Alpine peak pressure and tectono-metamorphic history of the Monte Rosa nappe: evidence from the cirque du Véraz, upper Ayas valley, Italy

The Monte Rosa nappe consists of a wide range of lithologies that record conditions associated with peak Alpine metamorphism. While peak temperature conditions inferred from previous studies largely agree, variable peak pressures have been estimated for the Alpine high-pressure metamorphic event. Small volumes of whiteschist lithologies with the assemblage chloritoid + phengite + talc + quartz record peak pressures up to 0.6 GPa higher compared to associated metapelitic and metagranitic lithologies, which yield a peak pressure of ca. 1.6 GPa. The reason for this pressure difference is disputed, and proposed explanations include tectonic mixing of rocks from different burial depths (mélange) or local deviations of the pressure from the lithostatic value caused by heterogeneous stress conditions between rocks of contrasting mechanical properties. We present results of detailed field mapping, structural analysis and a new geological map for a part of the Monte Rosa nappe exposed at the cirque du Véraz field area (head of the Ayas valley, Italy). Results of the geological mapping and structural analysis shows the structural coherency within the western portions of the Monte Rosa nappe. This structural coherency falsifies the hypothesis of a tectonic mélange as reason for peak pressure variations. Structural analysis indicates two major Alpine deformation events, in agreement with earlier studies: (1) north-directed nappe emplacement, and (2) south-directed backfolding. We also analyze a newly discovered whiteschist body, which is located at the intrusive contact between Monte Rosa metagranite and surrounding metapelites. This location is different to previous whiteschist occurrences, which were entirely embedded within metagranite. Thermodynamic calculations using metamorphic assemblage diagrams resulted in 2.1 ± 0.2 GPa and 560 ± 20 °C for peak Alpine metamorphic conditions. These results agree with metamorphic conditions inferred for previously investigated nearby whiteschist outcrops embedded in metagranite. The new results, hence, confirm the peak pressure differences between whiteschists and the metagranite and metapelite. To better constrain the prograde pressure–temperature history of the whiteschist, we compare measured Mg zoning in chloritoid with Mg zoning predicted by fractional crystallization pseudo-section modelling for several hypothetical pressure–temperature paths. In order to reach a ca. 0.6 GPa higher peak pressure compared to the metapelite and metagranite, our results suggest that the whiteschist likely deviated from the prograde burial path recorded in metapelite and metagranite lithologies. However, the exact conditions at which the whiteschist pressure deviated are still contentious due to the strong temperature dependency of Mg partitioning in whiteschist assemblages. Our pseudo-section results suggest at least that there was no dramatic isothermal pressure increase recorded in the whiteschist.

The seismic structure of the lithosphere in the greater Alpine area from S-to-P converted waves

<p>In the frame of the AlpArray project we analyse teleseismic data from permanent and temporary stations of the greater Alpine region to study seismic discontinuities in the entire lithosphere. We use broadband S-to-P converted signals from below the seismic stations. In order to avoid sidelobes, no deconvolution or filtering is applied and S arrival times are used as reference. We show a number of north-south and east-west profiles through the greater Alpine area. The Moho signals are always seen very clearly, and also negative velocity gradients below the Moho are visible in a number of profiles. The subducting European Moho is visible in the Eastern Alps west of 13.5°E (the eastern edge of the Tauern Window) and reaches there about 60km depth at 47°N. East of about 13.5°E, the image of the Moho changes completely. No south dipping European Moho is found anymore, instead the Moho is shallowing towards the Pannonian Basin. This suggests severe post-nappe emplacement modifications east of about 13.5°E, most probably associated with delamination of the mantle lithosphere within the formerly subducting European slab, i.e. mantle that separated from the crustal parts of the Alpine-West Carpathian orogen during the last ca. 20 Ma when the Pannonian basin formed and the ALCAPA block underwent its E-directed lateral extrusion.</p><p>Ratschbacher, L., Frisch, W., Linzer, H.-G. and Merle, O. (1991) Lateral extrusion in the Eastern Alps, Part 2: Structural analysis. Tectonics, vol.10, No.2, 257-271.</p>

Th–U–total Pb monazite geochronology records Ordovician (444 Ma) metamorphism/partial melting and Silurian (419 Ma) thrusting in the Kåfjord Nappe, Norwegian Arctic Caledonides

The northern extent of the Scandinavian Caledonides includes the Skibotn Nappe Complex of still debated structural position. This paper is focused on part of this complex and presents new U–Th–total Pb monazite dating results for the migmatitic gneiss of the Kåfjord Nappe. The rocks show mineral assemblage of garnet + plagioclase + biotite + white mica + kyanite + rutile ± K-feldspar ± sillimanite. Thermodynamic modelling suggests that garnet was stable at P–T conditions of ca. 680–720 °C and 8–10 kbars in the stability field of kyanite and the rocks underwent partial melting during exhumation following a clockwise P–T path. This episode is dated to 444 ± 12 Ma using chemical Th–U–total Pb dating of the Y-depleted monazite core. Second episode highlighted by growth of secondary white mica resulted from subsequent overprint in amphibolite and greenschist facies. Fluid assisted growth of the Y-enriched monazite rim at 419 ± 8 Ma marks the timing of the nappe emplacement. Age of migmatization and thrusting in the Kåfjord Nappe is similar to the Kalak Nappe Complex, and other units of the Middle Allochthon to the south. Nevertheless, the obtained results do not allow for unambiguous definition of the tectonostratigraphic position of the Skibotn Nappe Complex.

