclosing garnet-muscovite samples from the KMC as new age constraints on HP metamorphism and rock exhumation. These data will be used for an upgraded paleogeographic model for late Paleozoic crustal consolidation in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The retrogressed eclogite samples have transitional alkaline to tholeiitic affinity and trace-element patterns consistent with protoliths derived from garnet-bearing mantle sources at rifting plate margins. Geothermobarometric data for a retrogressed eclogite sample indicate peak-metamorphic conditions of 540 ± 30 °C at 1.6 ± 0.1 GPa. Samples from different lithotectonic units of the KMC provide coherent Sm-Nd garnet-whole rock ages of 317 ± 4 Ma and 316 ± 3 Ma (2σ). The prograde major-element zoning in the mm-sized garnets in combination with the moderate peak-metamorphic temperature, support our interpretation of the Sm-Nd garnet ages as unambiguous evidence for late Carboniferous HP metamorphism. The Sm-Nd garnet growth ages overlap within-error with the 40Ar/39Ar mica cooling ages of 314 ± 2 Ma and 313 ± 2 Ma (2σ) indicating rapid uplift of the subduction complex after peak metamorphism. The ca. 317-313 Ma HP-exhumation event of the KMC is contemporaneous with those of the Atbashi and Akeyazi (ca. 500 km east in NW China) HP complexes and implies similar collision histories at the South Tianshan Suture to the east and west of the Talas-Fergana Fault (TFF). The exhumation of the KMC and Atbashi HP complexes overlaps with the initiation of the TFF (Rolland et al., 2013) suggesting incipient separation of the Chatkal and Atbashi complexes during rock exhumation and early plate collision.

Microstructural observation and chemical dating on monazite from the Shilu Group, Hainan Province of South China: Implications for origin and evolution of the Shilu Fe-Co-Cu ore district

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Deru; Kusiak, Monika A.; Wang, Zhilin; Chen, Huayong; Bakun-Czubarow, Nonna; Wu, Chuanjun; Konečný, Patrik; Hollings, Peter

2015-02-01

New monazite chemical U-Th-total-Pb (CHIME) ages, combined with microstructural observations, mineral compositions, and whole-rock geochemistry, indicate that the large-scale, banded iron formation (BIF)-type Shilu Fe-Co-Cu ore district in Hainan Province, South China is a multistage product of sedimentation, metamorphism, and hydrothermal-metasomatic alteration associated with multiple orogenies. Two types of monazite, i.e. "polygenetic" and "metamorphic", were identified. The "polygenetic monazite" comprises a magmatic and/or metamorphic core surrounded by a metamorphic rim, and shows complex zoning. Breakdown corona structure, with a core of monazite surrounded by a mantle of fluorapatite, allanite, and/or epidote as concentric growth rings, is commonly observed. This type of monazite yielded three main CHIME-age peaks at ca. 980 Ma, ca. 880 Ma and ca. 450 Ma. The ages which range up to ca. 880 Ma for detrital cores, record a pre-deformational magmatic and/or metamorphic event(s), and is considered to be the depositional time-interval of the Shilu Group and interbedded BIFs in a marine, back-arc foreland basin likely due to the Grenvillian or South China Sibao orogeny. After deposition, the Shilu district was subjected to an orogenic event, which is recorded by the syndeformational metamorphic monazite with ca. 560-450 Ma population. Probably this event not only caused amphibolite facies metamorphism and associated regional foliation S1 but also enriched the original BIFs, and most likely corresponds to the "Pan-African" and/or the South China Caledonian orogeny. The post-deformational "metamorphic" monazite occurs mostly as inclusions in garnet and shows ca. 260 Ma age. It likely represents the Late Permian post-magmatic hydrothermal and related retrograde event(s) initiated by the Indosinian orogeny due to the closure of the Paleo-Tethys. The breakdown of monazite to secondary coronal mineral phases as well as the Fe-remobilization and associated skarnization of the Shilu BIF ore source rocks might also be induced during this retrograde greenschist-facies metamorphism.

Metamorphic P-T conditions and CO2 influx history of medium-grade metapelites from Karakorum, Trans-Himalaya, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachan, Himanshu K.; Santosh, M.; Prakash, Divya; Kharya, Aditya; Chandra Singh, P.; Rai, Santosh K.

2016-07-01

The medium grade metapelites of Pangong-Tso area in the trans-Himalayan region underwent sillimanite-grade metamorphism initiated during the Cretaceous, associated with the collision of the Kohistan arc and the Indian plate with Asia. This paper present results from a petrological and fluid inclusion study to understand the metamorphic P-T conditions and fluid history of these rocks. The calculated phase equilibria in the Na2O-CaO-K2O-FeO-MgO-MnO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O-TiO2 (NCKFMMnASHT) system suggest P-T conditions of 8 kbar and 650 °C for the peak metamorphic event. Primary fluid inclusions occur in staurolite and garnet, whereas quartz carries mostly secondary fluid inclusions. The trapped fluids in primary inclusions show initial melting temperatures in the range of -56.9 to -56.6 °C, suggesting nearly pure CO2 composition. The secondary fluids are of mixed carbonic-aqueous nature. The re-equilibrated inclusions show annular morphology as well as necking phenomena. The CO2 isochores for the primary inclusions indicate pressures of 6.1-6.7 kbar, suggesting that the CO2-rich fluids were trapped during post-peak exhumation of the rocks, or that synmetamorphic carbonic fluids underwent density reversal during isothermal decompression. The secondary CO2-H2O fluids must have been trapped during the late exhumation stage, as their isochores define further lower pressures of 4.8 kbar. The morphology of re-equilibrated fluid inclusions and the rapid decrease in pressure are consistent with a near-isothermal decompression trajectory following the peak metamorphism. The carbonic fluids were probably derived locally from decarbonation reactions of the associated carbonate rocks during metamorphism or from a deep-seated reservoir through Karakorum fault.

Neoarchean arc magmatism followed by high-temperature, high-pressure metamorphism in the Nilgiri Block, southern India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuel, Vinod O.; Sajeev, K.; Hokada, T.; Horie, K.; Itaya, T.

2015-11-01

The Nilgiri Block, southern India is an exhumed lower crust formed through arc magmatic processes in the Neoarchean. The main lithologies in this terrane include charnockites, gneisses, volcanic tuff, metasediments, banded iron formation and mafic-ultramafic bodies. Mafic-ultramafic rocks are present towards the northern and central part of the Nilgiri Block. We examine the evolution of these mafic granulites/metagabbros by phase diagram modeling and U-Pb sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) dating. They consist of a garnet-clinopyroxene-plagioclase-hornblende-ilmenite ± orthopyroxene ± rutile assemblage. Garnet and clinopyroxene form major constituents with labradorite and orthopyroxene as the main mineral inclusions. Labradorite, identified using Raman analysis, shows typical peaks at 508 cm- 1, 479 cm- 1, 287 cm- 1 and 177 cm- 1. It is stable along with orthopyroxene towards the low-pressure high-temperature region of the granulite facies (M1 stage). Subsequently, orthopyroxene reacted with plagioclase to form the peak garnet + clinopyroxene + rutile assemblage (M2 stage). The final stage is represented by amphibolite facies-hornblende and plagioclase-rim around the garnet-clinopyroxene assemblage (M3 stage). Phase diagram modeling shows that these mafic granulites followed an anticlockwise P-T-t path during their evolution. The initial high-temperature metamorphism (M1 stage) was at 850-900 °C and ~ 9 kbar followed by high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism (M2 stage) at 850-900 °C and 14-15 kbar. U-Pb isotope studies of zircons using SHRIMP revealed late Neoarchean to early paleoproterozoic ages of crystallization and metamorphism respectively. The age data shows that these mafic granulites have undergone arc magmatism at ca. 2539.2 ± 3 Ma and high-temperature, high-pressure metamorphism at ca. 2458.9 ± 8.6 Ma. Thus our results suggests a late Neoarchean arc magmatism followed by early paleoproterozoic high-temperature, high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism due to the crustal thickening and suturing of the Nilgiri Block onto the Dharwar Craton.

Ultrastructural and geochemical characterization of Archean-Paleoproterozoic graphite particles: implications for recognizing traces of life in highly metamorphosed rocks.

PubMed

Schiffbauer, James D; Yin, Leiming; Bodnar, Robert J; Kaufman, Alan J; Meng, Fanwei; Hu, Jie; Shen, Bing; Yuan, Xunlai; Bao, Huiming; Xiao, Shuhai

2007-08-01

Abundant graphite particles occur in amphibolite-grade quartzite of the Archean-Paleoproterozoic Wutai Metamorphic Complex in the Wutaishan area of North China. Petrographic thin section observations suggest that the graphite particles occur within and between quartzite clasts and are heterogeneous in origin. Using HF maceration techniques, the Wutai graphite particles were extracted for further investigation. Laser Raman spectroscopic analysis of a population of extracted graphite discs indicated that they experienced a maximum metamorphic temperature of 513 +/- 50 degrees C, which is consistent with the metamorphic grade of the host rock and supports their indigenicity. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the particles bear morphological features (such as hexagonal sheets of graphite crystals) related to metamorphism and crystal growth, but a small fraction of them (graphite discs) are characterized by a circular morphology, distinct marginal concentric folds, surficial wrinkles, and complex nanostructures. Ion microprobe analysis of individual graphite discs showed that their carbon isotope compositions range from -7.4 per thousand to -35.9 per thousand V-PDB (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite), with an average of -20.3 per thousand, which is comparable to bulk analysis of extracted carbonaceous material. The range of their size, ultrastructures, and isotopic signatures suggests that the morphology and geochemistry of the Wutai graphite discs were overprinted by metamorphism and their ultimate carbon source probably had diverse origins that included abiotic processes. We considered both biotic and abiotic origins of the carbon source and graphite disc morphologies and cannot falsify the possibility that some circular graphite discs characterized by marginal folds and surficial wrinkles represent deflated, compressed, and subsequently graphitized organic-walled vesicles. Together with reports by other authors of acanthomorphic acritarchs from greenschist-amphibolite-grade metamorphic rocks, this study suggests that it is worthwhile to examine carbonaceous materials preserved in highly metamorphosed rocks for possible evidence of ancient life.

Timing of metamorphism of the Lansang gneiss and implications for left-lateral motion along the Mae Ping (Wang Chao) strike-slip fault, Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palin, R. M.; Searle, M. P.; Morley, C. K.; Charusiri, P.; Horstwood, M. S. A.; Roberts, N. M. W.

2013-10-01

The Mae Ping fault (MPF), western Thailand, exhibits dominantly left-lateral strike-slip motion and stretches for >600 km, reportedly branching off the right-lateral Sagaing fault in Myanmar and extending southeast towards Cambodia. Previous studies have suggested that the fault assisted the large-scale extrusion of Sundaland that occurred during the Late Eocene-Early Oligocene, with a geological offset of ˜120-150 km estimated from displaced high-grade gneisses and granites of the Chiang Mai-Lincang belt. Exposures of high-grade orthogneiss in the Lansang National Park, part of this belt, locally contain strong mylonitic textures and are bounded by strike-slip ductile shear zones and brittle faults. Geochronological analysis of monazite from a sample of sheared biotite-K-feldspar orthogneiss suggests two episodes of crystallization, with core regions documenting Th-Pb ages between c. 123 and c. 114 Ma and rim regions documenting a significantly younger age range between c. 45-37 Ma. These data are interpreted to represent possible magmatic protolith emplacement for the Lansang orthogneiss during the Early Cretaceous, with a later episode of metamorphism occurring during the Eocene. Textural relationships provided by in situ analysis suggest that ductile shearing along the MPF occurred during the latter stages of, or after, this metamorphic event. In addition, monazite analyzed from an undeformed garnet-two-mica granite dyke intruding metamorphic units at Bhumipol Lake outside of the Mae Ping shear zone produced a Th-Pb age of 66.2 ± 1.6 Ma. This age is interpreted to date the timing of dyke emplacement, implying that the MPF cuts through earlier formed magmatic and high-grade metamorphic rocks. These new data, when combined with regional mapping and earlier geochronological work, show that neither metamorphism, nor regional cooling, was directly related to strike-slip motion.

Trace element composition of rutile and Zr-in-rutile thermometry in meta-ophiolitic rocks from the Kazdağ Massif, NW Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şengün, Fırat; Zack, Thomas

2016-08-01

In northwest Turkey, ophiolitic meta-gabbros are exposed on the Kazdağ Massif located in the southern part of the Biga Peninsula. Trace element composition of rutile and Zr-in-rutile temperatures were determined for meta-gabbros from the Kazdağ Massif. The Zr content of all rutiles range from 176 to 428 ppm and rutile grains usually have a homogeneous Zr distribution. The rutile grains from studied samples in the Kazdağ Massif are dominated by subchondritic Nb/Ta (11-19) and Zr/Hf ratios (20-33). Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf show positive correlation, which is probably produced by silicate fractionation. The Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios increase with a decrease in Ta and Hf contents. The core of rutile grains are generally characterized by low Nb/Ta ratios of 17-18 whereas the rims exhibit relatively high Nb/Ta ratios of 19-23. Trace element analyses in rutile suggest that these rutile grains were grown from metamorphic fluids. The P-T conditions of meta-gabbros were estimated by both Fe-Mg exchange and Zr-in-rutile thermometers, as well as by the Grt-Hb-Plg-Q geothermobarometer. The temperature range of 639 to 662 °C calculated at 9 kbar using the Zr-in-rutile thermometer is comparable with temperature estimates of the Fe-Mg exchange thermometer, which records amphibolite-facies metamorphism of intermediate P-T conditions. The P-T conditions of meta-ophiolitic rocks suggest that they occur as a different separate higher-pressure tectonic slice in the Kazdağ metamorphic sequence. Amphibolite-facies metamorphism resulted from northward subduction of the İzmir-Ankara branch of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean under the Sakarya Zone. Metamorphism was followed by internal imbrication of the Kazdağ metamorphic sequence resulting from southerly directed compression during the collision.

The Pinkie Unit of the Southwestern Svalbard Caledonian Province and its bearing on distribution of the Torellian-Timanian basement in the High Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kośmińska, Karolina; Majka, Jarosław; Manecki, Maciej

2015-04-01

Here we present for the first time petrological characteristics of metapelites from the Pinkie Unit (Prins Karls Forland, western Svalbard). Rocks belonging to the Pinkie Unit are represented mainly by laminated quartzites, siliciclastic rocks (sometimes with garnet) and garnet-bearing mica schists. They are overthrust by the lower grade lithologies of the Grampian Group. The mineral composition confirmed by preliminary microscopic observations suggests that the Pinkie rocks were subjected to at least amphibolite facies metamorphism. The metamorphic zoning from chloritoid through staurolite, up to kyanite zone is apparent. This indicates Barrovian type metamorphism. The rocks are strongly deformed, M1 assemblages and D1 structures are overprinted by pervasive D2 mylonitic pattern. This study is focused on kyanite-bearing schists. They consist mainly of garnet, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite, kyanite, quartz and turmaline. Garnet forms anhedral crystals. Its chemical composition is characterized by Alm79-84Sps1-5Prp5-11Grs5-10. The profiles through the garnets are almost flat and they seem to be homogenized most probably during peak temperature at an early stage of retrogression. The Si content in muscovite varies from 3.06 to 3.13. Biotite is characterized by XFe in the range of 0.53 - 0.66. The garnet-biotite-muscovite-plagioclase (GBPM) geothermobarometer (Holdaway, 2001; Wu, 2014) has been used for estimation of pressure - temperature conditions. Preliminary calculations indicate peak metamorphic conditions at 8 - 9 kbar and 650 - 700°C. Our P-T calculations provide further evidence for the Barrovian type of metamorphism along the western coast of Svalbard. The correlation of the Pinkie Unit with other higher grade complexes within Southwestern Svalbard Caledonian Province is still difficult, but the studied rocks resemble the Isbjørnhamna Group of Wedel Jarlsberg Land. This is based on the metamorphic grade, mineral assemblage and probable protolith age (post-950Ma; Kośmińska, unpublished data). If this is a case, the Pinkie Unit will provide another evidence of the Torellian-Timanian (late Neoproterozoic, e.g. Majka et al. 2008) tectonothermal event within the Svalbard's Caledonides. In turn, it can bear important implications for Arctic tectonic reconstructions. This project is financed by NCN research project No 2013/11/N/ST10/00357. References: Holdaway M.J., 2001. Recalibration of the GASP geobarometer in light of recent garnet and plagioclase activity models and versions of the garnet-biotite geothermometer. American Mineralogist, 86, 1117-1129. Majka J., Mazur S., Czerny J., Manecki M., Holm D.K., 2008. Late Neoproterozoic amphibolite facies metamorphism of a pre-Caledonian basement block in southwest Wedel Jarlsberg Land, Spitsbergen: new evidence from U-Th-Pb dating of monazite. Geological Magazine, 145, 822-830. Wu C. M., 2014. Revised empirical garnet-biotite-muscovite-plagioclase (GBMP) geobarometer in metapelites. Journal of Metamorphic Geology. doi: 10.1111/jmg.12115

Isotope and chemical age of the Greater Caucasus basement metamorphic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konilov, A. N.; Somin, M. L.; Mukhanova, A. A.

2009-04-01

It is widely accepted that metamorphic basement of the Greater Caucasus is essentially Proterozoic [i.e. Gamkrelidze & Shengelia, 2005 ]. New results of geochronological study, mainly on magmatic zircon, contradict this opinion [Somin, 2007; Somin et al., 2007a, b, c and references therein]. To precise age of metamorphism we tried to apply CHIME method on monazite [Suzuki, Adachi, 1991]. The facility consists of Tescan SEM VEGA II xmu equipped with EDS Energy 400 and WDS Wave 500 from Oxford Instruments. This system and analytical protocol for monazite analysis are close to described by Slagstad [2006]. Samples of three metamorphic units were used with purpose to investigate their PT conditions and chemical composition of accessory monazite, xenotime and zircon. In the Blyb Complex Ky-bearing St-Grt-Bt schist was studied. Temperature calculated using Grt-St and Grt-Bt thermometers are 550-600 oC at 10 kb. Because xenotime absence and very low Y2O3 content in monazite, temperature determination on Mnz thermometer was impossible. Isochron chemical age of monazite is 288±24 Ma. In the Gondary Complex the Sil-bearing Grt-Bt gneiss was studied. Temperature calculated using Grt-Bt thermometer and Grt-Pl-Sil-Qtz geobarometer correspond to 610 oC at 4 kb. Monazite thermometer [Pyle et al., 2001] indicates temperature range 533-640 oC for three samples. Monazite chemical age is 303±31 Ma, zircon of leucosome yields SHRIMP age 321-288 Ma. In the Makera Complex the And-Bt-Ms and Grt-Bt-Ms metapelites were examinated. Temperature calculated using Grt-Bt thermometer and Grt-Pl-And-Qtz geobarometer correspond to 500 oC at 2,5 kb. Monazite thermometer indicates average temperatures 293-433-447 oC. Two isochrones correspond to 239±28 Ma and 282±19 Ma. Our results of monazite dating are close to the U-Pb zircon data although not similar being some younger. Therefore conclusion on Precambrian metamorphic events in the studied complexes of the Greater Caucasus is erroneous. These complexes independently of baric type seem to be formed roughly synchronously during Variscan epoch. References: Gamkrelidze I.P., Shengelia D.M. ( 2005).The Precambrian-Paleozoic Regional Metamorphism, Granitoid Magmatism, and Geodynamics of the Caucasus. M: Nauchnyi Mir [in Russian]. Pyle J.M., Frank S. Spear F.S. et al. (2001). Monazite-Xenotime-Garnet Equilibrium in Metapelites and a New Monazite-Garnet Thermometer. Journal of Petrology, , 42, 2083-2107. Slagstad T. (2006).Chemical (U-Th-Pb) dating of monazite: Analytical protocol for a LEO 1450VP scanning electron microscope and examples from Rogaland and Finnmark, Norway. Norges geologiske undersøkelse Bulletin, 446, 11-18. Somin M.L. (2007a). Pre-Alpine basement of the Greater Caucasus: main features. In: Alpine history of the Greater Caucasus (Yu.G. Leonovб Ed.). GEOS. Moscow. P.15-38. Somin M.L., Lepekhina E.N., Konilov A.N. ( 2007b). Age of the High-Temperature Gneiss Core of the Central Caucasus. Doklady Earth Sciences, 415, 690-694. Somin M.L., Levchenkov O.A., Kotov A.B. et al. (2007c). The Paleozoic Age of High-Pressure Metamorphic Rocks in the Dakhov Salient, North-Western Caucasus: Results of U-Pb Geochronological Investigations. Doklady Earth Sciences, 416, 1018-1021. Suzuki K., Adachi M. (1991). Precambrian provenance and Silurian metamorphism of the Tsunosava paragneiss in South Kitakami terrane, northeast Japan, revealed by the chemical Th-U-total Pb isochron ages of monazite, zircon and xenotime. Journal of Geochemistry, 25, 357-376.

The "granite pump": LP/HT metamorphism and exhumation in the Montagne Nore (S-France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franke, W.; Doublier, M. P.; Doerr, W.; Stein, E.

2003-04-01

The Montagne Noire at the southern margin of the French Massif Central represents an exceptional case of a hot metamorphic core complex evolved from a thrust stack in a foreland position. The core of the structure (Zone Axiale) exposes granites and LP/HT gneisses up to anatectic grade. The hot core is encased by ENE-trending shear zones, which define a dextral pull-apart structure. Ductile extension is documented by top WSW shearing in the W, and ENE shearing in the E part of the Zone Axiale (eg, MATTE et al., 1998). Extension in ENE and reduction of the metamorphic profile are accompanied by NNW-directed contraction ("pinched pull-apart"). Palaeozoic sediments on the southern flank of the Zone Axiale exhibit only greenschist to diagenetic grades of metamorphism. Conodont alteration index (WIEDERER et al., 2002) and illite crystallinity (Doublier, this meeting) reveal a decrease of metamorphic temperature away from the hot core. Metamorphic isograds cut across the axial planes of D1 nappes. These features suggest that metamorphism was imposed by the rising hot core. Accordingly, the palaeozoic sediments show a tectonic evolution which closely resembles that of the gneissic core (extension top ENE, contraction in NNW). Structures relating to stacking (D1) have survived at the southern margin of the Montagne Noire. U-Pb studies (TIMS on single zircon and monazite) reveal peak metamorphism and magmatism already at c. 315 Ma (KLAMA et al., 2001), i.e., only <10 Ma after the end of flysch deposition in latest Visean/Early Namurian time (<= 323 Ma). The coincidence, within error, of the U-Pb ages and earlier Ar/Ar ages (MALUSKI et al., 1991) suggest rapid cooling. Synchronous granite emplacement and metamorphism is best explained by advective heating. Since granites are not generated in foreland settings, we propose derivation of the melts from areas of thickened crust adjacent to the N. Transport and emplacement of granites was essentially driven by the hydraulic gradient between the locus of melt generation in the orogenic root, and the opening pull-apart window. Such a pumping model may also be applied to other thermal anomalies in the Variscan Belt, e.g., in the SW-Bohemian Transverse Zone (FRANKE 2000), or in the Saxonian Granulites (FRANKE and STEIN 2000). Hydraulic expulsion of hot, low viscously materials has played an important role in the transport of heat for the hot Variscan root to higher and more external parts of the crust. FRANKE (2000); Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ. No. 179, 35-63. FRANKE and STEIN (2000); Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ. No. 179, 337-355. KLAMA et al. (2001); J. Conf. Abs.,6, 235. MALUSKI et al. (1991); Lithos, 26: 287-304. MATTE et al. (1998); Geodynamica Acta: 13-22. WIEDERER et al. (2002); Schweiz. Mineral. Petrogr. Mitt. 82, 393-407.

The grand tour of the Ruby-East Humboldt metamorphic core complex, northeastern Nevada: Part 1 - Introduction & road log

USGS Publications Warehouse

Snoke, A.W.; Howard, K.A.; McGrew, A.J.; Burton, B.R.; Barnes, C.G.; Peters, M.T.; Wright, J.E.

1997-01-01

The purpose of this geological excursion is to provide an overview of the multiphase developmental history of the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range, northeastern Nevada. Although these mountain ranges are commonly cited as a classic example of a Cordilleran metamorphic core complex developed through large-magnitude, mid-Tertiary crustal extension, a preceding polyphase Mesozoic contractional history is also well preserved in the ranges. An early phase of this history involved Late Jurassic two-mica granitic magmatism, high-temperature but relatively low-pressure metamorphism, and polyphase deformation in the central Ruby Mountains. In the northern Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range, a Late Cretaceous history of crustal shortening, metamorphism, and magmatism is manifested by fold-nappes (involving Archean basement rocks in the northern East Humboldt Range), widespread migmatization, injection of monzogranitic and leucogranitic magmas, all coupled with sillimanite-grade metamorphism. Following Late Cretaceous contraction, a protracted extensional deformation partially overprinted these areas during the Cenozoic. This extensional history may have begun as early as the Late Cretaceous or as late as the mid-Eocene. Late Eocene and Oligocene magmatism occurred at various levels in the crust yielding mafic to felsic orthogneisses in the deep crust, a composite granitic pluton in the upper crust, and volcanic rocks at the surface. Movement along a west-rooted, extensional shear zone in the Oligocene and early Miocene led to core-complex exhumation. The shear zone produced mylonitic rocks about 1 km thick at deep crustal levels, and an overprint of brittle detachment faulting at shallower levels as unroofing proceeded. Megabreccias and other synextensional sedimentary deposits are locally preserved in a tilted, upper Eocene through Miocene stratigraphic sequence. Neogene magmatism included the emplacement of basalt dikes and eruption of rhyolitic rocks. Subsequent Basin and Range normal faulting, as young as Holocene, records continued tectonic extension.

Magnitude of long-term non-lithostatic pressure variations in lithospheric processes: insight from thermo-mechanical subduction/collision models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerya, Taras

2014-05-01

On the one hand, the principle of lithostatic pressure is habitually used in metamorphic geology to calculate paleo-depths of metamorphism from mineralogical pressure estimates given by geobarometry. On the other hand, it is obvious that this lithostatic (hydrostatic) pressure principle should only be valid for an ideal case of negligible deviatoric stresses during the long-term development of the entire tectono-metamorphic system - the situation, which newer comes to existence in natural lithospheric processes. The question is therefore not "Do non-lithostatic pressure variations exist?" but " What is the magnitude of long-term non-lithostatic pressure variations in various lithospheric processes, which can be recorded by mineral equilibria of respective metamorphic rocks?". The later question is, in particular, relevant for various types of high-pressure (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) rocks, which are often produced in convergent plate boundary settings (e.g., Hacker and Gerya, 2013). This question, can, in particular, be answered with the use of thermo-mechanical models of subduction/collision processes employing realistic P-T-stress-dependent visco-elasto-brittle/plastic rheology of rocks. These models suggest that magnitudes of pressure deviations from lithostatic values can range >50% underpressure to >100% overpressure, mainly in the regions of bending of rheologically strong mantle lithosphere (Burg and Gerya, 2005; Li et al., 2010). In particular, strong undepresures along normal faults forming within outer rise regions of subducting plates can be responsible for downward water suction and deep hydration of oceanic slabs (Faccenda et al., 2009). Weaker HP and UHP rocks of subduction/collision channels are typically subjected to lesser non-lithostatic pressure variations with characteristic magnitudes ranging within 10-20% from the lithostatic values (Burg and Gerya, 2005; Li et al., 2010). The strength of subducted crustal rocks and the degree of confinement of the subduction/collision channel are the key factors controlling this magnitude (Burg and Gerya, 2005; Li et al., 2010). High-temperature (>700 C) UHP rocks formed by continental crust subduction typically demonstrate negligible non-lithostatic pressure variations at peak metamorphic conditions, although these variations can be larger at the prograde stage (Gerya et al., 2008; Li et al., 2010). However, the variability of tectonic mechanisms by which UHP rocks can form (e.g., Sizova et al., 2012; Hacker and Gerya, 2013) precludes generalization of this result for all types of UHP-complexes. References Burg, J.-P., Gerya, T.V. (2005) Viscous heating and thermal doming in orogenic metamorphism: numerical modeling and geological implications. J. Metamorph. Geol., 23, 75-95. Faccenda, M., Gerya, T.V., Burlini, L. (2009) Deep slab hydration induced by bending related variations in tectonic pressure. Nature Geoscience, 2, 790-793. Gerya T.V., Perchuk, L.L., Burg J.-P. (2008) Transient hot channels: perpetrating and regurgitating ultrahigh-pressure, high temperature crust-mantle associations in collision belts. Lithos, 103, 236-256. Hacker, B., Gerya, T.V. (2013) Paradigms, new and old, for ultrahigh-pressure tectonism. Tectonophysics, 603, 79-88. Li, Z., Gerya, T.V., Burg, J.P. (2010) Influence of tectonic overpressure on P-T paths of HP-UHP rocks in continental collision zones: Thermomechanical modelling. J. Metamorphic Geol., 28, 227-247. Sizova, E., Gerya, T., Brown M. (2012) Exhumation mechanisms of melt-bearing ultrahigh pressure crustal rocks during collision of spontaneously moving plates. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 30, 927-955.

Nature and origin of fluids in granulite facies metamorphism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newton, R. C.

1988-01-01

The various models for the nature and origin of fluids in granulite facies metamorphism were summarized. Field and petrologic evidence exists for both fluid-absent and fluid-present deep crustal metamorphism. The South Indian granulite province is often cited as a fluid-rich example. The fluids must have been low in H2O and thus high in CO2. Deep crustal and subcrustal sources of CO2 are as yet unproven possibilities. There is much recent discussion of the possible ways in which deep crustal melts and fluids could have interacted in granulite metamorphism. Possible explanations for the characteristically low activity of H2O associated with granulite terranes were discussed. Granulites of the Adirondacks, New York, show evidence for vapor-absent conditions, and thus appear different from those of South India, for which CO2 streaming was proposed. Several features, such as the presence of high-density CO2 fluid inclusions, that may be misleading as evidence for CO2-saturated conditions during metamorphism, were discussed.

Improved GaSb-based quantum well laser performance through metamorphic growth on GaAs substrates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Richardson, Christopher J. K., E-mail: richardson@lps.umd.edu; He, Lei; Apiratikul, Paveen

The promise of the metamorphic growth paradigm is to enable design freedom of the substrate selection criteria beyond current choices that are limited by lattice matching requirements. A demonstration of this emerging degree of freedom is reported here by directly comparing identical laser structures grown both pseudomorphically on a GaSb substrate and metamorphically on a GaAs substrate. Improved thermal performance of the metamorphic laser material enables a higher output power before thermal roll-over begins. These performance gains are demonstrated in minimally processed gain-guided broad-area type-I lasers emitting close to 2-μm wavelengths and mounted p-side up. Continuous wave measurements at roommore » temperature yield a T{sub 0} of 145 K and peak output power of 192 mW from metamorphic lasers, compared to a T{sub 0} of 96 K and peak output power of 164 mW from identical lasers grown pseudomorphically on GaSb.« less

Petrology and tectonic development of supracrustal sequence of Kerala Khondalite Belt, Southern India

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, G. R. Ravindra; Chacko, Thomas

1988-01-01

The granulite terrain of southern India, of which the Kerala Khondalite belt (KKB) is a part, is unique in exposing crustal sections with arrested charnockite growth in different stages of transformation and in varied lithological association. The KKB with rocks of surficial origin and incipient charnockite development, poses several problems relating to the tectonics of burial of vast area and mechanisms involved in expelling initial H2O (causes of dryness) for granulite facies metamorphism. It is possible to infer the following sequence of events based on the field and laboratory studies: (1) derivation of protoliths of KKB from granitic uplands and deposition in fault bounded basin (cratonic rift); (2) subhorizontal deep burial of sediments; (3) intense deformation of infra and supracrustal rocks; (4) early granulite facies metamorphism predating F sub 2 - loss of primary structure in sediments and formation of charnockites from amphibole bearing gneisses and khondalites from pelites; (5) migmatisation and deformation of metasediments and gneisses; (6) second event of charnockite formation probably aided by internal CO2 build-up; and (7) isothermal uplift, entrapment of late CO2 and mixed CO2-H2O fluids, formation of second generation cordierites and cordierite symplectites.

Structural Maturation of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase—A Metamorphic Solution to Genomic Instability

PubMed Central

London, Robert E.

2016-01-01

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT)—a critical enzyme of the viral life cycle—undergoes a complex maturation process, required so that a pair of p66 precursor proteins can develop conformationally along different pathways, one evolving to form active polymerase and ribonuclease H (RH) domains, while the second forms a non-functional polymerase and a proteolyzed RH domain. These parallel maturation pathways rely on the structural ambiguity of a metamorphic polymerase domain, for which the sequence–structure relationship is not unique. Recent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies utilizing selective labeling techniques, and structural characterization of the p66 monomer precursor have provided important insights into the details of this maturation pathway, revealing many aspects of the three major steps involved: (1) domain rearrangement; (2) dimerization; and (3) subunit-selective RH domain proteolysis. This review summarizes the major structural changes that occur during the maturation process. We also highlight how mutations, often viewed within the context of the mature RT heterodimer, can exert a major influence on maturation and dimerization. It is further suggested that several steps in the RT maturation pathway may provide attractive targets for drug development. PMID:27690082

A transect of metamorphic rocks along the Copper River, Cordova and Valdez Quadrangles, Alaska: A section in The United States Geological Survey in Alaska: Accomplishments during 1982

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, Marti L.; Dumoulin, Julie A.; Nelson, S.W.

1984-01-01

The lower Tertiary Orca Group is juxtaposed against the Upper Cretaceous Valdez Group along the Contact fault system (Winkler and Plafker, 1974, 198; Plafker and others, 1977)(fig. 33). In both groups, turbidites are the dominant rock type, with lesser mafic volcanic rocks (table 10). The Valdez Group, on the north, has traditionally been considered to be of higher metamorphic grade than the Orca Group (Moffit, 1954; Tysdal and Case, 1979; Winkler and Plafker, 198; Winkler and others, 1981). In 1982, we made a transect across the regional strike of the rocks and the contact between the two groups. The transect area follows the Copper River for 85 km from the Cordova quadrangle north into the Valdez quadrangle and extends for about 25 km on either side of the river (fig. 33). We planned, by systematic sampling of the area, to examine the metamorphic differences between the Orca and Valdez Groups. We found, however, that a strong thermal metamorphic event has overprinted and obscured regional metamorphic relations. We believe intrusion of Tertiary granite (fig. 33) to be responsible for this metamorphism. (Figures 33 and 34 and tables follow this article.)

Regional fluid and metal mobility in the Dalradian metamorphic belt, Southern Grampian Highlands, Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craw, D.

1990-10-01

A prominent set of veins was formed during post-metamorphic deformation of the Caledonian Dalradian metamorphic belt. These veins are concentrated in dilational zones in fold hinges, but apophyses follow schistosity and fold axial surface fractures. The veins are most common in the cores of regional structures, especially the Dalradian Downbend and consist of quartz, calcite, chlorite and metallic sulphides and oxides. Metals, including gold, have been concentrated in the veins. The fluid which formed the veins was low salinity (1 5 wt% NaCl and KCl) CO2-bearing (3 16 wt% CO2) water of metamorphic origin. The fluid varies slightly in composition within and between samples, but is essentially uniform in composition over several hundred km2. Vein formation occurred at about 350±50 °C and 200 300 MPa pressure. Further quartz mineralization occurred in some dilational zones at lower temperatures (160 180 °C). This later mineralization was accompanied by CO2 immiscibility. Dilution and oxidation of the metamorphic fluid occurred due to mixing with meteoric water as the rocks passed through the brittle-ductile transition. A similar metamorphic fluid is thought to have been responsible for gold mineralization in the nearby Tyndrum Fault at a later stage in the Dalradian uplift.

Evolutionary genetics of metamorphic failure using wild-caught vs. laboratory axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum).

PubMed

Voss, S R; Shaffer, H B

2000-09-01

In many organisms metamorphosis allows for an ecologically important habitat-shift from water to land. However, in some salamanders an adaptive life cycle mode has evolved that is characterized by metamorphic failure (paedomorphosis); these species remain in the aquatic habitat throughout the life cycle. Perhaps the most famous example of metamorphic failure is the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), which has become a focal species for developmental biology since it was introduced into laboratory culture in the 1800s. Our previous genetic linkage mapping analysis, using an interspecific crossing design, demonstrated that a major gene effect underlies the expression of metamorphic failure in laboratory stocks of the Mexican axolotl. Here, we repeated this experiment using A. mexicanum that were sampled directly from their natural habitat at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico. We found no significant association between the major gene and metamorphic failure when wild-caught axolotls were used in the experimental design, although there is evidence of a smaller genetic effect. Thus, there appears to be genetic variation among Mexican axolotls (and possibly A. tigrinum tigrinum) at loci that contribute to metamorphic failure. This result suggests a role for more than one mutation and possibly artificial selection in the evolution of the major gene effect in the laboratory Mexican axolotl.

Mobility of gold during metamorphism of the Dalradian in Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitcairn, I. K.; Skelton, A. D. L.; Wohlgemuth-Ueberwasser, C. C.

2015-09-01

Mobility of Au and related metals during metamorphism has been suggested to be the source of metals enriched in orogenic Au deposits. This study investigates the mobility of Au, As, and Sb during metamorphism of the Dalradian metasedimentary rocks of Scotland. The metamorphic processes in the Dalradian of Scotland are extremely well studied, and the terrane is an ideal area to investigate mobility of these metals. Our results show that of the 25 major and trace elements analysed, only Au, As, Sb, S and volatile contents as shown by loss on ignition (LOI) values show systematic variation with the metamorphic grade of the samples. Average Au concentrations decrease from 1.1 ± 0.55 ppb and 0.72 ± 0.34 ppb in chlorite and biotite zone rocks down to 0.4 ± 0.22 ppb and 0.34 ± 0.13 ppb in kyanite and sillimanite zone rocks. Average As concentrations decrease from 4.8 ppm (range 0.5 to 17.8 ppm) and 1.96 ± 1.9 ppm in chlorite and biotite zone rocks down to 0.24 ± 0.15 ppm and 0.2 ± 0.12 ppm in kyanite and sillimanite zone rocks. Average Sb concentrations decrease from 0.18 ± 0.15 ppm and 0.11 ± 0.10 ppm in chlorite and biotite zone rocks down to 0.04 ± 0.02 ppm in both kyanite and sillimanite zone rocks. Sulphur and LOI concentrations also show significant decreases. Mass balance calculations indicate that compared to chlorite and biotite zone samples, sillimanite zone samples have an average mass loss of 62 ± 14%, 94 ± 4% and 74 ± 14% for Au, As, and Sb respectively. Every 1 km3 of chlorite-biotite zone mixed psammitic-pelitic protolith rock that is metamorphosed to sillimanite zone conditions would release 1.5 t Au, 8613 t As, 270 t Sb, and 1.02 Mt S. The mobility of these elements is strongly controlled by the paragenesis of sulphide minerals. Pyrite, sphalerite, galena and cobaltite (as well as gersdorffite) decrease in abundance with increasing metamorphic grade in the Dalradian metasedimentary rocks. A critical aspect of the sulphide paragenesis is the transition of pyrite to pyrrhotite. This transition is complete by mid greenschist facies in the Loch Lomond samples but is more gradual at Glen Esk occurring between biotite and sillimanite zones. The Au, As, and Sb content of the sulphide assemblage also decreases with increasing metamorphic grade, and we suggest that this is a controlling factor on the mobility of these metals from the Dalradian metasedimentary rocks during metamorphism. Chlorite may be an important host mineral for As in the greenschist facies rocks. Breakdown of chlorite indirectly drives the mobility of Au, As, and Sb, as this produces the bulk of metamorphic fluid that drives transition between pyrite and pyrrhotite. We suggest that there is potential for significant undiscovered mineralisation in the Central and SW Highlands of Scotland. However, as the total mass of gold mobilised is lower than observed in other metasedimentary terranes such as the Otago and Alpine Schist's, New Zealand, very efficient fluid focussing and trapping mechanisms would be required to form large deposits in the Dalradian of Scotland.

The Nahuel Niyeu basin: A Cambrian forearc basin in the eastern North Patagonian Massif

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greco, Gerson A.; González, Santiago N.; Sato, Ana M.; González, Pablo D.; Basei, Miguel A. S.; Llambías, Eduardo J.; Varela, Ricardo

2017-11-01

Early Paleozoic basement of the eastern North Patagonian Massif includes low- and high grade metamorphic units, which consist mainly of alternating paraderived metamorphic rocks (mostly derived from siliciclastic protoliths) with minor intercalations of orthoderived metamorphic rocks. In this contribution we provide a better understanding of the tectonic setting in which the protoliths of these units were formed, which adds to an earlier suggested idea. With this purpose, we studied the metasedimentary rocks of the low-grade Nahuel Niyeu Formation from the Aguada Cecilio area combining mapping and petrographic analysis with U-Pb geochronology and characterization of detrital zircon grains. The results and interpretations of this unit, together with published geological, geochronological and geochemical information, allow us to interpret the sedimentary and igneous protoliths of all metamorphic units from the massif as formed in a forearc basin at ∼520-510 Ma (Nahuel Niyeu basin). It probably was elongated in the ∼NW-SE direction, and would have received detritus from a proximal source area situated toward its northeastern side (present coordinates). The basin might be related to an extensional tectonic regime. Most likely source rocks were: (1) 520-510 Ma, acidic volcanic rocks (an active magmatic arc), (2) ∼555->520 Ma, acidic plutonic and volcanic rocks (earlier stages of the same arc), and (3) latest Ediacaran-Terreneuvian, paraderived metamorphic rocks (country rocks of the arc). We evaluate the Nahuel Niyeu basin considering the eastern North Patagonian Massif as an autochthonous part of South America, adding to the discussion of the origin of Patagonia.

