O anfibolito Cafelândia faz parte da Sequência Serra da Malacacheta, Complexo Barro Alto, GO. Por ser rocha com bandamento composicional bem definido, o anfibolito tem sido interpretado como produto de metamorfismo de gabro acamadado. Entretando, uma das feições que esse bandamento composicional apresenta é a presença de veios de leucossoma paralelos à foliação da rocha. O contato transicional entre o anfibolito e alguns dos veios de leucossoma indicam que os veios foram formados por fusão in situ. O objetivo do presente trabalho é investigar o processo de fusão que afetou a rocha, utilizando descrições macroscópicas, microscópicas e análises químicas de minerais em diversos contextos texturais. O bandamento composicional é definido pela variação na proporção modal de hornblenda, plagioclásio, titanita, clinopiroxênio, granada e quartzo. Veios de leucossoma com porfiroblastos de hornblenda, concordantes ou discordantes da foliação são observados reforçando o bandamento. No topo estrutural do anfibolito ocorrem camadas com mais de 70% de hornblenda e outras dominadas por clinopiroxênio e granada. Ortopiroxênio é raro e não é possível ter certeza se os grãos presentes são reliquiares do protolito ígneo ou se são metamórficos. As camadas ricas em granada e clinopiroxênio não ultrapassam espessuras maiores que 5 a 10 cm. Na porção basal do anfibolito a proporção de hornblenda é menor e a proporção de clinopiroxênio e granada maior, ocorrendo ortopiroxênio em alguns afloramentos. Os porfiroblastos de hornblenda do leucossoma são substituídos por clinopiroxênio e rara granada. Diferenças sutis nas composições dos grãos de hornblenda e clinopiroxênio do anfibolito Cafelândia e do leucossoma ocorrem, mas são mascaradas pela influência da composição da banda na composição dos minerais. De modo geral, a hornblenda no leucossoma é mais rica em Si e Mg do que os grãos da matriz, enquanto o clinopiroxênio do leucossoma é mais rico em Al. Micro-exsoluções no clinopiroxênio do leucossoma também impedem a comparação da sua composição real com os grãos da matriz da rocha. Cálculos termobarométricos foram feitos em amostras do topo e da base estrutural do anfibolito utilizando o termômetro granada-clinopiroxênio e o barômetro granada-clinopiroxênio-plagioclásio-quartzo, além do programa THERMOCALC. A termobarometria convencional fornece valores P-T menores para temperatura e similares de pressão aqueles calculados com o THERMOCALC e não são muito diferentes dos que já foram calculados previamente, com valores para o topo de 870 ºC e 10,9 kbar e para a base de 881 ºC e 9,8 kbar. Se quartzo não é usado nos cálculos P-T, acréscimo de 2 a 3 kbar ocorre nos resultados. Os dados P-T calculados são compatíveis ou algo inferiores aos resultados experimentais de fusão de rochas máficas contendo hornblenda, produção de líquido tonalítico e resíduo contendo clinopiroxênio e granada. A presença de hornblenda dentro do leucossoma do topo da unidade pode estar associada com influxo de H2O no sistema durante a fusão, diferente do que ocorre na base do corpo. É possível que o líquido que se encontrava na porção basal esvai em direção as porções superiores do anfibolito, reidratando a rocha e formando porfiroblastos de hornblenda dentro do leucossoma do topo. Uma conclusão importante tirada aqui é que o protolito do anfibolito Cafelândia pode ser o anfibolito da base da sequência Juscelândia, sobreposta, e que o bandamento composicional foi gerado por metamorfismo, fusão e segregação/perda do liquido e não por metamorfismo de gabro acamadado. / The Cafelândia amphibolite is part of the Serra da Malacacheta sequence, Barro Alto Complex, GO. As it is a rock with well-defined compositional banding, the amphibolite has been interpreted as a product of metamorphism of layered gabbro. However, a feature that reinforces the banding is the presence of leucosome veins, which are mainly parallel to the rock foliation. The transitional contact between amphibolite and some of the veins of leucosome indicate that the veins were formed by in situ melting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the melting process that affected the rock using macroscopic and microscopic descriptions, as well as chemical analysis of minerals in various textural contexts. The compositional banding is defined by variation in modal proportion of hornblende, plagioclase, titanite, clinopyroxene, garnet and quartz. Veins of leucosome with porphyroblasts of hornblende, concordant or discordant to foliation are observed, reinforcing the banding. At the structural top, layers of amphibolite occur with more than 70% of hornblende and others are dominated by clinopyroxene and garnet. Orthopyroxene is rare and its metamorphic origin cannot be assured, being possible that