Relationships between syn-orogenic sedimentation and nappe emplacement in the hinterland of the Variscan belt in NW Iberia deduced from detrital zircons

Flysch-type, syn-orogenic deposits of Carboniferous age occur in relation to the emplacement of a large allochthonous nappe stack in the Variscan belt of NW Iberia. New U–Pb age populations of detrital zircons obtained using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) are considered together with others from previously dated samples to establish the relationships between sedimentation and thrusting. The age populations of four syn-orogenic formations are compared with those of the pre-orogenic sequence in the Autochthon and Parautochthon, representing the Gondwanan passive margin, and in the Allochthon, formed by peri-Gondwanan and oceanic terranes. In addition, a new structural study has been carried out to understand the relationships between the syn-orogenic deposits and the development of Variscan structures. The aims are to identify the sources of sediments and to establish the relationship between Variscan structural evolution and syn-orogenic sedimentation. Development of a forebulge outwards from the allochthonous front, deduced from the structural study, suggests the existence of depocentres that hosted the syn-orogenic sediments. Together with the trend shown by the more recent zircons in each formation, that are younger towards the external zones, the data suggest that sedimentation occurred in progressively migrating depocentres formed in front of the allochthonous wedge during its emplacement. The zircon age populations point to the Allochthon as the main source of detritus for the syn-orogenic basins, with perhaps a limited participation of the Parautochthon and Autochthon in the younger formations.

Structural pattern and emplacement mechanisms of the Krížna cover nappe (Central Western Carpathians)

Structural pattern and emplacement mechanisms of the Krížna cover nappe (Central Western Carpathians)The Central Western Carpathians are characterized by both the thick- and thin-skinned thrust tectonics that originated during the Cretaceous. The Krížna Unit (Fatric Superunit) with a thickness of only a few km is the most widespread cover nappe system that completely overthrusts the Tatric basement/cover superunit over an area of about 12 thousands square km. In searching for a reliable model of its origin and emplacement, we have collected structural data throughout the nappe body from its hinterland backstop (Veporic Superunit) to its frontal parts. Fluid inclusion (FI) data from carbonate cataclastic rocks occurring at the nappe sole provided useful information about the p-T conditions during the nappe transport. The crucial phenomena considered for formulation of our evolutionary model are: (1) the nappe was derived from a broad rifted basinal area bounded by elevated domains; (2) the nappe body is composed of alternating, rheologically very variable sedimentary rock complexes, hence creating a mechanically stratified multilayer; (3) presence of soft strata serving as décollement horizons; (4) stress and strain gradients increasing towards the backstop; (5) progressive internal deformation at very low-grade conditions partitioned into several deformation stages reflecting varying external constraints for the nappe movement; (6) a very weak nappe sole formed by cataclasites indicating fluid-assisted nappe transport during all stages; (7) injection of hot overpressured fluids from external sources (deformed basement units) facilitating frontal ramp overthrusting under supralithostatic conditions. It was found that no simple mechanical model can be applied, but that all known principal emplacement mechanisms and driving forces temporarily participated in progressive structural evolution of the nappe. The rear compression operated during the early stages, when the sedimentary succession was detached, shortened and transported over the frontal ramp. Subsequently, gravity spreading and gliding governed the final nappe emplacement over the unconstrained basinal foreland.

Detrital zircon constraints on terrane ages and affinities and timing of orogenic events in the San Juan Islands and North Cascades, Washington

Detrital zircon geochronology of this report pertains to Cretaceous orogeny in northwest Washington, an event that involved blueschist metamorphism and emplacement of nappes in the San Juan Islands – northwest Cascades thrust system and continental arc magmatism and associated Barrovian metamorphism in the neighboring Coast Plutonic Complex. Structurally low in the thrust system, quartzose gneiss of the Yellow Aster Complex yields an entirely Precambrian suite of detrital zircons, with an age pattern that is similar to that of Ordovician miogeoclinal rocks and the outboard Yukon–Tanana, Yreka, and Shoo Fly terranes elsewhere in the Cordillera. Midway in the nappe pile of the northwest Cascades, sandstone in the Bell Pass Mélange has a zircon age population of 110 Ma, an age that together with the spectrum of exotic materials associated with the sandstone suggests the mélange was a major zone of dislocation during mid-Cretaceous nappe emplacement. At a high level in the thrust system are nappes of the Fidalgo Complex, Lummi Formation, Constitution Formation, and Easton Metamorphic Suite, all with a prominent age peak in the range of 148–155 Ma. These units appear to be mutually related, represent inter-arc marginal basins, and are correlative with terranes in the western Klamath Mountains. The Nooksack Formation, footwall to nappes in the Cascades, has a zircon population at 114 Ma, providing a maximum age of nappe emplacement. The Tonga Formation of the Coast Plutonic Complex bears zircons that indicate a depositional age of <125 Ma, thus yielding a maximum age for the beginning of Barrovian metamorphism and continental arc plutonism in this region.