Early Miocene rapid exhumation in southern Tibet: Insights from P-T-t-D-magmatism path of Yardoi dome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jia-Min; Wu, Fu-Yuan; Rubatto, Daniela; Liu, Kai; Zhang, Jin-Jiang; Liu, Xiao-Chi

2018-04-01

Reconstructing the evolution of Gneiss domes within orogenic belts poses challenges because domes can form in a variety of geodynamic settings and by multiple doming mechanisms. For the North Himalayan gneiss domes (NHGD), it is debated whether they formed during shortening, extension or collapse of the plateau, and what is the spatial and temporal relationship of magmatism, metamorphism and deformation. This study investigates the Yardoi dome in southern Tibet using field mapping, petrography, phase equilibria modelling and new monazite ages. The resulting P-T-time-deformation-magmatism path for the first time reveals the spatial and temporal relationship of metamorphism, deformation and magmatism in the Yardoi dome: a) the dome mantle recorded prograde loading to kyanite-grade Barrovian metamorphic conditions of 650 ± 30 °C and 9 ± 1 kbar (M2) in the Early Miocene (18-17 Ma); b) the main top-to-the-north deformation fabric (D2) formed syn- to post-peak-metamorphism; c) the emplacement of leucorgranites related to doming is syn-metamorphism at 19-17 Ma. The link between the detachment shear zone in the Yardoi dome and the South Tibetan detachment system (STDS) is confirmed. By comparing with orogen-scale tectonic processes in the Himalaya, we suggest that north-south extension in a convergent geodynamic setting during Early Miocene accounts for formation of the Yardoi dome. In a wider tectonic context, the Early Miocene rapid exhumation of deep crustal rocks was contemporaneous with the rapid uplift of southern Tibet and the Himalayan orogen.

Jurassic to Miocene magmatism and metamorphism in the Mogok metamorphic belt and the India-Eurasia collision in Myanmar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barley, M. E.; Pickard, A. L.; Zaw, Khin; Rak, P.; Doyle, M. G.

2003-06-01

Situated south of the eastern Himalayan syntaxis at the western margin of the Shan-Thai terrane the high-grade Mogok metamorphic belt (MMB) in Myanmar occupies a key position in the tectonic evolution of Southeast Asia. The first sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe U-Pb in zircon geochronology for the MMB shows that strongly deformed granitic orthogneisses near Mandalay contain Jurassic (˜170 Ma) zircons that have partly recrystallized during ˜43 Ma high-grade metamorphism. A hornblende syenite from Mandalay Hill also contains Jurassic zircons with evidence of Eocene metamorphic recrystallization rimmed by thin zones of 30.9 ± 0.7 Ma magmatic zircon. The relative abundance of Jurassic zircons in these rocks is consistent with suggestions that southern Eurasia had an Andean-type margin at that time. Mid-Cretaceous to earliest Eocene (120 to 50 Ma) I-type granitoids in the MMB, Myeik Archipelago, and Western Myanmar confirm that prior to the collision of India, an up to 200 km wide magmatic belt extended along the Eurasian margin from Pakistan to Sumatra. Metamorphic overgrowths to zircons in the orthogneiss near Mandalay date a period of Eocene (˜43 Ma) high-grade metamorphism possibly during crustal thickening related to the initial collision between India and Eurasia (at 65 to 55 Ma). This was followed by emplacement of syntectonic hornblende syenites and leucogranites between 35 and 23 Ma. Similar syntectonic syenites and leucogranites intruded the Ailao Shan-Red River shear belt in southern China and Vietnam during the Eocene-Oligocene to Miocene, and the Wang Chao and Three Pagodas faults in northern Thailand (that most likely link with the MMB) were also active at this time. The complex history of Eocene to early Miocene metamorphism, deformation, and magmatism in the MMB provides evidence that it may have played a key role in the network of deformation zones that accommodated strain during the northwards movement of India and resulting extrusion or rotation of Indochina.

High-pressure granulites in the Fuping Complex of the central North China Craton: Metamorphic P-T-t evolution and tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Jiahui; Yin, Changqing; Zhang, Jian; Ma, Li; Wang, Luojuan

2018-04-01

Mafic granulites in the Fuping Complex occur as lenses or boudins within high-grade TTG (Trondhjemite-Tonalite-Granodiorite) gneisses. Petrographic observations reveal four generations of mineral assemblage in the granulites: an inclusion assemblage of hornblende + plagioclase + ilmenite + quartz within garnet core; an inferred peak assemblage composed of garnet ± hornblende + plagioclase + clinopyroxene + rutile/ilmenite + quartz; a decompression assemblage characterized by symplectites of clinopyroxene ± orthopyroxene + plagioclase, coronae of plagioclase ± clinopyroxene ± hornblende around embayed garnet porphyroblasts or a two-pyroxene association; and a late amphibolite-facies retrogressive assemblage. Two representative samples were used for pseudosection modeling in NCFMASHTO model system to determine their metamorphic evolution. The results show that these granulites experienced a high-pressure stage of metamorphism with peak P-T conditions of 12-13 kbar and 760-800 °C (Pmax) and a post-peak history under P-T conditions of ∼9.0 kbar and 805-835 °C (Tmax), indicating a nearly isothermal decompression process (ITD) with a slight heating. Metamorphic evolution from the Pmax to the Tmax is predicted to be dominated by garnet breakdown through continuous metamorphic reactions of garnet + quartz ± diopside = hornblende + plagioclase + liquid and garnet + quartz + hornblende = plagioclase + diopside + liquid + orthopyroxene. Further metamorphic evolution after the Tmax is dominated by cooling, suggesting that high-pressure (HP) granulites may also exist in the Fuping Complex. Metamorphic zircons in the Fuping HP mafic granulites have left inclined REE patterns, Ti contents of 1.68-6.88 ppm and crystallization temperatures of 602-712 °C. SIMS zircon U-Pb dating on these zircons yields 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1891 ± 14 Ma and 1849 ± 6 Ma, interpreted to represent the cooling stage of metamorphism. The P-T-t evolution of the Fuping HP mafic granulites records well the protracted Paleoproterozoic orogenic event occurred in the central North China Craton.

The effect of thermal resetting and recrystallisation on white mica 40Ar/39Ar ages during retrograde metamorphism on Syros, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uunk, Bertram; Wijbrans, Jan; Brouwer, Fraukje

2015-04-01

White mica 40Ar/39Ar dating is a proven powerful tool for constraining timing of metamorphism, deformation and exhumation. However, in high-pressure metamorphic rocks, dating often results in wide age ranges which are not in agreement with constraints from other isotopic systems, indicating that geological and chemical processes complicate straightforward 40Ar/39Ar dating. In this research project, white mica ages from rocks of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit on Syros, Greece with contrasting rheology and strain mechanisms are compared, in order to better understand the role of deformation, recrystallization and fluid flow on 40Ar/39Ar ages of white mica during retrograde metamorphism. Resulting ages vary along different sections on the island, inconsistent with other isotopic constraints on eclogite-blueschist metamorphism (55-50 Ma) and greenschist overprinting (41-30 Ma). Two end-member models are possible: 1) Results represent continuous crystallization of white mica while moving from blueschist to greenschist conditions in the metamorphic P-T loop, or 2) white mica equilibrated in eclogite-blueschist conditions and their diffusion systematics were progressively perturbed during greenschist overprinting. The single grain fusion analyses yielded contrasting age distributions, which indicate contrasts in degree of re-equilibration during retrograde metamorphism. Step wise heating of larger grain populations resulted in flat plateau shapes, providing no evidence for partial resetting. Electron microprobe measurements of Si per formula unit, as a proxy for pressure during crystallisation, do not explain age variation within sections or on the island scale. The previously unreported north-south age trend and age ranges per sample, as shown only in the 40Ar/39Ar system of the metapelitic and marble lithologies, contains key information that will allow us to test between different scenarios for age formation. Excess argon infiltration at this stage seems to have been of minor importance. Our new approach should lead to a better understanding of the interplay of these processes during and after HP metamorphism.

Structure, metamorphism, and geochronology of the Cosmos Hills and Ruby Ridge, Brooks Range schist belt, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Christiansen, Peter B.; Snee, Lawrence W.

1994-01-01

The boundary of the internal zones of the Brooks Range orogenic belt (the schist belt) is a fault contact that dips toward the hinterland (the Yukon-Koyukuk province). This fault, here referred to as the Cosmos Hills fault zone, juxtaposes oceanic rocks and unmetamorphosed sedimentary rocks structurally above blueschist-to-greenschist facies metamorphic rocks of the schist belt. Near the fault contact, schist belt rocks are increasingly affected by a prominent, subhorizontal transposition foliation that is locally mylonitic in the fault zone. Structural and petrologic observations combined with 40Ar/39Ar incremental-release geochronology give evidence for a polyphase metamorphic and deformational history beginning in the Middle Jurassic and continuing until the Late Cretaceous. Our 40Ar/39Ar cooling age for Jurassic metamorphism is consistent with stratigraphic and other evidence for the onset of Brooks Range orogenesis. Jurassic metamorphism is nearly everywhere overprinted by a regional greenschist-facies event dated at 130–125 Ma. Near the contact with the Cosmos Hills fault zone, the schist belt is increasingly affected by a younger greenschist metamorphism that is texturally related to a prominent foliation that folds and transposes an older fabric. The 40Ar/39Ar results on phengite and fuchsite that define this younger fabric give recrystallization ages ranging from 103 to less than 90 Ma. We conclude that metamorphism that formed the transposition fabric peaked around 100 Ma and may have continued until well after 90 Ma. This age for greenschist metamorphism is broadly synchronous with the depositional age of locally derived, shallow-marine clastic sedimentary strata in the hanging wall of the fault zone and thus substantiates the interpretation that the fault zone accommodated extension in the Late Cretaceous. This extension unroofed and exhumed the schist belt during relative subsidence of the Yukon-Koyukuk province.

Geodynamic interpretation of the 40Ar/39Ar dating of ophiolitic and arc-related mafics and metamafics of the northern part of the Anadyr-Koryak region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Palandzhyan, S.A.; Layer, P.W.; Patton, W.W.; Khanchuk, A.I.

2011-01-01

Isotope datings of amphibole-bearing mafics and metamafics in the northern part of the Anadyr-Koryak region allow clarification of the time of magmatic and metamorphic processes, which are synchronous with certain stages of the geodynamic development of the northwest segment of the Pacific mobile belt in the Phanerozoic. To define the 40Ar/39Ar age of amphiboles, eight samples of amphibole gabbroids and metamafics were selected during field work from five massifs representing ophiolites and mafic plutons of the island arc. Rocks from terranes of three foldbelts: 1) Pekulnei (Chukotka region), 2) Ust-Belaya (West Koryak region), and 3) the Tamvatnei and El'gevayam subterranes of the Mainits terrane (Koryak-Kamchatka region), were studied. The isotope investigations enabled us to divide the studied amphiboles into two groups varying in rock petrographic features. The first was represented by gabbroids of the Svetlorechensk massif of the Pekulnei Range and by ophiolites of the Tamvatnei Mts.; their magmatic amphiboles show the distribution of argon isotopes in the form of clearly distinguished plateau with an age ranging within 120-129 Ma. The second group includes metamorphic amphiboles of metagabbroids and apogabbro amphibolites of the Ust-Belaya Mts., Pekulnei and Kenkeren ranges (El'gevayam subterranes). Their age spectra show loss of argon and do not provide well defined plateaus the datings obtained for them are interpreted as minimum ages. Dates of amphiboles from the metagabbro of the upper tectonic plate of the Ust-Belaya allochthon points to metamorphism in the suprasubduction environment in the fragment of Late Neoproterozoic oceanic lithosphere in Middle-Late Devonian time, long before the Uda-Murgal island arc system was formed. The amphibolite metamorphism in the dunite-clinopyroxenite-metagabbro Pekulnei sequence was dated to occur at the Permian-Triassic boundary. The age of amphiboles from gabbrodiorites of the Kenkeren Range was dated to be Early Jurassic that confirmed their assignment to the El'gevayam volcanic-plutonic assemblage. These data are consistent with geological concepts and make more precise the available age dates. Neocomian-Aptian 40Ar/39Ar age of amphibolites from the Pekulnei and Tamvatnei gabbroids make evident that mafics of these terranes (varying in geodynamic formation settings and in petrogenesis) were generated in later stages of the development of the West Pekulnei and Mainits-Algan Middle-Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous island arc systems, presumably due to breakup of island arcs in the Neocomian. ?? 2011 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

Tectonic exhumation and boundary structure of the Kokchetav HP - UHP metamorphic belt (Northern Kazakhstan): constraints from 40Ar/39Ar geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhimulev, Fedor; de Grave, Johan; Travin, Aleksey; Buslov, Mikhail

2010-05-01

The Kokchetav metamorphic belt (KMB) is part of the Early Paleozoic orogenic belt of Northern Kazakhstan and constitutes one of the most famous, classical ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic terranes. The KMB mainly consists of gneisses, mica schists and eclogites. These were formed by Cambrian continental subduction and associated metamorphism of the Precambrian Kokchetav microcontinent and subsequent exhumation of fragments of this metamorphosed continental crust. Several subterranes can be distinguished in the KMB: Barchi, Kumdi-Kol, Sulu-Tube, Enbek-Berlyk, Kulet and Borovoe. These subterranes differ not only in rock composition or in genetic pT conditions, but also in the age of the individual metamorphic events, including the timing of peak, and regressive stages. Most geochronological data indicate a Cambrian age of UHP and HP metamorphism and subsequent exhumation of the KMB. However, there is no field evidence of Cambrian geodynamic processes in the region: Cambrian sediments, volcanic rocks, or large magmatic bodies are completely absent in the KMB setting. The youngest geochronological information in the KMB was obtained on the garnet-mica schists from the Enbek-Berlyk subterrane. The 40Ar/39Ar ages of the muscovite from these schists lies in the range of 490 to 475 Ma (mainly 480-485 Ma). All 40Ar/39Ar stepwise heating experiments yield well-defined plateau and isochron ages. This age is considered to represent the time of emplacement of various heterogeneous nappes, including nappes that consist of HP - UHP metamorphic rocks, to upper crustal levels. To the north, the Kokchetav HP - UHP metamorphic belt is bounded by the Northern Kokchetav tectonic zone (NKTZ). This zone includes thin nappes of (1) Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic gneiss of the metamorphic basement of the Kokchetav microcontinent and Neoproterozoic meta-sandstones and dolomites of its deformed sedimentary cover, (2) pre-Ordovician volcanic rocks of island-arc affinity, (3) Early Ordovician turbidities with olistostrome lenses, and (4) gneiss with eclogite boudins. These nappes are tectonically juxtaposed distinctly against unmetamorphosed rocks. The fault zones between the different tectonic units are formed by quartz-muscovite schists. The 40Ar/39Ar ages of the muscovite from these schists cluster between 492-476 Ma (mainly about 490 Ma). The NKTZ was formed by the Early Ordovician collision between the Kokchetav microcontinent, including the Kokchetav metamorphic belt, and the Stepnyak island-arc. Late Ordovician and Silurian granites cross-cut the internal structural architecture of both the KMB and NKTZ, providing a relative upper age limit. As a consequence, only the youngest stage of the formation of the metamorphic belt is directly related to a collision event. Comparison of the structural-metamorphic history of the KMB with the regional geological context, indicates that tectonic exhumation of the Kokchetav HP - UHP rocks must be precollisional. In this model, the individual nappes, detached from the underthrusting slab during progressive continental subduction, were exhumated before subduction cessation. The observed imbricated-nappe structure in the field, where UHP and HP rocks are juxtaposed against unmetamorphosed Ordovician sediments and volcanic deposits was formed during subsequent Ordovician collisional deformation events.

Structure and thermochronology of the metamorphic core of the Brooks Range, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toro, Jaime

1999-11-01

Detailed field studies were undertaken in two key areas of the Central Belt of the Brooks Range: (1) the north flank of Mt. Igikpak in the Survey Pass Quadrangle and (2) in the Shishakshinovik Pass area in the eastern Ambler River Quadrangle. In both areas structural, stratigraphic, petrologic, 40Ar/39Ar, apatite fission-track and U-Pb data were used to constrain the kinematic and thermal history of metamorphic rocks of those areas. North of the Mt. Igikpak massif a crustal section ˜15 km thick is exposed. There are upper greenschist facies rocks in the deeper portions, and very low grade metamorphic rocks at higher structural levels. Two foliations are found: a higher grade relict S1 fabric and a lower grade S 2 fabric that controls the metamorphic layering. 40Ar/ 39Ar analyses from S1 white mica in the low-grade rocks at the northern end of the transect indicate that peak M1 metamorphism occurred before ˜112 Ma. We ascribe M1 to shortening that occurred during collision of an island arc against the Arctic Alaska margin. S 2 involved the retrogression of earlier assemblages. Kinematic indicators on S2 are top-to-the-north. A rapid cooling event from 500 +/- 50°C to 300 +/- 50°C took place between ˜98 and ˜90 Ma. The driving mechanism for ductile deformation during S2, and for rapid cooling documented by our thermochronologic data, was probably the gravitational collapse of the core of the orogen, over-thickened during the preceding collision. At Shishakshinovik Pass there are Mississippian Lisburne Group strata surrounded by metamorphic rocks typical of the Central Belt of the Brooks Range. All the rocks at Shishakshinovik Pass are intensely deformed, so that one cannot distinguish between an autochthonous and an allochthonous sequence. Furthermore the Mississippian rocks, instead of being attached to the underlying basement, are in the hanging wall of a northwest dipping shear zone. Based on the variations in metamorphic grade and the 40Ar/ 39Ar thermochronology, we argue that this shear zone was an extensional structure active during the mid-Cretaceous orogenic collapse of the Brooks Range. A consequence of this structural interpretation is that the Endicott Mountains allochthon need not be restored south of the Shishakshinovik orthogneiss.

Trace-element record in zircons during exhumation from UHP conditions, North-East Greenland Caledonides

USGS Publications Warehouse

McClelland, W.C.; Gilotti, J.A.; Mazdab, F.K.; Wooden, J.L.

2009-01-01

Coesite-bearing zircon formed at ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) conditions share general characteristics of eclogite-facies zircon with trace-element signatures characterized by depleted heavy rare earth elements (HREE), lack of an Eu anomaly, and low Th/ U ratios. Trace-element signatures of zircons from the Caledonian UHP terrane in North-East Greenland were used to examine the possible changes in signature with age during exhumation. Collection and interpretation of age and trace-element analyses of zircon from three samples of quartzofeldspathic gneiss and two leucocratic intrusions were guided by core vs. rim zoning patterns as imaged by cathodoluminesence. Change from igneous to eclogite-facies metamorphic trace-element signature in protolith zircon is characterized by gradual depletion of HREE, whereas newly formed metamorphic rims have flat HREE patterns and REE concentrations that are distinct from the recrystallized inherited cores. The signature associated with eclogite-facies metamorphic zircon is observed in coesite-bearing zircon formed at 358 ?? 4 Ma, metamorphic rims formed at 348 ?? 5 Ma during the initial stages of exhumation, and metamorphic rims formed at 337 ?? 5 Ma. Zircons from a garnet-bearing granite emplaced in the neck of an eclogite boudin and a leucocratic dike that cross-cuts amphibolite-facies structural fabrics have steeply sloping HREE patterns, variably developed negative Eu anomalies, and low Th/U ratios. The granite records initial decompression melting and exhumation at 347 ?? 2 Ma and later zircon rim growth at 329 ?? 5. The leucocratic dike was likely emplaced at amphibolite-facies conditions at 330 ?? 2 Ma, but records additional growth of compositionally similar zircon at 321 ??2 Ma. The difference between the trace-element signature of metamorphic zircon in the gneisses and in part coeval leucocratic intrusions indicates that the zircon signature varies as a function of lithology and context, thus enhancing its ability to aid in the interpretation of U-Pb data and track the exhumation history of UHP terranes. The differences may reflect variation in elemental availability through breakdown reactions in quartzofeldpathic gneiss vs. availability during melt production and/or crystallization. UHP rocks in North-East Greenland began exhumation by 347 ?? 2 Ma, were still at HP eclogite-facies conditions at 337 ?? 5 Ma and were at amphibolite-facies conditions by 330 ?? 2 Ma. ?? 2009 E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung.

Physiological effects and cellular responses of metamorphic larvae and juveniles of sea urchin exposed to ionic and nanoparticulate silver.

PubMed

Magesky, Adriano; Ribeiro, Ciro A Oliveiro; Pelletier, Émilien

2016-05-01

The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) would likely result in their discharge into wastewater and inevitable release in densely populated coastal areas. It is known that AgNPs can cause harmful effects to marine fauna, but how they affect development stages is still an open question. In order to understand in details how polymer-coated AgNPs (PAAm-AgNPs) (from 0.19 to 4.64mM as Ag) can affect critical stages of marine invertebrate development, metamorphic larvae and juveniles of sea urchins were used as biological models. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) approach based on Bray-Curtis similarity matrix with PERMANOVA showed organisms in a multivariate space undergoing through different physiological conditions as a function of time, chemical forms of silver, nominal concentrations, and presence or absence of food. Sublethal effects such as lethargy, oedema and immobility mainly characterized PAAm-AgNPs effects with juveniles and postlarvae, whereas necrosis and death arose in Ag(+) conditions in short-term tests. Chronically exposed metamorphic larvae had their morphogenic processes interrupted by PAAm-AgNPs and a high mortality rate was observed in recovery period. On the contrary, Ag(+) ions caused progressive mortality during exposure, but a quick recovery in uncontaminated seawater was observed. By means of fluorescent markers we showed that nanosilver could be transferred between consecutive stages (swimming larvae and postlarvae) and highlighted how important is food to enhance PAAm-AgNPs uptake. Using TEM we observed that unfed juveniles had nanosilver aggregates mostly restricted to their coelomic sinuses, while metamorphic larvae already had nano-contamination overspread in different tissues and blastocoel. Our main hypothesis for nanotoxicity of PAAM-AgNPs relies on the slow dissolution of nano-core over time, but in this study the effects of particulate silver form itself are also evoked. Main mechanisms governing tissular and cellular responses to nano-intoxication such as inflammatory response and detoxification based on the role of sentinel cells (peritoneal cells and coelomocytes) for general homeostasis are discussed. This paper is first to detail physiological states, main uptake routes and cellular response against polymer-coated AgNPs in developmental stages of marine invertebrate species. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proterozoic orogens in southern Peninsular India: Contiguities and complexities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chetty, T. R. K.; Santosh, M.

2013-12-01

The Precambrian terranes of southern Peninsular India have been central to discussions on the history of formation and breakup of supercontinents. Of particular interest are the Proterozoic high grade metamorphic orogens at the southern and eastern margins of the Indian shield, skirting the 3.4 Ga Dharwar craton which not only preserve important records of lower crustal processes and lithospheric geodynamics, but also carry imprints of the tectonic framework related to the assembly of the major Neoproterozoic supercontinents - Rodinia and Gondwana. These Proterozoic orogens are described as Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT) in the southern tip and the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) in the eastern domains of the peninsula. The contiguity of these orogens is broken for a distance of ˜400 km and disappears in the Bay of Bengal. These orogens expose windows of middle to lower crust with well-preserved rock records displaying multiple tectonothermal events and multiphase exhumation paths.Recent studies in these orogens have led to the recognition of discrete crustal blocks or terranes separated by major shear zone systems, some of which represent collisional sutures. The SGT and EGMB carry several important features such as fold-thrust tectonics, regional granulite facies metamorphism of up to ultrahigh-temperature conditions in some cases, multiple P-T paths, development of lithospheric shear zones, emplacement of ophiolites, presence of alkaline and anorthositic complexes, development of crustal-scale "flower structures", transpressional strains, and reactivation tectonics. A heterogeneous distribution of different metamorphic and magmatic assemblages with distinct spatial and temporal strain variations in shaping the fabric elements in different blocks is identified. Both EGMB and SGT share a common transpressional deformation history during the latest Neoproterozoic characterized by the steepening of the initial low angle crustal scale structures leading to a subvertical grain conducive to reactivation tectonics. Our synthesis of the spatial distribution, geometry, kinematics and the transpressional strain of the shear zone systems provides insights into the tectono-metamorphic history of the Proterozoic orogens of southern India and their contiguity and complexities. Recent understanding of subduction, accretion and collisional history along these zones together with a long lived transpressional tectonic regime imply that these orogens witnessed identical tectonic regimes at different times in Earth history, although the major and common structural architecture was built during the final assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.

METAMORPHIC INHIBITION OF XENOPUS LAEVIS BY SODIUM PERCHLORATE: EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMENT AND THYROID HISTOLOGY

EPA Science Inventory

The perchlorate anion inhibits thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis via inhibition of the sodium-iodide symporter. It is, therefore, a good model chemical to aid in the development of a bioassay to screen chemicals for effects on thyroid function. Xenopus laevis larvae were exposed to ...

Development of a Protocol and a Screening Tool for Selection of DNAPL Source Area Remediation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

the different remedial time frames used in the modeling case studies. • Matrix Diffusion: Modeling results demonstrated that in fractured rock ...being used for the ISCO, EISB and SEAR fractured rock numerical simulations at the field scale. Figure 2-4 presents the distribution of intrinsic...sedimentary limestone, sandstone, and shale, igneous basalts and granites, and metamorphous rock . For the modeling sites, three general geologies are

Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region (Version 2.0)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

are the Blue Ridge Province and the Piedmont Plateau, composed mainly of highly eroded Precambrian metamorphic rocks . The Piedmont Plateau extends...older igneous and metamorphic rocks (Atwood 1940; Hunt 1974; USGS 2004). Caverns and karst features are found in marble formations in the Piedmont...colluvium derived from sandstone, shale, limestone, and metamorphic and igneous rocks . Other parent materials include deposits of wind-blown loess

Reptiles and Amphibians of Fairchild Air Force Base, WA

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-10

calling, free swimming larvae, and metamorph emer- gence, respectively. General survey methods included the use of timed au- ral surveys, automated...influence metamorph success or use . Although the majority of adult spotted frogs were found in ditches, it is inter- esting to note that a large...number of metamorphs were found within a pond (at UTM 451650 5272683) that had not had any prior evidence of amphibian use . This pond had very little

Studying the specific features pertinent to combustion of chars obtained from coals having different degrees of metamorphism and biomass chars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bestsennyi, I. V.; Shchudlo, T. S.; Dunaevskaya, N. I.; Topal, A. I.

2013-12-01

Better conditions for igniting low-reaction coal (anthracite) can be obtained, higher fuel burnout ratio can be achieved, and the problem of shortage of a certain grade of coal can be solved by firing coal mixtures and by combusting coal jointly with solid biomass in coal-fired boilers. Results from studying the synergetic effect that had been revealed previously during the combustion of coal mixtures in flames are presented. A similar effect was also obtained during joint combustion of coal and wood in a flame. The kinetics pertinent to combustion of char mixtures obtained from coals characterized by different degrees of metamorphism and the kinetics pertinent to combustion of wood chars were studied on the RSK-1D laboratory setup. It was found from the experiments that the combustion rate of char mixtures obtained from coals having close degrees of metamorphism is equal to the value determined as a weighted mean rate with respect to the content of carbon. The combustion rate of char mixtures obtained from coals having essentially different degrees of metamorphism is close to the combustion rate of more reactive coal initially in the process and to the combustion rate of less reactive coal at the end of the process. A dependence of the specific burnout rate of carbon contained in the char of two wood fractions on reciprocal temperature in the range 663—833 K is obtained. The combustion mode of an experimental sample is determined together with the reaction rate constant and activation energy.

Transcriptional regulation of genes involved in retinoic acid metabolism in Senegalese sole larvae.

PubMed

Boglino, Anaïs; Ponce, Marian; Cousin, Xavier; Gisbert, Enric; Manchado, Manuel

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was the characterization of transcriptional regulatory pathways mediated by retinoic acid (RA) in Senegalese sole larvae. For this purpose, pre-metamorphic larvae were treated with a low concentration of DEAB, an inhibitor of RALDH enzyme, until the end of metamorphosis. No differences in growth, eye migration or survival were observed. Nevertheless, gene expression analysis revealed a total of 20 transcripts differentially expressed during larval development and only six related with DEAB treatments directly involved in RA metabolism and actions (rdh10a, aldh1a2, crbp1, igf2r, rarg and cyp26a1) to adapt to a low-RA environment. In a second experiment, post-metamorphic larvae were exposed to the all-trans RA (atRA) observing an opposite regulation for those genes involved in RA synthesis and degradation (rdh10a, aldh1a2, crbp1 and cyp26a1) as well as other related with thyroid- (dio2) and IGF-axes (igfbp1, igf2r and igfbp5) to balance RA levels. In a third experiment, DEAB-pretreated post-metamorphic larvae were exposed to atRA and TTNPB (a specific RAR agonist). Both drugs down-regulated rdh10a and aldh1a2 and up-regulated cyp26a1 expression demonstrating their important role in RA homeostasis. Moreover, five retinoic receptors that mediate RA actions, the thyroid receptor thrb, and five IGF binding proteins changed differentially their expression. Overall, this study demonstrates that exogenous RA modulates the expression of some genes involved in the RA synthesis, degradation and cellular transport through RAR-mediated regulatory pathways establishing a negative feedback regulatory mechanism necessary to balance endogenous RA levels and gradients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Taili-Yiwulüshan metamorphic core complex corridor: Diachronous exhumation and relationships to the adjacent basins based on new 40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th-Sm)/He mineral ages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Chenyue; Neubauer, Franz; Liu, Yongjiang; Genser, Johann; Dunkl, István; Heberer, Bianca; Jin, Wei; Zeng, Zuoxun; Li, Weimin; Wen, Quanbo; Li, Jing

2015-04-01

The Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone (western Liaoning Province in China) formed during latest Jurassic to Early Cretaceous crustal extension of the eastern North China craton, and exhumed low to medium metamorphic grade Archean, Upper Triassic and Upper Jurassic granitic rocks. The Mesozoic Yiwulüshan metamorphic core complex (Yiwulüshan MCC) is dominated by a NNE-SSW elongated dome with a left-lateral shear zone, which is located in the northeastern part of Xingcheng-Taili ductile shear zone, and combine as Taili-Yiwulüshan metamorphic core complex corridor. To the east, it is bounded by the NNE-trending Cretaceous to Eocene Liaohe basin (the northern extension of the Bohai Bay basin), and to the west by the Cretaceous-aged Fuxin-Yixian basin, which could potentially interpreted as supra-detachment basins. Here, we present results from a multi-method thermochronological study and coupled with structural investigations and sections of adjacent supra-detachment basins, which constrain the timing of regional deformation as well as the cooling history and exhumation processes of the low- to middle-grade metamorphic complex in the Taili-Yiwulüshan MCC corridor, in order to understand the mode of lithospheric scale reactivation, extension and thinning of the North China craton. The new40Ar/39Ar muscovite, biotite, K-feldspar and (U-Th)/He apatite ages from granitic rocks help constrain the thermal evolution during its exhumation. The thermochronologic studies have shown at least three stages of exhumation and cooling from late Jurassic to Eocene in Xingcheng-Taili shear zone should be distinguished, e.g., ~ 150-130 Ma, 130-115 Ma and 115-52 Ma, respectively. Diachronous onset and subsequent parallel cooling and exhumation characterize the early thermal history. The Yiwulüshan MCC has a similar exhumation history from 135 to 97 Ma with a similar cooling history. The development of Taili-Yiwulüshan MCC corridor is associated with synkinematic emplacement, exhumation, and volcanic-clastic deposition in the supra-detachment basins. Initiation of the unroofing history resulted from ductile left-lateral shearing since latest Jurassic times. Diachronous onset and subsequent cooling and exhumation characterize the early thermal history. The second and third stages of cooling started lasted until the recently active faulting. Start form the Early Cretaceous the detachment shear zone truncating by the later brittle normal fault. The (U-Th)/He age of 52.3 ± 4.7 Ma indicating final Eocene exhumation of the Taili area is consistent with normal faulting in the Bohai basin area in the east. Based on the present results and published information, that Cretaceous WNW-ESE extensional deformation and lithosphere thinning in the Taili-Yiwulüshan corridor and throughout the eastern North China craton, the synchroneity of cooling and exhumation of metamorphic core complexes, the formation of supra-detachment basins, and regional alkaline igneous activity reflects Early Cretaceous regional extensional tectonics , possibly resulting from roll-back of the subducted Pacific plate beneath North China Craton.

Metamorphic sole genesis at the base of ophiolite nappes: Insights from numerical models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamato, Philippe; Agard, Philippe; Duretz, Thibault

2015-04-01

Obduction emplaces oceanic lithosphere on top of continental lithosphere. Although a number of studies have focused on this enigmatic process, the initial stages of obduction remain poorly understood. Field, petrological, and geochronological data reveal that during the first stages of the obduction (i.e., during the first 1-2 Myrs) a HT-LP metamorphic sole (~700-800 ° C and ~1 GPa) is systematically welded at the base of ophiolite nappes. However, the reason why such welding of the ophiolite soles occurs at these particular P-T conditions, and only at the onset of obduction, is still an open issue. The aim of this study is to explore the conditions required to explain the genesis of metamorphic soles. For this, we employ two-dimensional numerical modelling, constrained by the wealth of available data from the Oman ophiolite. We first present a thermo-kinematic model in which the velocity field is prescribed in order to simulate obduction initiation. The heat advection-diffusion equation is solved at each time step. The model is intentionally kept simple in order to control each parameter (e.g., convergence rate, dip angle, thermal age) and to test its influence on the resulting P-T conditions obtained through time along the obduction interface. Results show that the key factor allowing the formation of metamorphic soles is the age of the oceanic lithosphere involved. Moreover, we speculate that the reason why metamorphic soles are always welded at the same P-T conditions is due to the fact that, at these particular conditions, strength jumps occur within the oceanic lithosphere. These jumps lead to changes in strain localisation and allow the spalling of oceanic crust and its juxtaposition to the ophiolite nappe. This hypothesis is further tested using thermo-mechanical models in which the obduction initiates dynamically (only initial and boundary conditions are prescribed). The interplay between the temperature evolution and the mechanical behaviour is then discussed.

Tectonic evolution of the Satpura Mountain Belt: A critical evaluation and implication on supercontinent assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, S.

2010-11-01

The Satpura Mountain Belt (also referred as Central Indian Tectonic Zone in recent literature) forms an important morphotectonic unit in the central part of India. Some of the recent workers have reported an orogenic event at ˜1000-900 Ma (termed "Sausar orogeny") which led to amalgamation of the North Indian Block and the South Indian Block and formation of the Satpura Mountain Belt. In this model the stratigraphic relations of two important lithostratigraphic units on either side of the Satpura Mountain Belt (the Sausar Group in the south and the Vindhyan Supergroup on the north) are suggested to be revised from previously held ideas. Critical analyses of available published work in the region to assess the status of the Sausar Group vis a vis the Vindhyan Supergroup was carried out. It is found that the ideas proposed by the recent workers stem from an earlier interpretation that the Sausar Group has monocyclic evolution and the earliest fabric in the Sausar Group is marked by a schistosity with EW strike. Re-mapping of the gneissic rocks and adjacent matasedimentary rocks of Khawasa, Deolapar, and Kandri-Mansar areas revealed presence of gneissic rocks and granulites of two generations, and of four phases of superposed deformations in the metasediments and gneisses. The older gneisses and granulites constitute the basement over which the rocks of the Sausar Group were deposited; and the younger gneisses developed by metamorphism and migmatisation of the rocks of the Sausar Group. The latter types are found in the Khawasa-Ramakona areas. Contrary to the belief of the recent workers that no volcanic activity is present in the Sausar Group, volcanic rocks marked by amygdular basic flows and tuffs have been mapped from different parts of the Sausar Group. Migmatisation and metamorphism of these volcanic rocks (of the Sausar Group) have given rise to amphibolites and granulites in Khawasa and Ramakona areas. Therefore, the use of fabric patterns in these areas to suggest that the granulite facies metamorphism in the Ramakona-Katangi granulite domain was pre-Sausar in age is debatable. Available geochronological data of the Satpura Mountain Belt and its eastward continuation into the Chhotanagpur Gneiss terrain indicate that the basement and cover rocks of these areas were subjected to multiple deformation and metamorphic episodes of similar style and nature. The earliest deformation and metamorphism of the rocks of the Sausar Group and its equivalent rocks to the east took place at ˜2100-1900 Ma. The regional EW trend of the belt developed during the second deformation at ˜1800-1700 Ma and again at ˜1600-1500 Ma. This deformation was accompanied by migmatisation and granulite facies metamorphism in the northern domain of the Sausar Belt and in the Chhotanagpur Gneiss region. Late phase low intensity deformations in the region were associated with thermal events at ˜1100-1000 Ma and ˜900-800 Ma. The ˜EW trending fabric, referred as "Satpura orogenic trend" in Indian literature marks a major compressional tectonic event, developed during the second deformation of the Sausar Group. This has its counter part in Western Australia as the Capricorn orogeny (˜1780-1830 Ma). The development of the Satpura Mountain Belt during the Grenvillian orogeny is ruled out from the synthesis of event stratigraphic data of the region and from its comparison with the Western Australian Craton.

Complete life cycle of a pennellid Peniculus minuticaudae Shiino, 1956 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) infecting cultured threadsail filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer.

PubMed

Ismail, Norshida; Ohtsuka, Susumu; Maran, Balu Alagar Venmathi; Tasumi, Satoshi; Zaleha, Kassim; Yamashita, Hirofumi

2013-01-01

The complete life cycle of a pennellid copepod Peniculus minuticaudae Shiino, 1956 is proposed based on the discovery of all post-embryonic stages together with the post-metamorphic adult females infecting the fins of threadsail filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer (Monacanthidae) cultured in a fish farm at Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The hatching stage was the infective copepodid. The life cycle of P. minuticaudae consists of six stages separated by moults: the copepodid, four chalimi and adult. In this study, the adult males were observed frequently in precopulatory amplexus with various stages of females however, copulation occurs only between adults. Fertilized pre-metamorphic adult females carrying spermatophores may detach from the host and settle again before undergoing massive differential growth into the post-metamorphic adult female. Comparison of the life cycle of P. minuticaudae has been made with three known pennellids: Lernaeocera branchialis (Linnaeus, 1767), Cardiodectes medusaeus (Wilson, 1908) and Lernaeenicus sprattae (Sowerby, 1806). Among the compared species, P. minuticaudae is the first ectoparasitic pennellid to be discovered to complete its life cycle on a single host without any change in infection site preferences between infective copepodid and fertilized pre-metamorphic female. © N. Ismail et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2013.

Plate interface rheological switches during subduction infancy: Control on slab penetration and metamorphic sole formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agard, P.; Yamato, P.; Soret, M.; Prigent, C.; Guillot, S.; Plunder, A.; Dubacq, B.; Chauvet, A.; Monié, P.

2016-10-01

Subduction infancy corresponds to the first few million years following subduction initiation, when slabs start their descent into the mantle. It coincides with the transient (yet systematic) transfer of material from the top of the slab to the upper plate, as witnessed by metamorphic soles welded beneath obducted ophiolites. Combining structure-lithology-pressure-temperature-time data from metamorphic soles with flow laws derived from experimental rock mechanics, this study highlights two main successive rheological switches across the subduction interface (mantle wedge vs. basalts, then mantle wedge vs. sediments; at ∼800 °C and ∼600 °C, respectively), during which interplate mechanical coupling is maximized by the existence of transiently similar rheologies across the plate contact. We propose that these rheological switches hinder slab penetration and are responsible for slicing the top of the slab and welding crustal pieces (high- then low-temperature metamorphic soles) to the base of the mantle wedge during subduction infancy. This mechanism has implications for the rheological properties of the crust and mantle (and for transient episodes of accretion/exhumation of HP-LT rocks in mature subduction systems) and highlights the role of fluids in enabling subduction to overcome the early resistance to slab penetration.

Myofiber turnover is used to retrofit frog jaw muscles during metamorphosis.

PubMed

Alley, K E

1989-01-01

Metamorphic reorganization of the head in anuran amphibians entails abrupt restructuring of the jaw complex as larval feeding structures are transformed into their adult configurations. In this morphometric study, light microscopy wa used to analyze the larval maturation and metamorphic transfiguration of the adductor jaw muscles in the leopard frog (Rana pipiens). Larval jaw muscles, first established during embryogenesis, continue to grow by fiber addition until prometamorphosis, stage XII. Thereafter, fiber number remains stable but additional muscle growth continues by hypertrophy of the individual fibers until metamorphic climax. During metamorphic stages XIX-XXIII, a complete involution of all larval myofibers occurs. Simultaneously, within the same muscle beds, a second wave of myogenesis produces myoblasts which are the precursors of adult jaw myofibers. New muscle fibers continue to be added to these muscles well after the completion of metamorphosis; however, the total duration of the postmetamorphic myogenic period has not been defined. These observations provide clear evidence that the entir population of primary myofibers used in larval oral activity disappears from the adductor muscle beds and is replaced by a second wave of myogenesis commencing during climax. These findings indicate that the adductor jaw muscles are prepared for adult feeding by a complicated cellular process that retrofits existing muscle beds with a completely new complement of myofibers.

Thermochronological modeling of the age of Vologda crystalline basement of the Russian platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerasimov, V. Yu.; Petrov, D. B.; Lebedev, V. A.