these grains are relicts of the igneous protolith. The garnet and clinopyroxene rich layers do not exceeding thicknesses greater than 5 to 10 cm. In the basal portion hornblende proportion is much smaller, but clinopyroxene and garnet are larger. Orthopyroxene occurs in some outcrops. The porphyroblasts of hornblende from the leucosome are replaced by clinopyroxene and rare garnet. Subtle differences in the composition of the of hornblende and clinopyroxene grains in the Cafelândia amphibolite and leucosome occur, but are masked by the influence of the bulk composition of each band in the composition of minerals. In general, the hornblende in the leucosome is richer in Si and Mg than the matrix grains, whereas the leucosome clinopyroxene is richer in Al. Micro-exsolutions in clinopyroxene in the leucosome also hampers the comparison of its \"real\" composition with the grains of the rock matrix. Thermobarometric calculations were done on samples from the structural top and bottom of amphibolite, using the garnet-clinopyroxene thermometer and garnetclinopyroxene- plagioclase-quartz barometer, besides the THERMOCALC. The conventional thermobarometry provides lower P-T values for temperature and similar pressure to those calculated with the THERMOCALC, and results are not very different from those that have been previously calculated. Results for the top are 870 ºC and 10.9 kbar and for the basis 881 ºC and 9.8 kbar. If quartz is not used in the P-T calculations, raise of 2 to 3 kbar occurs in the results. The calculated P-T data are compatible or something lower than the results of experiments for melting of hornblende-bearing mafic rocks with production tonalitic liquid and clinopyroxene and garnet residue. The hornblende-bearing leucosome of the top of the unit may be associated with influx of H2O in the system during melting, unlike what occurs at the base of the body. It is also possible that the liquid formed in basal portion oozes toward the upper portions of amphibolite, rehydrating it to form the hornblende porphyroblasts within the leucosome. An important conclusion drawn here is that the protolith of amphibolite Cafelândia can be bottom amphibolite of the Juscelândia sequence, which overly the Cafelândia amphibolite, and that the banding was generated by metamorphism, melting and segregation / loss of melt and not by metamorphism of layered gabbro.

O anfibolito Cafelândia faz parte da Sequência Serra da Malacacheta, Complexo Barro Alto, GO. Por ser rocha com bandamento composicional bem definido, o anfibolito tem sido interpretado como produto de metamorfismo de gabro acamadado. Entretando, uma das feições que esse bandamento composicional apresenta é a presença de veios de leucossoma paralelos à foliação da rocha. O contato transicional entre o anfibolito e alguns dos veios de leucossoma indicam que os veios foram formados por fusão in situ. O objetivo do presente trabalho é investigar o processo de fusão que afetou a rocha, utilizando descrições macroscópicas, microscópicas e análises químicas de minerais em diversos contextos texturais. O bandamento composicional é definido pela variação na proporção modal de hornblenda, plagioclásio, titanita, clinopiroxênio, granada e quartzo. Veios de leucossoma com porfiroblastos de hornblenda, concordantes ou discordantes da foliação são observados reforçando o bandamento. No topo estrutural do anfibolito ocorrem camadas com mais de 70% de hornblenda e outras dominadas por clinopiroxênio e granada. Ortopiroxênio é raro e não é possível ter certeza se os grãos presentes são reliquiares do protolito ígneo ou se são metamórficos. As camadas ricas em granada e clinopiroxênio não ultrapassam espessuras maiores que 5 a 10 cm. Na porção basal do anfibolito a proporção de hornblenda é menor e a proporção de clinopiroxênio e granada maior, ocorrendo ortopiroxênio em alguns afloramentos. Os porfiroblastos de hornblenda do leucossoma são substituídos por clinopiroxênio e rara granada. Diferenças sutis nas composições dos grãos de hornblenda e clinopiroxênio do anfibolito Cafelândia e do leucossoma ocorrem, mas são mascaradas pela influência da composição da banda na composição dos minerais. De modo geral, a hornblenda no leucossoma é mais rica em Si e Mg do que os grãos da matriz, enquanto o clinopiroxênio do leucossoma é mais rico em Al. Micro-exsoluções no clinopiroxênio do leucossoma também impedem a comparação da sua composição real com os grãos da matriz da rocha. Cálculos termobarométricos foram feitos em amostras do topo e da base estrutural do anfibolito utilizando o termômetro granada-clinopiroxênio e o barômetro granada-clinopiroxênio-plagioclásio-quartzo, além do programa THERMOCALC. A termobarometria convencional fornece valores P-T menores para temperatura