Geochemistry of Eclogites and Metapelites from Trescolmen,Central Alps,as Observed from Major and Trace Elements and Oxygen Isotopes |
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| Abstract: | Eclogites are often the only tangible high-pressure evidence we have from a paleosubduction zone, and they potentially preserve important geochemical information from the descending slab. Selected Group B/C eclogites and metapelites from the Trescolmen locality in the Adula nappe in the central Swiss Alps were chosen for a detailed investigation to determine oxygen isotope ratios and major- and trace-element compositions of the main rock-forming minerals. Complex major-element zonation patterns in garnet porphyroblasts indicate a pre-Alpine, medium-pressure growth history coupled with a high-pressure modification during the Alpine orogeny. Garnet REE patterns are notably HREE depleted in rim regions, with high overall REE content, particularly in the cores of grains. Omphacites are relatively homogenous in major elements, and show LREE- and HREE-depleted patterns, but with overall abundances of REEs lower than in garnets. These patterns are best explained by partitioning of the HREEs into garnet and the LREEs into zoisite. Oxygen-isotope systematics indicate limited fluid flow in eclogites and surrounding metapelites. δ18O values of quartz and garnet at the interface between eclogites and metapelites are indistinguishable and point to fluid exchange. Oxygen equilibrium conditions among rock-forming minerals, particularly between quartz and garnet in eclogites and metapelites, were reached, and fractionation indicates temperatures of ～600°C. The δ18O of unaltered eclogites (5.5 to 7.5 ‰) suggests a basaltic, MORB-type protolith. |
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| Keywords: | foreland basin collisional successor basin Helan Shan Yinshan Qinling Suolon suture Sichuan basin |
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