2010-05-01

The results of the complex petrological and isotope-geochronological study of the crystalline rock from the deep drilling hall of the south of Vologda segment are presented in this work. The crystalline basement of the platform in Vologda region lie in a depth 2.5 km and represented by high alumina mica schist. The thick sedimentary cover consists of vendian and phanerozoic sediments. Upper level covered by quaternary glacial deposits up to 50 m. A core sample from the borehole of Fedotovo village was obtained from the depth 2600 m. It is fine-medium grained metamorphic mica schist with sillimanite. The mineral assemblage represented by association: Pl-Bt-Ms-Sil-Qtz-Mag +Zrn +Mnz. The metamorphic schist of the crystalline basement contains several radio isotope sensors. There are two rock forming potassium reach mica, - biotite (Bt) and muscovite (Ms) and accessories monazite (Mnz), - the phosphate of REE enriched by Th and U. It was a reason why traditional K-Ar isotope dating method in the combination with electron microprobe U-Th-Pb dating method CHIME [Suzuki et al. 1991] was used for Vologda metapelite rocks dating. In addition to geochronology, the detailed petrological investigation using electron microprobe allowed also to determine thermodynamic parameters of metamorphic system with a help of the mineral thermobarometry and finally estimate the age of the metamorphic thermal event using experimental diffusion data of Ar and Pb in minerals [Gerasimov et al. 2004]. The temperature of the regional metamorphism was estimated using Bt+Mag+Qtz and Bt+Ms geothermometers [Glassley 1983, Hoisch 1989]. Taking into account the field of the sillimanite P-T stability it is possible to conclude that the peak of metamorphism was reached at temperature about ТоС=550+/-30° C and pressure Р=4+/-1 kbar. Isotope thermochronology of the sample demonstrate nearly Svecofenian age 1.7-1.8 Ga of Vologda crystalline basement. K-Ar isotope dating of black and white mica demonstrates regular progression of ages in a concordance with closure temperature of each mineral. The apparent Bt age is about 1670 Ma and Ms age is 1710 Ma. The estimation of closure temperature (Tc) for each of the minerals using Dodsn's theory [Dodson 1973] and DCT computer program with concordance procedure of cooling rate simulation for the two coexisting minerals demonstrate value 340° C and и 460° C for Bt and Ms respectively. The rate of cooling in this temperature range is about 3° C/Ma and time span between closure temperatures of the two micas is about 40 Ma. The value of the cooling rate is a very typical for regional metamorphism conditions. The linear extrapolation of the simulated time-temperature trend to the thermal peak of the regional metamorphism (estimated by mineral equilibriums at 550° C) demonstrates that cooling of the metamorphic system from the thermal peak to 460° C(closure temperature of Ms) takes about 30-40 Ma. It is a value of systematic thermochronological correction to the muscovite apparent K-Ar age which has to be added to estimate the age of regional metamorphism, after that we finally receive the age 1750+/-40 Ma. U-Th-Pb system of monazite grains was tested by electron microprobe JEOL 8200 in IGEM RAS using CHIME method. The analysis of 8 grains demonstrated averaged value of age 1790+/-55 Ma. It is in a very good agreement with K-Ar isotope dating results. Moreover, the estimation of monazite closure temperature using experimental data of Pb diffusion [Smith & Giletti 1997] shows the value Tc=540-560° C which almost exactly corresponds to the peak temperature of regional metamorphism. It is also an explanation of the very close results of dating in different isotope systems (conservative U-Th-Pb system of monazite and flexible K-Ar system) in the condition of slow cooling and demonstrates the thermochronological modeling effectiveness.

Timing and duration of garnet granulite metamorphism in magmatic arc crust, Fiordland, New Zealand

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stowell, H.; Tulloch, A.; Zuluaga, C.; Koenig, A.

2010-01-01

Pembroke Granulite from Fiordland, New Zealand provides a window into the mid- to lower crust of magmatic arcs. Garnet Sm-Nd and zircon U-Pb ages constrain the timing and duration of high-P partial melting that produced trondhjemitic high Sr/Y magma. Trace element zoning in large, euhedral garnet is compatible with little post growth modification and supports the interpretation that garnet Sm-Nd ages of 126.1??2.0 and 122.6??2.0. Ma date crystal growth. Integration of the garnet ages with U-Pb zircon ages elucidates a history of intrusion(?) and a protracted period of high-temperature metamorphism and partial melting. The oldest zircon ages of 163 to 150. Ma reflect inheritance or intrusion and a cluster of zircon ages ca. 134. Ma date orthopyroxene-bearing mineral assemblages that may be magmatic or metamorphic in origin. Zircon and garnet ages from unmelted gneiss and garnet reaction zones record garnet granulite facies metamorphism at 128 to 126. Ma. Peritectic garnet and additional zircon ages from trondhjemite veins and garnet reaction zones indicate that garnet growth and partial melting lasted until ca. 123. Ma. Two single fraction garnet ages and young zircon ages suggest continued high-temperature re-equilibration until ca. 95. Ma. Phase diagram sections constrain orthopyroxene assemblages to <0.6 GPa @ 650??C, peak garnet granulite facies metamorphic conditions to 680-815??C @ 1.1-1.4. GPa, and a P-T path with a P increase of???0.5. GPa. These sections are compatible with water contents???0.28wt.%, local dehydration during garnet granulite metamorphism, and <0.3. GPa P increases during garnet growth. Results demonstrate the utility of integrated U-Pb zircon and Sm-Nd garnet ages, and phase diagram sections for understanding the nature, duration, and conditions of deep crustal metamorphism and melting. Geochronologic and thermobarometric data for garnet granulite indicate that thickening of arc crust, which caused high-pressure metamorphism in northern Fiordland, must have occurred prior to 126. Ma, that loading occurred at a rate of ca. 0.06. GPa/m.y., and that garnet granulite metamorphism lasted 3-7m.y. Locally-derived partial melts formed and crystallized in considerably less than 10 and perhaps as little as 3m.y. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V.

The single grain fusion dating approach: Determining the factors that control white mica 40Ar/39Ar age formation during HP metamorphism of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uunk, Bertram; Wijbrans, Jan; Brouwer, Fraukje

2017-04-01

White mica 40Ar/39Ar dating is a proven powerful tool for constraining the timing and rate of metamorphism, deformation and exhumation. However, for high-pressure metamorphic rocks dating often results in wide age ranges, which are not in agreement with constraints from other isotopic systems, indicating that geological and chemical processes complicate straightforward 40Ar/39Ar dating. Despite hosting one of the largest geochronological datasets in the world, the Cycladic Blueschist Unit in Greece is presently one of the focal areas in the discussion on the interpretation of metamorphic 40Ar/39Ar ages. Previous phengite multi grain step heating experiments commonly yielded undulating age spectra ranging between 20 - 60 Ma. While some studies attempt to assign geological significance to these ages, others argue the ages are geologically meaningless and the result of the interplay between partial diffusive resetting and continued crystallization. By taking an alternative approach of multiple single grain fusion experiments, this study investigates age heterogeneity between samples of contrasting metamorphic facies, rheology and strain from the Cycladic islands of Syros and Sifnos. Comparing the size and shape of single grain fusion age distributions at the grain, rock, outcrop and island scale allows determination of the scale at which different age-forming processes operate. Resulting ages show a previously unreported consistent variation between different outcrops, moving from the eclogite-blueschist facies (55-45 Ma) to greenschist overprinting (40-30 Ma). This indicates that outcrop scale homogeneous resetting is the dominant processes for age formation in the CBU. Single grain age variation at the sample and outcrop scale is only limited to 10 Ma, indicating a smaller but observable role for local age perturbing processes of incomplete resetting, continued (re)crystallization or infiltration of excess argon. Some of the partially overprinted samples show homogeneous single grain age populations, indicating at least a partial role for efficient resetting by thermally activated diffusion at the outcrop scale. Traditional multi grain step heating experiments on the same samples yield flat plateaus for various single grain age distributions, indicating that age heterogeneities resolved by single grain fusion dating are mixed to a meaningless average in step heating experiments. In contrast, our approach leads to a better understanding of the processes responsible for age formation during high pressure metamorphism.

Color Me Metamorphic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birdd, Donald L.

1990-01-01

Described are five activities using crayons to demonstrate the rock cycle including weathering, erosion and sedimentation, and sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock formation. Discussed are materials, procedures, and probable results. (CW)

Modeling the population dynamics and community impacts of Ambystoma tigrinum: A case study of phenotype plasticity.

PubMed

McCarthy, Maeve L; Wallace, Dorothy; Whiteman, Howard H; Rheingold, Evan T; Dunham, Ann M; Prosper, Olivia; Chen, Michelle; Hu-Wang, Eileen

2017-06-01

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to changes in the environment. General mathematical descriptions of the phenomenon rely on an abstract measure of "viability" that, in this study, is instantiated in the case of the Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum. This organism has a point in its development when, upon maturing, it may take two very different forms. One is a terrestrial salamander (metamorph)that visits ponds to reproduce and eat, while the other is an aquatic form (paedomorph) that remains in the pond to breed and which consumes a variety of prey including its own offspring. A seven dimensional nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations is developed, incorporating small (Z) and large (B) invertebrates, Ambystoma young of the year (Y), juveniles (J), terrestrial metamorphs (A) and aquatic paedomorphs (P). One parameter in the model controls the proportion of juveniles maturing into A versus P. Solutions are shown to remain non-negative. Every effort was made to justify parameters biologically through studies reported in the literature. A sensitivity analysis and equilibrium analysis of model parameters demonstrate that morphological choice is critical to the overall composition of the Ambystoma population. Various population viability measures were used to select optimal percentages of juveniles maturing into metamorphs, with optimal choices differing considerably depending on the viability measure. The model suggests that the criteria for viability for this organism vary, both from location to location and also in time. Thus, optimal responses change with spatiotemporal variation, which is consistent with other phenotypically plastic systems. Two competing hypotheses for the conditions under which metamorphosis occurs are examined in light of the model and data from an Ambystoma tigrinum population at Mexican Cut, Colorado. The model clearly supports one of these over the other for this data set. There appears to be a mathematical basis to the general tenet of spatiotemporal variation being important for the maintenance of polyphenisms, and our results suggest that such variation may have cascading effects on population, community, and perhaps ecosystem dynamics because it drives the production of a keystone, cannibalistic predator. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Did Oligocene crustal thickening precede basin development in northern Thailand? A geochronological reassessment of Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardiner, Nicholas J.; Roberts, Nick M. W.; Morley, Christopher K.; Searle, Michael P.; Whitehouse, Martin J.

2016-01-01

The Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep metamorphic core complexes in northern Thailand are comprised of amphibolite-grade migmatitic gneisses mantled by lower-grade mylonites and metasedimentary sequences, thought to represent Cordilleran-style core complexes exhumed through the mobilization of a low-angle detachment fault. Previous studies have interpreted two metamorphic events (Late Triassic and Late Cretaceous), followed by ductile extension between the late Eocene and late Oligocene, a model which infers movement on the detachment at ca. 40 Ma, and which culminates in a rapid unroofing of the complexes in the early Miocene. The Chiang Mai Basin, the largest such Cenozoic Basin in the region, lies immediately to the east. Its development is related to the extension observed at Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep, however it is not definitively dated, and models for its development have difficulty reconciling Miocene cooling ages with Eocene detachment movement. Here we present new in-situ LA-ICP-MS and SIMS U-Pb age data of zircon and monazite grains from gneiss and leucogranite samples taken from Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep. Our new zircon data exhibit an older age range of 221-210 Ma, with younger ages of ca. 72 Ma, and 32-26 Ma. Our monazite data imply an older age cluster at 83-67 Ma, and a younger age cluster of 34-24 Ma. While our data support the view of Indosinian basement being reworked in the Cretaceous, they also indicate a late Eocene-Oligocene tectonothermal event, resulting in prograde metamorphism and anatexis. We suggest that this later event is related to localized transpressional thickening associated with sinistral movement on the Mae Ping Fault, coupled with thickening at the restraining bend of the Mae Yuan Fault to the immediate west of Doi Inthanon. Further, this upper Oligocene age limit from our zircon and monazite data would imply a younger Miocene constraint on movement of the detachment, which, when combined with the previously recorded Miocene cooling ages, has implications for a model for the onset of extension and subsequent development of the Chiang Mai Basin in the early mid-Miocene.

Evidence for pre-Taconic metamorphism in the Potomac terrane, Maryland and Virginia: Hornblende and Muscovite [sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Becker, J.L.; Wintsch, R.P.; Kunk, M.J.

1993-03-01

New [sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar age spectra of hornblende and white mica from the Great Falls area of the Potomac terrane of Maryland and Virginia indicate pre-Taconic metamorphism. Age spectra of hornblende samples are interpreted to represent cooling from peak metamorphic conditions through their closure temperatures for argon diffusion ([approximately]500C) at about 490 Ma. These older Ordovician postmetamorphic cooling ages strongly contrast with younger post-Ordovician metamorphic cooling ages now being reported in the Blue Ridge and Goochland terranes to the west and east respectively. A late phyllitic sheen observed on rocks in the field and petrographic observations of undulose plagioclase andmore » amphibole, and older muscovite, and kinked primary muscovite in the Bear Island Granodiorite reflect a younger retrogressive metamorphism involving the growth of secondary muscovite (Fisher's S4 ). [sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar Age spectra of white micas from the Bear Island Granodiorite are complex and probably indicate both primary and secondary white mica, the latter apparently growing below the closure temperature for retention of argon in muscovite ([approximately]350C). The age spectra permit an estimate of a minimum age of 420 Ma for cooling through closure of the older generation of white mica. The above ages of hornblende and muscovite closure imply a minimum cooling rate of [approximately]2C/m.y., and exhumation rate of about 1 mm/yr. The projected time of peak metamorphism at upper amphibolite facies for the Great Falls area clearly predates the Ordovician Taconic orogeny and suggests that these rocks escaped this event and largely escaped younger Paleozoic metamorphic events, which are well documented in adjacent terranes.« less

Mapping age and trace elements using laser ablation split-stream (LASS) ICPMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kylander-Clark, A. R.; Hacker, B. R.; Cottle, J. M.

2012-12-01

One of the biggest challenges in the determination of the timing and rates of metamorphic processes is tying the age of a particular mineral to the conditions (i.e., pressure, temperature, fluid composition) at which that phase grew. Conventional microbeam techniques increase our understanding of crustal evolution by enabling this linkage; e.g., x-ray maps of monazite allow us to pinpoint grain segments that grew under a different set of conditions, cathodoluminescence images of zircon reveal zoning patterns and hence targets for dating different metamorphic and/or igneous events, and rare-earth element (REE) transects across garnet reveal the budget of a variety of trace elements during a metamorphic episode, to name but a few. More recent advances in LA-ICPMS and SIMS have allowed the ability to produce age maps or trace element maps—thus further our understanding of crystallization processes—but not both. Here we employ laser ablation split-stream (LASS) to quantitatively image the age, and trace element signature of datable phases such as zircon, monazite, titanite, and rutile in metamorphic rocks on the micron scale. By mapping the age and TE signature of a metamorphic phase, we can better interpret the metamorphic stage at which all portions of that phase grew, and relate it to other phases/portions of phases within that rock, such as garnet. For example, zircons and monazites from from eclogites reveal complex zoning in REEs indicating growth prior to, during, and post eclogite-facies metamorphism; those zones correspond to distinct age domains. Metamorphosed titanite reveals differences in diffusivities of TEs in inherited portions of the grain; e.g., Pb-loss is more prominent than diffusion of REEs, which in turn diffuse faster than higher charged ions, such as Th.

Can the Metamorphic Basement of Northwestern Guatemala be Correlated with the Chuacús Complex?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cacao, N.; Martens, U.

2007-05-01

The Chuacús complex constitutes a northward concave metamorphic belt that stretches ca. 150 km south of the Cuilco-Chixoy-Polochic (CCP) fault system in central and central-eastern Guatemala. It represents the basement of the southern edge of the Maya block, being well exposed in the sierra de Chuacús and the sierra de Las Minas. It is composed of high-Al metapelites, amphibolites, quartzofeldspathic gneisses, and migmatites. In central Guatemala the Chuacús complex contains ubiquitous epidote-amphibolite mineral associations, and local relics of eclogite reveal a previous high-pressure metamorphic event. North of the CCP, in the Sierra de Los Cuchumatanes area of western Guatemala, metamorphic rocks have been considered the equivalent of the Chuacús complex and hence been given the name Western Chuacús group, These rocks, which were intruded by granitic rocks and later mylonitized, include chloritic schist and gneiss, biotite-garnet schist, migmatites, and amphibolites. No eclogitic relics have been found within metamorphic rocks in northwestern Guatemala. Petrographic analyses of garnet-biotite schist reveal abundant retrogression and the formation of abundant zeolite-bearing veins associated with intrusion. Although metamorphic conditions in the greenschist and amphibolite facies are similar to those in the sierra de Chuacús, the association with deformed intrusive granites is unique for western Guatemala. Hence a correlation with metasediments intruded by the Rabinal granite in the San Gabriel area of Baja Verapaz seems more feasible than a correlation with the Chuacús complex. This idea is supported by reintegration of the Cenozoic left-lateral displacement along the CCP, which would place the metamorphic basement of western Guatemala north of Baja Verapaz, adjacent to metasediments intruded by granites in the San Gabriel-Rabinal area.

The Mt. Ochi melange (South Evvia Island, Greece): a case study for HP metamorphism and syn-convergent exhumation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moustaka, Eleni; Soukis, Konstantinos; Huet, Benjamin; Lozios, Stylianos; Magganas, Andreas

2014-05-01

The Attic-Cycladic complex (central Aegean Sea, Greece) experienced profound extension since at least the Oligo-Miocene boundary during which the previously thickened crust was reworked by a series of detachments forming the NE directed North Cycladic Detachment System (NCDS) and the SSW directed West Cycladic Detachment System (WCDS). South Evvia Island is located at the northwestern part of the Attic Cycladic complex linking the highly thinned and polymetamorphosed central part of the complex with mainland Greece. Furthermore, greenschists-facies retrograde metamorphism has only partially overprinted the HP mineral assemblages. Consequently, it is an ideal area to study tectonic processes associated with subduction, HP metamorphism and subsequent exhumation from eclogitic depths to the surface. Geological mapping in 1:2:000 scale revealed that the tectonostratigraphy of Mt. Ochi includes three distinct units all metamorphosed in HP conditions followed by greenschist facies overprint. These units are from top to bottom a) the Ochi Unit, a thick metavolcanosedimentary sequence with some intensely folded cipoline marble intercalations and isolated occurrences of metabasic rocks b) the ophiolitic mélange (metagabbros, metawherlites, peridotites, metabasites within a metasedimentary+serpentinite matrix) and c) the lowermost Styra Unit, a cipoline marble-dominated unit with thin mica schists and rare quartzitic layers often boudinaged. The thrust fault that was responsible for the juxtaposition of these three units acted in an early stage during HP metamorphism and it was isoclinally folded and sheared by the following syn-metamorphic deformation events. Detailed structural study in meso- and microscopic scale combined with petrological and geochemical analyses of the Mt Ochi rocks led to the distinction of at least three syn-metamorphic and two post-metamorphic deformation episodes that affected all units. The oldest structure identified is a relic foliation formed by the mineral assemblage Na-amphibole + lawsonite seen as inclusion in epidote porphyroblasts within the melange. It could represent a structure of the prograde path but it could also have formed during the peak HP event. This is followed by successive folding episodes that are related to axial plane foliations and a ~E-W intersection/stretching lineation formed by typical blueschist- to epidote-blueschist facies mineral assemblages. The main foliation that can be observed in all three units is a greenschist-facies axial plane foliation accompanied by a ~ENE-WSW stretching lineation. The shear sense during the prograde path is constantly towards the WSW. In the greenschists-facies an unambiguous top-to ENE can be observed mostly in mylonitic rocks. The following deformation episodes include semi-brittle to brittle structures (shear bands brittle open folds, crenulation cleavage, and faults with increasingly higher-angle) that are not as penetrative and record the passage of the units through the brittle-ductile transitions and to higher structural levels. The kinematics of these late episodes is also towards the NE. Based on the above, the Mt Ochi HP units exhibit a common tectonometamorphic evolution since at least the early stages of the prograde path. The Ochi Unit/Styra Unit contact is a structure that formed prior to or during peak HP metamorphism and therefore it couldn't have served as the normal fault to an extrusion wedge.

Hybrid channel flow-type mechanisms in the Greater Himalayan Sequence (West Nepal): new constraints from vorticity of flow and quartz petrofabric analyses.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frassi, Chiara

2016-04-01

Three main tectono-metamorphic units are classically recognized along the Himalayan belt: the Lesser Himalayan (LH), the Greater Himalayan sequence (GHS) and the Tibetan Sedimentary sequence (TSS). The GHS may be interpreted as a low-viscosity tabular body of mid-crustal rocks extruded southward in Miocene times beneath the Tibetan plateau between two parallel and opposite-sense crustal-scale shear zones: the Main Central thrust at the base, and the South Tibetan Detachment system at the top. The pre-/syn-shearing mineral assemblage documented within these crustal-scale shear zones indicates that the metamorphic grade increases toward the core of the GHS producing an inverted and a normal thermal gradient respectively on the top and on the bottom of the slab. In addition, thermal profiles estimated using both petrology- and microstructures/fabrics-based thermometers indicate that the metamorphic isograds are condensed. Although horizontal extension and vorticity estimates collected across the GHS could be strongly biased by the criteria used to define the map position of the MCT, published vorticity data document general shear flow (1>Wk>0) within the slab with a pure-shear component of flow slightly predominant within the core of the GHS whereas the simple-shear component seems to dominate at the top of the slab. The lower boundary of the GHS records a general shear flow with a comparable contribution of simple and pure shearing. The associated crustal extrusion is compatible with Couette - Poiseuille velocity flow profile as assumed in crustal-scale channel flow-type models In this study, the quartz c-axis petrofabrics, vorticity and deformation-temperature studies are integrated with microstructures and metamorphic studies to individuate the location of the MCT and to document the spatial distribution of ductile deformation patterns across the lower portion of the GHS exposed in the Chaudabise river valley in western Nepal. My results indicate that the Main Central Thrust is located ˜5 km structurally below the previous mapped locations. Deformation temperature increases up structural section from ˜450°C to ˜650°C and overlaps with peak metamorphic temperature indicating that penetrative shearing was responsible for the exhumation of the GHS occurred at "close" to peak metamorphic conditions. I interpreted the telescoping and the inversion of the paleo-isotherms at the base of the GHS as produced mainly by a sub-simple shearing (Wm = 0.88-1) pervasively distributed through the lower portion of the GHS. The results are consistent with hybrid channel flow-type models where the boundary between lower and upper portions of the GHS, broadly corresponding to the tectono-metamorphic discontinuity recently documented in west Nepal, represents the limit between buried material, affected by dominant simple shearing, and exhumed material affected by a general flow dominates by pure shearing. This interpretation is consistent with the recent models suggesting the simultaneous operation of channel flow- and critical wedge-type processes at different structural depth.

UHP metamorphism in the Western Mediterranean : A tale of a Tethys fragment (Edough Massif, NE Algeria) and its geodynamic consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruguier, Olivier; Bosch, Delphine; Caby, Renaud; Fernandez, Laure; Abdallah, Nachida; Arnaud, Nicolas; Hammor, Dalila; Laouar, Rabah; Mechati, Medhi; Monié, Patrick; Ouabadi, Aziouz; Toubal, Abder

2016-04-01

The Edough Massif of NE Algeria is part of the Maghrebides, a peri-Mediterranean Alpine belt that extends from Morocco to Tunisia. The belt resulted mainly from the eastward retreat of the Tethyan slab and from the drift of continental fragments, some of which finally collided with the north African margin. In this study we report the recent discovery of metamorphic diamonds (5-30 μm in size) included in a garnet megacryst and identified by Raman spectroscopy and the characteristic sharp band at 1332 cm-1 for crystalline diamond. The studied megacryst was taken from a weathered actinolitite horizon inserted within a major mylonite-ultramylonite band, which outcrops at the base of an allochtonous oceanic unit thrust onto the African paleomargin. The host garnet is almandine-dominant with a sharp increase in grossular component in the rim and is rich in exsolution of small acicular rutile needles. Major and trace elements show a gradual but significant zonation from core to rim characterized by a decrease in HREE, Y and Mn, typical of a prograde growth in a closed system. Trace element analyses of large prismatic rutile (up to 300 μm) indicate that the host metamorphic rock was a mafic protolith of MORB affinity and the Zr-in-rutile thermometry indicates a temperature range of 724-778°C for rutile growth. U-Pb analyses of these large rutile crystals provide an age of 32.4 ± 3.3 Ma interpreted as dating the prograde subduction stage of the mafic protolith. Minute zircons (≤ 30μm), disseminated in the garnet, display a multifaceted appearance and low Th/U ratios consistent with a metamorphic origin. The lack of HREE depletion in these zircons indicates that their metamorphic growth was not coeval with garnet. U-Pb analyses and Ti-in-zircon thermometry indicate they nucleated at 20.9 ± 2.2 Ma during near isothermal decompression related to exhumation of the UHP units. This study allows bracketing the age of UHP metamorphism in the Western Mediterranean to the Oligocene/early Miocene, thus unambiguously relating UHP metamorphism to the Alpine history. We suggest that the mafic protolith originates from the subducted retreating Calabrian branch of the Tethyan slab, that broke or tore, and which fragments were dragged upward and thrusted onto the North African margin, shortly before the formation of the Edough dome. Exhumation of these UHP units is coeval with the counter clockwise rotation of the Corsica-Sardinia block, which is associated to the extensional opening of the Ligurian Sea as a result of slab rollback (Faccenna et al., 2001). The early Miocene exhumation of the UHP units, which were detached from the downgoing plate, most likely resulted simultaneously from subduction rollback that was driven by slab pull.

Sr-isotopic composition of marbles from the Puerto Galera area (Mindoro, Philippines): additional evidence for a Paleozoic age of a metamorphic complex in the Philippine island arc

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knittel, U.; Daniels, U.

1987-02-01

The Sr-isotopic composition of marbles from the Puerto Galera area (Mindoro, Philippines) is compatible with either a Tertiary or a Paleozoic age. The former is considered as unlikely because nonmetamorphic sediments of that age overlie the metamorphic complex. This implies that the metamorphic complex does not represent the basement of the Philippine arc but is an accreted terrane.

Metamorphic waters from the pacific tectonic belt of the west coast of the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnes, I.

1970-01-01

Waters unusually rich in ammonia, boron, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrocarbons are found in more than 100 localities along the Pacific coast of the United States. The waters are believed to be products of low-grade metamorphism of marine sediments. The marine sedimentary rocks would have to be tectonically emplaced below crystalline rocks in many places. Mercury are deposits are probably also products of the low-grade metamorphism.

EBSD characterization of pre-Cambrian deformations in conglomerate pebbles (Sierra de la Demanda, Northern Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puelles, Pablo; Ábalos, Benito; Fernández-Armas, Sergio

2010-05-01

Pre-Cambrian and unconformable earliest Cambrian rocks from the Sierra de la Demanda (N Spain) exhibit field and microstructural relationships that attest to orogenic events recorded by concealed basement rocks. Neoproterozoic foliated slates ("Anguiano Schists") crop out under up to 300 m thick, unfoliated quartz-rich conglomerates ("Anguiano Conglomerates") and quartzites which are stratigraphically ca. 600 m below the oldest, paleontologically dated, pre-trilobitic Cambrian layers (likely older than 520 Ma). The Anguiano Conglomerates contain mm to cm grainsized well-rounded pebbles of various types including monocrystalline quartz, detrital zircon and tourmaline-bearing sandstones, black cherts and metamorphic poly-crystalline quartz aggregates. The undeformed matrix is made of much smaller (diagenetically overgrown) monocrystaline quartz grains and minor amounts of accesory zircon, tourmaline and mica. Black chert pebbles exhibit microstructural evidence of brittle deformation (microfaults and thin veins of syntaxial fibrous quartz). These and the fine-grained sandstone pebbles can also exhibit ductile deformations (microfolds with thickened hinges and axial planar continuous foliations), too. Polycrystalline quartz pebbles exhibit a variety of microstructures that resulted from syn-metamorphic ductile deformations. These are recognisable under the petrographic microscope and include continuous foliations, quartz shape fabrics, various types of subgrain or recrystallized new grain microtextures, and lattice preferred orientations (LPOs). Conventional characterization of quartz fabrics (after oriented structural sections) is challenged in conglomerate pebble thin sections by the difficulty of unraveling in them the complete structural reference framework provided by foliation (whose trace can be unraveled) and lineation orientation (which cannot be directly identified). Quartz in various metamorphic polycrystalline pebbles was studied with the Electron Back-Scatter Diffraction (EBSD) technique. The identification of quartz c-axis point maxima or girdles and their geometrical relationships with respect to -axis arrangements and pebble foliation traces enabled us to identify the operation of basal and prism- and occasionally prism-[c] intracrystalline slip systems. This points to upper-greenschists and amphibolite facies syn-metamorphic deformations. By contrast, black chert and sandstone pebbles and matrix quartz aggregates lack any LPO. The source area of the conglomerates was likely a pre-Cambrian basement that contained penetratively deformed low- to medium-grade metamorphic rocks. Radiometric dating of this metamorphism has not been accomplished so far though it is known that inherited Precambrian sources in the Iberian Peninsula relate notably to Neoproterozoic (Pan-African and Cadomian) orogens, and to a lesser extent to Paleoproterozoic (1.8-2.1 Ga) or Neoarchean (2.4-2.8 Ga) ones. Neoproterozoic (Cadomian) metamorphism of this grade has only been recognized in SW Iberia. If the fabrics here studied were Cadomian, they might be related to the arc-related igneous suites that have been detected or inferred in other realms of the northern Iberian Massif.

Evidence for multiple metamorphic events in the Adirondack Mountains, N. Y

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McLelland, J.; Lochhead, A.; Vyhnal, C.

1988-05-01

Field evidence consisting of: (1) rotated, foliated xenoliths, (2) country rock foliation truncated by isoclinally folded igneous intrusions bearing granulite facies assemblages document one, or more, early dynamothermal event(s) of regional scale and high grade. Early metamorphism resulted in pronounced linear and planar fabric throughout the Adirondacks and preceded the emplacement of the anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite-alaskite (AMCA) suite which contains xenoliths of the metamorphosed rocks. Olivine metagabbros, believed to be approximately contemporaneous with the AMCA-suite, also crosscut and contain xenoliths of, strongly foliated metasediments. These intrusive rocks caused contact metamorphism in the metasediments which locally exhibit both anatectite and restite assemblages. Subsequently,more » this already complex framework underwent three phases of folding, including an early recumbent isoclinical event, and was metamorphosed to granulite facies P,T conditions. The age of the early metamorphism cannot yet be narrowly constrained, but isotopic results suggest that it may be as young as approx. 1200 Ma or older than approx. 1420 Ma. U-Pb zircon ages indicate emplacement of the AMCA-(metagabbro)-suite in the interval 1160-1130 Ma and place the peak of granulite facies metamorphism between 1070-1025 Ma. The anorogenic character of the AMCA-suite, and the occurrence of metadiabase dike swarms within it, are further evidence of the separate nature of the metamorphic events that precede and postdate AMCA emplacement.« less

Oxygen isotope thermometry of quartz-Al2SiO5veins in high-grade metamorphic rocks on Naxos island (Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putlitz, Benita; Valley, John; Matthews, Alan; Katzir, Yaron

2002-04-01

Diffusion models predict that peak metamorphic temperatures are best recorded by the oxygen isotope fractionation between minerals in a bi-mineralic rock in which a refractory accessory mineral with slow oxygen diffusion rate is modally minor to a mineral with a faster diffusion rate. This premise is demonstrated for high-grade metamorphism on the island of Naxos, Greece, where quartz-kyanite oxygen isotope thermometry from veins in high-grade metamorphic pelites gives temperatures of 635-690 °C. These temperatures are in excellent agreement with independent thermometry for the regional M2 peak metamorphic conditions and show that the vein minerals isotopically equilibrated at the peak of metamorphism. Quartz-sillimanite fractionations in the same veins give similar temperatures (680+/-35 °C) and suggest that the veins grew near to the kyanite-sillimanite boundary, corresponding to pressures of 6.5 to 7.5 kbar for temperatures of 635-685 °C. By contrast, quartz-kyanite and quartz-biotite pairs in the host rocks yield lower temperature estimates than the veins (590-600 and 350-550 °C, respectively). These lower apparent temperatures are also predicted from calculations of diffusional resetting in the polyphase host-rock system. The data demonstrate that bimineralic vein assemblages can be used as accurate thermometers in high-temperature rocks whereas retrograde exchange remains a major problem in many polymineralic rocks.

Is Absence of Evidence of UHPM Evidence of Absence: Did Conditions on Earth Before the Ediacaran Period Allow Formation of UHP Rocks but Only Rarely Their Exhumation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, M.

2008-12-01

UHPM provides petrologic evidence of transport of continental lithosphere to asthenospheric depth and return of some of these materials to crustal depth. The rock record registers UHPM since the Ediacaran Period, and studies of inclusion assemblages in zircon have increased the evidence of UHPM in Phanerozoic orogens and enabled an assessment of the real estate involved. Plots of apparent thermal gradient vs. age of metamorphism and P vs. age of metamorphism reveal two dramatic changes in inferred thermal environment and inferred depth of metamorphism from which continental lithosphere has been recovered during Earth evolution. First, from the Mesoarchean Era to the Neoproterozoic Era, sutures in subduction-to- collision orogens are marked by eclogite and high-pressure granulite metamorphism (characterized by apparent thermal gradients of 750-350 C/GPa). The P of metamorphism in sutures jumped from <1 GPa during the Eoarchean-Paleoarchean up to 2 GPa during the Paleoproterozoic. Second, from the Cryogenian- Ediacaran to the present, many sutures in subduction-to-collision orogens, and sometimes intracratonic sutures in the overriding plate, are marked by UHPM (characterized by apparent thermal gradients of <350 C/GPa) with P of metamorphism >2.7GPa. Given this pattern of secular change to colder apparent thermal gradients in sutures, the recent discovery of diamonds in zircons of crustal paragenesis in Neoarchean sedimentary rocks is surprising. Maybe UHPM has been possible since the Neoarchean but the evidence was rarely exhumed or if exhumed maybe the evidence was rarely preserved? The Appalachian/Caledonian-Variscide-Altaid and the Cimmerian-Himalayan-Alpine orogenic systems were formed by successive closure of short-lived oceans by transfer and suturing of ribbon-continent terranes derived from the Gondwanan side. Subduction of young ocean lithosphere followed by choking of the subduction channel by arc or terrane collision limited transport of water to the mantle wedge, and suppressed development of small-scale convection, arc magmatism and backarc formation. This allowed the retro- continental margin to remain strong, which favored efficient exhumation of UHPM rocks (Warren et al., 2008, EPSL). How should we interpret the presence of diamonds in detrital zircons (age range 3,050-4,260 Ma) from the Narryer terrane? Menneken et al. (2007, Nature) argue that the age range indicates repeated conditions for diamond formation (or recycling of ancient diamond) and that diamonds imply thick continental lithosphere and crust-mantle interactions since 4,260 Ma! This implies thermal environments and tectonics in the Hadean and Archean Eons similar to the Phanerozoic Eon. However, these ancient zircons originally crystallized from low-T melts (Watson and Harrison, 2006, Science) and the 'age' of the diamonds is only constrained to be > the age of deposition and <3,050 Ma. Williams (2007, Science) suggests that C was introduced as graphite precipitated from COH fluid in fractures/imperfections in zircon prior to deep burial to form diamond during a single event. COH fluid was involved in the formation of diamonds from Phanerozoic UHPM localities, so the hypothesis is viable if an appropriate tectonic model can be developed. I will present a model for the formation and exhumation of an overriding plate source terrane for the diamond-bearing detrital zircons that is consistent with periodic changes in the tectonic regime of Earth (Brown, 2006, Geology), and the geology and likely tectonic setting of the Narryer Terrane-Yilgarn Craton during the Neoarchean. Finally, I will speculate about UMPM during the Proterozoic and exhumation vs. relamination (Hacker et al., Eos, 2007).

Detrital zircon analysis of Mesoproterozoic and neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of northcentral idaho: Implications for development of the Belt-Purcell basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lewis, R.S.; Vervoort, J.D.; Burmester, R.F.; Oswald, P.J.

2010-01-01

The authors analyzed detrital zircon grains from 10 metasedimentary rock samples of the Priest River complex and three other amphibolite-facies metamorphic sequences in north-central Idaho to test the previous assignment of these rocks to the Mesoproterozoic Belt-Purcell Supergroup. Zircon grains from two samples of the Prichard Formation (lower Belt) and one sample of Cambrian quartzite were also analyzed as controls with known depositional ages. U-Pb zircon analysis by laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry reveals that 6 of the 10 samples contain multiple age populations between 1900 and 1400 Ma and a scatter of older ages, similar to results reported from the Belt- Purcell Supergroup to the north and east. Results from the Priest River metamorphic complex confirm previous correlations with the Prichard Formation. Samples from the Golden and Elk City sequences have significant numbers of 1500-1380 Ma grains, which indicates that they do not predate the Belt. Rather, they are probably from a relatively young, southwestern part of the Belt Supergroup (Lemhi subbasin). Non-North American (1610-1490 Ma) grains are rare in these rocks. Three samples of quartzite from the Syringa metamorphic sequence northwest of the Idaho batholith contain zircon grains younger than the Belt Supergroup and support a Neoproterozoic age. A single Cambrian sample has abundant 1780 Ma grains and none younger than ~1750 Ma. These results indicate that the likely protoliths of many high-grade metamorphic rocks in northern Idaho were strata of the Belt-Purcell Supergroup or overlying rocks of the Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup and not basement rocks.

Eclogites and garnet clinopyroxenites in the Anrakhai complex, Central Asian Orogenic Belt, Southern Kazakhstan: P-T evolution, protoliths and some geodynamic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilitsyna, Anfisa V.; Tretyakov, Andrey A.; Degtyarev, Kirill E.; Cuthbert, Simon J.; Batanova, Valentina G.; Kovalchuk, Elena V.

2018-03-01

The Anrakhai Metamorphic Complex (AMC), located in the SE part of the Chu-Ili Mountains of Southern Kazakhstan in the western part of Central Asian Orogenic Belt, exhibits occurrences of HP metamorphic rocks in the form of eclogites and garnet clinopyroxenites with peak metamorphic conditions of 750-850° and 15-19 kbar estimated with both conventional geothermobarometric methods and phase diagram modeling. P-T estimates as well as intimate field relations evidently imply a common metamorphic history for eclogites and garnet clinopyroxenites of the AMC. These high-pressure, medium temperature eclogite facies P-T conditions are indicative of a collision or subduction tectonic setting. Major and trace element geochemistry suggests that they probably had a common magmatic origin as part of a suite of differentiated tholeiitic intrusions. Furthermore, distinctive mineral and chemical compositions of these eclogites and garnet clinopyroxenites correspond to the Fe-Ti type of ultramafic rocks suggesting that they may have been derivatives of intraplate tholeiitic melts, introduced into continental crust before HP metamorphism.

Uraniferous bitumen nodules in the Talvivaara Ni-Zn-Cu-Co deposit (Finland): influence of metamorphism on uranium mineralization in black shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecomte, Andreï; Cathelineau, Michel; Deloule, Etienne; Brouand, Marc; Peiffert, Chantal; Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, Kirsti; Pohjolainen, Esa; Lahtinen, Hannu

2014-04-01

In the central part of the Fennoscandian Shield, the Talvivaara Ni-Zn-Cu-Co deposit, hosted by Palaeoproterozoic metamorphosed black schists, contains low uranium concentrations ranging from 10 to 30 ppm. The Talvivaara black schists were deposited 2.0-1.9 Ga ago and underwent subsequent metamorphism during the 1.9-1.79 Ga Svecofennian orogeny. Anhedral uraninite crystals rimmed by bitumen constitute the main host of uranium. U-Pb secondary ion mass spectrometry dating indicates that uraninite crystals were formed between 1,878 ± 17 and 1,871 ± 43 Ma, during peak metamorphism. Rare earth element patterns and high Th content (average 6.38 wt%) in disseminated uraninite crystals indicate that U was concentrated during high temperature metamorphism (>400 °C). The formation of bitumen rims around uraninite may be explained by two distinct scenarios: (a) a transport of U coincident with the migration of hydrocarbons or (b) post-metamorphic formation of bitumen rims, through radiolytic polymerization of gaseous hydrocarbons at the contact with uraninite.

Detailed thermal fingerprinting of obduction-related processes: insights from Northern New Caledonia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitale Brovarone, A.; Agard, P.; Monié, P.; Chauvet, A.

2012-04-01

Northern New Caledonia comprises large and continuous units of high-pressure metamorphic rocks formed in response to the Eocene subduction of a continental margin, classically viewed as a northern extension of the Norfolk ridge, below an oceanic island-arc system (well-exposed in southern New Caledonia) [1, 2]. Metamorphic conditions increase gradually towards the east, providing a continuous window on prograde metamorphism from low-grade, lawsonite-bearing assemblages to epidote-bearing eclogite [3, 4, 5]. Unfortunately, available P-T constraints are mostly restricted to metamafics, but are almost completely lacking in metasediments, which represent the dominant lithology in these mainly continental-derived units. This is due both to the lack of diagnostic mineral assemblages in the metasedimentary lower grade units and to the intense late retrogression affecting the higher-grade metasediments. We herein present an extensive thermometric dataset (encompassing the area from Hienghene to the south and from Koumac to Pouébo) obtained via Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Material (RSCM), which provides quantitative estimates of the peak metamorphic temperature of CM-bearing metasediments in the range ~200-650°C [6, 7]. Metamorphic conditions vary from about 200 °C in the lower-grade units and progressively increase toward the east to about 550 °C in the eclogite facies unit. Sharp metamorphic gaps are nevertheless found across some major tectonic boundaries (such as the Gendarmerie fault zone). Importantly, the main metamorphic units defined by means of our dataset do not always match with previous studies. This dataset also provides useful insights on the architecture of the high-pressure belt in Northern New Caledonia, where structures are poorly exposed due to thick vegetation. [1] Cluzel, D., Aitchison, J.C., Picard, C., 2001. Tectonic accretion and underplating of mafic terranes in the Late Eocene intraoceanic forearc of New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific): geodynamic implications. Tectonophysics 340 (1-2), 23-59. [2] Ulrich, M., Picard C., Guillot S., Chauvel C., Cluzel D., Meffre S. (2010) The New Caledonia Ophiolite : multiple Stage of melting and refertilisation process as indicators of ridge to subduction formation. Lithos. doi 10.1016/j.lithos.2009.12.011. [3] Brothers, R. N. & Blake, M. C., 1972. Tertiary plate tectonics and high-pressure metamorphism in New Caledonia. Tectonophysics, 17, 359-391. [4] Fitzherbert, J. A., Clarke, G. L. & Powell, R., 2003. Lawsonite- omphacite bearing metabasites of the Pam Peninsula, NE New Caledonia: Evidence for disrupted blueschist to eclogite facies conditions. Journal of Petrology, 44, 1805-1831. [5] Spandler, C., & Hermann, J., 2006. High-pressure veins in eclogite from New Caledonia and their significance for fluid migration in subduction zones. Lithos, 89 (1-2). pp. 135-153. ISSN 1872-6143 [6] Beyssac, O., Goffé, B., Chopin, C. & Rouzaud, J.N., 2002. Raman spectra of carbonaceous material in metasediments: a new geothermometer. J. Metamorph. Geol., 20, 859-871. [7] Lahfid, A., Beyssac, O., Deville, E., Negro, F., Chopin, C. & Goffé, B., 2010. Evolution of the Raman spectrum of carbonaceous material in low-grade metasediments of the Glarus Alps (Switzerland). Terra Nova, 22: 354-360. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3121.2010.00956.x

U-Pb age of the Diana Complex and Adirondack granulite petrogenesis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Basu, A.R.; Premo, W.R.