e similares de pressão aqueles calculados com o THERMOCALC e não são muito diferentes dos que já foram calculados previamente, com valores para o topo de 870 ºC e 10,9 kbar e para a base de 881 ºC e 9,8 kbar. Se quartzo não é usado nos cálculos P-T, acréscimo de 2 a 3 kbar ocorre nos resultados. Os dados P-T calculados são compatíveis ou algo inferiores aos resultados experimentais de fusão de rochas máficas contendo hornblenda, produção de líquido tonalítico e resíduo contendo clinopiroxênio e granada. A presença de hornblenda dentro do leucossoma do topo da unidade pode estar associada com influxo de H2O no sistema durante a fusão, diferente do que ocorre na base do corpo. É possível que o líquido que se encontrava na porção basal esvai em direção as porções superiores do anfibolito, reidratando a rocha e formando porfiroblastos de hornblenda dentro do leucossoma do topo. Uma conclusão importante tirada aqui é que o protolito do anfibolito Cafelândia pode ser o anfibolito da base da sequência Juscelândia, sobreposta, e que o bandamento composicional foi gerado por metamorfismo, fusão e segregação/perda do liquido e não por metamorfismo de gabro acamadado. / The Cafelândia amphibolite is part of the Serra da Malacacheta sequence, Barro Alto Complex, GO. As it is a rock with well-defined compositional banding, the amphibolite has been interpreted as a product of metamorphism of layered gabbro. However, a feature that reinforces the banding is the presence of leucosome veins, which are mainly parallel to the rock foliation. The transitional contact between amphibolite and some of the veins of leucosome indicate that the veins were formed by in situ melting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the melting process that affected the rock using macroscopic and microscopic descriptions, as well as chemical analysis of minerals in various textural contexts. The compositional banding is defined by variation in modal proportion of hornblende, plagioclase, titanite, clinopyroxene, garnet and quartz. Veins of leucosome with porphyroblasts of hornblende, concordant or discordant to foliation are observed, reinforcing the banding. At the structural top, layers of amphibolite occur with more than 70% of hornblende and others are dominated by clinopyroxene and garnet. Orthopyroxene is rare and its metamorphic origin cannot be assured, being possible that these grains are relicts of the igneous protolith. The garnet and clinopyroxene rich layers do not exceeding thicknesses greater than 5 to 10 cm. In the basal portion hornblende proportion is much smaller, but clinopyroxene and garnet are larger. Orthopyroxene occurs in some outcrops. The porphyroblasts of hornblende from the leucosome are replaced by clinopyroxene and rare garnet. Subtle differences in the composition of the of hornblende and clinopyroxene grains in the Cafelândia amphibolite and leucosome occur, but are masked by the influence of the bulk composition of each band in the composition of minerals. In general, the hornblende in the leucosome is richer in Si and Mg than the matrix grains, whereas the leucosome clinopyroxene is richer in Al. Micro-exsolutions in clinopyroxene in the leucosome also hampers the comparison of its \"real\" composition with the grains of the rock matrix. Thermobarometric calculations were done on samples from the structural top and bottom of amphibolite, using the garnet-clinopyroxene thermometer and garnetclinopyroxene- plagioclase-quartz barometer, besides the THERMOCALC. The conventional thermobarometry provides lower P-T values for temperature and similar pressure to those calculated with the THERMOCALC, and results are not very different from those that have been previously calculated. Results for the top are 870 ºC and 10.9 kbar and for the basis 881 ºC and 9.8 kbar. If quartz is not used in the P-T calculations, raise of 2 to 3 kbar occurs in the results. The calculated P-T data are compatible or something lower than the results of experiments for melting of hornblende-bearing mafic rocks with production tonalitic liquid and clinopyroxene and garnet residue. The hornblende-bearing leucosome of the top of the unit may be associated with influx of H2O in the system during melting, unlike what occurs at the base of the body. It is also possible that the liquid formed in basal portion oozes toward the upper portions of amphibolite, rehydrating it to form the hornblende porphyroblasts within the leucosome. An important conclusion drawn here is that the protolith of amphibolite Cafelândia can be bottom amphibolite of the Juscelândia sequence, which overly the Cafelândia amphibolite, and that the banding was generated by metamorphism, melting and segregation / loss of melt and not by metamorphism of layered gabbro.

