Metamorphism of the Sierra de Maz and implications for the tectonic evolution of the MARA terrane

The Mesoproterozoic MARA terrane of western South America is a composite igneous-metamorphic complex that is important for Paleozoic paleogeographic reconstructions and the relative positions of Laurentia and Gondwana. The magmatic and detrital records of the MARA terrane are consistent with a Laurentian origin; however, the metamorphic and deformation records lack sufficient detail to constrain the correlation of units within the MARA terrane and the timing and mechanisms of accretion to the Gondwana margin. Combined regional mapping, metamorphic petrology, and garnet and monazite geochronology from the Sierra de Maz of northwest Argentina sug- gest that the region preserves four distinct litho-tectonic units of varying age and metamorphic conditions that are separated by middle- to lower-crustal ductile shear zones. The Zaino and Maz Complexes preserve Barrovian metamorphism and ages that are distinct from other units within the region. The Zaino and Maz Complexes both record metamorphism ca. 430–410 Ma and show no evidence of the regional Famatinian orogeny (ca. 490–455 Ma). In addition, the Maz Complex records an earlier granulite facies event at ca. 1.2 Ga. The Taco and Ramaditas Complexes, in contrast, experienced medium- and low-pressure upper amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism, respectively, between ca. 470–460 Ma and were later deformed at ca. 440–420 Ma. The Maz shear zone that bounds the Zaino and Maz Complexes records sinistral oblique to sinistral deformation between ca. 430–410 Ma. The data suggest that at least some units in the MARA terrane were accreted by translation, and the Gondwana margin of northwest Argentina transitioned from a dominantly convergent margin to a highly oblique margin in the Silurian.

Quantifying the influence of non-hydrostatic stress on polymorph equilibria

<p>Thermodynamic modeling in active tectonic settings typically makes the assumption that stress is equal in all directions. This allows for the application of classical equilibrium thermodynamics. In contrast, geodynamic modeling indicates that differential, or non-hydrostatic, stresses are widespread. Non-hydrostatic equilibrium thermodynamics have been developed by past workers [1], but their application to geological systems has generated controversy in recent years [2-5]. Therefore, we seek to clarify how stress influences the chemical potential of non-hydrostatically stressed elastic solids. To quantify this, we consider the effects of stress variation on the equilibrium between the single-component polymorph pairs of kyanite/sillimanite, quartz/coesite, calcite/aragonite, and diamond/graphite.</p><p>The stress on each interface of a solid can be decomposed into components normal to the interface and parallel to the interface. In our work, we determine the shift in the temperature of equilibrium on fixed interfaces between polymorph pairs as a function of both interface-normal and interface-parallel stress variation. We find that the influence of normal stress variation on the equilibrium temperature of polymorphs is approximately two orders of magnitude greater than interface-parallel stress variation. Thus, at a fixed temperature, normal stress determines the chemical potential of a given interface to first order. Consequently, high-pressure polymorphs will preferentially form normal to the maximum stress, while low-pressure polymorphs, normal to the minimum stress.</p><p>Nonetheless, interface-parallel stress variations can meaningfully affect the stability of phases that are at or near equilibrium. We demonstrate the surprising result that for a given polymorph pair, a decrease in interface-parallel stresses can make a high-pressure polymorph more stable relative to a low-pressure polymorph on the given interface.</p><p>The effects of non-hydrostatic stress on mineral assemblages are most likely to be seen in dry systems. Many reactions in metamorphic systems are fluid-mediated, and fluids cannot sustain non-hydrostatic stress. Consequently, in systems with interconnected, fluid-filled porosity, mineral assemblages will tend to form at a pressure approximately equal to the fluid pressure. In contrast, in dry systems all reactions occur directly between solids which can sustain non-hydrostatic stress. This facilitates the application of non-hydrostatic thermodynamics. Consequently, dry rocks containing polymorphs such as such as quartzites, marbles, and peridotites represent ideal lithologies for the testing and application of these concepts. By influencing the chemical potential of solid interfaces, non-hydrostatic stress alters the thermodynamic driving force and subsequent kinetics of polymorphic reactions. This likely results in preferential orientations of polymorphs which could influence seismic anisotropy and potentially generate seismicity.</p><p>[1] Larché, F., & Cahn, J. W. (1985). Acta Metallurgica, 33(3), 331-357. https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-6160(85)90077-X</p><p>[2] Hobbs, B. E., & Ord, A. (2016). Earth-Science Reviews, 163, 190-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2016.08.013</p><p>[3] Powell, R., Evans, K. A., Green, E. C. R., & White, R. W. (2018). Journal of Metamorphic Petrology, 36(4), 419-438. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12298</p><p>[4] Tajčmanová, L., Podladchikov, Y., Powell, R., Moulas, E., Vrijmoed, J. C., & Connolly, J. A. D. (2014). Journal of Metamorphic Petrology, 32(2), 195-207. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12066</p><p>[5] Wheeler, J. (2018). Journal of Metamorphic Petrology, 36(4), 439-461. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12299</p>

Plate tectonics and volatiles: the nanorock connexion

<p>The global geological volatile cycle (H, C, N) plays an important role in the long term self-regulation of the Earth system. However, the complex interaction between its deep, solid Earth component (i.e. crust and mantle), Earth’s fluid envelope (i.e. atmosphere and hydrosphere) and plate tectonic processes is a subject of ongoing debate. Here, we want to draw attention to how the presence of primary, pristine melt (MI) and fluid (FI) inclusions in high grade metamorphic minerals could help constrain the crustal component of the volatile cycle. We review the distribution of pristine MI and FI throughout Earth’s history, from the onset of plate tectonics at ca. 3.0 Ga to the present day. Combined with thermodynamic modelling, our compilation indicates that periods of well-established plate tectonics regimes at 0-1.2 Ga and 1.8-2.0 Ga, might be more prone to the reworking of supracrustal lithologies and the storage of volatiles at lower crustal depths. We then argue that the lower crust might constitute an important, although temporary, volatile storage unit, capable to influence the composition of the surface envelopes through the mean of weathering, crustal thickening, partial melting and crustal assimilation during volcanic activity.</p><p>Such hypothesis has implication beyond the scope of metamorphic petrology as it potentially links geodynamic mechanisms to habitable surface conditions. MI and FI in metamorphic rocks is a rich but still relatively uncharted realm. In the near future, a concerted research effort should aim to find and characterize new instances of pristine inclusions in periods of the Earth’s history currently underrepresented in the inclusion database, e.g. the Boring Billion. The merging of the messages of thousands of minuscule droplets of fluids trapped in the deepest roots of the continental plates will then eventually provide a truly comprehensive portrait of how the Earth’s evolution proceeds through the geological timescale.</p><p> </p>

Applications of Raman Spectroscopy in Metamorphic Petrology and Tectonics

Raman spectroscopy is widely applied in metamorphic petrology and offers many opportunities for geological and tectonic research. Minimal sample preparation preserves sample integrity and microtextural information, while use with confocal microscopes allows spatial resolution down to the micrometer level. Raman spectroscopy clearly distinguishes mineral polymorphs, providing crucial constraints on metamorphic conditions, particularly ultrahigh-pressure conditions. Raman spectroscopy can also be used to monitor the structure of carbonaceous material in metamorphic rocks. Changes in structure are temperature-sensitive, so Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material is widely used for thermometry. Raman spectroscopy can also detect and quantify strain in micro-inclusions, offering new barometers that can be applied to understand metamorphic and tectonic processes without any assumptions about chemical equilibrium.