2001-01-01

U-Pb isotopic analyses of eight single and multi-grain zircon fractions separated from a syenite of the Diana Complex of the Adirondack Mountains do not define a single linear array, but a scatter along a chord that intersects the Concordia curve at 1145 ?? 29 and 285 ?? 204 Ma. For the most concordant analyses, the 207Pb/206Pb ages range between 1115 and 1150 Ma. Detailed petrographic studies revealed that most grains contained at least two phases of zircon growth, either primary magmatic cores enclosed by variable thickness of metamorphic overgrowths or magmatic portions enclosing presumably older xenocrystic zircon cores. The magmatic portions are characterized by typical dipyramidal prismatic zoning and numerous black inclusions that make them quite distinct from adjacent overgrowths or cores when observed in polarizing light microscopy and in back-scattered electron micrographs. Careful handpicking and analysis of the "best" magmatic grains, devoid of visible overgrowth of core material, produced two nearly concordant points that along with two of the multi-grain analyses yielded an upper-intercept age of 1118 ?? 2.8 Ma and a lower-intercept age of 251 ?? 13 Ma. The older age is interpreted as the crystallization age of the syenite and the younger one is consistent with late stage uplift of the Appalachian region. The 1118 Ma age for the Diana Complex, some 35 Ma younger than previously believed, is now approximately synchronous with the main Adirondack anorthosite intrusion, implying a cogenetic relationship among the various meta-igneous rocks of the Adirondacks. The retention of a high-temperature contact metamorphic aureole around Diana convincingly places the timing of Adirondack regional metamorphism as early as 1118 Ma. This result also implies that the sources of anomalous high-temperature during granulite metamorphism are the syn-metamorphic intrusions, such as the Diana Complex.

Titanite-bearing calc-silicate rocks constrain timing, duration and magnitude of metamorphic CO2 degassing in the Himalayan belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapa, Giulia; Groppo, Chiara; Rolfo, Franco; Petrelli, Maurizio; Mosca, Pietro; Perugini, Diego

2017-11-01

The pressure, temperature, and timing (P-T-t) conditions at which CO2 was produced during the Himalayan prograde metamorphism have been constrained, focusing on the most abundant calc-silicate rock type in the Himalaya. A detailed petrological modeling of a clinopyroxene + scapolite + K-feldspar + plagioclase + quartz ± calcite calc-silicate rock allowed the identification and full characterization - for the first time - of different metamorphic reactions leading to the simultaneous growth of titanite and CO2 production. The results of thermometric determinations (Zr-in-Ttn thermometry) and U-Pb geochronological analyses suggest that, in the studied lithology, most titanite grains grew during two nearly consecutive episodes of titanite formation: a near-peak event at 730-740 °C, 10 kbar, 30-26 Ma, and a peak event at 740-765 °C, 10.5 kbar, 25-20 Ma. Both episodes of titanite growth are correlated with specific CO2-producing reactions and constrain the timing, duration and P-T conditions of the main CO2-producing events, as well as the amounts of CO2 produced (1.4-1.8 wt% of CO2). A first-order extrapolation of such CO2 amounts to the orogen scale provides metamorphic CO2 fluxes ranging between 1.4 and 19.4 Mt/yr; these values are of the same order of magnitude as the present-day CO2 fluxes degassed from spring waters located along the Main Central Thrust. We suggest that these metamorphic CO2 fluxes should be considered in any future attempts of estimating the global budget of non-volcanic carbon fluxes from the lithosphere.

Factors controlling the permeability distribution in fault vein zones surrounding granitic intrusions (Ore Mountains/Germany)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Achtziger-Zupančič, P.; Loew, S.; Hiller, A.

2017-03-01

An outstanding legacy data set has been compiled from underground excavations mostly prospected and mined by the former Soviet (German) Stock Company Wismut describing the hydrology of faulted basement rocks in the Ore Mountains (SE Germany). It consists of more than 5000 detailed descriptions of groundwater inflows to about 660 km of tunnels and 57 km of drillings measured during or shortly after excavation. Inflow measurements (recorded between 1E-8 and 4E-2 m3/s) have been converted to fracture transmissivities using a simplified analytical solution. Discarding site specific effects, the median log transmissivity decreases from 1E-7 to 1E-10 m2/s within the studied depth interval of 0-2000 meters below ground surface (mbgs), and the spacing of conductive fracture increases from 0.1 to 2500 m. This general trend is overprinted at three mining sites by a clear reversal of fracture transmissivity which correlates with contact metamorphic aureoles around Variscan granite intrusions (327-295 Ma). We hypothesize that this transmissivity increase is caused by processes accompanying granite intrusion and contact metamorphism. The thickness of these hydraulically active aureoles is greater in lower-grade metamorphic schist than in higher-grade metamorphic gneisses. Rock mass equivalent continuum conductivities have been estimated by arithmetic averaging of fracture and matrix transmissivities over 100 m intervals and have been converted to permeabilities. The median equivalent continuum permeability decreases with depth according to log(k) = - 1.7 * log(z) - 17.3 (k in m2 and increasing depth z in kilometer being positive). Matrix conductivity controls the bulk conductivity below about 1000 mbgs and is less sensitive to the occurrence of contact metamorphic aureoles.

Metamorphic reactions in the Chaunskij mesosiderite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petaev, M. I.; Brearley, A. J.

1994-07-01

The Chaunskij meteorite, found in 1985, recently has been found to be the most highly metamorphosed, shock-modified, and metal-rich mesosiderite. It contains approximately 10 vol% mono- and polymineralic troilite-phosphate-silicate inclusions, micrometers to centimeters in size. Two dominant silicate lithologies have been found in the inclusions. The primary 'igneous' lithology, making up the largest inclusion studied, is generally a microophitic fine-grained aggregate of pyroxene, plagioclase, and minor silica, with scattered coarser-grained granoblastic spots enriched in silica and troilite. The secondary 'metamorphic' lithology occurs as separate small inclusions and as larger areas in intimate contact with the 'igneous' lithology, separated by highly irregular boundaries from each other, in the largest inclusion. In small inclusions the metamorphic lithology consists of a fine-grained hornfelsic to granoblastic aggregate of cordierite, orthopyroxene, quartz, and whitlockite with variable amounts of opaque minerals. In the largest inclusion the metamorphic lithology is a generally granoblastic to poikiloblastic aggregate of cordierite and quartz with minor amounts of other minerals. The Opx-Chr mineral thermometer and the Cord-Sp barometer have been applied to estimate the conditions of Chaunskij metamorphism. The data for 16 Opx-Chr pairs from different inclusions and lithologies correspond to a temperature of 590 +/- 30 C. The data for 9 Cord-Chr pairs from different inclusions correspond to a pressure of 6.0 +/- 0.2 kbar. While the composition of spinel in Chaunskij much richer in Cr than were the spinels used to calibrate Cord-Sp barometer the estimated pressure is consistent with the occurrence in the igneous lithology of two small pyroxene grains enriched in the CaAl2SiO6 molecule, coexisting with quartz and plagioclase. This mineral assemblage is unstable below approximately 5 kbar at 600 C.

Fe-Ni metal in primitive chondrites: Indicators of classification and metamorphic conditions for ordinary and CO chondrites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kimura, M.; Grossman, J.N.; Weisberg, M.K.

2008-01-01

We report the results of our petrological and mineralogical study of Fe-Ni metal in type 3 ordinary and CO chondrites, and the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094. Fe-Ni metal in ordinary and CO chondrites occurs in chondrule interiors, on chondrule surfaces, and as isolated grains in the matrix. Isolated Ni-rich metal in chondrites of petrologic type lower than type 3.10 is enriched in Co relative to the kamacite in chondrules. However, Ni-rich metal in type 3.15-3.9 chondrites always contains less Co than does kamacite. Fe-Ni metal grains in chondrules in Semarkona typically show plessitic intergrowths consisting of submicrometer kamacite and Ni-rich regions. Metal in other type 3 chondrites is composed of fine- to coarse-grained aggregates of kamacite and Ni-rich metal, resulting from metamorphism in the parent body. We found that the number density of Ni-rich grains in metal (number of Ni-rich grains per unit area of metal) in chondrules systematically decreases with increasing petrologic type. Thus, Fe-Ni metal is a highly sensitive recorder of metamorphism in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites, and can be used to distinguish petrologic type and identify the least thermally metamorphosed chondrites. Among the known ordinary and CO chondrites, Semarkona is the most primitive. The range of metamorphic temperatures were similar for type 3 ordinary and CO chondrites, despite them having different parent bodies. Most Fe-Ni metal in Acfer 094 is martensite, and it preserves primary features. The degree of metamorphism is lower in Acfer 094, a true type 3.00 chondrite, than in Semarkona, which should be reclassified as type 3.01. ?? The Meteoritical Society, 2008.

Stepwise exhumation of the Triassic Lanling high-pressure metamorphic belt in Central Qiangtang, Tibet: Insights from a coupled study of metamorphism, deformation, and geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xiao; Wang, Genhou; Yang, Bo; Ran, Hao; Zheng, Yilong; Du, Jinxue; Li, Lingui

2017-04-01

The E-W trending Central Qiangtang metamorphic belt (CQMB) is correlated to the Triassic orogeny of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean prior to Cenozoic growth of the Tibetan Plateau. The well-exposed Lanling high-pressure, low-temperature (HP-LT) metamorphic complex was chosen to decipher the process by which it was exhumed, which thereby provides insights into the origin of the CQMB and Qiangtang terrane. After a detailed petrological and structural mapping, three distinct N-S-trending metamorphic domains were distinguished. Microscopic observations show that core domain garnet (Grt)-bearing blueschist was exhumed in a heating plus depressurization trajectory after peak eclogitic conditions, which is more evident in syntectonic vein form porphyroblastic garnets with zoning typical of a prograde path. Grt-free blueschist of the mantle domain probably underwent an exhumation path of temperature increasing and dehydration, as evidenced by pervasive epidote veins. The compilation of radiometric results of high-pressure mineral separates in Lanling and Central Qiantang, and reassessments on the published phengite data sets of Lanling using Arrhenius plots allow a two-step exhumation model to be formulated. It is suggested that core domain eclogitic rocks were brought onto mantle domain blueschist facies level starting at 244-230 Ma, with exhumation continuing to 227-223.4 Ma, and subsequently were exhumed together starting at 223-220 Ma, reaching lower greenschist facies conditions generally after 222-217 Ma. These new observations indicate that the CQMB formed as a Triassic autochthonous accretionary complex resulting from the northward subdcution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and that HP-LT rocks therein were very probably exhumed in an extensional regime.

Structural and petrographic constraints on the stratigraphy of the Lapataia Formation, with implications for the tectonic evolution of the Fuegian Andes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Sebastián J.; Torres Carbonell, Pablo J.; Dimieri, Luis V.

2018-07-01

The structure of the Fuegian Andes central belt is characterized by a first phase of peak metamorphism and ductile deformation, followed by a brittle-ductile thrusting phase including juxtaposition of different (first phase) structural levels; both related to the closure and inversion of the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Rocas Verdes basin. The second phase involved thrust sheets of pre-Jurassic basement, as well as Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous units from the volcanic-sedimentary fill of the basin. Rock exposures in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego reveal a diversity of metamorphic mineral assemblages, dynamic recrystallization grades and associated structures, evidencing a variety of protoliths and positions in the crust during their orogenic evolution. Among the units present in this sector, the Lapataia Formation portrays the higher metamorphic grade reported in the Argentine side of the Fuegian Andes, and since no precise radiometric ages have been established to date, its stratigraphic position remains a matter of debate: the discussion being whether it belongs to the pre-Jurassic basement, or the Upper Jurassic volcanic/volcaniclastic initial fill of the Rocas Verdes basin. The mapping and petrographic/microstructural study of the Lapataia Formation and those of undoubtedly Mesozoic age, allow to characterize the former as a group of rocks with great lithological affinity with the Upper Jurassic metamorphic rocks found elsewhere in the central belt of the Fuegian Andes. The main differences in metamorphic grade are indebted to its deformation at deeper crustal levels, but during the same stages than the Mesozoic rocks. Accordingly, we interpret the regional structure to be associated with the stacking of thrust sheets from different structural levels through the emplacement of a duplex system during the growth of the Fuegian Andes.

The direction of fluid flow during contact metamorphism of siliceous carbonate rocks: new data for the Monzoni and Predazzo aureoles, northern Italy, and a global review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferry, John M.; Wing, Boswell A.; Penniston-Dorland, Sarah C.; Rumble, Douglas

2002-03-01

Periclase formed in siliceous dolomitic marbles during contact metamorphism in the Monzoni and Predazzo aureoles, the Dolomites, northern Italy, by infiltration of the carbonate rocks by chemically reactive, H2O-rich fluids at 500 bar and 565-710 °C. The spatial distribution of periclase and oxygen isotope compositions is consistent with reactive fluid flow that was primarily vertical and upward in both aureoles with time-integrated flux ~5,000 and ~300 mol fluid/cm2 rock in the Monzoni and Predazzo aureoles, respectively. The new results for Monzoni and Predazzo are considered along with published studies of 13 other aureoles to draw general conclusions about the direction, amount, and controls on the geometry of reactive fluid flow during contact metamorphism of siliceous carbonate rocks. Flow in 12 aureoles was primarily vertically upward with and without a horizontal component directed away from the pluton. Fluid flow in two of the other three was primarily horizontal, directed from the pluton into the aureole. The direction of flow in the remaining aureole is uncertain. Earlier suggestions that fluid flow is often horizontal, directed toward the pluton, are likely explained by an erroneous assumption that widespread coexisting mineral reactants and products represent arrested prograde decarbonation reactions. With the exception of three samples from one aureole, time-integrated fluid flux was in the range 102-104 mol/cm2. Both the amount and direction of fluid flow are consistent with hydrodynamic models of contact metamorphism. The orientation of bedding and lithologic contacts appears to be the principal control over whether fluid flow was either primarily vertical or horizontal. Other pre-metamorphic structures, including dikes, faults, fold hinges, and fracture zones, served to channel fluid flow as well.

The direction of fluid flow during contact metamorphism of siliceous carbonate rocks: new data for the Monzoni and Predazzo aureoles, northern Italy, and a global review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferry, John; Wing, Boswell; Penniston-Dorland, Sarah; Rumble, Douglas

2001-11-01

Periclase formed in siliceous dolomitic marbles during contact metamorphism in the Monzoni and Predazzo aureoles, the Dolomites, northern Italy, by infiltration of the carbonate rocks by chemically reactive, H2O-rich fluids at 500 bar and 565-710 °C. The spatial distribution of periclase and oxygen isotope compositions is consistent with reactive fluid flow that was primarily vertical and upward in both aureoles with time-integrated flux 5,000 and 300 mol fluid/cm2 rock in the Monzoni and Predazzo aureoles, respectively. The new results for Monzoni and Predazzo are considered along with published studies of 13 other aureoles to draw general conclusions about the direction, amount, and controls on the geometry of reactive fluid flow during contact metamorphism of siliceous carbonate rocks. Flow in 12 aureoles was primarily vertically upward with and without a horizontal component directed away from the pluton. Fluid flow in two of the other three was primarily horizontal, directed from the pluton into the aureole. The direction of flow in the remaining aureole is uncertain. Earlier suggestions that fluid flow is often horizontal, directed toward the pluton, are likely explained by an erroneous assumption that widespread coexisting mineral reactants and products represent arrested prograde decarbonation reactions. With the exception of three samples from one aureole, time-integrated fluid flux was in the range 102-104 mol/cm2. Both the amount and direction of fluid flow are consistent with hydrodynamic models of contact metamorphism. The orientation of bedding and lithologic contacts appears to be the principal control over whether fluid flow was either primarily vertical or horizontal. Other pre-metamorphic structures, including dikes, faults, fold hinges, and fracture zones, served to channel fluid flow as well.

Fore arc tectonothermal evolution of the El Oro metamorphic province (Ecuador) during the Mesozoic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riel, Nicolas; Martelat, Jean-Emmanuel; Guillot, Stéphane; Jaillard, Etienne; Monié, Patrick; Yuquilema, Jonatan; Duclaux, Guillaume; Mercier, Jonathan

2014-10-01

The El Oro metamorphic province of SW Ecuador is a composite massif made of juxtaposed terranes of both continental and oceanic affinity that has been located in a fore-arc position since Late Paleozoic times. Various geochemical, geochronological, and metamorphic studies have been undertaken on the El Oro metamorphic province, providing an understanding of the origin and age of the distinct units. However, the internal structures and geodynamic evolution of this area remain poorly understood. Our structural analysis and thermal modeling in the El Oro metamorphic province show that this fore-arc zone underwent four main geological events. (1) During Triassic times (230-225 Ma), the emplacement of the Piedras gabbroic unit at crustal-root level ( 9 kbar) triggered partial melting of the metasedimentary sequence under an E-W extensional regime at pressure-temperature conditions ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 kbar and from 650 to 900°C for the migmatitic unit. (2) At 226 Ma, the tectonic underplating of the Arenillas-Panupalí oceanic unit (9 kbar and 300°C) thermally sealed the fore-arc region. (3) Around the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary, the shift from trench-normal to trench-parallel subduction triggered the exhumation and underplating of the high-pressure, oceanic Raspas Ophiolitic Complex (18 kbar and 600°C) beneath the El Oro Group (130-120 Ma). This was followed by the opening of a NE-SW pull-apart basin, which tilted the massif along an E-W subhorizontal axis (110 Ma). (4) In Late Cretaceous times, an N-S compressional event generated heterogeneous deformation due to the presence of the Cretaceous Celica volcanic arc, which acted as a buttress and predominantly affected the central and eastern part of the massif.

Testing and Validating Machine Learning Classifiers by Metamorphic Testing☆

PubMed Central

Xie, Xiaoyuan; Ho, Joshua W. K.; Murphy, Christian; Kaiser, Gail; Xu, Baowen; Chen, Tsong Yueh

2011-01-01

Machine Learning algorithms have provided core functionality to many application domains - such as bioinformatics, computational linguistics, etc. However, it is difficult to detect faults in such applications because often there is no “test oracle” to verify the correctness of the computed outputs. To help address the software quality, in this paper we present a technique for testing the implementations of machine learning classification algorithms which support such applications. Our approach is based on the technique “metamorphic testing”, which has been shown to be effective to alleviate the oracle problem. Also presented include a case study on a real-world machine learning application framework, and a discussion of how programmers implementing machine learning algorithms can avoid the common pitfalls discovered in our study. We also conduct mutation analysis and cross-validation, which reveal that our method has high effectiveness in killing mutants, and that observing expected cross-validation result alone is not sufficiently effective to detect faults in a supervised classification program. The effectiveness of metamorphic testing is further confirmed by the detection of real faults in a popular open-source classification program. PMID:21532969

Broadband light sources based on InAs/InGaAs metamorphic quantum dots

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.; Frigeri, P.

We propose a design for a semiconductor structure emitting broadband light in the infrared, based on InAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded into a metamorphic step-graded In{sub x}Ga{sub 1−x}As buffer. We developed a model to calculate the metamorphic QD energy levels based on the realistic QD parameters and on the strain-dependent material properties; we validated the results of simulations by comparison with the experimental values. On this basis, we designed a p-i-n heterostructure with a graded index profile toward the realization of an electrically pumped guided wave device. This has been done by adding layers where QDs are embedded in In{submore » x}Al{sub y}Ga{sub 1−x−y}As layers, to obtain a symmetric structure from a band profile point of view. To assess the room temperature electro-luminescence emission spectrum under realistic electrical injection conditions, we performed device-level simulations based on a coupled drift-diffusion and QD rate equation model. On the basis of the device simulation results, we conclude that the present proposal is a viable option to realize broadband light-emitting devices.« less

Geology of quadrangles H-12, H-13, and parts of I-12 and I-13, (zone III) in northeastern Santander Department, Colombia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ward, Dwight Edward; Goldsmith, Richard; Cruz, Jaime B.; Restrepo, Hernan A.

1974-01-01

A program of geologic mapping and mineral investigation in Colombia was undertaken cooperatively by the Colombian Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Geologico-Mineras (formerly known as the Inventario Minero Nacional), and the U. S. Geological Survey; by the Government of Colombia and the Agency for International Development, U. S. Department of State. The purpose was to study, and evaluate mineral resources (excluding of petroleum, coal, emeralds, and alluvial gold) of four selected areas, designated Zones I to IV, that total about 70,000 km2. The work in Zone III, in the Cordillera Oriental, was done from 1965 to 1968. The northeast trend of the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia swings abruptly to north-northwest in the area of this report, and divides around the southern end of the Maracaibo Basin. This section of the Cordillera Oriental is referred to as the Santander Massif. Radiometric age determinations indicate that the oldest rocks of the Santander massif are Precambrian and include high-grade gneiss, schist, and migmatite of the Bucaramanga Formation. These rocks were probably part of the Precambrian Guayana Shield. Low- to medium-grade metamorphic rocks of late Precambrian to Ordovician age .include phyllite, schist, metasiltstone, metasandstone, and marble of the Silgara Formation, a geosynclinal series of considerable extent in the Cordillera Oriental and possibly the Cordillera de Merida of Venezuela. Orthogneiss ranging from granite to tonalite is widely distributed in the high- and medium-grade metamorphic rocks of the central core of the massif and probably represents rocks of two ages, Precambrian and Ordovician to Early Devonian. Younger orthogneiss and the Silgara are overlain by Middle Devonian beds of the Floresta Formation which show a generally low but varying degree of metamorphism. Phyllite and argillite are common, and infrequent marble and other calcareous beds are fossiliferous. Except for recrystallization in limestones of !the Permian-Carboniferous Diamante Formation, sedimentary rocks younger than Devonian are unmetamorphosed. The effects of Precambrian regional dynamothermal metamorphism and plutonism on Precambrian geosynclinal deposits reached the upper amphibolite facies in the Bucaramanga Gneiss. The geosynclinal Silgara Formation was subjected to similar conditions in Late Ordovician and Early Silurian time but reached only the greenschist or lower amphibolite facies. Orthogneisses generally show a concordance of foliation and lineation with the neighboring Silgara Formation and the Bucaramanga Gneiss as well as similarities in grade of metamorphism. Regional dynamothermal metamorphism in Late Permian and Triassic time reached, low grade in the Floresta Formation and caused recrystallization of limestone of the Diamante Formation. The Bucaramanga and Silgara metamorphic rocks show evidence of metrogressive metamorphism accompanied by high activity or potassium and water, but whether this occurred at the time the Floresta was metamorphosed or later is not clear. Batholiths, plutons, and stocks of igneous rocks in the Santander massif range from diorite to granite. Radioactive age data indicate that most belong to a single plutonic interval. These are referred to as the Santander Plutoniq Group and are Jurassic and Jurassic-Triassic- Two suites of this group are pink granite and quartz monzonite, and gray quartz monzonite and granodiorite. Contact relations indicate that the pink and more granitic rocks are younger than the gray and more mafic rocks, but radioactive age data are in conflict with this. Undated plutonic rocks that are not clearly related to the group are assigned to relatively older or younger age positions. West of the Bucanamanga fault rhyolite makes up a small body at one locality and forms an intrusive sheet with granophyre and intrusive breccias in Triassic sedimentary rocks at another locality. Its age is unknown, but it probably is younger than the

Structural and luminescent Properties of Bulk InAsSb

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-21

have used compositionally graded metamorphic buffer layers to accommodate the misfit strain between InAsxSb1-x alloys and GaSb and InSb substrates in...wavelength range. The authors have used compositionally graded metamorphic buffer layers to accommodate the misfit strain between InAsxSb1x alloys...long wave IR range. We used compositionally graded GaInSb, AlGaInSb, and InAsxSb1x metamorphic buffer layers to accommodate the misfit strain between

Progressive Extensional Exhumation of the Ultrahigh-Pressure Tso Morari Terrain, NW Indian Himalaya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodges, K.; Clark, R.; Monteleone, B.; Sachan, H.; Mukherjee, B. K.; Ahmad, T.

2011-12-01

The core of the Tso Morari dome in the Ladakh region of NW India (roughly 33 °10'N; 78°10'E) is one of only two known ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrains in the Himalayan-Tibetan orogenic system. The quartzofeldspathic Puga Orthogneiss from the structurally deepest portions of the terrain does not contain UHP mineralogy but surrounds dismembered lenses of mafic eclogite with accessory coesite, confirming that at least the eclogite lenses experienced UHP metamorphic conditions (Mukherjee et al., 2003, International Geology Review; Sachan et al., 2004, European Journal of Mineralogy). U-Pb zircon dates from the Puga orthogneiss (53.3 ± 0.7 Ma: Leech et al., 2007, International Geology Review) provide what appear to be the most precise available constraints on the age of UHP metamorphism at Tso Morari provided we presume that the UHP assemblages in the eclogite lenses developed at the same time as the 53.3 ± 0.7 Ma metamorphic zircon in the orthogneiss. However, other components of the zircon population studied by Leech and co-workers, as well as the results obtained using other thermochronometers and geochronometers (de Sigoyer et al., 2004, Tectonics), demonstrate that a series of lower pressure metamorphic events also affected the Tso Morari terrain between ca. 53 Ma and ca. 45 Ma, implying rapid decompression at elevated temperatures (ca. 800 - 350°C). Our 1:50000-scale geologic mapping at Tso Morari provides evidence that this exhumation was largely accommodated by two previously unrecognized low-angle ductile detachments that separate the terrain into three tectonostratigraphic units with distinctive metamorphic histories. The structurally lowest shear zone (Karla detachment) separates the Puga Orthogneiss from overlying lower amphibolite facies metasedimentary rocks of the Zoboshisha Unit, which contains no UHP assemblages. Structurally higher and demonstrably younger detachments separate the Zoboshisha Unit and the Puga Orthogneiss from greenschist to epidote-amphibolite facies metasedimentary (and possibly metavolcanic) units of the Taglang La formation. The role of nested detachments in the early, rapid exhumation of UHP rocks at Tso Morari support a geodynamic model such as that of Chemenda and co-workers (1996, Earth and Planetary Science Letters) that involve extrusion of UHP terrains beneath rooted detachment systems. We suggest that synconvergence detachment systems can involve multiple generations of detachments that result in the progressive exhumation of UHP rocks over a brief period of time, a concept similar to that promoted by Johnston et al. (2007, Tectonics) for much slower, postconvergence exhumation of Norwegian UHP rocks.

First occurrence of very low pressure ultra-high temperatures metamorphism in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobjoie, Cyril; Lin, Wei; Trap, Pierre; Goncalves, Philippe; Marquer, Didier

2016-04-01

This study report the first occurrence of very low pressure (<0.4GPa) ultra-high temperatures metamorphism within the Paleoproterozoic Khondalite Belt of the North China Craton. This high grade orogenic domain is mostly composed of garnet +/- spinel +/- sapphirine-bearing migmatites, numerous Grt-bearing granites and marbles. These rocks are intruded by numerous metric to kilometric mafic intrusions. Petrological analyses and phase equilibria diagram modeling were performed on garnet and spinel-bearing and olivine-bearing migmatites. Garnet and spinel-bearing migmatites show a quartz, ternary feldspar, garnet, biotite sillimanite and spinel main assemblage. Pseudosection diagram calculations give suprasolidus P-T conditions around ca. 0.7GPa for ca. 900°C that correspond to the peak temperature conditions. Thermometry using ternary feldspar thermometry gives temperatures estimations at ca. 950-1015°C for a pressure of 0.7GPa. The Olivine-bearing migmatite, located at the contact with a mafic intrusion, shows two main assemblages. The first assemblage that makes the rock matrix consists of a micrographic quartz and feldspar domains associated with biotite, sillimanite and spinel. The second assemblage appears within mm-scale pockets with a complex symplectitic texture. Careful investigation revealed that theses pockets formed after garnet pseudomorphosis, with the development of an Opx-Sp-Crd association. Within this assemblage, an olivine-cordierite and Opx-Crd-Bi-Qtz assemblage occurred as smaller pockets. The petrogenetic grid and pseudosection calculations made for this olivine-bearing migmatite give P-T conditions around 0.35GPa for ca. 950°C that correspond to the peak temperature conditions recorded by the olivine-cordierite assemblage. The succession of reactions with garnet pseudomorphosis into an Opx-Spl-Crd followed by the crystallization of an Ol-Crd assemblage is modelled in the petrogenetic grid calculation and correspond to an isobaric clockwise P-T path. Results from in situ LA-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb dating on monazite performed on the Grt-Spl bearing migmatite suggest a duration of partial melting bracketed between ca. 1932Ma and ca. 1898Ma. Zircon U-Th-Pb SIMS dating yield an age of a ca.1.92-1.94 Ga for the olivine-bearing migmatite and the adjacent gabbroic bodies. This age is interpreted as the timing for the very low pressure UHT metamorphism. This first occurrence of very low pressure UHT metamorphism bring new insight for the understanding of the UHT Khondalite Belt. Implications about spatial and temporal distribution of heat and UHT metamorphism in the orogenic crust are discussed.

Lithogeochemical character of near-surface bedrock in the New England coastal basins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, Gilpin R.; Ayotte, Joseph D.; Montgomery, Denise L.; DeSimone, Leslie A.

2002-01-01

This geographic information system (GIS) data layer shows the generalized lithologic and geochemical, termed lithogeochemical, character of near-surface bedrock in the New England Coastal Basin (NECB) study area of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The area encompasses 23,000 square miles in western and central Maine, eastern Massachusetts, most of Rhode Island, eastern New Hampshire and a small part of eastern Connecticut. The NECB study area includes the Kennebec, Androscoggin, Saco, Merrimack, Charles, and Blackstone River Basins, as well as all of Cape Cod. Bedrock units in the NECB study area are classified into lithogeochemical units based on the relative reactivity of their constituent minerals to dissolution and the presence of carbonate or sulfide minerals. The 38 lithogeochemical units are generalized into 7 major groups: (1) carbonate-bearing metasedimentary rocks; (2) primarily noncalcareous, clastic sedimentary rocks with restricted deposition in discrete fault-bounded sedimentary basins of Mississipian or younger age; (3) primarily noncalcareous, clastic sedimentary rocks at or above biotite-grade of regional metamorphism; (4) mafic igneous rocks and their metamorphic equivalents; (5) ultramafic rocks; (6) felsic igneous rocks and their metamorphic equivalents; and (7) unconsolidated and poorly consolidated sediments.

Shear heating and metamorphism in subduction zones, 1. Thermal models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohn, M. J.; Castro, A. E.; Spear, F. S.

2017-12-01

Popular thermal-mechanical models of modern subduction systems are 100-500 °C colder at c. 50 km depth than pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions determined from exhumed metamorphic rocks. This discrepancy has been ascribed by some to profound bias in the rock record, i.e. metamorphic rocks reflect only anomalously warm subduction, not normal subduction. Accurately inferring subduction zone thermal structure, whether from models or rocks, is crucial for predicting depths of seismicity, fluid release, and sub-arc melting conditions. Here, we show that adding realistic shear stresses to thermal models implies P-T conditions quantitatively consistent with those recorded by exhumed metamorphic rocks, suggesting that metamorphic rock P-T conditions are not anomalously warm. Heat flow measurements from subduction zone fore-arcs typically indicate effective coefficients of friction (µ) ranging from 0.025 to 0.1. We included these coefficients of friction in analytical models of subduction zone interface temperatures. Using global averages of subducting plate age (50 Ma), subduction velocity (6 cm/yr), and subducting plate geometry (central Chile), temperatures at 50 km depth (1.5 GPa) increase by c. 200 °C for µ=0.025 to 700 °C for µ=0.1. However, at high temperatures, thermal softening will reduce frictional heating, and temperatures will not increase as much with depth. Including initial weakening of materials ranging from wet quartz (c. 300 °C) to diabase (c. 600 °C) in the analytical models produces concave-upward P-T distributions on P-T diagrams, with temperatures c. 100 to 500 °C higher than models with no shear heating. The absolute P-T conditions and concave-upward shape of the shear-heating + thermal softening models almost perfectly matches the distribution of P-T conditions derived from a compilation of exhumed metamorphic rocks. Numerical models of modern subduction zones that include shear heating also overlap metamorphic data. Thus, excepting the very hottest examples, exhumed metamorphic rocks represent the products of normal, not anomalous, subduction. Consequently numerous geochemical, petrologic, and geophysical interpretations that have been founded on models that lack shear heating must be re-evaluated.

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites 12: The metamorphic history of CV chondrites and their components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guimon, R. Kyle; Symes, Steven J. K.; Sears, Derek W. G.

1995-01-01

The induced thermoluminescence (TL) properties of 16 CV and CV-related chondrites, four CK chondrites and Renazzo (CR2) have been measured in order to investigate their metamorphic history. The petrographic, mineralogical and bulk compositional differences among the CV chondrites indicate that the TL sensitivity of the approximately 130 C TL peak is reflecting the abundance of ordered feldspar, especially in chondrule mesostasis, which in turn reflects parent-body metamorphism. The TL properties of 18 samples of homogenized Allende powder heated at a variety of times and temperatures, and cathodoluminescence mosaics of Axtell and Coolidge, showed results consistent with this conclusion. Five refractory inclusions from Allende, and separates from those inclusions, were also examined and yielded trends reflecting variations in mineralogy indicative of high peak temperatures (either metamorphic or igneous) and fairly rapid cooling. The CK chondrites are unique among metamorphosed chondrites in showing no detectable induced TL, which is consistent with literature data that suggests very unusual feldspar in these meteorites. Using TL sensitivity and several mineral systems and allowing for the differences in the oxidized and reduced subgroups, the CV and CV-related meteorites can be divided into petrologic types analogous to those of the ordinary and CO type 3 chondrites. Axtell, Kaba, Leoville, Bali, Arch and ALHA81003 are type 3.0-3.1, while ALH84018, Efremovka, Grosnaja, Allende and Vigarano are type 3.2-3.3 and Coolidge and Loongana 001 are type 3.8. Mokoia is probably a breccia with regions ranging in petrologic type from 3.0 to 3.2. Renazzo often plots at the end of the reduced and oxidized CV chondrite trends, even when those trends diverge, suggesting that in many respects it resembles the unmetamorphosed precursors of the CV chondrites. The low-petrographic types and low-TL peak temperatures of all samples, including the CV3.8 chondrites, indicates metamorphism in the stability field of low feldspar (i.e., less than 800 C) and a metamorphic history similar to that of the CO chondrites but unlike that of the ordinary chondrites.

Effects of rearing temperature and density on growth, survival and development of sea cucumber larvae, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guangbin; Yang, Hongsheng; Liu, Shilin

2010-07-01

In laboratory conditions, effects of rearing temperature and stocking density were examined on hatching of fertilized egg and growth of auricularia larvae of Apostichopus japonicus respectively. Data series like larval length and density, metamorphic time, and survival rate of the larvae were recorded. Statistics showed that for A. japonicus, survival rate (from fertilized egg to late auricularia) decreased significantly with the increasing rearing temperature ( P<0.05). At different temperatures SGR was statistically significant as well ( P<0.05) from day 1, and maximal SGR was found on day 9 at 24°C (159.26±3.28). This study clearly indicated that at low temperature (<24°C), metamorphic rate was remarkably higher than at higher temperature (>26°C). Hatching rate was significantly different between 0.2-5 ind./ml groups and 20-50 ind./ml groups. Rearing larvae at the higher density had the smaller maximal-length, whereas needed longer time to complete metamorphosis. This study suggested that 21°C and 0.4 ind./ml can be used as the most suitable rearing temperature and stocking density for large -scale artificial breeding of A. japonicus’s larvae.

Unconventional barometry and rheometry: new quantification approaches for mechanically-controlled microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajcmanova, L.; Moulas, E.; Vrijmoed, J.; Podladchikov, Y.

2016-12-01

Estimation of pressure-temperature (P-T) from petrographic observations in metamorphic rocks has become a common practice in petrology studies during the last 50 years. This data often serves as a key input in geodynamic reconstructions and thus directly influences our understanding of lithospheric processes. Such an approach might have led the metamorphic geology field to a certain level of quiescence. In the classical view of metamorphic quantification approaches, fast viscous relaxation (and therefore constant pressure across the rock microstructure) is assumed, with chemical diffusion being the limiting factor in equilibration. Recently, we have focused on the other possible scenario - fast chemical diffusion and slow viscous relaxation - and brings an alternative interpretation of chemical zoning found in high-grade rocks. The aim has been to provide insight into the role of mechanically maintained pressure variations on multi-component chemical zoning in minerals. Furthermore, we used the pressure information from the mechanically-controlled microstructure for rheological constrains. We show an unconventional way of relating the direct microstructural observations in rocks to the nonlinearity of rheology at time scales unattainable by laboratory measurements. Our analysis documents that mechanically controlled microstructures that have been preserved over geological times can be used to deduce flow-law parameters and in turn estimate stress levels of minerals in their natural environment. The development of the new quantification approaches has opened new horizons in understanding the phase transformations in the Earth's lithosphere. Furthermore, the new data generated can serve as a food for thought for the next generation of fully coupled numerical codes that involve reacting materials while respecting conservation of mass, momentum and energy.

Predicting km-scale shear zone formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerbi, Christopher; Culshaw, Nicholas; Shulman, Deborah; Foley, Maura; Marsh, Jeffrey

2015-04-01

Because km-scale shear zones play a first-order role in lithospheric kinematics, accurate conceptual and numerical models of orogenic development require predicting when and where they form. Although a strain-based algorithm in the upper crust for weakening due to faulting appears to succeed (e.g., Koons et al., 2010, doi:10.1029/2009TC002463), a comparable general rule for the viscous crust remains unestablished. Here we consider two aspects of the geological argument for a similar algorithm in the viscous regime, namely (1) whether predicting km-scale shear zone development based on a single parameter (such as strain or shear heating) is reasonable; and (2) whether lithologic variability inherent in most orogenic systems precludes a simple predictive rule. A review of tectonically significant shear zones worldwide and more detailed investigations in the Central Gneiss belt of the Ontario segment of the Grenville Province reveals that most km-scale shear zones occur at lithological boundaries and involve mass transfer, but have fairly little else in common. As examples, the relatively flat-lying Twelve Mile Bay shear zone in the western Central Gneiss belt bounds the Parry Sound domain and is likely the product of both localized anatexis and later retrograde hydration with attendant metamorphism. Moderately dipping shear zones in granitoids of the Grenville Front Tectonic Zone apparently resulted from cooperation among several complementary microstructural processes, such as grain size reduction, enhanced diffusion, and a small degree of metamorphic reaction. Localization into shear zones requires the operation of some spatially restricted processes such as stress concentration, metamorphism/fluid access, textural evolution, and thermal perturbation. All of these could be due in part to strain, but not necessarily linearly related to strain. Stress concentrations, such as those that form at rheological boundaries, may be sufficient to nucleate high strain gradients but are insufficient to maintain them because the stress perturbations will dissipate with deformation. Metamorphism can unquestionably cause sufficient rheological change, but only in certain rock types: for example, granitoids have much less capacity for metamorphically induced rheologic change than do mafic rocks. The magnitude of phase geometry variation observed in natural systems suggests that morphological change (e.g., interconnection of weak phases) likely has little direct affect on strength changes, although other textural factors related to diffusion paths and crystallographic orientation could play a significant role. Thermal perturbation, mainly in the form of shear heating, remains potentially powerful but inconclusive. Taken together, these observations indicate that a simple algorithm predicting shear zone formation will not succeed in many geologically relevant instances. One significant reason may be that the inherent lithologic variation at the km scale, such as observed in the Central Gneiss belt, prevents the development of self-organized strain patterns that would form in more rheologically uniform systems.

An enigmatic source of hematitic carbonate beds containing vast amounts of iron oxidizers in a paleozoic metamorphic complex, South Hungary, Geresd-Hills, Ófalu.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jáger, Viktor; Dabi, Gergely; Menyhárt, Adrienn

2013-04-01

Near the village of Ófalu, in the Geresd Hills, South Hungary, within the "Mecsekalja tectonic belt", low and intermediate grade paleozoic metamorphic complex (phyllite, gneiss) contains vein-like hematitic carbonate beds, up to 30 cm in thickness. The carbonate mineral is calcite. These hematitic carbonate beds cross-cut the foliation of the phyllite, and show no signs of any metamorphic alteration. In the studied section the red carbonate beds are associated with a vein system filled with multiple generations of vein carbonates(Dabi et al., 2011). The red carbonate beds contain a vaste number of twisted stalks of the iron oxidizing taxon of Gallionella. Rarely in some siliceous parts, Leptothrix-like microbial fossils can be found and these beds also contain numerous unidentifiable, hematitic foraminifers. According to ICP-AES measurements, the hematitic carbonate beds contains 8 % Fe, 0.86 % Mn and 0.12 % Ba. XRD and Raman measurements proved that the iron phase is hematite. The SEM observations revealed that the bacterial microfossils and foraminifers are built up of micron-submicron sized pseudohexagonal platy hematite. The bacterial microfossils of the Gallionella iron oxidizer are very well preserved and reaches about 80 µm length and about 2-3 µm width. The above observations raise the following issues: 1. how did these non metamorphic hematitic-carbonatic beds get inside into the metamorphic complex?, 2. what is the age of the formation of these beds?, and 3. what was the source of the iron? If we consider that the hematitic beds contain foraminifers and iron oxidizing bacteria, and no signs of metamorphic alteration nor foliations can be observed in these beds, the only answer for the first question is that the formations are fractures filled with lime-mud, i.e. neptunian dykes, which penetrated into the cracks of the phyllite. The presence of foraminifers and the geotectonic situation of the unit imply marine origin. Considering that these beds are neptunian dykes, their age must be younger than the paleozoic metamorphic event. They must be older than the Early Cretaceous dyke emplacement in the region, based on cross-cutting relation with limonite stained calcite veins, related to the volcanic activity (Dabi et al., 2011) In this region (Tisza-megaunit) continental rift-related alkali basaltic submarine volcanism was widespread during the Early Cretaceous epoch, when hypabyssal basaltic bodies (intrusive pillow basalts) intruded into unconsolidated sediments. Along these magmatic bodies low temperature hydrothermal circulation of seawater hydrolyzed basaltic glass and mafic minerals, and huge amount of Fe(II) was released and got into the lime mud that was saturated with anaerobic water, where iron oxidizing microorganisms thrived (Jáger et al., 2012).We propose a very similar paleoenvironmental model for Ófalu occurence, where low temperature, reductive iron-rich hydrothermal fluids penetrated soft sediments and contributed to the flourishing of iron-oxidizers. Due to subsequent tectonic events, these iron-rich sediments got into the fissures of the Ófalu metamorphic complex. This model is strenghtened by some borehole and outcrops where the Lower Cretaceous interpillow sediments and hyaloclastites rich in iron oxydes and intrusive pillow basalt can be found close to our investigated section. (Hetényi et al., 1976) This study was supported by the Developing Competitiveness of Universities in the South Transdanubian Region (SROP-4.2.1.B-10/2/KONV-2010-0002). Dabi, G., Siklósy, Z., Schubert, F., Bajnóczi, B., M. Tóth, T., 2011. The relevance of vein texture in understanding the past hydraulic behaviour of a crystalline rock mass: reconstruction of the palaeohydrology of the Mecsekalja Zone, South Hungary. Geofluids, 11, 309-327. Hetényi, R., Földi, M., Hámor, G., Nagy, I., Bilik, I., Jantsky, B. 1976. Magyarázó a Mecsek hegység földtani térképéhez 10 000-es sorozat. MÁFI Budapest (in hungarian). Jáger, V., Molnár, F., Buchs, D. & Koděra, P. 2012: The connection between iron ore formations and "mud-shrimp" colonizations around sunken wood debris and hydrothermal sediments in a Lower Cretaceous continental rift basin, Mecsek Mts., Hungary. — Earth-Science Reviews 114/3-4, 250-278.

Evidence of Metasomatism in the Lowest Petrographic Types Inferred from A Na(-), K, Rich Rim Around A LEW 86018 (L3.1) Chondrule

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishra, Ritesh Kumar; Marhas, Kuljeet Kaur; Simon, Justin I.; Ross, Daniel Kent

2015-01-01

Ordinary chondrites (OCs) represent the most abundant extraterrestrial materials and also record the widest range of alteration of primary, pristine minerals of early Solar system material available for study. Relatively few investigations, however, address: (1) the role of fluid alteration, and (2) the relationship between thermal metamorphism and metasomatism in OCs, issues that have been extensively studied in many other meteorite groups e.g., CV, CO, CR, and enstatite chondrites. Detailed elemental abundances profiles across individual chondrules, and mineralogical studies of Lewis Hills (LEW) 86018 (L3.1), an unequilibrated ordinary chondrite (UOC) of low petrographic type of 3.1 returned from Antarctica, provide evidence of extensive alteration of primary minerals. Some chondrules have Na(-), K(-), rich rims surrounded by nepheline, albite, and sodalite-like Na(-), Cl(-), Al-rich secondary minerals in the near vicinity within the matrices. Although, limited evidences of low temperature (approximately 250 C) fluid-assisted alteration of primary minerals to phyllosilicates, ferroanolivine, magnetite, and scapolite have been reported in the lowest grades (less than 3.2) Semarkona (LL3.00) and Bishunpur (LL3.10), alkali-rich secondary mineralization has previously only been seen in higher grade greater than 3.4 UOCs. This preliminary result suggests highly localized metamorphism in UOCs and widens the range of alteration in UOCs and complicates classification of petrographic type and extent of thermal metamorphism or metasomatism. The work in progress will document the micro-textures, geochemistry (Ba, Ca, REE), and isotopic composition (oxygen, Al(-)- 26 Mg-26) of mineral phases in chondrules and adjoining objects to help us understand the formation scenario and delineate possible modes of metamorphism in UOCs.

Investigating the response of biotite to impact metamorphism: Examples from the Steen River impact structure, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, E. L.; Sharp, T. G.; Hu, J.; Tschauner, O.

2018-01-01

Impact metamorphic effects from quartz and feldspar and to a lesser extent olivine and pyroxene have been studied in detail. Comparatively, studies documenting shock effects in other minerals, such as double chain inosilicates, phyllosilicates, carbonates, and sulfates, are lacking. In this study, we investigate impact metamorphism recorded in crystalline basement rocks from the Steen River impact structure (SRIS), a 25 km diameter complex crater in NW Alberta, Canada. An array of advanced analytical techniques was used to characterize the breakdown of biotite in two distinct settings: along the margins of localized regions of shock melting and within granitic target rocks entrained as clasts in a breccia. In response to elevated temperature gradients along shock vein margins, biotite transformed at high pressure to an almandine-Ca/Fe majorite-rich garnet with a density of 4.2 g cm-3. The shock-produced garnets are poikilitic, with oxide and silicate glass inclusions. Areas interstitial to garnets are vesiculated, in support of models for the formation of shock veins via oscillatory slip, with deformation continuing during pressure release. Biotite within granitic clasts entrained within the hot breccia matrix thermally decomposed at ambient pressure to produce a fine-grained mineral assemblage of orthopyroxene + sanidine + titanomagnetite. These minerals are aligned to the (001) cleavage plane of the original crystal. In this and previous work, the transformation of an inosilicate (pargasite) and a phyllosilicate (biotite) to form garnet, an easily identifiable, robust mineral, has been documented. We contend that in deeply eroded astroblemes, high-pressure minerals that form within or in the environs of shock veins may serve as one of the possibly few surviving indicators of impact metamorphism.

Submarine hydrothermal metamorphism of the Del Puerto ophiolite, California.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Evarts, R.C.; Schiffman, P.

1983-01-01

Metamorphic zonation overprinted on the volcanic member and overlying volcanogenic sediments of the ophiolite complex increases downward in grade and is characterized by the sequential appearance with depth of zeolites, ferric pumpellyite and pistacitic epidote. Metamorphic assemblages of the plutonic member of the complex are characterized by the presence of calcic amphibole. The overprinting represents the effects of hydrothermal metamorphism resulting from the massive interaction between hot igneous rocks and convecting sea-water in a submarine environment. A thermal gradient of 100oC/km is postulated to account for the zonal recrystallization effects in the volcanic member. The diversity and sporadic distribution of mineral assemblages in the amphibole zone are considered due to the limited availability of H2O in the deeper part of the complex. Details of the zonation and representative microprobe analyses are tabulated.-M.S.

Co-axial superposed folding and inverted regional metamorphism in the Tonga Formation: Cretaceous accretionary thrust tectonics in the Cascades crystalline core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luke, Jensen; Lebit, Hermann; Paterson, Scott; Miller, Robert; Vernon, Ron

2017-04-01

The Cascades crystalline core forms part of the Cretaceous magmatic belt of western North America and exposes a crustal section composed of primarily tonalitic plutons that intruded siliciclastic metasediments of an arc-derived accretional system, and local meta-basalt/chert sequences. This study is the first attempt to correlate the well understood intrusive and P-T-t history of the metasedimentary and plutonic terrane with the kinematics and tectonic boundary conditions by rigorous analysis of structures documented in the Tonga Formation exposed at the western edge of the core. The Tonga Formation comprises pelite-psammite metasediments, which increase from greenschist ( 300-350° C) to amphibolite grade ( 500-600° C) from south to north. This metamorphic gradient is inverted relative to a major westward verging and downward facing fold system that dominates the internal architecture of the formation and implies that the initial regional metamorphic signature was established prior to the early fold generation. Subsequent co-axial fold superposition is seen as a consequence of the persistent accretional west-vergent thrusting in the foreland of the magmatic arc. The central section of the Cascades Range, exposed in western Washington, forms part of the Cretaceous accretional/magmatic arc extending over 4,000 km along western North America from Baja California to British Columbia (Fig. 1a) (e.g. Misch, 1966; Brown, 1987; Tabor et al., 1989). Two models exist for the evolution of the Cascades crystalline core with one invoking magmatic loading (e.g. Brown and Walker, 1993) as the major cause for rapid loading, consequent regional metamorphism and vertical uplift (Evans and Berti, 1986). Conversely, other workers favor a model that suggests loading as a consequence of tectonic, thrust-related thickening, followed by rapid exhumation of the exposed crustal section of 10 to 40 km paleodepth (e.g. Matzel, 2004; Patterson et al., 2004; Stowell et al., 2007). In this context, the Tonga Formation, on the westernmost boundary of the Cascades crystalline core, records Cretaceous plutonism, contact to regional metamorphism, and multiple episodes of folding, evidencing intense, arc-perpendicular contractional deformation, similar to that observed in the neighboring Chiwaukum Schist to the east (Miller and Paterson, 1992; Miller et al., 1993; Paterson and Miller, 1998; Miller et al., 2006). Building on previous extensive mapping and metamorphic and petrologic analysis in the Cascades, we use the Tonga Formation as a means to a comprehensive tectonic synthesis incorporating detailed analysis of the kinematics and timing of structural evolution, magma emplacement, and metamorphism.

Pressure - temperature estimates of a phengite eclogite from the Grapesvåre Nappe, Norrbotten, Swedish Caledonides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bukała, Michał; Majka, Jarosław; Walczak, Katarzyna; Barnes, Christopher; Klonowska, Iwona

2017-04-01

The Seve Nappe Complex (SNC) of the Scandinavian Caledonides has well documented history of high pressure (HP) and ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism (e.g. Klonowska et al. 2014). Eclogites of the SNC occur in two areas in Sweden, namely Jämtland and Norrbotten. The Jämtland eclogites and associated rocks are well studied and provide evidence for the Late Ordovician UHP metamorphism, whereas the Norrbotten eclogites, formed during the Late Cambrian/Early Ordovician, have not been studied in detail, especially in terms of pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions of their formation. Within the SNC in Norrbotten, eclogites are limited to two tectonic lenses - Vaimok and Tsäkkok (e.g. Albrecht, 2000). Within the Vaimok Lens three nappes have been distinguished: (1) the eclogite-free Lower Seve Nappe, (2) the Grapesvåre Nappe and (3) the Maddåive Nappe. The two latter nappes are eclogite-bearing. For this study eclogites were collected from the lowermost part of the Grapesvåre Nappe (from the highly heterogeneous Daunasvagge unit dominated by garnet-bearing mica schists, quartzites and marbles). Eclogite boudins (former dolerite dikes and sills) are usually highly altered due to retrogressive recrystallization. Rare fresh eclogites occur within large boudins (>5m in diameter) and display only minor alteration limited to the scarce veinlets composed of amphibole + feldspar + garnet + zoisite + biotite + rutile + titanite. Metamorphic peak conditions mineral assemblage consists of garnet + omphacite + phengite + quartz + rutile. For P-T estimates the geothermobarometric method of Ravna & Terry (2004) has been used. The garnet-clinopyroxene Fe2+-Mg exchange thermometer and the net-transfer reaction barometer based on the garnet-phengite-omphacite equilibrium yielded a maximum pressure of 26.7 kbar and temperature of 677°C. The obtained temperature might be underestimated due to uncertainties in Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio in pyroxene. Therefore Zr-in-rutile geothermometer by Tomkins et al. (2007) has also been used and calculcated temperatures are in a 715-762°C range. The obtained results are somewhat similar to scarce former P-T estimates of eclogites from Norrbotten provided by Santallier (1988) (i.e. T=690-730°C and Pmin=18.5-19.5 kbar) and Albrecht (2000) (i.e. T=650-720°C and P=18.9-27.5 kbar). However, as Albrecht (2000) claimed, pressure values might have been largely underestimated due to limitation of the used methods. Thus our study provides for the first time an evidence for near UHP metamorphism recorded by eclogites of the Grapesvåre Nappe, hence shedding a new light on evolution of the SNC in Norrbotten. We speculate that maximum pressures of metamorphism might have been higher (even approaching coesite stability field), but further studies are required to pinpoint the maximum PT conditions. This work is financially supported by the NCN "CALSUB" research project no. 2014/14/E/ST10/00321. References: Albrecht L.G. (2000) PhD thesis, Lund University. Klonowska I., Majka J., Janák M., Gee D.G., Ladenberger A. (2014) New Perspectives on the Caledonides of Scandinavia and Related Areas. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 390: 321-336. Ravna E.J., Terry M.P. (2004) Journal of Metamorphic Geology 22: 579-592. Santallier D.S. (1988) Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar 110: 89-98. Tomkins H.S., Powell R., Ellis J.D. (2007) Journal of Metamorphic Geology 25: 703-713.

Geochemistry and metamorphism of the Mouriscas Complex, Ossa-Morena/Central Iberian zone boundary, Iberian Massif, Central Portugal: Implications for the Cadomian and Variscan orogenies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henriques, S. B. A.; Neiva, A. M. R.; Tajčmanová, L.; Dunning, G. R.

2018-01-01

The Mouriscas Complex is a deformed and metamorphosed predominantly mafic igneous complex of Ediacaran and Ordovician age and crops out at the Ossa-Morena/Central Iberian zone boundary in the Iberian Massif, Central Portugal. It comprises amphibolite with Neoproterozoic protoliths (ca. 544 Ma), protomylonitic felsic dykes derived from younger trondhjemitic protoliths (ca. 483 Ma) and garnet amphibolite derived of even younger dioritic protoliths (ca. 477 Ma). The protoliths of the Neoproterozoic amphibolites are calc-alkaline magmas of basic to intermediate compositions with intraplate and active continental margin affinities and are considered to represent the final phase of the Cadomian arc magmatism. They are interpreted to have originated as coarse-grained intrusions, likely gabbro or diorite and generated from the partial melting of meta-igneous lower crust and mantle. Their emplacement occurred near the Cadomian metamorphic event dated at ca. 540 Ma (P = 7-8 kbar and T = 640-660 °C) which is interpreted to represent a continental collision. During the Late Cambrian-Early Ordovician an extensional episode occurred in the central-southern Iberian Massif and was also observed in other areas of the Variscan Orogen. It led to mantle upwelling and to the development of an aborted intracratonic rift located at the Ossa-Morena/Central Iberian zone boundary and to the opening of the Rheic Ocean to the south of the area studied in present coordinates (i.e., between the Ossa-Morena and South Portuguese Zones). This event has been dated at ca. 477 Ma and was responsible for the melting of deep ancient mafic crust and mantle with formation of bimodal magmatism in an intra-plate setting, as indicated by the protoliths of the protomylonitic felsic dykes with trondhjemitic composition and of the garnet amphibolite. Subsequent Variscan metamorphism took place under amphibolite facies conditions (P = 4-5.5 kbar; T = 600-625 °C) at lower P-T conditions than the Cadomian metamorphic event. It was followed by greenschist retrogression as suggested by the appearance of actinolite rims and formation of chlorite and epidote.

Fluid heterogeneity during granulite facies metamorphism in the Adirondacks: stable isotope evidence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Valley, J.W.; O'Neil, J.R.

1984-01-01

The preservation of premetamorphic, whole-rock oxygen isotope ratios in Adirondack metasediments shows that neither these rocks nor adjacent anorthosites and gneisses have been penetrated by large amounts of externally derived, hot CO2-H2O fluids during granulite facies metamorphism. This conclusion is supported by calculations of the effect of fluid volatilization and exchange and is also independently supported by petrologic and phase equilibria considerations. The data suggest that these rocks were not an open system during metamorphism; that fluid/rock ratios were in many instances between 0.0 and 0.1; that externally derived fluids, as well as fluids derived by metamorphic volatilization, rose along localized channels and were not pervasive; and thus that no single generalization can be applied to metamorphic fluid conditions in the Adirondacks. Analyses of 3 to 4 coexisting minerals from Adirondack marbles show that isotopic equilibrium was attained at the peak of granulite and upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. Thus the isotopic compositions of metamorphic fluids can be inferred from analyses of carbonates and fluid budgets can be constructed. Carbonates from the granulite facies are on average, isotopically similar to those from lower grade or unmetamorphosed limestones of the same age showing that no large isotopic shifts accompanied high grade metamorphism. Equilibrium calculations indicate that small decreases in ??18O, averaging 1 permil, result from volatilization reactions for Adirondack rock compositions. Additional small differences between amphibolite and granulite facies marbles are due to systematic lithologie differences. The range of Adirondack carbonate ??18O values (12.3 to 27.2) can be explained by the highly variable isotopic compositions of unmetamorphosed limestones in conjunction with minor 18O and 13C depletions caused by metamorphic volatilization suggesting that many (and possibly most) marbles have closely preserved their premetamorphic isotopic compositions. Such preservation is particularly evident in instances of high ??18O calcites (25.0 to 27.2), low ??18O wollastonites (-1.3 to 3.5), and sharp gradients in ??18O (18 permil/15m between marble and anorthosite, 8 permil/25 m in metasediments, and 6 permil/1 m in skarn). Isotopic exchange is seen across marble-anorthosite and marble-granite contacts only at the scale of a few meters. Small (<5 m) marble xenoliths are in approximate exchange equilibrium with their hosts, but for larger xenoliths and layers of marble there is no evidence of exchange at distances greater than 10 m from meta-igneous contacts. ?? 1984 Springer-Verlag.

In silico prediction of the G-protein coupled receptors expressed during the metamorphic molt of Sagmariasus verreauxi (Crustacea: Decapoda) by mining transcriptomic data: RNA-seq to repertoire.

PubMed

Buckley, Sean J; Fitzgibbon, Quinn P; Smith, Gregory G; Ventura, Tomer

2016-03-01

Against a backdrop of food insecurity, the farming of decapod crustaceans is a rapidly expanding and globally significant source of food protein. Sagmariasus verreauxi spiny lobster, the subject of this study, are decapods of underdeveloped aquaculture potential. Crustacean neuropeptide G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate endocrine pathways that are integral to animal fecundity, growth and survival. The potential use of novel biotechnologies to enhance GPCR-mediated physiology may assist in improving the health and productivity of farmed decapod populations. This study catalogues the GPCRs expressed in the early developmental stages, as well as adult tissues, with a view to illuminating key neuropeptide receptors. De novo assembled contiguous sequences generated from transcriptomic reads of metamorphic and post metamorphic S. verreauxi were filtered for seven transmembrane domains, and used as a reference for iterative re-mapping. Subsequent putative GPCR open reading frames (ORFs) were BLAST annotated, categorised, and compared to published orthologues based on phylogenetic analysis. A total of 85 GPCRs were digitally predicted, that represented each of the four arthropod subfamilies. They generally displayed low-level and non-differential metamorphic expression with few exceptions that we examined using RT-PCR and qPCR. Two putative CHH-like neuropeptide receptors were annotated. Three dimensional structural modelling suggests that these receptors exhibit a conserved extracellular ligand binding pocket, providing support to the notion that these receptors co-evolved with their ligands across Decapoda. This perhaps narrows the search for means to increase productivity of farmed decapod populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

U-Pb Dating of Zircons and Phosphates in Lunar Meteorites, Acapulcoites and Angrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhou, Q.; Zeigler, R. A.; Yin, Q. Z.; Korotev, R. L.; Joliff, B. L.; Amelin, Y.; Marti, K.; Wu, F. Y.; Li, X. H.; Li, Q. L.;

Structural development of high-temperature mylonites in the Archean Wyoming province, northwestern Madison Range, Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kellogg, Karl S.; Mogk, David W.

2009-01-01

The Crooked Creek mylonite, in the northwestern Madison Range, southwestern Montana, is defined by several curved lenses of high non-coaxial strain exposed over a 7-km-wide, northeast-trending strip. The country rocks, part of the Archean Wyoming province, are dominantly trondhjemitic to granitic orthogneiss with subordinate amphibolite, quartzite, aluminous gneiss, and sills of metabasite (mafic granulite). Data presented here support an interpretation that the mylonite formed during a period of rapid, heterogeneous strain at near-peak metamorphic conditions during an early deformational event (D1) caused by northwest–southeast-directed transpression. The mylonite has a well-developed L-S tectonite fabric and a fine-grained, recrystallized (granoblastic) texture. The strong linear fabric, interpreted as the stretching direction, is defined by elongate compositional “fish,” fold axes, aligned elongate minerals, and mullion axes. The margins of the mylonitic zones are concordant with and grade into regions of unmylonitized gneiss. A second deformational event (D2) has folded the mylonite surface to produce meter- to kilometer-scale, tight-to-isoclinal, gently plunging folds in both the mylonite and country rock, and represents a northwest–southeast shortening event. Planar or linear fabrics associated with D2 are remarkably absent. A third regional deformational event (D3) produced open, kilometer-scale folds generally with gently north-plunging fold axes. Thermobarometric measurements presented here indicate that metamorphic conditions during D1 were the same in both the mylonite and the country gneiss, reaching upper amphibolite- to lower granulite-facies conditions: 700 ± 50° C and 8.5 ± 0.5 kb. Previous geochronological studies of mylonitic and cross-cutting rocks in the Jerome Rock Lake area, east of the Crooked Creek mylonite, bracket the timing of this high-grade metamorphism and mylonitization between 2.78 and 2.56 Ga, nearly a billion years before the 1.78-Ga Big Sky orogeny, which overprinted the basement rocks exposed in adjacent ranges of the Wyoming province.

Metamorphic conditions and CHIME monazite ages of Late Eocene to Late Oligocene high-temperature Mogok metamorphic rocks in central Myanmar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maw Maw Win; Enami, Masaki; Kato, Takenori

2016-03-01

The high temperature (T)/pressure (P) regional Mogok metamorphic belt is situated in central Myanmar, and is mainly composed of pelitic gneisses, amphibolites, marbles, and calc-silicate rocks. The garnet-biotite-plagioclase-sillimanite-quartz assemblage and its partial system suggest equilibrium P/T conditions of 0.6-1.0 GPa/780-850 °C for the peak metamorphic stage, and 0.3-0.5 GPa/600-680 °C for the exhumation and hydration stage. Monazite grains show complex compositional zoning consisting of three segments-I, II, and III. Taking into consideration the monazite zoning and relative misfit curves, the calculated chemical Th-U-total Pb isochron method (CHIME) monazite age data (284 spot analyses) indicated four age components: 49.3 ± 2.6-49.9 ± 7.9, 37.8 ± 1.0-38.1 ± 1.7, 28.0 ± 0.8-28.8 ± 1.6, and 23.7 ± 1.3 Ma (2σ level). The ages of the Late Eocene and Late Oligocene epochs were interpreted as the peak metamorphic stage of upper-amphibolite and/or granulite facies and the postdated hydration stage, respectively.

The ammonium content in the Malayer igneous and metamorphic rocks (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Western Iran)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahadnejad, Vahid; Hirt, Ann Marie; Valizadeh, Mohammad-Vali; Bokani, Saeed Jabbari

2011-04-01

The ammonium (NH4+) contents of the Malayer area (Western Iran) have been determined by using the colorimetric method on 26 samples from igneous and metamorphic rocks. This is the first analysis of the ammonium contents of Iranian metamorphic and igneous rocks. The average ammonium content of metamorphic rocks decreases from low-grade to high-grade metamorphic rocks (in ppm): slate 580, phyllite 515, andalusite schist 242. In the case of igneous rocks, it decreases from felsic to mafic igneous types (in ppm): granites 39, monzonite 20, diorite 17, gabbro 10. Altered granitic rocks show enrichment in NH4+ (mean 61 ppm). The high concentration of ammonium in Malayer granites may indicate metasedimentary rocks as protoliths rather than meta-igneous rocks. These granitic rocks (S-types) have high K-bearing rock-forming minerals such as biotite, muscovite and K-feldspar which their potassium could substitute with ammonium. In addition, the high ammonium content of metasediments is probably due to inheritance of nitrogen from organic matter in the original sediments. The hydrothermally altered samples of granitic rocks show highly enrichment of ammonium suggesting external sources which intruded additional content by either interaction with metasedimentary country rocks or meteoritic solutions.

Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of the fluid during formation of anthophyllite metaultramafic rocks in the Sysert metamorphic complex, central Urals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murzin, V. V.

2014-12-01

The oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δD) isotopic composition of H2O-bearing minerals was studied for the ore-bearing amphibole metaultramafic rocks, which are the products of the early regional (435 ± 44 Ma) and late local (260 ± 6 Ma) silicic metasomatose in the Sysert metamorphic complex. The gold-sulfide mineralization of the Karas'evogorskoe deposit and anthophyllite-asbestos bodies of the Tersut deposit are related to the regional and local metasomatose combined with plagiogranitization and potassium granitization, respectively. The H2O-bearing minerals of metasomatites (anthophyllite, tremolite, talc) of the Karas'evogorskoe and Tersut deposits are characterized by heavier δ18O (9.8 to 12.2 and 7.6 to 9.4‰, respectively) and lighter ·D (87 to -91 and -56 to -67‰, respectively) values. The calculated isotopic composition of the fluid in equilibrium with these minerals indicates a heterogeneous source of water for the fluids related to the formation of metasomatites and the metamorphic origin of fluids. During the regional metasomatose, this fluid was a result of equilibrium of the deep fluid with volcanosedimentary rocks enriched in the heavy oxygen isotope. At the local metasomatose, the metamorphic fluid was formed by interaction of magmatic water produced by potassium granitization with ultramafic rocks.

Early trace of life from 3.95 Ga sedimentary rocks in Labrador, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tashiro, Takayuki; Ishida, Akizumi; Hori, Masako; Igisu, Motoko; Koike, Mizuho; Méjean, Pauline; Takahata, Naoto; Sano, Yuji; Komiya, Tsuyoshi

2017-09-01

The vestiges of life in Eoarchean rocks have the potential to elucidate the origin of life. However, gathering evidence from many terrains is not always possible, and biogenic graphite has thus far been found only in the 3.7-3.8 Ga (gigayears ago) Isua supracrustal belt. Here we present the total organic carbon contents and carbon isotope values of graphite (δ13Corg) and carbonate (δ13Ccarb) in the oldest metasedimentary rocks from northern Labrador. Some pelitic rocks have low δ13Corg values of -28.2, comparable to the lowest value in younger rocks. The consistency between crystallization temperatures of the graphite and metamorphic temperature of the host rocks establishes that the graphite does not originate from later contamination. A clear correlation between the δ13Corg values and metamorphic grade indicates that variations in the δ13Corg values are due to metamorphism, and that the pre-metamorphic value was lower than the minimum value. We concluded that the large fractionation between the δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg values, up to 25‰, indicates the oldest evidence of organisms greater than 3.95 Ga. The discovery of the biogenic graphite enables geochemical study of the biogenic materials themselves, and will provide insight into early life not only on Earth but also on other planets.

Early trace of life from 3.95 Ga sedimentary rocks in Labrador, Canada.

PubMed

Tashiro, Takayuki; Ishida, Akizumi; Hori, Masako; Igisu, Motoko; Koike, Mizuho; Méjean, Pauline; Takahata, Naoto; Sano, Yuji; Komiya, Tsuyoshi

2017-09-27

The vestiges of life in Eoarchean rocks have the potential to elucidate the origin of life. However, gathering evidence from many terrains is not always possible, and biogenic graphite has thus far been found only in the 3.7-3.8 Ga (gigayears ago) Isua supracrustal belt. Here we present the total organic carbon contents and carbon isotope values of graphite (δ 13 C org ) and carbonate (δ 13 C carb ) in the oldest metasedimentary rocks from northern Labrador. Some pelitic rocks have low δ 13 C org values of -28.2, comparable to the lowest value in younger rocks. The consistency between crystallization temperatures of the graphite and metamorphic temperature of the host rocks establishes that the graphite does not originate from later contamination. A clear correlation between the δ 13 C org values and metamorphic grade indicates that variations in the δ 13 C org values are due to metamorphism, and that the pre-metamorphic value was lower than the minimum value. We concluded that the large fractionation between the δ 13 C carb and δ 13 C org values, up to 25‰, indicates the oldest evidence of organisms greater than 3.95 Ga. The discovery of the biogenic graphite enables geochemical study of the biogenic materials themselves, and will provide insight into early life not only on Earth but also on other planets.

Search for underground openings for in situ test facilities in crystalline rock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wollenberg, H.A.; Strisower, B.; Corrigan, D.J.

1980-01-01

With a few exceptions, crystalline rocks in this study were limited to plutonic rocks and medium to high-grade metamorphic rocks. Nearly 1700 underground mines, possibly occurring in crystalline rock, were initially identified. Application of criteria resulted in the identification of 60 potential sites. Within this number, 26 mines and 4 civil works were identified as having potential in that they fulfilled the criteria. Thirty other mines may have similar potential. Most of the mines identified are near the contact between a pluton and older sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic rocks. However, some mines and the civil works are well within plutonicmore » or metamorphic rock masses. Civil works, notably underground galleries associated with pumped storage hydroelectric facilities, are generally located in tectonically stable regions, in relatively homogeneous crystalline rock bodies. A program is recommended which would identify one or more sites where a concordance exists between geologic setting, company amenability, accessibility and facilities to conduct in situ tests in crystalline rock.« less

Corticosteroid signaling in frog metamorphosis.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Saurabh S; Buchholz, Daniel R

2014-07-01

Stress in fetal and larval life can impact later health and fitness in humans and wildlife. Long-term effects of early life stress are mediated by altered stress physiology induced during the process of relaying environmental effects on development. Amphibian metamorphosis has been an important model system to study the role of hormones in development in an environmental context. Thyroid hormone (TH) is necessary and sufficient to initiate the dramatic morphological and physiological changes of metamorphosis, but TH alone is insufficient to complete metamorphosis. Other hormones, importantly corticosteroid hormones (CSs), influence the timing and nature of post-embryonic development. Stressors or treatments with CSs delay or accelerate metamorphic change, depending on the developmental stage of treatment. Also, TH and CSs have synergistic, antagonistic, and independent effects on gene regulation. Importantly, the identity of the endogenous corticosteroid hormone or receptor underlying any gene induction or remodeling event has not been determined. Levels of both CSs, corticosterone and aldosterone, peak at metamorphic climax, and the corticosteroid receptors, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, have wide expression distribution among tadpole tissues. Conclusive experiments to identify the endogenous players have been elusive due to difficulties in experimental control of corticosteroid production and signaling. Current data are consistent with the hypothesis that the two CSs and their receptors serve largely overlapping functions in regulating metamorphosis and synergy with TH. Knowledge of the endogenous players is critical to understanding the basic mechanisms and significance of corticosteroid action in regulating post-embryonic development in environmental contexts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Crystallization of Skeletal Diamonds from Graphite and Natural Coal in Presence of Hydrous Fluids at P=8 GPa and T=1400-1500° C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobrzhinetskaya, L. F.; Renfro, A. P.; Green, H. W.

2001-12-01

Most metamorphic microdiamonds from crustal UHP rocks of the Kokchetav massive, Kazakhstan are characterized by skeletal-hopper crystals, cuboid-like crystals with cavities "healed over" by graphite, rose-like crystals, and other imperfect morphologies. According to the classical theory of crystal growth at thermodynamic equilibrium, only shapes with a minimum surface energy are stable. Thus imperfect crystallographic forms of most metamorphic diamonds formally may be interpreted as metastable while the presence of other high pressure phases associated with diamond indicates that the rocks have been subjected to UHP metamorphism within the diamond stability field. The classical theory also says that a skeletal-hopper crystal is one that develops under conditions of rapid growth, a high degree of supersaturation and in the presence of impurities. In contrast to these observations, most experiments on diamond synthesis at high P (5-7.7 GPa) and T (1250 - 1900° C) from graphite (Wang et al., 1999; Hong et al., 1999; Yamaoka et al., 2000) and carbonate material (Pal'anov et al., 1999; Sokol et al.,2000) in presence of fluid phase produced perfect octahedral and cube-octahedral diamond crystals. Advanced analytical research on metamorphic diamonds and their inclusions has demonstrated that they were crystallized from a multicomponent COH-rich supercritical fluid phase, the composition of which suggests intermixture of crustal and mantle components (de Corte et al., 1999; Dobrzhinetskaya et al., 2001, Stockhert et al., 2001). We have recently synthesized imperfect diamond crystals (skeletal-hopper morphologies with effect of etching of the diamond surfaces) from graphite and natural coal + 2% Mg(OH)2 as a source for fluid phase. Conditions of experiments are: P=8-8.5 GPa, T=1400-1500° C, t=14 to 136 hours. Our experimental data are in a good agreement with similar experiments conducted by Kanda et al. (1984) who showed that with increasing water content of the system, the morphology of diamond crystals changes progressively from octahedra to crystals with elements of dodecahedra to hollow/hopper and skeletal morphologies. We hypothesize that imperfect morphologies of metamorphic diamonds are due to the presence of OH in the system.

Geochemistry and metamorphic evolution of a Ti-metagabbro in the Asnawa Group of the Shalair terrain (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone), Kurdistan region, Iraq.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yara, Irfan; Schulz, Bernhard; Tichomirowa, Marion; Mohammad, Yousif; Matschullat, Jörg

2014-05-01

Geochemistry and metamorphic evolution of a Ti-metagabbro in the Asnawa Group of the Shalair terrain (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone), Kurdistan region, Iraq. We present geochemical data, mineral chemistry, petrography, and theP-T conditions of a Ti-metagabbro from the Asnawa Group in the Shalair Terrain (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone).Geochemical data indicate that this Ti-metagabbro has tholeiitic characteristics with low-K contents. Factor analyses of the elements indicate fractionation of common mineral phases such as clinopyroxene, hornblende, plagioclase, Ti-bearing phases (rutile, ilmenite, titanite), and apatite. The normal mid-oceanic ridge basalt (N-MORB)-normalized incompatible trace element diagram shows close similarity with typical N-MORB pattern. Tectonomagmatic discrimination diagrams suggest a dominating MORB environment. The rock/chondrite-normalized REE diagram of the amphibolites also shows their N-MORB-type signature, with relative enrichment in LREE. The rock derived from mixed primitive and depleted mantel. The formation and preservation of the various metamorphic mineral assemblages and their mineral chemical characteristicsare strongly affected by the original magmatic whole-rock composition. This can be demonstrated by different microdomains, which contain different amphiboles and plagioclases. The metamorphic history can be subdivided into the stages M1-M2-M3. The first stage of metamorphism was recorded by crystallisation of actinolite replacing clinopyroxene and igneous amphibole (M1 stage, 410< T < 490°C; 1.8 < P <2.2 kbar). Increase of temperature resulted in the formation of hornblende pseudomorphism and hornblende and sphene coronae growing on previous amphibole or clinopyroxene and ilmenite, respectively (M2 stage, 540 < T <580°C; 4.5 < P < 5.5 kbar). The third stage (M3 stage, 730 < T °C < 780°C; 6.5 < P < 7.5 kbar) led to the formation of a ferro-tschermakite corona, around the M2 amphibole, and rutile that developed on the sphene and ilmenite of M2, This as a result of continental collisional process, in Eocene between Arabian and Iranian plates.

Thermomagmatic evolution of Mesoproterozoic crust in the Blue Ridge of SW Virginia and NW North Carolina: Evidence from U-Pb geochronology and zircon geothermometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tollo, Richard P.; Aleinikoff, John N.; Wooden, Joseph L.; Mazdab, Frank K.; Southworth, Scott; Fanning, Mark C.

2010-01-01

New geologic mapping, petrology, and U-Pb geochronology indicate that Mesoproterozoic crust near Mount Rogers consists of felsic to mafic meta-igneous rocks emplaced over 260 m.y. The oldest rocks are compositionally diverse and migmatitic, whereas younger granitoids are porphyritic to porphyroclastic. Cathodoluminescence imaging indicates that zircon from four representative units preserves textural evidence of multiple episodes of growth, including domains of igneous, metamorphic, and inherited origin. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) trace-element analyses indicate that metamorphic zircon is characterized by lower Th/U, higher Yb/Gd, and lower overall rare earth element (REE) concentrations than igneous zircon. SHRIMP U-Pb isotopic analyses of zircon define three episodes of magmatism: 1327 ± 7 Ma, 1180–1155 Ma, and 1061 ± 5 Ma. Crustal recycling is recorded by inherited igneous cores of 1.33–1.29 Ga age in 1161 ± 7 Ma meta-monzogranite. Overlapping ages of igneous and metamorphic crystallization indicate that plutons of ca. 1170 and 1060 Ma age were emplaced during episodes of regional heating. Local development of hornblende + plagioclase + quartz ± clinopyroxene indicates that prograde metamorphism at 1170–1145 Ma and 1060–1020 Ma reached upper-amphibolite-facies conditions, with temperatures estimated using Ti-in-zircon geothermometry at ~740 ± 40 °C during both episodes. The chemical composition of 1327 ± 7 Ma orthogranofels from migmatite preserves the first evidence of arc-generated rocks in the Blue Ridge, indicating a subduction-related environment that may have been comparable to similar-age systems in inliers of the Northern Appalachians and the Composite Arc belt of Canada. Granitic magmatism at 1180–1155 Ma and ca. 1060 Ma near Mount Rogers was contemporaneous with anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) plutonism in the Northern Appalachian inliers and Canadian Grenville Province. Metamorphism at ca. 1160 and 1060 Ma correlates temporally with the Shawinigan orogeny and Ottawan phase of the Grenvillian orogeny, respectively, suggesting that the Blue Ridge was part of Rodinia dating back to ca. 1180 Ma.

New constraints on the age and conditions of LPHT metamorphism in the southwestern Central Zone of the Damara Belt, Namibia and implications for tectonic setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longridge, L.; Gibson, R. L.; Kinnaird, J. A.; Armstrong, R. A.

2017-05-01

Orthopyroxene-bearing pelitic migmatites and associated anatectic leucogranites from the southwestern Central Zone of the Damara Belt provide revised constraints on the age and grade of LPHT metamorphism and its timing relative to deformation. Pseudosection modelling using THERMOCALC 3.33 indicates a single metamorphic event with peak temperatures of ca. 835 °C and pressures of 4.9 kbar for a garnet-cordierite-biotite-orthopyroxene schist. These temperatures confirm the attainment of true granulite facies conditions in the belt and are higher than previous estimates based on cation-exchange thermobarometry, which are likely to have been affected by retrograde re-equilibration and underestimate peak temperatures for the Central Zone by 50-150 °C. The early growth of sillimanite, consumption of sillimanite to produce cordierite, and the late development of garnet, together with modal isopleths and textural constraints on mineral reactions suggest a near-isobaric heating path for the southwestern Central Zone. Field and petrographic relationships indicate that the metamorphic peak was coeval with non-coaxial D2 deformation that produced orogen-normal, south- to SE-verging, km-scale, recumbent folds and late-D2 shear zones linked to NE-SW, orogen-parallel, extension. Weighted mean U-Pb single-grain concordia ages of 520.3 ± 4.6 Ma (zircon) and 514.1 ± 3.1 Ma (monazite) from a syn-D2 anatectic garnet-bearing granite constrain the age of metamorphism and the D2 deformation event in the southwestern Central Zone to 520-510 Ma. It is suggested that two tectonometamorphic episodes are preserved in the Central Zone. NW-verging folding and thrusting coeval with the emplacement of the Salem-type granites and mafic-dioritic Goas Suite took place at 550-530 Ma, and south- to SE-verging folding, shearing and NE-SW extension at 520-510 Ma was coeval with granulite-facies metamorphism and the emplacement of crustal melt granitoids. These events are temporally distinct and should not be considered different rheological responses to a single tectonic episode. We suggest that the 550-530 Ma event records crustal thickening related to collision of the Congo and Kalahari cratons, whilst the 520-510 Ma event reflects orogenic collapse and crustal thinning, with a possible heat contribution as the result of detachment of the subcontinental lithosphere following collision, resulting in addition of heat to the lower crust.

Towards an integrated magmatic, structural and metamorphic model for the 1.1-0.9 Ga Sveconorwegian orogeny

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slagstad, Trond; Roberts, Nick M. W.; Røhr, Torkil S.; Marker, Mogens K.

2013-04-01

Orogeny involves magmatic, metamorphic, deformational and erosional processes that are caused by or lead to crustal thickening and the development of high topography. In general, these processes operate along the margins of continental plates, either as a result of subduction of oceanic crust (accretionary) or collision between two or more continental plates (collisional). Many of these processes are common to accretionary and collisional orogeny, and do not uniquely discriminate between the two. With only a fragmented geological record, unravelling the style of orogenesis in ancient orogens may, therefore, be far from straightforward. Adding to the complexity, modern continental margins, e.g., the southern Asian margin, display significant variation in orogenic style along strike, rendering along-strike comparisons and correlations unreliable. The late Mesoproterozoic Sveconorwegian province in SW Baltica is traditionally interpreted as the eastward continuation of the Grenville province in Canada, resulting from collision with Amazonia and forming a central part in the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. We recently proposed that the Sveconorwegian segment of this orogen formed as a result of accretionary processes rather than collision. This hypothesis was based mainly on considerations of the Sveconorwegian magmatic evolution. Here, we show how the metamorphic/structural record supports (or at least may be integrated in) our model as well. The key elements in our accretionary model are: 1) formation of the Sirdal Magmatic Belt (SMB) between 1070 and 1020 Ma, most likely representing a continental arc batholith. Coeval deformation and high-grade metamorphism farther east in the orogen could represent deformation in the retroarc. 2) cessation of SMB magmatism at 1020 Ma followed by UHT conditions at 1010-1005 Ma, with temperatures in excess of 1000°C at 7.5 kbar. Subduction of a spreading ridge at ca. 1020 Ma would result in an end to arc magmatism and juxtaposition of hot asthenosphere and lower crust. This is a plausible explanation for the UTH event, in contrast to simple crustal thickening and radiogenic self-heating that are generally considered unable to produce such PT conditions. 3) long-lived (990-920 Ma) ferroan magmatism, temporally associated with high-grade metamorphism and large-scale deformation, probably reflecting formation inboard of an alternating compressional/extensional continental margin. We have no known record of events after ca. 920 Ma, but it is conceivable that the active margin persisted well into the Neoproterozoic, possibly indicated by metamorphic and magmatic activity recorded in Grenville/Sveconorwegian orogen-derived sedimentary rocks.

Possible polyphase metamorphic evolution of high grade metabasic rocks from the Songshugou ophiolite, Qinling orogen, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belic, Maximilian; Hauzenberger, Christoph; Dong, Yunpeng; Chen, Danling

2014-05-01

The Proterozoic Songshugou ophiolite consists of a series of ultrabasic and tholeitic metabasic rocks. They were emplaced as a lense shaped body into the southern margin of the Qinling Group. Isotope composition and trace element geochemistry display an E-MORB and T-MORB signature for the mafic rocks (Dong et al., 2008). Within the ophiolite sequence some rudimental fresh peridotites (dunites and harzburgites) within serpentines display low CaO (<0.39 wt.%) and Al2O3 (<0.51 wt.%) as well as high MgO (41-48 wt.%) contents, which can be classified as depleted non-fertile mantle rocks. The metabasic rocks comprise the mineral assemblage garnet, amphibole, symplectitic pyroxenes, ilmenite, apatite, ±zoisite, ±sphene and show a strong retrograde metamorphic overprint. Garnet typically contains many inclusions within the core but are nearly inclusion free at the rim. The cores have sometimes snowball textures indicating initially syndeformative growth. Albite and prehnite were found in central parts of garnet. In the outer portions, pargasitic amphibole, rutile and a bluish amphibole, probably glaukophane were found. Garnet zoning pattern clearly show a discontinous growth seen in an sudden increase in grossular and decrease in almandine components. The symplectitic pyroxenes are of diopsidic composition which enclose typically prehnite and not albite, as common in retrograde eclogitic rocks. Different stages of garnet breakdown to plagioclase and amphibole, from thin plagioclase rims surrounding the garnets to plagioclase rich pseudomorphs, can be observed in different samples. Based on symplectitic pyroxenes a high pressure metamorphic event can be concluded (Zhang, 1999). The garnet breakdown to plagioclase and the symplectites clearly indicate a rapid exhumation phase. The age of the metamorphic event is probably related to the closure of the Shangdan ocean during the early Paleozoic. It is unclear if the garnet rims grew during a later stage of the metamorphic cycle or developed during a separate event. The financial support by Eurasia-Pacific Uninet is gratefully acknowledged. Dong, Y.P., Zhou, M.F., Zhang, G.W., Zhou, D.W., Liu, L., Zhang, Q., 2008. The Grenvillian Songshugou ophiolite in the Qinling Mountains, Central China: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogenic belt. Journal of Asian Earth Science 32 (5-6), 325-335. Zhang, Z.J., 1999. Metamorphic evolution of garnet-clinopyroxene-amphibole rocks from the Proterozoic Songshugou mafic-ultramafic complex, Qinling Mountains, central China. The Island Arc, 8, 259-280.

The petrology and chronology of NWA 8009 impact melt breccia: Implication for early thermal and impact histories of Vesta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Shiyong; Hsu, Weibiao

2017-05-01

Studies of petrology, mineralogy and geochronology of eucrites are keys to reconstruct the thermal and impact history of 4 Vesta, the proposed parent body for HED meteorites. Here we report the petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of NWA 8009, a newly found eucritic impact-melt breccia, and present SIMS U-Pb ages of zircon and phosphates. NWA 8009 consists of coarse- and fine-grained lithic and mineral clasts set in fine-grained recrystallized matrix. It was derived from a protolith of monomict non-cumulate eucrite. Evidence for intense shock metamorphism observed in NWA 8009 includes mosaicism, deformed exsolution lamellae and partial melting of pyroxene, melting and incipient flow of plagioclase, planar fractures and granular textures of zircon. These shock effects indicate NWA 8009 was subjected to an impact metamorphism with peak pressure of ∼50-60 GPa and post-shock temperature of ∼1160-1200 °C. NWA 8009 is among the most intensely shocked HEDs reported yet. After the impact, the sample was buried near the surface in target rocks and experienced rapid cooling (∼23 °C/h) and annealing, resulting in recrystallization of the matrix and devitrification of plagioclase and silica glasses. U-Pb isotopic system of apatite within plagioclase groundmass of lithic clasts is completely reset and constrains the timing of impact at 4143 ± 61 Ma, providing a new robust impact age on Vesta. Combined with the presence of synchronous impact resetting events, especially those recorded by Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd, and Pb-Pb isotopic systems, we identified a period of high impacts flux at ca. 4.1-4.2 Ga on Vesta. This impact flux occurred coincident with the uptick at ca. 4.1-4.2 Ga in impact age spectra of the moon, probably reflects widespread intense bombardment throughout the inner solar system at ca. 4.1-4.2 Ga. Based on evidence from zircon chemical zoning, petrographic occurrences, as well as the distinctive Zr/Hf ratios, we suggested that zircons in NWA 8009 have had a metamorphic, instead of magmatic origin. They mainly crystallized from melts produced by partial melting of mesostasis area due to reheating event during early global thermal metamorphism, rather than by Zr release from Zr-rich minerals. The U-Pb isotopic system in zircons was not disturbed by subsequent impacts, the weighted-mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 4560 ± 8 Ma represents the timing of zircon growth during thermal metamorphism. Zircons from NWA 8009 and other eucrites may share a common origin during metamorphic growth events, and constraining the global thermal metamorphism on Vesta at ca. 4.55 Ga. The main heat sources responsible for global metamorphism in basaltic crust of Vesta might be heating from the hot interior, especially heat flow related to magmatism, rather than impact.

Chemical and mineralogical data and processing methods management system prototype with application to study of the North Caucasus Blybsky Metamorphic Complexes metamorphism PT-condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, Stanislav; Kamzolkin, Vladimir; Konilov, Aleksandr; Aleshin, Igor

2014-05-01

There are many various methods of assessing the conditions of rocks formation based on determining the composition of the constituent minerals. Our objective was to create a universal tool for processing mineral's chemical analysis results and solving geothermobarometry problems by creating a database of existing sensors and providing a user-friendly standard interface. Similar computer assisted tools are based upon large collection of sensors (geothermometers and geobarometers) are known, for example, the project TPF (Konilov A.N., 1999) - text-based sensor collection tool written in PASCAL. The application contained more than 350 different sensors and has been used widely in petrochemical studies (see A.N. Konilov , A.A. Grafchikov, V.I. Fonarev 2010 for review). Our prototype uses the TPF project concept and is designed with modern application development techniques, which allows better flexibility. Main components of the designed system are 3 connected datasets: sensors collection (geothermometers, geobarometers, oxygen geobarometers, etc.), petrochemical data and modeling results. All data is maintained by special management and visualization tools and resides in sql database. System utilities allow user to import and export data in various file formats, edit records and plot graphs. Sensors database contains up to date collections of known methods. New sensors may be added by user. Measured database should be filled in by researcher. User friendly interface allows access to all available data and sensors, automates routine work, reduces the risk of common user mistakes and simplifies information exchange between research groups. We use prototype to evaluate peak pressure during the formation of garnet-amphibolite apoeclogites, gneisses and schists Blybsky metamorphic complex of the Front Range of the Northern Caucasus. In particular, our estimation of formation pressure range (18 ± 4 kbar) agrees on independent research results. The reported study was partially supported by RFBR, research project No. 14-05-00615.

Geophysical Fields and Geodynamics of Eastern Chukotka

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganov, A.; Sedov, B. M.; Mackey, M. G.

2004-12-01

The geology of Chukotka peninsula is one of the most important problems in Beringia development. The absolute age of some lithological assemblages, with the preservation of their composition, was changed by modern studies. This has resulted alternat explanation of geological development of some structures. For examples, for metamorphic assemblages, it is supposed that they have occurred as a result of tectonic activity and elevation to the surface of rocks warmed at the depth. This processes was synchronous with the formation of the Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanogenic belt (OCVB) The study of the deep composition by the geophysical methods should stimulate the knowledge of geological development of the Eastern Chukotka. The anomalous magnetic field of Chukotka peninsula is correlated by geological occurrences. Outcrops of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, granitoid intrusions correspond to the calm, close to normal magnetic field. Within intrusion and at their boundaries, small in area, high gradient anomalies, associated with dikes of basic composition and zones of contact metamorphism, are observed. Zons of intensive linear anomalies are traced above the Kolyuchin-Mechigmen riftogenic depression. They are result of presence of high magnetic subvertical bodies of the ultrabasic composition of Triassic age. These anomalies are also traced in the Bering Sea. The rocks of OCVB, mosaic magnetic field with smoll isometric or ellipsoidal anomalies occur. The ultrabasic rocks of Triassic age occur in the gravity field by the local positive Bouguer anomalies up to +40 mGl. To the south from Kolyuchin Bay, their thickness reaches 10 km. In the region of the Mechigmen Inlet their thickness does not exceed 2.5-3 km. Probably ultrabasic rocks of the same thickness are located in the region to the north-east of the Kolyuchin Bay coast. The outcrops of granitoid intrusions are marked by negative anomalies of up to -20 to -25 mGl. The field character makes it possible to suppose that at depth, most of them are combined, and form the line of mass, large in area. Sedimentary deposits of Paleozoic correspond to the small ( up to +10 - +15 mGl) anomalies. Metamorphic domes are marked by small negative anomalies, that are composed of great minimum, associated with granitoid. Poorly negative gravity field, complicated by anomalies that are associated with granitoid, are observed above the rocks of OCVB. The regional gravity field of the Chukotka peninsula along the coastal is positive ( up to 10 mGl), but within the land , it is negative (up to -15 mGl). It is explained by the fact of post-glacial rebound after the melting of glacier falling into the Bering sea. This fact is testified by the rise of the Chukotka Sea coast. It is possible, that the line of earthquakes, having the spreading mechanism, is related to these processes. Minimum zones correspond to the regions of the largest seismic activity in the field of velocity of longitudinal and cross seismic waves. The analogous geodynamic environments are observed on the Scandinavia peninsula.

Metamorphic InAsSb-based Barrier Photodetectors for the Long Wave Infrared Region

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-02

The character of the I–V for structures with AlInSb layer grown undoped reflects the complex nature of the potential profile in the valence band ...Al0.75In0.25Sb-based barrier photodetectors were grown metamorphically on compositionally graded Ga1?xInxSb buffer layers and GaSb substrates by...ABSTRACT InAs0.6Sb0.4/Al0.75In0.25Sb-based barrier photodetectors were grown metamorphically on compositionally graded Ga1?xInxSb buffer layers and GaSb

Redox effects in ordinary chondrites and implications for asteroid spectrophotometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcsween, Harry Y., Jr.

1992-01-01

The sensitivity of reflectance spectra to mean ferrous iron content and olivine and pyroxene proportion enhancements in the course of metamorphic oxidation is presently used to examine whether metamorphically-induced ranges in mineralogy, and corresponding spectral parameters, may explain the observed variations in S-asteroid rotational spectra. The predicted spectral variations within any one chondrite class are, however, insufficient to account for S-asteroid rotational spectra, and predicted spectral-range slopes have a sign opposite to the rotational measurements. Metamorphic oxidation is found unable to account for S-asteroid rotational spectra.

Conodont color and textural alteration: an index to regional metamorphism, contact metamorphism, and hydrothermal alteration.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rejebian, V.A.; Harris, A.G.; Huebner, J.S.

1987-01-01

Experimental and field data are used to extend the utility of conodonts as semi-quantitative thermal indices into the regimes of regional and contact metamorphism, as well as hydrothermal alteration. These experiments approximate the type of Colour Alteration Indices mixture characteristically found in conodonts recovered from hydrothermally altered rocks. These data indicate that CAI values of 6 to 8 cannot be used to assess precise temperatures of hydrothermally altered rocks but may serve as useful indicators of potential mineralization. - from Authors

Oxidative Stress and Digestive Enzyme Activity of Flatfish Larvae in a Changing Ocean

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Marta S.; Faleiro, Filipa; Diniz, Mário; Machado, Jorge; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Peck, Myron A.; Pörtner, Hans O.; Rosa, Rui

2015-01-01

Until now, it is not known how the antioxidant and digestive enzymatic machinery of fish early life stages will change with the combined effects of future ocean acidification and warming. Here we show that high pCO2 (~1600 μatm) significantly decreased metabolic rates (up to 27.4 %) of flatfish larvae, Solea senegalensis, at both present (18 °C) and warmer temperatures (+4 °C). Moreover, both warming and hypercapnia increased the heat shock response and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), mainly in post-metamorphic larvae (30 dph). The lack of changes in the activity of CAT and GST of pre-metamorphic larvae (10 dph) seems to indicate that earlier stages lack a fully-developed antioxidant defense system. Nevertheless, the heat shock and antioxidant responses of post-metamorphic larvae were not enough to avoid the peroxidative damage, which was greatly increased under future environmental conditions. Digestive enzymatic activity of S. senegalensis larvae was also affected by future predictions. Hypercapnic conditions led to a decrease in the activity of digestive enzymes, both pancreatic (up to 26.1 % for trypsin and 74.5 % for amylase) and intestinal enzymes (up to 36.1 % for alkaline phosphatase) in post-metamorphic larvae. Moreover, the impact of ocean acidification and warming on some of these physiological and biochemical variables (namely, lower OCR and higher HSP and MDA levels) were translated into larvae performance, being significantly correlated with decreased larval growth and survival or increased incidence of skeletal deformities. The increased vulnerability of flatfish early life stages under future ocean conditions is expected to potentially determine recruitment and population dynamics in marine ecosystems. PMID:26221723

Birth, life, and demise of the Andean-syn-collisional Gissar arc: Late Paleozoic tectono-magmatic-metamorphic evolution of the southwestern Tian Shan, Tajikistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worthington, James R.; Kapp, Paul; Minaev, Vladislav; Chapman, James B.; Mazdab, Frank K.; Ducea, Mihai N.; Oimahmadov, Ilhomjon; Gadoev, Mustafo

2017-10-01

The amalgamation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in the southwestern Tian Shan in Tajikistan is represented by tectono-magmatic-metamorphic processes that accompanied late Paleozoic ocean closure and collision between the Karakum-Tarim and Kazakh-Kyrgyz terranes. Integrated U-Pb geochronology, thermobarometry, pseudosection modeling, and Hf geochemistry constrain the timing and petro-tectonic nature of these processes. The Gissar batholith and the Garm massif represent an eastward, along-strike increase in paleodepth from upper-batholith ( 21-7 km) to arc-root ( 36-19 km) levels of the Andean-syn-collisional Gissar arc, which developed from 323-288 Ma in two stages: (i) Andean, I-type granitoid magmatism from 323-306 Ma due to northward subduction of the Gissar back-arc ocean basin under the Gissar microcontinent, which was immediately followed by (ii) syn-collisional, I-S-type granitoid magmatism in the Gissar batholith and the Garm massif from 304-288 Ma due to northward subduction/underthrusting of Karakum marginal-continental crust under the Gissar microcontinent. A rapid isotopic pull-up from 288-286 Ma signals the onset of juvenile, alkaline-syenitic, post-collisional magmatism by 280 Ma, which was driven by delamination of the Gissar arclogite root and consequent convective asthenospheric upwelling. Whereas M-HT/LP prograde metamorphism in the Garm massif (650-750°C/6-7 kbar) from 310-288 Ma was associated with subduction-magma inundation and crustal thickening, HT/LP heating and decompression to peak-metamorphic temperatures ( 800-820°C/6-4 kbar) at 288 ± 6 Ma was driven by the transmission of a post-collisional, mantle-derived heat wave through the Garm-massif crust.

Oxidative Stress and Digestive Enzyme Activity of Flatfish Larvae in a Changing Ocean.

PubMed

Pimentel, Marta S; Faleiro, Filipa; Diniz, Mário; Machado, Jorge; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Peck, Myron A; Pörtner, Hans O; Rosa, Rui

2015-01-01

Until now, it is not known how the antioxidant and digestive enzymatic machinery of fish early life stages will change with the combined effects of future ocean acidification and warming. Here we show that high pCO2 (~1600 μatm) significantly decreased metabolic rates (up to 27.4 %) of flatfish larvae, Solea senegalensis, at both present (18 °C) and warmer temperatures (+4 °C). Moreover, both warming and hypercapnia increased the heat shock response and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), mainly in post-metamorphic larvae (30 dph). The lack of changes in the activity of CAT and GST of pre-metamorphic larvae (10 dph) seems to indicate that earlier stages lack a fully-developed antioxidant defense system. Nevertheless, the heat shock and antioxidant responses of post-metamorphic larvae were not enough to avoid the peroxidative damage, which was greatly increased under future environmental conditions. Digestive enzymatic activity of S. senegalensis larvae was also affected by future predictions. Hypercapnic conditions led to a decrease in the activity of digestive enzymes, both pancreatic (up to 26.1 % for trypsin and 74.5 % for amylase) and intestinal enzymes (up to 36.1 % for alkaline phosphatase) in post-metamorphic larvae. Moreover, the impact of ocean acidification and warming on some of these physiological and biochemical variables (namely, lower OCR and higher HSP and MDA levels) were translated into larvae performance, being significantly correlated with decreased larval growth and survival or increased incidence of skeletal deformities. The increased vulnerability of flatfish early life stages under future ocean conditions is expected to potentially determine recruitment and population dynamics in marine ecosystems.

Dynamics of Metamorphic Core Complexes Inferred From Modeling and Metamorphic Petrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitney, D. L.; Rey, P.; Teyssier, C.

2008-12-01

Orogenic collapse involves extension and thinning of thick, hot, and in some cases partially molten, crust, leading to the formation of metamorphic core complexes (MCC) that are commonly cored by migmatite domes. 2D numerical modeling predicts that the geometry and P-T-t history of MCC varies as a function of the presence/absence of a partially molten layer in the deep crust; the nature of heterogeneities that localize the MCC (e.g. normal fault in upper crust vs. point-like anomaly in the deep crust); and extensional strain rate. The presence of melt in particular has a significant effect on the thermal and structural history of MCC because the presence of partially molten crust or magma bodies at depth enhances upward advection of material and heat. At high extension rate (cm/year in the region of the MCC), partially molten crust crystallizes as migmatite and cools along a high geothermal gradient (35-65 C/km); material remains partially molten during ascent, forming a migmatite dome when it crystallizes at shallower crustal levels (e.g. cordierite/sillimanite stability field). At low strain rate (mm/yr in the MCC region), the partially molten crust crystallizes at high pressure (e.g. kyanite zone); this material is subsequently deformed in the solid-state along a cooler geothermal gradient (20-35 C/km) during ascent. MCC that develop during extension of partially molten crust may therefore record distinct crystallization versus exhumation histories as a function of extensional strain rate. The mineral assemblages, metamorphic reaction histories, and structures of migmatite-cored (Mc) MCC can therefore be used to interpret the dynamics of MCC formation, e.g. "fast" McMCC in the northern N American Cordillera and Aegean regions.

Assessment of virally vectored autoimmunity as a biocontrol strategy for cane toads.

PubMed

Pallister, Jackie A; Halliday, Damien C T; Robinson, Anthony J; Venables, Daryl; Voysey, Rhonda D; Boyle, Donna G; Shanmuganathan, Thayalini; Hardy, Christopher M; Siddon, Nicole A; Hyatt, Alex D

2011-01-25

The cane toad, Bufo (Chaunus) marinus, is one of the most notorious vertebrate pests introduced into Australia over the last 200 years and, so far, efforts to identify a naturally occurring B. marinus-specific pathogen for use as a biological control agent have been unsuccessful. We explored an alternative approach that entailed genetically modifying a pathogen with broad host specificity so that it no longer caused disease, but carried a gene to disrupt the cane toad life cycle in a species specific manner. The adult beta globin gene was selected as the model gene for proof of concept of autoimmunity as a biocontrol method for cane toads. A previous report showed injection of bullfrog tadpoles with adult beta globin resulted in an alteration in the form of beta globin expressed in metamorphs as well as reduced survival. In B. marinus we established for the first time that the switch from tadpole to adult globin exists. The effect of injecting B. marinus tadpoles with purified recombinant adult globin protein was then assessed using behavioural (swim speed in tadpoles and jump length in metamorphs), developmental (time to metamorphosis, weight and length at various developmental stages, protein profile of adult globin) and genetic (adult globin mRNA levels) measures. However, we were unable to detect any differences between treated and control animals. Further, globin delivery using Bohle iridovirus, an Australian ranavirus isolate belonging to the Iridovirus family, did not reduce the survival of metamorphs or alter the form of beta globin expressed in metamorphs. While we were able to show for the first time that the switch from tadpole to adult globin does occur in B. marinus, we were not able to induce autoimmunity and disrupt metamorphosis. The short development time of B. marinus tadpoles may preclude this approach.

­Oligo-Miocene Monazite Ages in the Lesser Himalaya Sequence, Arunachal Pradesh, India; Geological Content of Age Variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, G. L.; Bhowmik, S. K.; Ireland, T. R.; Aitchison, J. C.; Chapman, S. L.; Kent, L.

2016-12-01

A telescoped and inverted greenschist-upper amphibolite facies sequence in the in the Siyom Valley of eastern Arunachal Pradesh is tectonically overlain by an upright (grade decreasing upward) granulite to lower amphibolite facies sequence. Such grade relationships would normally attribute the boundary to a Main Central Thrust (MCT) structure, and predict a change from underlying Lesser Himalaya Sequence (LHS) to Greater Himalaya Sequence rocks across the boundary. However, all pelitic and psammitic samples have similar detrital zircon age spectra, involving c. 2500, 1750-1500, 1200 and 1000 Ma Gondwanan populations correlated with the LHS. Isograds are broadly parallel to a penetrative NW-dipping S2 foliation, developed contemporaneously with the inversion. Garnet growth in garnet, staurolite and kyanite zone schists beneath the thrust commenced at P>8 kbar and T≈550°C, before syn- to post-S2 heating of staurolite and kyanite zone rocks to T≈640°C at P≈8.5 kbar, most probably at c. 18.5 Ma. Kyanite-rutile-garnet migmatite immediately above the thrust records peak conditions of P≈10 kbar and T≈750°C and c. 21.5 Ma monazite ages. Complexity in c. 21-1000 Ma monazite ages in overlying amphibolite facies schists reflects the patchy recrystallization of detrital grains, intra-grain complexity being dependent on whole rock composition, metamorphic grade and evolition. Slip on a SE-propagating thrust was likely contemporaneous with early Miocene metamorphism, based on the distribution of structure, metamorphic textures, and overlap of age relationships. It is inferred to have initially controlled the uplift of granulite to mid-crustal levels between 22 and 19 Ma, thermal relaxation within a disrupted LHS metamorphic profile inducing a post-S2 thermal peak in lower grade footwall rocks.

The effects of metamorphism on iron mineralogy and the iron speciation redox proxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slotznick, Sarah P.; Eiler, John M.; Fischer, Woodward W.

2018-03-01

As the most abundant transition metal in the Earth's crust, iron is a key player in the planetary redox budget. Observations of iron minerals in the sedimentary record have been used to describe atmospheric and aqueous redox environments over the evolution of our planet; the most common method applied is iron speciation, a geochemical sequential extraction method in which proportions of different iron minerals are compared to calibrations from modern sediments to determine water-column redox state. Less is known about how this proxy records information through post-depositional processes, including diagenesis and metamorphism. To get insight into this, we examined how the iron mineral groups/pools (silicates, oxides, sulfides, etc.) and paleoredox proxy interpretations can be affected by known metamorphic processes. Well-known metamorphic reactions occurring in sub-chlorite to kyanite rocks are able to move iron between different iron pools along a range of proxy vectors, potentially affecting paleoredox results. To quantify the effect strength of these reactions, we examined mineralogical and geochemical data from two classic localities where Silurian-Devonian shales, sandstones, and carbonates deposited in a marine sedimentary basin with oxygenated seawater (based on global and local biological constraints) have been regionally metamorphosed from lower-greenschist facies to granulite facies: Waits River and Gile Mountain Formations, Vermont, USA and the Waterville and Sangerville-Vassalboro Formations, Maine, USA. Plotting iron speciation ratios determined for samples from these localities revealed apparent paleoredox conditions of the depositional water column spanning the entire range from oxic to ferruginous (anoxic) to euxinic (anoxic and sulfidic). Pyrrhotite formation in samples highlighted problems within the proxy as iron pool assignment required assumptions about metamorphic reactions and pyrrhotite's identification depended on the extraction techniques utilized. The presence of diagenetic iron carbonates in many samples severely affected the proxy even at low grade, engendering an interpretation of ferruginous conditions in all lithologies, but particularly in carbonate-bearing rocks. Increasing metamorphic grades transformed iron in carbonates into iron in silicate minerals, which when combined with a slight increase in the amount of pyrrhotite, drove the proxy toward more oxic and more euxinic conditions. Broad-classes of metamorphic reactions (e.g. decarbonation, silicate formation) occurred at distinct temperatures-pressures in carbonates versus siliciclastics, and could be either abrupt between metamorphic facies or more gradual in nature. Notably, these analyses highlighted the importance of trace iron in phases like calcite, which otherwise might not be included in iron-focused research i.e. ore-system petrogenesis, metamorphic evolution, or normative calculations of mineral abundance. The observations show that iron is mobile and reactive during diagenesis and metamorphism, and these post-depositional processes can readily overprint primary redox information held by iron speciation. However, in principle, additional mineralogical and petrographic approaches can be combined with iron speciation data to help untangle many of these post-depositional processes and arrive at more accurate estimates of paleoenvironmental redox conditions and processes, even for metamorphosed samples.

Silicate-Oxide Equilibria in the Wilson Lake Terrane, Labrador - Evidence for a Pre- Metamorphic Oxidizing Event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korhonen, F. J.; Stout, J. H.

2006-05-01

The presence of Fe3+ and Ti in silicates and their presumed equilibration with Fe2+-Fe3+-Ti oxide minerals has long been recognized as an important factor in metamorphic phase equilibria. The Red Wine Mountains massif is a granulite facies unit in the Wilson Lake terrane of central Labrador, where this equilibration is especially important for estimating both temperature and fO2 during peak metamorphism. Peak assemblages are sapphirine + quartz, and orthopyroxene + sillimanite + quartz. The coexisting oxides, which are largely responsible for the pronounced aeromagnetic high of the massif, consist of nearly pure magnetite and an exsolved titanohematite. Estimates of fO2 based on magnetite + integrated titanohematite compositions are slightly below that defined by the pure magnetite-hematite buffer. This assemblage is also responsible for the magnetic signature of metagabbro and metanorite dikes, a fact which challenges the conventional wisdom that the high Fe3+ content of the host paragneisses was inherited from a highly oxidized ferruginous shale. We suggest here that prior to granulite facies metamorphism, an oxidizing hydrothermal event either coeval or following the emplacement of mafic dikes into the paragneiss host was responsible for the highly oxidized nature of the massif as a whole. Subsequent metamorphism then produced the observed assemblages. This scenario is supported by recent U-Pb zircon and monazite ages of ca. 1626 ± 10 Ma, which indicate that both metagabbro dikes and host paragneiss were metamorphosed at the same time. Dike emplacement and the oxidizing event must have preceded 1626 Ma. The implications of this pre-metamorphic oxidizing event is that Fe3+ becomes an inherent and fixed component in the chemical system during metamorphism. Phase relationships, preliminary thermodynamic modeling, and geothermobarometric constraints indicate that peak temperatures are lower than those previously determined for Fe3+-absent systems. More appropriate modeling of these rocks would benefit from a sapphirine mixing model involving Fe3+.

SHRIMP U–Pb and REE data pertaining to the origins of xenotime in Belt Supergroup rocks: evidence for ages of deposition, hydrothermal alteration, and metamorphism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aleinikoff, John N.; Lund, Karen; Fanning, C. Mark

2015-01-01

The Belt–Purcell Supergroup, northern Idaho, western Montana, and southern British Columbia, is a thick succession of Mesoproterozoic sedimentary rocks with an age range of about 1470–1400 Ma. Stratigraphic layers within several sedimentary units were sampled to apply the new technique of U–Pb dating of xenotime that sometimes forms as rims on detrital zircon during burial diagenesis; xenotime also can form epitaxial overgrowths on zircon during hydrothermal and metamorphic events. Belt Supergroup units sampled are the Prichard and Revett Formations in the lower Belt, and the McNamara and Garnet Range Formations and Pilcher Quartzite in the upper Belt. Additionally, all samples that yielded xenotime were also processed for detrital zircon to provide maximum age constraints for the time of deposition and information about provenances; the sample of Prichard Formation yielded monazite that was also analyzed. Ten xenotime overgrowths from the Prichard Formation yielded a U–Pb age of 1458 ± 4 Ma. However, because scanning electron microscope – backscattered electrons (SEM–BSE) imagery suggests complications due to possible analysis of multiple age zones, we prefer a slightly older age of 1462 ± 6 Ma derived from the three oldest samples, within error of a previous U–Pb zircon age on the syn-sedimentary Plains sill. We interpret the Prichard xenotime as diagenetic in origin. Monazite from the Prichard Formation, originally thought to be detrital, yielded Cretaceous metamorphic ages. Xenotime from the McNamara and Garnet Range Formations and Pilcher Quartzite formed at about 1160– 1050 Ma, several hundred million years after deposition, and probably also experienced Early Cretaceous growth. These xenotime overgrowths are interpreted as metamorphic–diagenetic in origin (i.e., derived during greenschist facies metamorphism elsewhere in the basin, but deposited in sub-greenschist facies rocks). Several xenotime grains are older detrital grains of igneous derivation. A previous study on the Revett Formation at the Spar Lake Ag–Cu deposit provides data for xenotime overgrowths in several ore zones formed by hydrothermal processes; herein, those results are compared with data from newly analyzed diagenetic, metamorphic, and magmatic xenotime overgrowths. The origin of a xenotime overgrowth is reflected in its rareearth element (REE) pattern. Detrital (i.e., igneous) xenotime has a large negative Eu anomaly and is heavy rare-earth element (HREE)-enriched (similar to REE in igneous zircon). Diagenetic xenotime has a small negative Eu anomaly and flat HREE (Tb to Lu). Hydrothermal xenotime is depleted in light rare-earth element (LREE), has a small negative Eu anomaly, and decreasing HREE. Metamorphic xenotime is very LREE-depleted, has a very small negative Eu anomaly, and is strongly depleted in HREE (from Gd to Lu). Because these characteristics seem to be process related, they may be useful for interpretation of xenotime of unknown origin. The occurrence of 1.16–1.05 Ga metamorphic xenotime, in the apparent absence of pervasive deformation structures, suggests that the heating may be related to poorly understood regional heating due to broad regional underplating of mafic magma. These results may be additional evidence (together with published ages from metamorphic titanite, zircon, monazite, and garnet) for an enigmatic, Grenville-age metamorphic event that is more widely recognized in the southwestern and eastern United States

Reconnaissance geologic map of the Kuskokwim Bay region, southwest Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Frederic H.; Hults, Chad P.; Mohadjer, Solmaz; Coonrad, Warren L.

2013-01-01

The rocks of the map area range from Proterozoic age metamorphic rocks of the Kanektok metamorphic complex (Kilbuck terrane) to Quaternary age mafic volcanic rocks of Nunivak Island. The map area encompasses much of the type area of the Togiak-Tikchik Complex. The geologic maps used to construct this compilation were, for the most part, reconnaissance studies done in the time period from the 1950s to 1990s. Pioneering work in the map area by J.M. Hoare and W.L. Coonrad forms the basis for much of this map, either directly or as the stepping off point for later studies compiled here. Physiographically, the map area ranges from glaciated mountains, as much as 1,500 m high, in the Ahklun Mountains to the coastal lowlands of northern Bristol Bay and the Kuskokwim River delta. The mountains and the finger lakes (drowned fiords) on the east have been strongly affected by Pleistocene and Holocene glaciation. Within the map area are a number of major faults. The Togiak-Tikchik Fault and its extension to the northeast, the Holitna Fault, are considered extensions of the Denali fault system of central Alaska. Other sub-parallel faults include the Golden Gate, Sawpit, Goodnews, and East Kulukak Faults. Northwest-trending strike-slip faults crosscut and offset northeast-trending fault systems. Rocks of the area are assigned to a number of distinctive lithologic packages. Most distinctive among these packages are the high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Kanektok metamorphic complex or Kilbuck terrane, composed of a high-grade metamorphic orthogneiss core surrounded by greenschist and amphibolite facies schist, gneiss, and rare marble and quartzite. These rocks have yielded radiometric ages strongly suggestive of a 2.05 Ga emplacement age. Poorly known Paleozoic rocks, including Ordovician to Devonian and Permian limestone, are found east of the Kanektok metamorphic complex. A Triassic(?) ophiolite complex is on the southeast side of Kuskokwim Bay; otherwise only minor Triassic rock units are known. The most widespread rocks of the area are Jurassic and Early Cretaceous(?) volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. The Kuskokwim Group flysch is restricted largely to the northeast part of the map area. It consists primarily of shelf and minor nearshore facies rocks. Primarily exposed in the lowlands west of the Ahklun Mountains, extensive latest Tertiary and Quaternary alkalic basalt flows and lesser pyroclastic rocks form much of the bedrock of the remaining area. On Saint Matthew Island, Cretaceous volcanic and pyroclastic rocks occur that are not found elsewhere within the map area. The Kuskokwim Group and older rocks, including on Saint Matthew Island, but not the Kanektok metamorphic complex, are intruded by widely dispersed Late Cretaceous and (or) Early Tertiary granitic rocks. Much of the lowland area is mantled by unconsolidated deposits that include glacial, alluvial and fluvial, marine, estuarine, and eolian deposits. These formed during several episodes of Quaternary glaciation.

Deformation history of Archean metasedimentary rocks of the Beartooth mountains in the vicinity of the Mineral Hill mine, Jardine, Montana

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jablinski, J.D.; Holst, T.B.

1992-09-01

Archean metasedimentary rocks of the South Snowy Block of the Beartooth Mountains, in the vicinity of Jardine, Montana, consist predominantly of schistose rocks with rare iron formation. These rocks are intruded by Precambrian granitic stocks and minor mafic dikes and sills. Evidence for three phases of folding and late-stage kinking is found within the metasedimentary rocks, whereas rocks of the Crevice Mountain stock (2,700 Ma) are unaffected by any of these events. The first folding event involved the development of isoclinal, recumbent folds of varying scale. F[sub 1] fold hinges are rare, most commonly observed underground in Mineral Hill. Anmore » S[sub 1] schistosity has developed axial planar to these folds. This schistosity, which is subparallel to bedding, is very well developed and ubiquitous in the metasedimentary rocks of the Jardine region. Two later phases of folding are also recognized. F[sub 2] folds are nearly upright with gently to moderately plunging fold hinges. Temperature and pressure conditions during deformation, as revealed by calculations from microprobe analyses, suggest that the peak of metamorphism occurred at a temperature of about 560 C and a pressure of 2.9 kb. Thin section observations indicate that the metamorphic peak accompanied the formation of S[sub 1] schistosity. Structural, metamorphic, and geochemical data are consistent with the hypothesis that the metasedimentary rock of the Jardine region are allochthonous and constitute one of a number of tectonostratigrphic terranes in the western Beartooth Mountains that were juxtaposed tectonically against the western margin of an Archean continent during a Late Archean collisional event.« less

Permeability of the continental crust: Implications of geothermal data and metamorphic systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Manning, C.E.; Ingebritsen, S.E.

1999-01-01

In the upper crust, where hydraulic gradients are typically 10 MPa km-1, the mean permeabilities required to accommodate the estimated metamorphic fluid fluxes decrease from ~10-16 m2 to ~10-18 m2 between 5- and 12-km depth. Below ~12 km, which broadly corresponds to the brittle-plastic transition, mean k is effectively independent of depth at ~10(-18.5??1) m2. Consideration of the permeability values inferred from thermal modeling and metamorphic fluxes suggests a quasi-exponential decay of permeability with depth of log k ~ -3.2 log z - 14, where k is in meters squared and z is in kilometers. At mid to lower crustal depths this curve lies just below the threshold value for significant advection of heat. Such conditions may represent an optimum for metamorphism, allowing the maximum transport of fluid and solute mass that is possible without advective cooling.

Skeletal development and abnormalities of the vertebral column and of the fins in hatchery-reared turbot Scophthalmus maximus.

PubMed

Tong, X H; Liu, Q H; Xu, S H; Ma, D Y; Xiao, Z Z; Xiao, Y S; Li, J

2012-03-01

To describe the skeletal development and abnormalities in turbot Scophthalmus maximus, samples were collected every day from hatching to 60 days after hatching (DAH). A whole-mount cartilage and bone-staining technique was used. Vertebral ontogeny started with the formation of anterior haemal arches at 5·1 mm standard length (L(S) ) c. 11 DAH, and was completed by the full attainment of parapophyses at 16·9 mm L(S) c. 31 DAH. Vertebral centra started to develop at 6·3 mm L(S) c. 16 DAH and ossification in all centra was visible at 11·0 mm L(S) c. 25 DAH. The caudal fin appeared at 5·1 mm L(S) c. 11 DAH and ossification was visible at 20·6 mm L(S) c. 37 DAH. The onset of dorsal and anal fin elements appeared at 5·8 mm L(S) c. 15 DAH and 6·3 mm L(S) c. 16 DAH, respectively. Ossifications of both dorsal fin and anal fin were visible at 20·6 mm L(S) c. 37 DAH. The pectorals were the only fins present before first feeding, their ossifications were completed at 23·5 mm L(S) c. 48 DAH. Pelvic fins began forming at 7·2 mm L(S) c. 19 DAH and calcification of the whole structure was visible at 19·8 mm L(S) c. 36 DAH. In the present study, 24 types of skeletal abnormalities were observed. About 51% of individuals presented skeletal abnormalities, and the highest occurrence was found in the haemal region of the vertebral column. As for each developmental stage, the most common abnormalities were in the dorsal fin during early metamorphic period (stage 2), vertebral fusion during climax metamorphosis (stage 3) and caudal fin abnormality during both late-metamorphic period (stage 4) and post-metamorphic period (stage 5). Such research will be useful for early detection of skeletal malformations during different growth periods of reared S. maximus. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2012 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Geologic and Geochronologic Studies of the Early Proterozoic Kanektok Metamorphic Complex of Southwestern Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Turner, Donald L.; Forbes, Robert B.; Aleinikoff, John N.; McDougall, Ian; Hedge, Carl E.; Wilson, Frederic H.; Layer, Paul W.; Hults, Chad P.

2009-01-01

The Kanektok complex of southwestern Alaska appears to be a rootless terrane of early Proterozoic sedimentary, volcanic, and intrusive rocks which were metamorphosed to amphibolite and granulite facies and later underwent a pervasive late Mesozoic thermal event accompanied by granitic plutonism and greenschist facies metamorphism of overlying sediments. The terrane is structurally complex and exhibits characteristics generally attributed to mantled gneiss domes. U-Th-Pb analyses of zircon and sphene from a core zone granitic orthogneiss indicate that the orthogneiss protolith crystallized about 2.05 b.y. ago and that the protolithic sedimentary, volcanic and granitic intrusive rocks of the core zone were metamorphosed to granulite and amphibolite facies about 1.77 b.y. ago. A Rb-Sr study of 13 whole-rock samples also suggests metamorphism of an early Proterozoic [Paleoproterozoic] protolith at 1.77 Ga, although the data are scattered and difficult to interpret. Seventy-seven conventional 40K/40Ar mineral ages were determined for 58 rocks distributed throughout the outcrop area of the complex. Analysis of the K-Ar data indicate that nearly all of these ages have been totally or partially reset by a pervasive late Mesozoic thermal event accompanied by granitic plutonism and greenschist facies metamorphism. Several biotites gave apparent K-Ar ages over 2 Ga. These ages appear to be controlled by excess radiogenic 40Ar produced by the degassing protolith during the 1.77 Ga metamorphism and incorporated by the biotites when they were at temperatures at which Ar could diffuse through the lattice. Five amphibolites yielded apparent Precambrian 40K/40Ar hornblende ages. There is no evidence that these hornblende ages have been increased by excess argon. The oldest 40K/40Ar hornblende age of 1.77 Ga is identical to the sphene 207Pb/206Pb orthogneiss age and to the Rb-Sr 'isochron' age for six of the 13 whole-rock samples. The younger hornblende ages are interpreted as having been partially reset during the late Mesozoic thermal event. 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating experiments suggest metamorphism occurred at least 1.2 b.y. ago but do not exhibit high temperature plateau ages significantly older than the 40Ar/39Ar total fusion ages of these samples. The age spectra are much more uniform than expected from a terrane with such a complex thermal history, perhaps caused by the small grain size of the samples which may possibly be less than the effective Ar diffusion radii of the analyzed hornblendes.

A Transmission Electron Microscope Study of Experimentally Shocked Pregraphitic Carbon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.

1995-01-01

A transmission electron microscope study of experimental shock metamorphism in natural pre-graphitic carbon simulates the response of the most common natural carbons to increased shock pressure. The d-spacings of this carbon are insensitive to the shock pressure and have no apparent diagnostic value, but progressive comminution occurs in response to increased shock pressure up to 59.6 GPa. The function, P = 869.1 x (size(sub minimum )(exp -0.83), describes the relationship between the minimum root-mean-square subgrain size (nm) and shock pressure (GPa). While a subgrain texture of natural pregraphitic carbons carries little information when pre-shock textures are unknown, this texture may go unnoticed as a shock metamorphic feature.

Nanodiamond Formation at the Lithogenesis and Low-Stages of Regional Metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simakov, S. K.; Melnik, N. N.; Vyalov, V. I.

2018-02-01

Samples of gilsonite from Adzharia, anthraxolite and graphite of coal from Taimyr, shungite from Karelia, and anthracite from Donbass are studied using Raman spectroscopy. Peaks at 1600 cm-1, indicating the presence of nanographite, are recorded in all samples. The anthracite sample from Donbass, 1330 cm-1, corresponds to the sp 3-line of carbon hybridization conforming to a nanodiamond. It is concluded that in nature diamonds can be formed at late stages of lithogenesis (catagensis, metagenesis), and for coals, it can occur at the zeolite stage of regional metamorphism of rocks, before the green schist stage.

Evolution of the Alpine Tethys (Sava) suture zone in Fruška Gora Mountains (N Serbia): from orogenic building to tectonic omissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toljić, Marinko; Matenco, Liviu; ĐErić, Nevenka; Milivojević, Jelena; Gerzina, Nataša.; Stojadinović, Uros

2010-05-01

The Fru\\vska Gora Mountains in northern Serbia offers an unique opportunity to study the Cretaceous-Eocene evolution of the NE part of the Dinarides, which is largely covered elsewhere beneath the thick Miocene sediments of the Pannonian basin, deposited during the back-arc collapse associated with the subduction and roll-back recorded in the external Carpathians. The structural grain of the Fru\\vska Gora Mountains is the one of a large scale antiform, exposing a complex puzzle of highly deformed metamorphic rocks in its centre and Triassic-Miocene sequence of non-metamorphosed sediments, ophiolites and volcanics along its flanks. The metamorphic rocks were the target of structural investigations coupled with paleontological dating (conodonts, palynomorphs and radiolarians) in an effort to unravel the geodynamic evolution of an area thought to be located near the suture zone between the Tisza upper plate and the Adriatic lower plate, i.e. the Sava subduction zone of the Dinarides (e.g., Pamic, 2002; Schmid et al., 2008). The existence of this subduction zone was previously inferred here by local observations, such as metamorphosed Mesozoic sediments containing Middle Triassic conodonts (Đurđanović, 1971) or Early Cretaceous blue schists metamorphism (123±5 Ma, Milovanović et al., 1995). The metamorphic sequence is characterized by a Paleozoic age meta-sedimentary basement which contains palynomorphs of Upper Paleozoic - Carboniferous age and a meta-sedimentary and meta-volcanic sequence which contain a succession of contrasting metamorphosed lithologies such sandstones, black limestones, shallow water white limestones, basic volcanic sequences, deep nodular limestiones, radiolarites, meta-ophiolites and turbiditic sequences. The lower part of the sequence is contrastingly similar with the Triassic cover of the Drina-Ivanijca thrust sheet and its metamorphosed equivalent observed in the Kopaonik and Studenica series (Schefer et al., in press). This observation is supported by the newly found micro-fauna of Upper Triassic in age in the meta-sandstones associated with meta-volcanics on the SW slopes of the mountain. The upper part of the sequence display metamorphosed "flysh"-type of sequences and meta-basalts. In these deposits, slightly metamorphosed siliciclastics (lithic sandstones with volcanic-derived clasts) previously interpreted as Upper Jurassic mélange have proved to contain Upper Cretaceous palynomorphs. Among the rocks exposed in the metamorphic core of the mountains, the SW slope of Fru\\vska Gora offers the optimal locality for the study of the kinematic evolution. Here, four phases of folding have been mapped, being associated mainly with large-scale regional contraction. The first phase is characterized by isoclinal folding, with reconstructed SW vergence. The second generation of E-W oriented and coaxial folds is asymmetric and is up to metres in size, displaying a south vergence and has largely refolded the previous generation. The third event was responsible for the formation of upright folds, yet again E-W oriented, re-folding earlier structures. The first two phases of folding are associated with metamorphic conditions, while the third was apparently near the transition with the brittle domain. The relationship with a fourth folding event observed also in the non-metamorphosed clastic-carbonate rocks is rather uncertain, but is apparently associated with the present day antiformal structure of the Fuska Gora Mountains. Interestingly, the metamorphosed Triassic and Upper Cretaceous carbonatic-clastic sequence in the core of the antiform is in structural contact along the antiformal flanks with Lower-Middle Triassic and Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene sediments which display the same facies, but these are not metamorphosed. This demonstrates a large scale tectonic omission along the flanks of the Fru\\vska Gora antiform, 9-10km of rocks being removed by what we speculatively define as an extensional detachment exhuming the metamorphic core. This detachment has been subsequently folded into the present-day antiformal geometry of the Fru\\vska Gora Mountains. These findings demonstrate that the metamorphic and non-metamorphic Upper Cretaceous - Paleogene clastic-carbonate sediments belongs to the main Alpine Tethys (Sava) subduction zone of the Dinarides. The Paleozoic-Triassic metamorphic and non-metamorphic rocks belong to the distal Adriatic lower plate, or more precisely to the Jadar-Kopaonik composite thrust sheet (Schmid et al., 2008), while the layer of serpentinized peridotite found at their contact most probably belongs to the Western Vardar ophiolites obducted over the Adriatic plate during Late Jurassic - Earliest Cretaceous. The distal Jadar-Kopaonik composite unit was partly affected by strong contractional deformation and a Late Eocene greenschist facies metamorphism during the main phase of subduction and collision, similarly to what has been observed elsewhere in the Dinarides (Pamić, 2002; Schefer et al., in press). A Miocene phase of core-complex formation was responsible for the large tectonic omission observed, being probably followed by the formation of a wide open antiformal structure during the Pliocene-Quaternary inversion of the Pannonian basin.

Age and P-T Conditions of the Gridino eclogite in the Belomorian Province, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Huanglu; Zhang, Lifei; Guo, Jinghui

2017-04-01

The Russian Belomorian eclogite was once regarded as Archean in age and the oldest eclogite in the world. However, its Archean age is disputed. The Gridino ecogite, the abundant eclogite in Belomorian province, is located in the southwest of the Paleoproterozoic Lapland-Kola collisional orogeny, and occurs as boudins and metamorphosed dykes within the tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) gneisses. Zircons from these eclogites have magmatic cores and metamorphic rims. Metamorphic rims, which contain typical metamorphic mineral inclusions of omphacite and garnet, and are characterized by low Th/U ratios (< 0.035) and flat HREE patterns, yield a U-Pb age of ca. 1.90 Ga. The δ18O values of 6.23 to 6.80 ‰ of zircon rims are acquired during the eclogite-facies metamorphism. On the contrary, zircon cores display higher Th/U ratios 0.18-0.45, negative Eu anomalies and strong enrichment in HREE and have Neoarchean U-Pb ages of ca. 2.70 Ga. δ18O values of 5.64 to 6.07 ‰ suggest the possibility of crystallization from slightly evolved mantle-derived magmas. A three-stage metamorphic evolution has been recognized in the Gridino eclogite based on phase equilibria modeling: prograde epidote amphibolite facies, peak eclogite facies and retrogressed high-pressure granulite facies. The peak metamorphic P-T conditions (790-815 °C, 21-22 kbar) give an apparent geothermal gradient of 11-12 °C/km for Lapland-Kola collisional orogeny during Paleoproterozoic. The Gridino eclogite is not Archean, but the known oldest Paleoproterozoic eclogite, which may respond to the assembly of Columbia supercontinent.

Peak Metamorphic Temperature Profile across Eastern Belt Franciscan, Northern California Coast Ranges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, W. L.; Platt, J. P.

2017-12-01

Previous work done on metamorphic temperatures across the lawsonite-albite to blueschist facies rocks of the Eastern Belt of the Franciscan accretionary complex has relied on a combination of many methods, and suggests that temperature broadly increases from west to east. The Taliaferro Metamorphic Complex is an exception to this pattern and shows higher pressures, and possibly higher temperatures, than its surroundings. The exact location and nature of the faults separating accreted packets in the Eastern Belt is somewhat controversial. A recently calibrated low-temperature laser Raman geothermometer for use on carbonaceous material provides a uniform method of estimating peak metamorphic temperature across the eastern Franciscan and is here used to identify the position of major tectonic boundaries. Temperatures were obtained from exposures in Thomes Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Grindstone Creek, and the middle fork of the Eel River. Peak T in the South Fork Mountain Schist, the highest grade and easternmost unit in the Franciscan, is 310-375°C, whereas in immediately underlying lawsonite-albite facies rocks below the Log Springs thrust, peak T is 270 - 300°C. The Taliaferro Metamorphic Complex reached a peak temperature of 336°C, whereas the surrounding lawsonite-albite facies rocks yield peak temperatures as low as 232°C. Preliminary temperature profiles clearly allow the major faults bounding the Taliaferro Metamorphic Complex and the South Fork Mountain Schist to be located. Extension of the temperature profile has the potential to reveal further detail within these units and the lower grade rocks surrounding them.

Bleached chondrules: Evidence for widespread aqueous processes on the parent asteroids of ordinary chondrites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grossman, J.N.; Alexander, C.M. O'D.; Wang, Jingyuan; Brearley, A.J.

2000-01-01

We present the first detailed study of a population of texturally distinct chondrules previously described by Kurat (1969), Christophe Michel-Levy (1976), and Skinner et al. (1989) that are sharply depleted in alkalis and Al in their outer portions. These 'bleached' chondrules, which are exclusively radial pyroxene and cryptocrystalline in texture, have porous outer zones where mesostasis has been lost. Bleached chondrules are present in all type 3 ordinary chondrites and are present in lower abundances in types 4-6. They are most abundant in the L and LL groups, apparently less common in H chondrites, and absent in enstatite chondrites. We used x-ray mapping and traditional electron microprobe techniques to characterize bleached chondrules in a cross section of ordinary chondrites. We studied bleached chondrules from Semarkona by ion microprobe for trace elements and H isotopes, and by transmission electron microscopy. Chondrule bleaching was the result of low-temperature alteration by aqueous fluids flowing through fine-grained chondrite matrix prior to thermal metamorphism. During aqueous alteration, interstitial glass dissolved and was partially replaced by phyllosilicates, troilite was altered to pentlandite, but pyroxene was completely unaffected. Calcium-rich zones formed at the inner margins of the bleached zones, either as the result of the early stages of metamorphism or because of fluid-chondrule reaction. The mineralogy of bleached chondrules is extremely sensitive to thermal metamorphism in type 3 ordinary chondrites, and bleached zones provide a favorable location for the growth of metamorphic minerals in higher petrologic types. The ubiquitous presence of bleached chondrules in ordinary chondrites implies that they all experienced aqueous alteration early in their asteroidal histories, but there is no relationship between the degree of alteration and metamorphic grade. A correlation between the oxidation state of chondrite groups and their degree of aqueous alteration is consistent with the source of water being either accreted ices or water released during oxidation of organic matter. Ordinary chondrites were probably open systems after accretion, and aqueous fluids may have carried volatile elements with them during dehydration. Individual radial pyroxene and cryptocrystalline chondrules were certainly open systems in all chondrites that experienced aqueous alteration leading to bleaching.

Isotopic perspectives on the western Himalayan syntaxis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Argles, T. W.; Foster, G. L.; Whittington, A. G.; George, M. T.

2003-04-01

The western syntaxis has been characterised as a structural and metamorphic anomaly within the Himalaya, resulting from extreme Neogene exhumation and associated partial melting. However, an integration of detailed fieldwork with whole-rock isotopic data indicates that all the major tectonic units observed along the arc of the orogen also occur in the syntaxis. Most of the rocks exposed by the extreme exhumation have very different characteristics to their correlatives in the rest of the Himalayan mountain belt, because they represent very different crustal levels. The generally higher metamorphic grade of most syntaxial units obscures their affinities, while high strain throughout the syntaxis also conspires to mask the major tectonic faults that form boundaries to the units in the rest of the orogen. The Lesser Himalayan affinity of the gneissic core of the Nanga Parbat massif has been revealed previously using Nd isotopes. This study confirms the distinction between Lesser (E(Nd) = -20 to -29) and High (E(Nd) = -12 to -19) Himalayan rocks, but further subdivides those units with a High Himalayan Nd signature using Sr isotopic data. Some low-grade schists within the syntaxis have a relatively low 87Sr/86Sr ratio (<0.720) that distinguishes them from the High Himalayan rocks, and suggests they are metamorphic equivalents of the Tethyan sediments exposed in the main Himalayan orogen. The tectonic contact between the Lesser and High Himalayan units in the central Himalaya is the Main Central Thrust, a zone characterised by inverted metamorphism and high strain, but in the uniformly high-strain syntaxis this thrust is difficult to locate except by isotopic signatures. Extensive thermobarometric studies in the syntaxis, however, show two things. The first is the varying intensity of Neogene metamorphic overprint, whose strength is closely related to the degree of deformation (and rheology). The second is a zone of distinctly lower temperature mineral assemblages related to extensional (top-to-the-north) fabrics that straddles the boundary between the High Himalayan gneisses and the Tethyan metasediments. This extensional zone occupies the same structural position in the syntaxis as the South Tibetan Detachment System does in the central Himalaya.

Stable Isotopes (O, H, and S) in the Muteh Gold Deposit, Golpaygan Area, Iran

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abdollahi, M. J.; Karimpour, M. H.; Kheradmand, A.

2009-06-15

The Muteh gold district with nine gold deposits is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic zone. Gold mineralization occurs in a pre-Permian complex which mainly consists of green schists, meta-volcanics, and gneiss rocks. Shear zones are the host of gold mineralization. Gold paragenesis minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, and secondary minerals. Pyrites occur as pre-, syn-, and post-metamorphism minerals. To determine the source of the ore-bearing fluids, fifty samples were selected for petrographical and stable isotope studies. The mean values of 12.4 per mille , and -42 per mille for {delta}{sup 18}O and {delta}D isotopes, respectively, and a mean value ofmore » 7.75 per mille of calculated fractionation factors for {delta}{sup 18}O H{sub 2}O, from quartz veins indicate that metamorphic host rocks are the most important source for the fluids and gold mineralization. Three generations of pyrite can be distinguished showing a wide range of {delta}{sup 34}S. Gold mineralization is closely associated with intense hydrothermal alteration along the ductile shear zones. The characteristics of the gold mineralization in the study area are similar to those of orogenic gold deposits elsewhere.« less

Lu-Hf Garnet Geochronology Reveals the Tectonic History of Precambrian Rocks in the Southern Rocky Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aronoff, R.; Andronicos, C.; Vervoort, J. D.; Hunter, R. A.

2014-12-01

Lu-Hf garnet dating of Proterozoic rocks of the southwestern United States provides constraints on the timing and geographic extent of metamorphism associated with the Yavapai, Mazatzal, and newly recognized Picuris orogenies. Prior work focusing on U-Pb dating of plutons and Ar geochronology has left the timing of prograde metamorphism ambiguous, particularly in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Because the Lu-Hf system dates the onset of garnet growth, it can constrain the timing of the prograde P-T path. Garnet schist samples from central and northern New Mexico exhibit garnet growth restricted to the time period between ~1460 and 1400 Ma. In the Picuris and Manzano mountains, the oldest Lu-Hf garnet ages predate the U-Pb ages of ~1.4 Ga plutons located near the dated samples. This implies that garnet growth, and therefore the onset of amphibolite facies metamorphism, cannot be driven by contact metamorphism, as has been previously inferred. Garnet-bearing samples from the Needle and Wet Mountains in southern Colorado display a range of garnet ages between ~1750 and 1470 Ma. A garnet gneiss from the Needle Mountains in southwestern Colorado yields an age of 1748 Ma, which is consistent with the Yavapai orogeny. This Lu-Hf garnet age has not been reset by contact metamorphism associated with the emplacement of the ~1.4 Ga Eolus batholith. Anatectic garnet in an orthogneiss from the northern Wet Mountains yields an age of 1601 Ma and is interpreted to date partial melting at the close of the Mazatzal orogeny. A 1476 Ma garnet age from the aureole of the 1440 Ma Oak Creek pluton is interpreted to date upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. The age distribution of these samples shows that rocks in Colorado underwent a complex, poly-metamorphic history, while rocks in New Mexico underwent a single progressive metamorphic event. This contrast implies that the boundary between rocks deformed and metamorphosed during the ~1800-1600 Ma Yavapai and Mazatzal orogenies and those only deformed and metamorphosed during the ~1460-1400 Ma Picuris orogeny lies in northern New Mexico, along what has previously been considered the Mazatzal front. By using Lu-Hf geochronology to directly date a rock-forming mineral, we are better able to reconstruct the tectonic history of this region.

Carbon dioxide generation and drawdown during active orogenesis of siliciclastic rocks in the Southern Alps, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menzies, Catriona D.; Wright, Sarah L.; Craw, Dave; James, Rachael H.; Alt, Jeffrey C.; Cox, Simon C.; Pitcairn, Iain K.; Teagle, Damon A. H.

2018-01-01

Collisional mountain building influences the global carbon cycle through release of CO2 liberated by metamorphic reactions and promoting mechanical erosion that in turn increases chemical weathering and drawdown of atmospheric CO2. The Southern Alps is a carbonate-poor, siliciclastic mountain belt associated with the active Australian Pacific plate boundary. On-going, rapid tectonic uplift, metamorphism and hydrothermal activity are mobilising carbon. Here we use carbon isotope measurements of hot spring fluids and gases, metamorphic host rocks, and carbonate veins to establish a metamorphic carbon budget. We identify three major sources for CO2 within the Southern Alps: (1) the oxidation of graphite; (2) consumption of calcite by metamorphic reactions at the greenschist-amphibolite facies boundary, and (3) the dissolution of groundmass and vein-hosted calcite. There is only a minor component of mantle CO2 arising on the Alpine Fault. Hot springs have molar HCO3-/Ca2+ ∼9, which is substantially higher than produced by the dissolution of calcite indicating that deeper metamorphic processes must dominate. The total CO2 flux to the near surface environment in the high uplift region of the Southern Alps is estimated to be ∼6.4 × 108 mol/yr. Approximately 87% of this CO2 is sourced from coupled graphite oxidation (25%) and disseminated calcite decarbonation (62%) reactions during prograde metamorphism. Dissolution of calcite and mantle-derived CO2 contribute ∼10% and ∼3% respectively. In carbonate-rich orogens CO2 production is dominated by metamorphic decarbonation of limestones. The CO2 flux to the atmosphere from degassing of hot springs in the Southern Alps is 1.9 to 3.2 × 108 mol/yr, which is 30-50% of the flux to the near surface environment. By contrast, the drawdown of CO2 through surficial chemical weathering ranges between 2.7 and 20 × 109 mol/yr, at least an order of magnitude greater than the CO2 flux to the atmosphere from this orogenic belt. Thus, siliciclastic mountain belts like the Southern Alps are net sinks for atmospheric CO2, in contrast to orogens involving abundant carbonate rocks, such as the Himalaya, that are net CO2 sources.

Identification and interpretation of tectonic features from ERTS-1 imagery: Southwestern North America and the Red Sea area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdel-Gawad, M. (Principal Investigator); Tubbesing, L.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The ERTS-1 imagery was utilized to study major fault and tectonic lines and their intersections in southwestern North America. A system of transverse shear faults was recognized in the California Coast Ranges, the Sierra Nevada, the Great Basin, and Mexico. They are interpreted as expressions of a major left-lateral shear which predated the San Andreas system, the opening of the Gulf of California and Basin and Range rift development. Tectonic models for Basin and Range, Coast Ranges, and Texas-Parras shears were developed. Geological structures and Precambrian metamorphic trend lines of schistosity were studied across the Red Sea rift.

Structural analysis and deformation characteristics of the Yingba metamorphic core complex, northwestern margin of the North China craton, NE Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Congyuan; Zhang, Bo; Han, Bao-Fu; Zhang, Jinjiang; Wang, Yang; Ai, Sheng

2017-01-01

The presence of the Yingba (Yinggete-Bagemaode) metamorphic core complex (MCC) is confirmed near the Sino-Mongolian border in China. We report its structural evolution and the rheological features of ductile shear zones within this complex. Three deformations (Ds, Dm, and Db) since the Late Jurassic are identified. Ds is characterized by ductile structures that resulted from early NW-oriented, low-angle, extensional ductile shearing. Dm is associated with partial melting and magmatic diapirism, which accelerated the formation of the dome-like geometry of the Yingba MCC. Synchronously with or slightly subsequently to Ds and Dm, the Yingba MCC was subjected to brittle, extensional faulting (Db), which was accompanied by the exhumation of the lower crust and the formation of supracrustal basins. The ductile shearing (Ds) developed under greenschist-to amphibolite-facies metamorphic conditions (400-650 °C), as indicated by microstructures in quartz and feldspar, quartz [c] axis fabrics, and two-feldspar geothermometry. The mean kinematic vorticity estimates of 48-62% show a pure shear-preferred flow during Ds. The Yingba MCC provides an excellent sample that recorded an intermediate to high temperature shearing, which also implies the widely extensional regime in northeastern Asia at that time.

Isograde mapping and mineral identification on the island of Naxos, Greece, using DAIS 7915 hyperspectral data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echtler, Helmut; Segl, Karl; Dickerhof, Corinna; Chabrillat, Sabine; Kaufmann, Hermann J.

2003-03-01

The ESF-LSF 1997 flight campaign conducted by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) recorded several transects across the island of Naxos using the airborne hyperspectral scanner DAIS. The geological targets cover all major litho-tectonic units of a metamorphic dome with the transition of metamorphic zonations from the outer meta-sedimentary greenschist envelope to the gneissic amphibolite facies and migmatitic core. Mineral identification of alternating marble-dolomite sequences and interlayered schists bearing muscovite and biotite has been accomplished using the airborne hyperspectral DAIS 7915 sensor. Data have been noise filtered based on maximum noise fraction (MNF) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) and converted from radiance to reflectance. For mineral identification, constrained linear spectral unmixing and spectral angle mapper (SAM) algorithms were tested. Due to their unsatisfying results a new approach was developed which consists of a linear mixture modeling and spectral feature fitting. This approach provides more detailed and accurate information. Results are discussed in comparison with detailed geological mapping and additional information. Calcites are clearly separated from dolomites as well as the mica-schist sequences by a good resolution of the mineral muscovite. Thereon an outstanding result represents the very good resolution of the chlorite/mica (muscovite, biotite)-transition defining a metamorphic isograde.

Structural development of an Archean Orogen, Western Point Lake, Northwest Territories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusky, Timothy M.

1991-08-01

The Point Lake orogen in the central Archean Slave Province of northwestern Canada preserves more than 10 km of structural relief through an eroded antiformal thrust stack and deeper anastomosing midcrustal mylonites. Fault restoration along a 25 km long transect requires a minimum of 69 km slip and 53 km horizontal shortening. In the western part of the orogen the basal decollement places mafic plutonic/volcanic rocks over an ancient tonalitic gneiss complex. Ten kilometers to the east in the Keskarrah Bay area, slices of gneiss unroofed on brittle thrusts shed molasse into several submerged basins. Conglomerates and associated thinly bedded sedimentary rocks are interpreted as channel, levee, and overbank facies of this thrust-related sedimentary fan system. The synorogenic erosion surface at the base of the conglomerate truncates premetamorphic or early metamorphic thrust faults formed during foreland propagation, while other thrusts related to hinterland-progressing imbrication displace this unconformity. Tightening of synorogenic depositional troughs resulted in the conglomerates' present localization in synclines to the west of associated thrust faults and steepening of structural dips. Eastern parts of the orogen consist of isoclinally folded graywackes composed largely of Mutti and Ricci-Lucchi turbidite facies B, C, and D, interpreted as submarine fan deposits eroded from a distant volcanic arc. Thrust faults in the metasedimentary terrane include highly disrupted slate horizons with meter-scale duplex structures, and recrystallized calcmylonites exhibiting sheath folds and boudin trains with very large interboudin distances. The sequence of fabric development and the overall geometry of this metasedimentary terrane strongly resembles younger forearc accretionary prisms. Conditions of deformation along the thrusts parallel the regional metamorphic zonation: amphibolite facies in the basal decollement through greenschist facies shear zones to cataclastic crush zones in the region of emergent thrusts in Keskarrah Bay. Depth differences can account for only half of the metamorphic gradient; thermal profiles which increased downwards in obducted greenstone belts and synthrusting plutonism explains other high metamorphic gradients. A tectonic model involving the collision of an accretionary prism with a continental margin best explains the structural and sedimentological evolution of the orogen.

Effects of Oxygen Element and Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups on Surface Wettability of Coal Dust with Various Metamorphic Degrees Based on XPS Experiment

PubMed Central

Zhou, Gang; Xu, Cuicui; Cheng, Weimin; Zhang, Qi; Nie, Wen

2015-01-01

To investigate the difference of surface oxygen element and oxygen-containing functional groups among coal dusts with different metamorphic degrees and their influence on surface wettability, a series of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on 6 coal samples are carried out. The result demonstrates that the O/C ratio of coal surface shows an overall increasing trend compared with the result of its elements analysis. As the metamorphic degree increases, the O/C ratio on the surface gradually declines and the hydrophilic groups tend to fall off from coal surface. It could be found that different coals show different surface distributions of carboxyl and hydroxyl which are considered as the greatest promoter to the wettability of coal surface. With the change of metamorphic degree, the distribution of ether group is irregular while the carbonyl distribution keeps stable. In general, as the metamorphic degree goes higher, the content of oxygen-containing polar group tends to reduce. According to the measurement results, the contact angle is negatively related to the content of oxygen element, surface oxygen, and polar groups. In addition, compared with surface oxygen content, the content of oxygen-containing polar group serves as a more reasonable indicator of coal dust wettability. PMID:26257980

Breccia pipes in the Karoo Basin, South Africa, as conduits for metamorphic gases to the Early Jurassic atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silkoset, Petter; Svensen, Henrik; Planke, Sverre

2014-05-01

The Toarcian (Early Jurassic) event was manifested by globally elevated temperatures and anoxic ocean conditions that particularly affected shallow marine taxa. The event coincided with the emplacement of the vast Karoo-Ferrar Large Igneous Province. Among the suggestions for trigger mechanisms for the climatic perturbation is metamorphic methane generation from black shale around the sills in the Karoo Basin, South Africa. The sill emplacement provides a mechanism for voluminous in-situ production and emission of greenhouse gases, and establishes a distinct link between basin-trapped and atmospheric carbon. In the lower stratigraphic levels of the Karoo Basin, black shales are metamorphosed around sills and the sediments are cut by a large number of pipe structures with metamorphic haloes. The pipes are vertical, cylindrical structures that contain brecciated and baked sediments with variable input of magmatic material. Here, we present borehole, petrographic, geochemical and field data from breccia pipes and contact aureoles based on field campaigns over a number of years (2004-2014). The metamorphism around the pipes show equivalent metamorphic grade as the sediments around nearby sills, suggesting a more prominent phreatomagmatic component than previously thought. The stratigraphic position of pipes and the breccia characteristics strengthens the hypothesis of a key role in the Toarcian carbon isotope excursion.

The metamorphic fate of supernumerary caudal vertebrae in South Asian litter frogs (Anura: Megophryidae)

PubMed Central

Handrigan, Gregory R; Wassersug, Richard J

2007-01-01

Tadpoles of the Megophryidae, a South Asian family of litter frogs, are unique among anurans by virtue of their expanded caudal skeletons, which include supernumerary vertebral centra. The number of these vertebrae varies widely within the family, with tadpoles of Leptobrachella having as many as 30 and Leptolalax only five. Vertebral morphology is also quite variable, ranging from complete, perichordal centra to fragmentary ossifications. This variation in the caudal osteology of larval megophryids, however, is not manifested in the adult morphology. Post-metamorphic litter frogs have a typical anuran axial skeleton, invariably comprising eight presacral vertebrae, a single sacral vertebra and, postsacrally, the urostyle. To resolve this incongruity between life phases and to determine the precise metamorphic fate of supernumerary caudal vertebrae in megophryids, we examined metamorphic specimens from the genera Leptobrachella, Leptolalax, Ophryophryne and Megophrys. In all four, the caudal larval skeleton undergoes massive reduction, leaving only the coccyx and hypochord untouched. Caudal centra are apparently degraded by osteoclasts, which have not previously been implicated in vertebral remodelling during anuran metamorphosis. In Megophrys and Ophryophryne metamorphs, presacral centra also undergo resorption, consistent with an epichordal mode of centrum formation. The conservation of megophryid adult axial osteology in the face of extensive larval skeletal diversity reveals the role of metamorphosis in constraining anuran morphology. PMID:17559539

Ediacaran ( 620 Ma) high grade regional metamorphism in the northern Arabian Nubian Shield: U/Th-Pb monazite ages of the Elat schist

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elisha, Bar; Katzir, Yaron; Kylander-Clark, Andrew

2017-04-01

Ediacaran times witnessed a hemisphere-scale orogenesis forming the extensive Pan-African mountain ranges and resulting in the final assembly of Gondwana supercontinent. The Elat metamorphic basement (S Israel) located at the northernmost tip of a major Pan-African orogenic suture, the Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS), comprises amphibolite facies schists and gneisses and was most likely shaped by this major continental collision. However the timing, number and duration of metamorphic events in Elat and elsewhere in the ANS are non-conclusive and a major emphasis was given to pre-Ediacaran island-arc related tectonics. This is mostly because U-Pb dating of zircon, widely used in Elat and elsewhere, is very successful in constraining the ages of the igneous and sedimentary protoliths, but is 'blind' to metamorphism at grades lower than granulite. Here U/Th-Pb dating of monazite, a precise chronometer of metamorphic mineral growth, is systematically applied to the Elat schist and unveils the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Elat basement. Previous U-Pb dating of detrital zircon has shown that the sedimentary protoliths of the Elat schist are the oldest basement components (≥800 Ma), and detailed structural observations of the schists portrayed a complex deformation history including four successive phases (Shimron, 1972). The earliest three phases were defined as ductile and penetrative, but some of the available geochronological data apparently contradict field relations. In-situ analysis of metamorphic monazites by LASS (Laser Ablation Split Stream) involves simultaneous measurement of U/Th-Pb isotope ratios and REE contents in a single 10 μm sized grain or domain, thus allowing determining the age of specific texture and metamorphic assemblage. Monazite dating of the Elat schist yielded two concordant age clusters at 712±6 and 613±5 Ma. The corresponding REE patterns of the dated monazite grains indicate that porphyroblast growth, either garnet or staurolite, took place only during the younger event (M2). Likewise the regional south dipping penetrative foliation, common to the Elat schist and to all of the rocks of the Elat association, formed during the Ediacaran event (M2). This profound event started at 630 Ma and reached peak conditions of mid amphibolite facies at 620 Ma. Retrogression and stress relaxation shortly followed, involving overprint of staurolite schists by a cordierite-bearing assemblage at 613 Ma (M3), and was contemporaneous with the intrusion of andesitic dykes that were immediately metamorphosed to low-amphibolite. This metamorphic P-T-t path corresponds to the collision of East- and West-Gondwana as constrained by large goechronological database of post collision batholiths from all around the Arabian-Nubian Shield.

UHP metamorphism in Greece: Petrologic data from the Rhodope Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baziotis, I. P.; Mposkos, E.; Krohe, A.; Wawrzenitz, N. H.; Liu, Y.; Taylor, L. A.

2012-12-01

Metamorphic rocks contain invaluable information for understanding the orogenic mechanisms of a tectonic regime. It is now well recorded and recognized that subduction of oceanic lithosphere and collision of continental blocks can result in sinking of subducted rocks to deeper levels than normal (>100 km). Further, the discovery of coesite and diamond in apparently regionally metamorphosed rocks provoked issues, for returning these rocks to the surface relatively fast, thereby preserving the UHP conditions. These UHPM terrains have been identified in more than twenty provinces worldwide. In Greece, UHPM rocks occur in the Rhodope area, one of the major tectono-metamorphic units located in NE Greece. This region consists of different metamorphic complexes involved in the Alpine collisional history between the Eurasian and African plates (e.g., Krohe & Mposkos, 2002-Geol Soc London Spec Pub, 204, 151). In Rhodope, a Jurassic UHP metamorphism is confirmed in the uppermost Kimi and the underlying Sidironero complexes (Mposkos & Kostopoulos, 2001- EPSL, 192, 497; Perraki et al., 2004-5th ISEMG, T2-35, 2006- EPSL, 241, 672; Liati, 2005- Con Min Pet, 150, 608; Bauer et al., 2007- Lithos, 99, 207). UHP metamorphism is evidenced by the presence of octahedral microdiamond inclusions (3 to 10 μm) in protective garnets, within the metapelitic gneisses. Microdiamonds probably formed from a supercritical fluid under extreme P-T conditions. The latter is strengthened by the presence of composite inclusions consisting of CO2, calcite, and microdiamonds. Other UHP indicators include: 1) quartz rods and rutile needle exsolutions in metapelitic garnet, suggesting a former titaniferous super-silicic (majoritic) garnet formed at P >4GPa; 2) oriented quartz lamellae in eclogitic clinopyroxene having been exsolved from a former super-silicic UHP precursor; and 3) coesite pseudomorphs in garnet, where radial cracks around multi-crystalline-quartz aggregates are indicative of the former coesite existence (e.g., Mposkos & Krohe, 2006- Can J Earth Sci, 43, 1755). Jurassic UHP rocks are overprinted by late Jurassic/early Cretaceous HP granulite facies metamorphism (P >1.5GPa; T~900 oC). In the Eastern and Western Rhodope, exhumation of these rocks occurred along different P-T paths. In the eastern Rhodope (Kimi Complex), UHP rocks re-equilibrated under relatively static annealing conditions and emerged at the surface in the Eocene. In the western Rhodope (Sidironero Complex), these rocks have been subjected to an overprinting Eocene MP to HP metamorphism, followed by exhumation along a major shear zone at about 40 Ma. In either case, a long-lasting post-UHP metamorphic history retrograded and almost completely destroyed the UHP minerals, thereby limiting the UHP record mainly to textural evidences and scarce UHP polymorphs. Consequently, some of the micro-diamonds have been partially or fully graphitized during this extensive exhumation period.

Structural and functional maturation of skin during metamorphosis in the Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus).

PubMed

Alves, Ricardo N; Sundell, Kristina S; Anjos, Liliana; Sundh, Henrik; Harboe, Torstein; Norberg, Birgitta; Power, Deborah M

2018-06-01

To establish if the developmental changes in the primary barrier and osmoregulatory capacity of Atlantic halibut skin are modified during metamorphosis, histological, histochemical, gene expression and electrophysiological measurements were made. The morphology of the ocular and abocular skin started to diverge during the metamorphic climax and ocular skin appeared thicker and more stratified. Neutral mucins were the main glycoproteins produced by the goblet cells in skin during metamorphosis. Moreover, the number of goblet cells producing neutral mucins increased during metamorphosis and asymmetry in their abundance was observed between ocular and abocular skin. The increase in goblet cell number and their asymmetric abundance in skin was concomitant with the period that thyroid hormones (THs) increase and suggests that they may be under the control of these hormones. Several mucin transcripts were identified in metamorphosing halibut transcriptomes and Muc18 and Muc5AC were characteristic of the body skin. Na + , K + -ATPase positive (NKA) cells were observed in skin of all metamorphic stages but their number significantly decreased with the onset of metamorphosis. No asymmetry was observed between ocular and abocular skin in NKA cells. The morphological changes observed were linked to modified skin barrier function as revealed by modifications in its electrophysiological properties. However, the maturation of the skin functional characteristics preceded structural maturation and occurred at stage 8 prior to the metamorphic climax. Treatment of Atlantic halibut with the THs disrupter methimazole (MMI) affected the number of goblet cells producing neutral mucins and the NKA cells. The present study reveals that the asymmetric development of the skin in Atlantic halibut is TH sensitive and is associated with metamorphosis and that this barrier's functional properties mature earlier and are independent of metamorphosis.

When did the Penglai orogeny begin on Taiwan?: Geochronological and petrographic constraints on the exhumed mountain belts and foreland-basin sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W. S.; Syu, S. J.; Yeh, J. J.

2017-12-01

Foreland basin receives large amounts of synorogenic infill that is eroded from the adjacent exhumed mountain belt, and therefore provides the important information on exhumation evolution. Furthermore, a complete stratigraphic sequence of Taiwan mountain belt consists of five units of Miocene sedimentary rocks (the Western Foothills and the uppermost sequence on the proto-Taiwan mountain belt), Oligocene argillite (the Hsuehshan Range), Eocene quartzite (the Hsuehshan Range), Eocene-Miocene slate and schist (Backbone Range), and Cretaceous schist (Backbone Range) from top to bottom. Based on the progressive unroofing history, the initiation of foreland basin received sedimentary lithic sediments from the uppermost sequence of proto-Taiwan mountain belt, afterwards, and receiving low- to medium-grade metamorphic lithic sediments in ascending order of argillite, quartzite, slate, and schist clasts. Therefore, the sedimentary lithics from mountain belt were deposited which represents the onset of the mountain uplift. In this study, the first appearance of sedimentary lithic sediments occurs in the Hengchun Peninsula at the middle Miocene (ca. 12-10 Ma). Thus, sandstone petrography of the late Miocene formation (10-5.3 Ma) shows a predominantly recycled sedimentary and low-grade metamorphic sources, including sandstone, argillite and quartzite lithic sediments of 10-25% which records erosion to slightly deeper metamorphic terrane on the mountain belt. Based on the results of previous thermogeochronological studies of the Yuli belt, it suggests that the middle Miocene occurred mountain uplift. The occurrence of low-grade metamorphic lithic sediments in the Hengchun Peninsula during late Miocene is coincident with the cooling ages of uplift and denuded Yuli schist belt at the eastern limb of Backbone Range.

Environmental Assessment for Developing Renewable Energy Enhanced Use Lease Facilities at Robins Air Force Base

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-15

Blufftown is underlain by igneous and metamorphic rocks which are equivalent to those of the Georgia Piedmont. Potable and process waters are produced...Final Environmental Assessment for Developing Renewable Energy Enhanced Use Lease Facilities at Robins Air Force Base...TITLE AND SUBTITLE Final Environmental Assessment for Developing Renewable Energy Enhanced Use Lease Facilities at Robins Air Force Base 5a. CONTRACT

Differentiating Metamorphic Events in a Polymetamorphic Terrane using Zr-in-Ttn thermometry and Titanite U-Pb Geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenney, M.; Roeske, S.; Mulcahy, S. R.; Cottle, J. M.; Coble, M. A.

2016-12-01

In polymetamorphic terranes, it is problematic to link ages from geochronometers to metamorphic fabrics and, therefore, to a specific deformation event(s). It is necessary to analyze a mineral which may preserve multiple age domains. Titanite has been shown to retain multiple age and elemental domains in single grains through high-grade metamorphism. In this study, titanite U-Pb geochronology is used to examine whether ages are thermally reset along a sample transect towards a mylonitic shear zone in NW Argentina. This work also seeks to understand the conditions under which titanite resists resetting. A combination of petrographic and electron microprobe analyses reveal the textures and compositional domains in titanite, garnet, and hornblende. Titanite are elongate, wrapped by the mylonitic fabric, and have patchy elemental zoning. Garnet has distinct cores with prograde zoning and thin rims, which appear to be in equilibrium with the fabric defining minerals. Hornblende has inclusion rich cores and thin overgrowth rims in equilibrium with the fabric defining minerals. In-situ U-Pb and trace element data was collected in titanite from four samples, which all preserve lower-intercept ages between 900Ma and 1.0Ga. We observed no correlation between age and elemental domains; these domains correlate with Al and Nb variations. Zr-in-titanite temperatures preserve upper amphibolite facies conditions, 660ºC-710ºC. Given these results, we conclude that titanite U-Pb ages and temperatures reflect original Grenville metamorphism. 40Ar/39Ar hornblende cooling ages, of 515 Ma, suggested titanite may be reset near the shear zone but overprinting P-T of 560ºC and 0.8 GPa, fluid infiltration, and deformation did not cause significant Pb loss. Overprinting conditions and cooling ages suggest that rims of garnet and hornblende correlate to Paleozoic metamorphism, while textural evidence and titanite ages suggest garnet and hornblende cores grew during the Proterozoic.

Structural analysis and tectonic evolution of the eastern Binalud Mountains, NE Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikholeslami, M. R.; Kouhpeyma, M.

2012-10-01

The Binalud Mountains are situated in the south of the Kopeh Dagh as a transitional zone between the Alborz and Central Iran zones. The Palaeotethys suture of the north Iran is located in this area. The Binalud Mountains consists of relatively thick successions of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks. The earliest deformation, a polyphase synmetamorphic deformation which occurred entirely in ductile conditions, is distinguished in the metamorphic rocks of the eastern part. D1, D2 and D3 deformation phases are related to this deformation. The D4 deformation affected the area after a period of sedimentation and erosion. The thrust faults of the central and southern part of the eastern Binalud were classified as structures related to the D5 tectonic event. From the geodynamic point of view, in Late Palaeozoic times the studied area formed an oceanic trench generated by the subduction of the Palaeotethys oceanic lithosphere beneath the Turan Plate. In the Late Triassic, the Early Cimmerian Event resulted in a collisional type orogeny generating a transpression polyphase deformation and the metamorphism of Permian and older sediments. Following this collision, granite intrusions were emplaced in the area and caused contact metamorphism. The exhumation and erosion of the rocks deformed and metamorphosed during Early Cimmerian Event caused the formation of molassic type sediments in a Rhaetian-Lias back arc basin. The continuation of convergence between the Turan and Iran Plates caused the metamorphism of these sediments and their transformation to phyllite and meta-sandstone. During Late Mesozoic and Early Cenozoic times, the convergence between Central Iran and Turan Plates continued and a NE compression caused folding of the Cretaceous and older rocks in the Kopeh Dagh area. In the Binalud area this deformation caused the generation of several thrust fault systems with S to SW vergence, resulting in a thrusting of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic successions on each other and on the Neogene sediments at the southern border of the Binalud Mountains.

Understanding phengite argon closure using single grain fusion age distributions in the Cycladic Blueschist Unit on Syros, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uunk, Bertram; Brouwer, Fraukje; ter Voorde, Marlies; Wijbrans, Jan

2018-02-01

The preservation of 40Ar/39Ar ages of high pressure (HP) metamorphic white mica reflects an interplay of processes that mobilise 40Ar, either through mica recrystallisation or by diffusive 40Ar loss. The applicability of resulting ages for dating tectonic processes is critically dependent on whether either of these processes can be proven to be efficient and exclusively active in removing 40Ar from mica. If not, preservation of an inherited or mixed age signal in a sample must be considered for interpretation. The Cycladic Blueschist Unit on Syros has become a new focal area in the discussion of the geological significance of argon age results from multi-grain step heating experiments. While some argue that age results can directly be linked to deformation or metamorphic growth events, others interpret age results to reflect the interplay of protracted recrystallisation and partial resetting, preserving a mixed age signal. Here, we demonstrate the potential of a new approach of multiple single grain fusion dating. Using the distribution of ages at the sample, section and regional scale, we show that in Northern Syros mica ages display systematic trends that can be understood as the result of three competing processes: 1) crystallisation along the prograde to peak metamorphic path, 2) a southward trend of increasing 40Ar loss by diffusion and 3) localised and rock type dependent deformation or metamorphic reactions leading to an observed age spread typically limited to ∼10 Myr at the section scale. None of the sections yielded the anomalously old age results that would be diagnostic for significant excess 40Ar. The recorded trends in ages for each of the studied sections reflect a range of P-T conditions and duration of metamorphism. Diffusion modelling shows that in a typical subduction metamorphic loop, subtle variations in P-T-t history can explain that age contrasts occur on a regional scale but are limited on the outcrop scale. Our new approach provides a comprehensive inventory of the range of ages present in different rocks and at different scales, which results in a more refined understanding of argon retention and isotopic closure of phengite and the geological significance of the ages. We verify the added value of our new approach by comparison with multi-grain step heating experiments on selected samples from the same sections.

On protolith-, metamorphic overprint, microstructure and rheology of mineral assemblages in orogenic peridotites of the central Scandinavian Caledonides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilio, Mattia; Clos, Frediano; Van Roermund, Herman L. M.

2013-04-01

The Scandinavian Caledonides (SC) are a deeply eroded Alpine-type orogenic belt formed by closure of the Iapetus ocean and collision between Baltica and Laurentia (500-380 Ma). The SC consists of a stack of Nappe Complexes (from bottom to top called Lower, Middle, Upper and Uppermost Allochthons) thrusted to the east over the Baltic Shield (Brueckner and Van Roermund, 2004; Gee et al., 2008). Fossil lithospheric mantle fragments, called orogenic peridotites, have been found within the (upper part of) middle, upper and uppermost Allochthons, as well as in the reworked basement gneisses (a.o Western Gneiss Complex (WGC)) along the Norwegian west coast. They occur as isolated lenses that contain diverse mineral parageneses and/or bulk rock compositions. Crustal incorporation of orogenic peridotite is classically interpreted to be the result of plate collisional processes related to orogeny (Brueckner and Medaris, 2000). The WGC and parts of the upper part of the Middle Allochthon (a.o. Seve Nappe Complex (SNC) in N Jämtland/S Västerbotten, central Sweden), are well known for the occurrence of high (HP) and ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic terranes (of Caledonian age). The (U)HPM evidence clearly demonstrates the deep metamorphic origin of these rocks interpreted to be caused by continental subduction and/or collision. Other metamorphic rocks (of Caledonian age) exposed in allochthonous nappes are solely characterised by greenschist-, amphibolite- and/or MP granulite "facies" mineral assemblages that can be interpreted, in the absence of retrogression, to have formed in less deeply subducted (and/or metamorphic) environments. This duality in metamorphic "facies" allows for a discrimination (at least theoretically) between "deep" versus "shallow" rooted nappes (in central parts of the Scandinavian Caledonides). Conform this reasoning, this duality should also be present within the Caledonian mineral assemblages (= metamorphic overprint) of orogenic peridotites (in central parts of the orogen), which, at least in the allochtonous nappes, have been interpreted to be "isofacial" with their host country rocks (Bucher, 1991). The latter strongly contrast to the interpretation of their "primary" (="protolith"- related) mineral assemblage(s) which clearly suggest a bimodal origin: here called thick (>80 km) versus thin (< 70 km) rooted lithospheric mantle protoliths. Distinction can be made on the basis of the presence of the stable (minimal Proterozoic) garnet-olivine assemblages in the protolith (i.e. much older than the Scandian collision event (Brueckner et al., 2010). For this reason orogenic garnet peridotite was first called "relict" garnet peridotite (Brueckner and Medaris, 2000), later rephrased into mantle wedge garnet peridotite (MWgp) by Van Roermund (2009). MWgp occurs in the WGC and in the SNC of the Upper Allochthon in central Sweden (Zhang et al., 2009). Most (All?) other protolith assemblages of orogenic peridotite in the CSC belong to the thin-rooted protolith subtype. No examples are known to us in which thin rooted prototypes became overprinted (during the Caledonian orogeny) by (U)HP metamorphic minerals, except for the subduction zone garnet peridotites (SZgp) in the WGC (Van Roermund, 2009). The latter can thus savely be interpreted as being enclosed within normal "MP" (or lower pressure) nappe sequences. As such it will be clear that this duality in protolith (and/or metamorphic) mineral assemblages of orogenic peridotite can be used to identify former, but now strongly retrogressed, (U)HP metamorphic terranes in other parts of the CSC (Gee et al, 2012). For this reason a comparative study has been made concerning field, (micro-)structural, mineral-chemical and/or geochemical aspects of two major orogenic peridotites from the SNC, central Sweden; here called the Friningen Garnet Peridotite (FGP) and the Kittelfjäll Spinel Peridotite (KSP), both exposed within the central belt of the SNC in central Sweden. The ultimate aim was to investigate whether the MWgp sub-type can be extended towards (Al-poor) spinel-bearing protolith assemblages or not. Results, including some hitherto unexpected mechanical effects, will be presented. References: Brueckner, H.K., Carswell, D.A., Griffin, W.L., Medaris, L.G., Van Roermund, H.L.M., Cuthbert, S.J. (2010). The mantle and crustal evolution of two garnet peridotite suites from the Western Gneiss Region, Norwegian Caledonides: An isotopic investigation. Lithos, 117, 1-19. doi:10.1016/j. Lithos.2010.01.011 Brueckner, H.K.and Medaris, L.G. (2000). A general model for the intrusion and evolution of "mantle" garnet peridotites in high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure metamorphic terranes. J. Metamorphic Geol., 18, 123-133. Brueckner H.K. and Van Roermund,H.L.M. (2004). Dunk tectonics: A multiple subduction//eduction model for the evolution of the Scandinavian Caledonides. Tectonics, 23, TC2004, doi:10.1029/2003tc001502. Bucher, K. (1991). Mantle fragments in the Scandinavian Caledonides. Tectonophysics, 190, 173-192. Gee, D.G., Fossen, H., Henriksen, N., Higgins, K. (2008). From the Early Paleozoic Platforms of Baltica and Laurentia to the Caledonide Orogen of Scandinavia and Greenland. Episodes, 31, 44-51. Gee, D.G., Janak, M., Majka, J., Robinson, P., Van Roermund, H.L.M (2012). UHP metamorphism along the Baltoscandian outer margin: evidence from the Seve Nappe Complex of the Swedish Caledonides. Lithosphere, in press. Janak, M., Van Roermund, H., Majka, J., Gee, D. (2012). UHP metamorphism recorded by kyanite-bearing eclogite in the Seve Nappe Complex of northern Jämtland, Swedish Caledonides. Gondwana Research, in press. Van Roermund, H.L.M. (2009). Mantle-wedge garnet peridotites from the northernmost ultra-high pressure domain of the Western Gneiss Region, SW Norway. Eur. J. Mineralogy, 21, 1085-1096. Zhang, C., Van Roermund, H.L.M., Zhang, L.F (2011). 16 - Orogenic Garnet Peridotites: Tools to Reconstruct Paleo-Geodynamic Settings of Fossil Continental Collision Zones. In: Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphism, 25 Years After The Discovery Of Coesite And Diamond. London. Doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-385144-4.00015-1

Oceanic crust within the paleozoic Granjeno Schist, northeastern Mexico. Remnants of the Rheic and paleo-Pacific Ocean.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres Sanchez, Sonia Alejandra; Augustsson, Carita; Rafael Barboza Gudiño, Jose; Jenchen, Uwe; Torres Sanchez, Dario; Aleman Gallardo, Eduardo; Abratis, Michael

2015-04-01

Late Paleozoic metamorphic rocks in Mexico are related to the Laurentia-Gondwana collision in Carboniferous time, during Pangaea amalgamation. Vestiges of the Mexican Paleozoic continental configuration are present in the Granjeno Schist, the metamorphic basement of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Field work and petrographic analysis reveal that the Granjeno Schist comprises metamorphic rocks with both sedimentary (psammite, pelite, turbidite, conglomerate, black shale) and igneous (tuff, lava flows, pillow lava and ultramafic bodies) protoliths. The chlorite geothermometer and the presence of phengite in the metasedimentary units as well as 40Ar/39Ar ages on metavolcanic and metaultramafic rocks indicate that the Granjeno Schist was metamorphosed under sub-greenschist to greenschist facies with temperatures ranging from 250-345°C with 2.5 kbar during Carboniferous time (330±30 Ma). The presence of metabasalt, metacumulate, serpentinite and talc bodies suggests an oceanic tectonic setting for the evolution of the Granjeno Schist. Serpetinite rocks have mesh, granular and ribbon textures which indicate recrystallization and metasomatic events. The serpentinite rocks are enriched in the very large incompatible elements Cs, U, and Zr and depleted in Ba, Sr, Pb, Zr and Ce. Normalized REE patterns (LaN/YbN = 0.51 - 19.95 and LaN/SmN = 0.72 - 9.08) of the serpentinite and talc/soapstone are characteristic of peridotite from both suprasubduction and mid-ocean ridge zones. Serpentinite from the Granjeno Schist have spinel content which can reveal different stages of evolution in host serpentinite. The composition of chromite indicates that they belong to podiform chromite that may have crystallized from mid-ocean ridge magma. Al-chromite in the serpentinite is characterized by #Cr 0.48 to 0.55, which indicates a depleted mantle source affected by 17 to 18% of partial melting. The ferritchromite has #Cr values of 0.93 to 1.00 which indicates a metamorphic origin. Our study suggests at least two serpentinization stages. The first serpentinization stage is related to an ocean-floor environment. At this stage, mesh-textured serpentinite formed under static conditions under subgreenschist to greenschist conditions. The second serpentinization stage occurred under greenschist to low amphibole conditions. During this stage Cr-spinel progressively was replaced by ferritchromite with magnetite rims due to regional metamorphism. Tectonic contact of the serpentinite with metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks indicates lithospheric mantle slivers juxtaposed during the metamorphism of the Granjeno Schist during Pennsylvanian time. This metamorphic event occurred in an active continental margin. It represents the last events of the southern closure of the Rheic Ocean and Permo-Carboniferous convergence of Pacific plates on the western margin of Pangea.

Low temperature tolerance, cold hardening and acclimation in tadpoles of the neotropical túngara frog (Engystomops pustulosus).

PubMed

Vo, Pacific; Gridi-Papp, Marcos

2017-05-01

Many frogs from temperate climates can tolerate low temperatures and increase their thermal tolerance through hardening and acclimation. Most tropical frogs, on the other hand, fail to acclimate to low temperatures. This lack of acclimation ability is potentially due to lack of selection pressure for acclimation because cold weather is less common in the tropics. We tested the generality of this pattern by characterizing the critical temperature minimum (CTMin), hardening, and acclimation responses of túngara frogs (Engystomops pustulosus). These frogs belong to a family with unknown thermal ecology. They are found in a tropical habitat with a highly constant temperature regime. The CTMin of the tadpoles was on average 12.5°C. Pre-metamorphic tadpoles hardened by 1.18°C, while metamorphic tadpoles hardened by 0.36°C. When raised at 21°C, tadpoles acclimated expanding their cold tolerance by 1.3°C in relation to larvae raised at 28°C. These results indicate that the túngara frog has a greatly reduced cold tolerance when compared to species from temperate climates, but it responds to cold temperatures with hardening and acclimation comparable to those of temperate-zone species. Cold tolerance increased with body length but cold hardening was more extensive in pre-metamorphic tadpoles than in metamorphic ones. This study shows that lack of acclimation ability is not general to the physiology of tropical anurans. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterising the metamorphic discontinuity across the Main Central Thrust Zone of eastern-central Nepal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiamin; Zhang, Jinjiang; Wei, Chunjing; Rai, SantaMan; Wang, Meng; Qian, Jiahui

2015-04-01

The Main Central Thrust Zone (MCTZ) is a top-to-south shear zone that has exhumed the high-grade Himalayan metamorphic core during the orogeny. Identifying the location of the MCTZ is a major challenge and the characteristics of the metamorphic discontinuity remain under debate. To clarify this issue, petrologic and thermobarometric studies were carried out on metapelites and metapsammites that were collected from the basal Nyalam transect in eastern-central Nepal. Results reveal that the metamorphic discontinuity across the MCTZ is characterised by a continuous increase in peak P-T conditions toward higher structural levels, a relatively high field temperature gradient (25-50 °C km-1) and different types of P-T paths. Specifically, representative rocks in the MCTZ record sub-solidus peak conditions (637 ± 16 °C and 9.2 ± 1.0 kbar) and a hairpin-type P-T path. The lower GHC rocks record supra-solidus peak conditions (690 ± 32 °C and 10.3 + 1.1/-1.4 kbar) and a prograde loading path with a small segment of decompression. The presence of a high field pressure gradient across the MCTZ is debatable in the Nyalam transect due to the large uncertainties in pressure estimates. Comparison between obtained P-T results and model predictions indicates that a multiple thrusting process dominated exhumation of the MCTZ and lower GHC rocks, while crustal flow contributed partly to exhumation of the lower GHC rocks.

Atmospheric Ar and Ne returned from mantle depths to the Earth's surface by forearc recycling.

PubMed

Baldwin, Suzanne L; Das, J P

2015-11-17

In subduction zones, sediments, hydrothermally altered lithosphere, fluids, and atmospheric gases are transported into the mantle, where ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism takes place. However, the extent to which atmospheric noble gases are trapped in minerals crystallized during UHP metamorphism is unknown. We measured Ar and Ne trapped in phengite and omphacite from the youngest known UHP terrane on Earth to determine the composition of Ar and Ne returned from mantle depths to the surface by forearc recycling. An (40)Ar/(39)Ar age [7.93 ± 0.10 My (1σ)] for phengite is interpreted as the timing of crystallization at mantle depths and indicates that (40)Ar/(39)Ar phengite ages reliably record the timing of UHP metamorphism. Both phengite and omphacite yielded atmospheric (38)Ar/(36)Ar and (20)Ne/(22)Ne. Our study provides the first documentation, to our knowledge, of entrapment of atmospheric Ar and Ne in phengite and omphacite. Results indicate that a subduction barrier for atmospheric-derived noble gases does not exist at mantle depths associated with UHP metamorphism. We show that the crystallization age together with the isotopic composition of nonradiogenic noble gases trapped in minerals formed during subsolidus crystallization at mantle depths can be used to unambiguously assess forearc recycling of atmospheric noble gases. The flux of atmospheric noble gas entering the deep Earth through subduction and returning to the surface cannot be fully realized until the abundances of atmospheric noble gases trapped in exhumed UHP rocks are known.

Zircon U-Pb Ages from an Ultra-High Temperature Metapelite, Rauer Group, East Antarctica: Implications for Overprints by Grenvillian and Pan-African Events

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, Yanbin; Tong, Laixi; Liu, Dunyi

2007-01-01

SHRIMP U-Pb dating of zircon from an ultra-high temperature (UHT, ~1000 °C) granulite-facies metapelite from the Rauer Group, Mather Peninsula, east Antarctica, has yielded evidence for two episodes of metamorphic zircon growth, at ~1.00 Ga and ~530 Ma, and two episodes of magmatism in the source region for the protolith sediment, at ~2.53 and ~2.65 Ga, were identified from the zircon cores. Successive zircon growth at ~1.00 Ga and ~530 Ma records a sequence of distinct, widely spaced high-temperature metamorphic and/or anatectic events related to Grenvillian and Pan-African orogenesis. This study presents the first robust geochronological evidence for the timing of UHT metamorphism of the Rauer Group, supporting arguments that the peak UHT metamorphic event occurred at ~1.00 Ga and was overprinted by a separate high-grade event at ~530 Ma. The new age data indicate that the UHT granulites of the Rauer Group experienced a complex, multi-stage tectonothermal history, which cannot simply be explained via a single Pan-African (~500 Ma) high-grade tectonic event. This is critical in understanding the role of the eastern Prydz Bay region during the assembly of the east Gondwana supercontinent, and the newly recognized inherited Archaean ages (~2.53 and ~2.65 Ga) suggest a close tectonic relationship between the Rauer Group and the adjacent Archaean of the Vestfold Hills

SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating from eclogite lenses in marble, Dabie-Sulu UHP terrane: restriction on the prograde, UHP and retrograde metamorphic ages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, F.; Gerdes, A.; Xue, H.; Liang, F.

2006-12-01

Eclogite as lenses in impure marbles from Dabie-Sulu UHP terrane, represent parts of deeply subducted meta- sedimentary rocks. To constrain the age of metamorphism during subduction and exhumation, zircons from 2 eclogite samples in Dabie-Sulu impure marbles have been investigated. Beside Inherited (detrital) grains, 3 different metamorphic zircon domains have been identified based on distribution of mineral inclusion, trace elements and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging: 1. Dark-luminescent rounded cores with quartz eclogite- facies mineral inclusions suggest formation at high-pressure (HP) metamorphic conditions. 2. White- luminescent zircon, either surrounding domain 1 or as rounded to spindly cores with index coesite eclogite- facies mineral inclusions indicates formation at UHP conditions. 3. Grey-luminescent rims around domain 2 with low-pressure mineral inclusions suggest formation during late regional amphibolite-facies retrogression. The three distinct zircon domains were dated by SHRIMP and yielded three discrete and meaningful age groups: 245±4 Ma for prograde HP metamorphism, 235±3 Ma for UHP metamorphism and 215±6 Ma for late amphibolite-facies retrogression from Dabie-Sulu eclogite. This data suggests that subduction and exhumation took place in about 10-11 Myr and 19-20 Myr, respectively. Continental materials was subducted from surface to the deep mantle depth at rates of 10 km/Myr, and subsequently exhumed from the mantle to the base of the crust at rates of 7 km/Myr. Ultrafast exhumation of the Dabie-Sulu UHP terrane from depth of 160 to 30 km was probably driven by buoyancy forces after UHP slab break-off at deep mantle depths.

Disjunctive Grade Variation from Greenschist to Granulite Facies, Siyom Valley, Eastern Arunachal Pradesh, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, G. L.; Bhowmik, S. K.; Aitchison, J. C.; Ireland, T. R.

2014-12-01

The Siyom Valley section in eastern Arunachal Pradesh exposes an inverted metamorphic succession (Nandini & Thakur, 2011), metapelitic assemblages increasing in grade northwards from chlorite, through biotite, garnet-staurolite and kyanite-bearing schist to kyanite-sillimanite migmatite. Grade changes are mostly controlled by shallowly north, and northwest-dipping fault structures. Two textural stages of garnet growth can be identified in the ilmenite-bearing amphibolite facies rocks, staurolite having formed late in, or after, deformation responsible for the main penetrative foliation (S2). Kyanite and rutile inclusions in garnet indicate that their growth in migmatite preceded that of matrix sillimanite, ilmenite and cordierite, though unrecrystallized kyanite is also common in the feldspathic matrix. Preliminary data indicate the pronounced tectonic thinning of metasedimentary protoliths during exhumation, and the probability of a pronounced step in grade in the middle part of the river section. Similarities with sections in the Sikkim (Dasgupta et al., 2004) and western Arunachal Pradesh (Goswami et al., 2009) Himalaya reflect the lateral continuity of the south-vergent thrusts that controlled the exhumation of the high-grade rocks, with debate concerning the location and significance of the Main Central Thrust zone begging protolith and metamorphic age data. Dasgupta, S.,Ganguly, J. & Neogi, S., 2004. Inverted metamorphic sequence in the Sikkim Himalayas: crystallization history, P-T gradient and implications. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 22, 395-412. Goswami, S., Bhowmik, S.K. & Dasgupta, S., 2009. Petrology of a non-classical Barrovian inverted metamorphic sequence from the western Arunachal Himalaya, India. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 36, 390-406. Nandini, P. & Thakur, S.S., 2011. Metamorphic evolution of the Lesser Himalayan Crystalline Sequence, Siyom Valley, NE Himalaya, India. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 40, 1089-1100

Origin of Zn-Pb-Sb-Au mineralization adjacent to the Paleoproterozoic Boliden Au-rich VMS deposit, Sweden: evidence from petrographic and oxygen isotope characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adomako-Ansah, Kofi; Ishiyama, Daizo; Allen, Rodney

2018-06-01

Adjacent to the world-class Boliden deposit, fine- to coarse-grained Zn-Pb-Sb-Au-rich sulfide-sulfosalt-bearing horizons occur within the base of a metasedimentary succession that has previously been regarded to stratigraphically overlie the Skellefte Volcanics and Boliden deposit. The metasedimentary succession comprises interbedded mudstone and normal-graded crystal-rich volcanic sandstone-siltstone units, interpreted to be low-density turbidity currents in a subaqueous environment below wave base. The sharp contact between the mineralized intervals and volcanic sandstone is concordant to the bedding planes and compaction foliation. Above and below the mineralization, the wall rocks contain well-preserved plagioclase crystals, partly enclosed by a weak alteration composed of bedding-parallel metamorphic biotite±sericite minerals. These observations are consistent with burial (or tectonic) compaction and diagenetic alteration that was overprinted by metamorphic biotite. The occurrence of biotite in the wall rocks and homogenization recrystallization of the sulfide-sulfosalt assemblage in the mineralized intervals are consistent with peak metamorphic conditions ( 350-450 °C, < 4 kbars) in the Boliden area. However, preservation of plagioclase and water-rock interaction under rock-dominant conditions suggest that high δ18O values (+ 10.7 to + 13.5‰) acquired during diagenesis were unchanged by the metamorphic overprint. The δ18O values yield low temperatures (< 150 °C), which indicate pre-metamorphic conditions. These data suggest that the Zn-Pb-Sb-Au-rich intervals formed as pre-metamorphic distal syn-volcanic exhalative mineralization during sedimentation of the Vargfors group metasedimentary rocks. This implies that massive sulfide formation continued even during Vargfors group time and, therefore, there is still potential for discovery of gold-rich base-metal ores in this part of the Skellefte field stratigraphy.

The timing of metamorphism in the Odenwald-Spessart basement, Mid-German Crystalline Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Will, T. M.; Schulz, B.; Schmädicke, E.

2017-07-01

New in situ electron microprobe monazite and white mica 40Ar/39Ar step heating ages support the proposition that the Odenwald-Spessart basement, Mid-German Crystalline Zone, consists of at least two distinct crustal terranes that experienced different geological histories prior to their juxtaposition. The monazite ages constrain tectonothermal events at 430 ± 43 Ma, 349 ± 14 Ma, 331 ± 16 Ma and 317 ± 12 Ma/316 ± 4 Ma, and the 40Ar/39Ar analyses provide white mica ages of 322 ± 3 Ma and 324 ± 3 Ma. Granulite-facies metamorphism occurred in the western Odenwald at c. 430 and 349 Ma, and amphibolite-facies metamorphism affected the eastern Odenwald and the central Spessart basements between c. 324 and 316 Ma. We interpret these data to indicate that the Otzberg-Michelbach Fault Zone, which separates the eastern Odenwald-Spessart basement from the Western Odenwald basement, is part of the Rheic Suture, which marks the position of a major Variscan plate boundary separating Gondwana- and Avalonia-derived crustal terranes. The age of the Carboniferous granulite-facies event in the western Odenwald overlaps with the minimum age of eclogite-facies metamorphism in the adjacent eastern Odenwald. The granulite- and eclogite-facies rocks experienced contrasting pressure-temperature paths but occur in close spatial proximity, being separated by the Rheic Suture. As high-pressure and high-temperature metamorphisms are of similar age, we interpret the Odenwald-Spessart basement as a paired metamorphic belt and propose that the adjacent high-pressure and high-temperature rocks were metamorphosed in the same subduction zone system. Juxtaposition of these rocks occurred during the final stages of the Variscan orogeny along the Rheic Suture.

Metamorphic style and development of the blueschist- to eclogite-facies rocks, Cyclades, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schumacher, J. C.; Brady, J. B.; Cheney, J. T.

2008-07-01

The island of Syros, Greece is part of the Attic-Cycladic blueschist belt, formed during Mesozoic Eurasia-Africa subduction. The rocks of Syros can be broadly divided into three tectono-stratigraphic units: (I) metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rocks (marble-schist sequence), (II) remnants of oceanic crust with fault-bounded packages of blueschist/eclogite-facies mafic rocks and serpentinite (mafic-ultramafic rocks) and (III) the Vari gneiss, which is a tectonic klippe. Low-temperature, high-pressure assemblages are found on several islands in the Cyclades. The best preserved of these rocks are on Syros and Sifnos islands. Mineral compositions and peak metamorphic assemblages are similar on both islands. Both islands are considered to share similar P-T histories with highest-pressure mineral assemblages reflecting conditions of at least 15 kbar and about 500°C.

Geological implications of a permeability-depth curve for the continental crust

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ingebritsen, S.E.; Manning, C.E.

1999-01-01

The decrease in permeability (k) of the continental crust with depth (z), as constrained by geothermal data and calculated fluid flux during metamorphism, is given by log k = -14 - 3.2 log z, where A is in meters squared and z is in kilometers. At moderate to great crustal depths (>???5 km), this curve is defined mainly by data from prograde metamorphic systems, and is thus applicable to orogenic belts where the crust is being thickened and/or heated; lower permeabilities may occur in stable cratonic regions. This k-z relation implies that typical metamorphic fluid flux values of ???10-11 m/s are consistent with fluid pressures significantly above hydrostatic values. The k-z curve also predicts that metamorphic CO2 flux from large orogens may be sufficient to cause significant climatic effects, if retrograde carbonation reactions are minimal, and suggests a significant capacity for diffuse degassing of Earth (1015-1016 g/yr) in tectonically active regions.

Distributed consensus for metamorphic systems using a gossip algorithm for CAT(0) metric spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellachehab, Anass; Jakubowicz, Jérémie

2015-01-01

We present an application of distributed consensus algorithms to metamorphic systems. A metamorphic system is a set of identical units that can self-assemble to form a rigid structure. For instance, one can think of a robotic arm composed of multiple links connected by joints. The system can change its shape in order to adapt to different environments via reconfiguration of its constituting units. We assume in this work that several metamorphic systems form a network: two systems are connected whenever they are able to communicate with each other. The aim of this paper is to propose a distributed algorithm that synchronizes all the systems in the network. Synchronizing means that all the systems should end up having the same configuration. This aim is achieved in two steps: (i) we cast the problem as a consensus problem on a metric space and (ii) we use a recent distributed consensus algorithm that only make use of metrical notions.

Major magmatic events in Mt Meredith, Prince Charles Mountains: First evidence for early Palaeozoic syntectonic granites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gongurov, N.A.; Laiba, A.A.; Beliatsky, B.V.

2007-01-01

Precambrian rocks at Mt Meredith underwent granulite-facies metamorphism M1. Zircon isotope dating for two orthogneisses revealed the following age signatures: 1294±3 and 957±4Ma; 1105±5 and 887±2Ma. The oldest ages could reflect the time of orthogneiss protolith crystallization and the latest age determinations date Grenvillian metamorphism. The metamorphic rocks were intruded by two-mica and garnet-biotite granites. The granites and host rocks underwent amphibolite-facies metamorphism M2. Zircon isotope analysis of the two-mica granites showed age estimation within 550-510Ma and zircon dating of the garnet-biotite granites revealed the ages of 1107±5, 953±8, and 551±4Ma. As Pan-African age signatures were obtained from only the granite samples, it is possible to suggest that the granites were formed at the time of 510-550Ma and the zircons with greater age values were captured by granites from the host rocks.

High-pressure amphibolite facies dynamic metamorphism and the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of an ancient continental margin, east- central Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dusel-Bacon, C.; Hansen, V.L.; Scala, J.A.

1995-01-01

Ductilely deformed amphibolite facies tectonites comprise two adjacent terranes in east-central Alaska: the northern, structurally higher Taylor Mountain terrane and the southern, structurally lower Lake George subterrane of the Yukon-Tanana terrane. The pressure, temperature, kinematic and age data are interpreted to indicate that the metamorphism of the Taylor Mountain terrane and Lake George subterrane took place during different phases of a latest Palaeozoic through early Mesozoic shortening episode resulting from closure of an ocean basin now represented by klippen of the Seventymile-Slide Mountain terrane. High- to intermediate-pressure metamorphism of the Taylor Mountain terrane took place within a SW-dipping (present-day coordinates) subduction system. High- to intermediate-pressure metamorphism of the Lake George subterrane and the structural contact zone occurred during NW-directed overthrusting of the Taylor Mountain, Seventymile-Slide Mountain and Nisutlin terranes, and imbrication of the continental margin in Jurassic time. -from Authors

Remote sensing applications for urban planning - The LUMIS project. [Land Use Management Information System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paul, C. K.; Landini, A. J.; Diegert, C.

1975-01-01

The Santa Monica mountains of Los Angeles consist primarily of complexly folded sedimentary marine strata with igneous and metamorphic rocks at the eastern end of the mountains. With the increased development of the Santa Monicas, a study was conducted to determine the critical land use data items in the mountains. Two information systems developed in parallel are described. One capitalizes on the City's present computer line printer system, and the second utilizes map overlay techniques on an interactive computer terminal. Results concerning population, housing, and land improvement illustrate the successful linking of ordinal and nominal data files in the interactive system.-

C-O-H-N fluids circulations and graphite precipitation in reactivated Hudsonian shear zones during basement uplift of the Wollaston-Mudjatik Transition Zone: Example of the Cigar Lake U deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martz, Pierre; Cathelineau, Michel; Mercadier, Julien; Boiron, Marie-Christine; Jaguin, Justine; Tarantola, Alexandre; Demacon, Mickael; Gerbeaud, Olivier; Quirt, David; Doney, Amber; Ledru, Patrick

2017-12-01

Graphitic shear zones are spatially associated with unconformity-related uranium deposits that are located around the unconformity between the strata of the Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic Athabasca Basin (Saskatchewan, Canada) and its underlying Archean to Paleoproterozoic basement. The present study focuses on basement-hosted ductile-brittle graphitic shear zones near the Cigar Lake U deposit, one of the largest unconformity-related U deposits. The goal of the study is to decipher the pre-Athabasca Basin fluid migration history recorded within such structures and its potential role on the formation of such exceptional deposit. Dominantly C-O-H(-N) metamorphic fluids have been trapped in Fluid Inclusion Planes (FIPs) in magmatic quartz within ductile-brittle graphitic shear zones active during retrograde metamorphism associated with the formation of the Wollaston-Mudjatik Transition Zone (WMTZ) between ca. 1805 and 1720 Ma. Such fluids show a compositional evolution along the retrograde path, from a dense and pure CO2 fluid during the earliest stages, through a lower density CO2 ± CH4-N2 (± H2O) fluid and, finally, to a very low density CH4-N2 fluid. Statistical study of the orientation, distribution, proportion, and chemical characterization of the FIPs shows that: i) CO2 (δ13CCO2 around - 9‰ PDB) from decarbonation reactions and/or partial water-metamorphic graphite equilibrium initially migrated regionally and pervasively under lithostatic conditions at about 500 to 800 °C and 150 to 300 MPa. Such P-T conditions attest to a high geothermal gradient of around 60 to 90 °C/km, probably related to rapid exhumation of the basement or a large-scale heat source. ii) Later brittle reactivation of the shear zone at around 450 °C and 25-50 MPa favored circulation of CO2-CH4-N2(± H2O) fluids in equilibrium with metamorphic graphite (δ13CCO2 around - 14‰) under hydrostatic conditions and only within the shear zones. Cooling of these fluids and the water uptake linked to fluid-basement rock reactions led to the precipitation at around 450 °C of poorly-crystallized hydrothermal graphite. This graphite presents isotopic (δ13C - 30 to - 26‰ PDB) and morphological differences from the high-T metamorphic graphite (> 600 °C, - 29 to - 20‰ δ13C) derived from metamorphism of C-rich sedimentary material. The brittle structural reactivation and the related fluid migration and graphite precipitation were specifically focused within the shear zones and related damage zones. The brittle reactivation produced major changes in the petro-physical, mineralogical, and chemical characteristics of the structures and their damage zones. It especially increased the fracture paleoporosity and rock weakness toward the fault cores. These major late metamorphic modifications of the graphitic shear zones were likely key parameters favoring the enhanced reactivity of these basement zones under tectonic stress following deposition of the Athabasca Basin, and so controlled basinal brine movement at the basin/basement interface related to the formation of the unconformity-related uranium deposits. This relationship consequently readily explains the specific spatial relationships between unconformity-related U deposits and the ductile-brittle graphitic shear zones.

High-Concentration III-V Multijunction Solar Cells | Photovoltaic Research

Science.gov Websites

| NREL High-Concentration III-V Multijunction Solar Cells High-Concentration III-V transfer to the high-efficiency cell industry, and the invention and development of the inverted metamorphic multijunction (IMM) cell technology. PV Research Other Materials & Devices pages: High

U-Pb Dating of Unabraded Detrital Zircon Metamorphic Rims in the Nanaimo Basin, British Columbia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boivin, M. P.; Guest, B.; Matthews, W.

2016-12-01

Thin metamorphic rims on detrital zircons from the Nanaimo Basin in SW British Columbia offer a unique opportunity to further constrain the source of these zircons, helping to resolve the long standing Baja BC controversy. Here we present an analytical approach for dating thin zircon rims and use it to show that zircons from the Nanaimo Basin are most likely derived from metamorphic rocks in southern California. Conventional in-situ laser ablation sample preparation typically requires mounting and polishing zircon grains to expose their core. However, in order to date these thin metamorphic zircon rims a depth-profiling approach on unabraded grains was employed. Zircon grains from the Upper Cretaceous Geoffrey, Spray, and Gabriola formations of the Nanaimo Group exposed on Denman and Hornby Islands (British Columbia) were sorted into five groups based on morphology. The zircons were then mounted on tape along with several grains of a well-characterised zircon reference material to validate the uncertainty of the method. The zircons were then imaged using a Zygo Zescope optical profilometer in order to correct for grain-to-grain variations in elevation relative to mounting medium and ensure consistent laser focus. Backscatter electron images (BSE) were used to further characterised the grains and optimize the location of laser ablation targets. Zircons were ablated using a Resonetics 193 nm excimer laser and uranium and lead isotopic ratios were measured using an Agilent 7700 quadrupole mass spectrometer. A low frequency laser repetition rate extended the data collection period on relatively thin zircon rims. Our results show that metamorphic zircon growth occurred in two main phases at 100 Ma and 77 Ma suggesting two sources of detrital zircons with differing metamorphic histories were present in the catchment area. The timing of metamorphism of the source area for the Nanaimo basin is inconsistent with derivation from sources in the Rocky Mountains (Lemhi sub-basin of the Belt-Purcell basin) and consistent with derivation from Mojave-Sonoran region of southern California and northern Mexico. We speculate that some parts of the detrital zircon population of the Nanaimo basin sediments were likely derived from exhumed bodies of the Pelona, Orocopia and Rand schists.

Miocene denudation history of Himalaya deduced from IODP Exp. 354 Bengal Fan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohki, Y.; Cruz, J. W.; Osaki, A.; Manoj, M. C.; Hatano, N.; France-Lanord, C.; Spiess, V.; Klaus, A.

2017-12-01

The submarine Bengal Fan is the largest submarine fan on Earth and covers the whole Bay of Bengal. The sediments are fed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers reflecting India-Asia plate collision. The sediments recovered from IODP Expedition 354 Bengal Fan record the uplift history of the Himalayan orogenic system. We examined the chemical composition of detrital garnets in the Miocene deposits from Site U1451, where drilling reached to basal horizon of the fan deposits, in order to reveal the detailed denudation history of Himalayan metamorphic rocks. For this purpose, the comparison of chemical composition between detrital garnet in the Bengal Fan deposits and metamorphic garnet in Himalayan metamorphic rocks was carried out. The chemical composition of the metamorphic garnet from Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC) in Karnali and Kaligandaki areas, western Nepal, was examined for chemical reference to detrital garnets in Bengal Fan. The metamorphic garnets in "Formation I (Le Fort, 1975)" in HHC are characterized by almandine-rich garnet with high pyrope content. Also, the garnets in "Formation II" are remarked by two types of garnets, i.e., almandine-rich and grandite-rich garnets. Meanwhile, the composition of garnets in "Formation III" is almandine-rich garnet with low pyrope content. In the Bengal Fan deposits, the characteristic garnets, which show the similarity to the metamorphic garnet in HHC, is not found from the Lower Miocene (Burdigalian) deposits. In the Middle and Upper Miocene deposits, the almandine-rich garnets characteristic in Formation I, are normally included. At the basal part of the Middle Miocene (Langhian), almandine-rich garnets with low pyrope content, suggesting the derivation from Formation III, are remarkable. The grandite-rich garnets from Formation II are sporadically found In the Upper Miocene deposits (Tortonian-Messinian). Above chemical comparison between the detrital garnets in Bengal Fan and metamorphic garnets from HHC demonstrates that exposure and sediment production started from Formation III in HHC in onset of the Middle Miocene time. The wide exposure of HHC was propagated to Formation I and II until the Middle Miocene period.

Metamorphism and partial melting of ordinary chondrites: Calculated phase equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, T. E.; Benedix, G. K.; Bland, P. A.

2016-01-01

Constraining the metamorphic pressures (P) and temperatures (T) recorded by meteorites is key to understanding the size and thermal history of their asteroid parent bodies. New thermodynamic models calibrated to very low P for minerals and melt in terrestrial mantle peridotite permit quantitative investigation of high-T metamorphism in ordinary chondrites using phase equilibria modelling. Isochemical P-T phase diagrams based on the average composition of H, L and LL chondrite falls and contoured for the composition and abundance of olivine, ortho- and clinopyroxene, plagioclase and chromite provide a good match with values measured in so-called equilibrated (petrologic type 4-6) samples. Some compositional variables, in particular Al in orthopyroxene and Na in clinopyroxene, exhibit a strong pressure dependence when considered over a range of several kilobars, providing a means of recognising meteorites derived from the cores of asteroids with radii of several hundred kilometres, if such bodies existed at that time. At the low pressures (<1 kbar) that typify thermal metamorphism, several compositional variables are good thermometers. Although those based on Fe-Mg exchange are likely to have been reset during slow cooling, those based on coupled substitution, in particular Ca and Al in orthopyroxene and Na in clinopyroxene, are less susceptible to retrograde diffusion and are potentially more faithful recorders of peak conditions. The intersection of isopleths of these variables may allow pressures to be quantified, even at low P, permitting constraints on the minimum size of parent asteroid bodies. The phase diagrams predict the onset of partial melting at 1050-1100 °C by incongruent reactions consuming plagioclase, clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene, whose compositions change abruptly as melting proceeds. These predictions match natural observations well and support the view that type 7 chondrites represent a suprasolidus continuation of the established petrologic types at the extremes of thermal metamorphism. The results suggest phase equilibria modelling has potential as a powerful quantitative tool in investigating, for example, progressive oxidation during metamorphism, the degree of melting and melt loss or accumulation required to produce the spectrum of differentiated meteorites, and whether the onion shell or rubble pile model best explains the metamorphic evolution of asteroid parent bodies in the early solar system.

Pyrite deformation and connections to gold mobility: Insight from micro-structural analysis and trace element mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubosq, R.; Lawley, C. J. M.; Rogowitz, A.; Schneider, D. A.; Jackson, S.

2018-06-01

The metamorphic transition of pyrite to pyrrhotite results in the liberation of lattice-bound and nano-particulate metals initially hosted within early sulphide minerals. This process forms the basis for the metamorphic-driven Au-upgrading model applied to many orogenic Au deposits, however the role of syn-metamorphic pyrite deformation in controlling the retention and release of Au and related pathfinder elements is poorly understood. The lower amphibolite facies metamorphic mineral assemblage (Act-Bt-Pl-Ep-Alm ± Cal ± Qz ± Ilm; 550 °C) of Canada's giant Detour Lake deposit falls within the range of pressure-temperature conditions (450 °C) for crystal plastic deformation of pyrite. We have applied a complementary approach of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) 2D element mapping on pyrite from the Detour Lake deposit. Chemical element maps document an early generation of Au-rich sieve textured pyrite domains and a later stage of syn-metamorphic oscillatory-zoned Au-poor pyrite. Both pyrite types are cut by Au-rich fractures as a consequence of remobilization of Au with trace element enrichment of first-row transition elements, post-transition metals, chalcogens and metalloids during a late brittle deformation stage. However, similar enrichment in trace elements and Au can be observed along low-angle grain boundaries within otherwise Au-poor pyrite, indicating that heterogeneous microstructural misorientation patterns and higher strain domains are also relatively Au-rich. We therefore propose that the close spatial relationship between pyrite and Au at the microscale, features typical of orogenic Au deposits, reflects the entrapment of Au within deformation-induced microstructures in pyrite rather than the release of Au during the metamorphic transition from pyrite to pyrrhotite. Moreover, mass balance calculations at the deposit scale suggest that only a small percentage of Au could have been sourced from pyrite and instead point to the role of substructures in pyrite as depositional traps for Au during syn-metamorphic deformation- and fluid-assisted diffusion Au-upgrading.

Morphological Changes in Skin Glands During Development in Rhinella Arenarum (Anura: Bufonidae).

PubMed

Regueira, Eleonora; Dávila, Camila; Hermida, Gladys N

2016-01-01

Avoiding predation is critical to survival of animals; chemical defenses represent a common strategy among amphibians. In this study, we examined histologically the morphology of skin glands and types of secretions related to chemical skin defense during ontogeny of Rhinella arenarum. Prior to metamorphic climax the epidermis contains typical bufonid giant cells producing a mucous substance supposedly involved in triggering a flight reaction of the tadpole school. An apical layer of alcianophilic mucus covers the epidermis, which could produce the unpleasant taste of bufonid tadpoles. Giant cells disappear by onset of metamorphic climax, when multicellular glands start developing, but the apical mucous layer remains. By the end of climax, neither the granular glands of the dorsum nor the parotoid regions are completely developed. Conversely, by the end of metamorphosis the mucous glands are partially developed and secrete mucus. Adults have at least three types of granular glands, which we designate type A (acidophilic), type B (basophilic) and ventral (mucous). Polymorphic granular glands distribute differently in the body: dorsal granular glands between warts and in the periphery of parotoids contain protein; granular glands of big warts and in the central region of parotoids contain catecholamines, lipids, and glycoconjugates, whereas ventral granular glands produce acidic glycoconjugates. Mucous glands produce both mucus and proteins. Results suggest that in early juveniles the chemical skin defense mechanisms are not functional. Topographical differences in adult skin secretions suggest that granular glands from the big warts in the skin produce similar toxins to the parotoid glands. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.