A Suíte Figueira Branca é um complexo máfico-ultramáfico no Terreno Jauru, sudoeste do Cráton Amazônico. Novos dados litológicos, geoquímicos, de raios gama e de campos potenciais, integrados com dados geológicos, isotópicos e paleomagnéticos, foram utilizados para caracterizar of pulso magmático Mesoproterozóico da suíte vinculado a um ambiente distensivo. A Suíte Figueira Branca foi formada pela intrusão na crosta de um magma juvenil em 1425 Ma, mesma idade dos estágios tardios da orogenia Santa Helena. Em três artigos, esta suíte foi estudada em escalas desde microscópicas a continentais. Primeiramente, a Suíte Figueira Branca foi analisada através de lâminas para determinar a influência da utilização de vínculos errados ou inadequados na modelagem de dados de campos magnéticos e gravimétricos. Em seguida, a extensão do magmatismo pertencente à suite foi delimitado, via campos potenciais e gamaespectrometria, a quatro corpos ao norte da cidade de Indiavaí, MT - Brasil. A modelagem dos dados de campos gravimétrico e magnético indicaram que as fontes dos sinais geofísicos se encontram em horizontes rasos ou aflorantes. Estas intrusões apresentam um alinhamento noroeste por mais de 8 Km, com magnetização remanente significativa consistentes direções publicadas em estudos paleomagnéticos. O crescente enriquecimento de Elementos de Terras-Raras leves em corpos gabróicos da suíte foi interpretado como evidência de fracionamento progressivo do magma. A instrusão, a mineralogia e a assinatura geoquímica indicaram um ambiente de extesão de retro-arco durante os estágios finais da orogenia Santa Helena. A terceira parte deste trabalho consistiu na avaliação de reconstruções através de dados de campo magnético do supercontinente paleo- a mesoproterozóico Nuna. O mapa global de anomalia magnética, EMAG2, permitiu observar continuidades de lineamentos e regimes magnéticos em domínios de idades similares em diferentes crátons (Amazônico, Báltico, Oeste Africano, do Norte da China). Estas propriedades magnéticas indicaram a teoria que melhor se adequava aos dados de campo magnético, e sugeriram o ambiente regional onde o Terreno Jauru se encontrava na época da intrusão da Suíte Figueira Branca. / The Figueira Branca Suite is a layered mafic-ultramafic complex in the Jauru Terrane, southwest Amazon Craton. New lithological, geochemical, gamma-ray and potential field data, integrated with geological, isotope and paleomagnetic data are used to characterize this pulse of Mesoproterozoic extension-related magmatism. The Figueira Branca Suite formed through juvenile magma emplacement into the crust at 1425 Ma, coeval with the later stages of the Santa Helena Orogen. In three papers, this suite was studied from microscopic to continental scales. First, the Figueira Branca suite was analysed through thin sections to determine the influence of inaccurate constraints in magnetic and gravity field modelling. Then, the extent of magmatism within the suite was delimited to four bodies to the north of Indiavaí city, MT - Brazil, with potential fields and gamma-ray data. Modelling gravity and magnetic field data indicated that the anomalous sources are close to the surface or outcropping. These intrusions trend northwest over 8 km, with significant remanent magnetization that is consistent with published direction obtained through paleomagnetic data. The increasing enrichment of LREE in the gabbroic bodies of the suite was interpreted as evidence of progressive fractionation of the magma. The emplacement, mineralogy and geochemical signature point towards a backarc extension tectonic framework in the later stages of the Santa Helena Orogen. The third part of the work consisted on evaluating reconstructions of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Nuna with magnetic field data. The global magnetic anomaly map, EMAG2, allowed to observe continuity of magnetic lineaments and regimes in domains of similar ages in different cratons (Amazon, Baltica, West Africa and North China). These magnetic features indicated the theory which the magnetic field best supported, and suggested the regional environment where the Jauru Terrane was inserted by the time of the intrusion of the Figueira Branca Suite.

A Suíte Figueira Branca é um complexo máfico-ultramáfico no Terreno Jauru, sudoeste do Cráton Amazônico. Novos dados litológicos, geoquímicos, de raios gama e de campos potenciais, integrados com dados geológicos, isotópicos e paleomagnéticos, foram utilizados para caracterizar of pulso magmático Mesoproterozóico da suíte vinculado a um ambiente distensivo. A Suíte Figueira Branca foi formada pela intrusão na crosta de um magma juvenil em 1425 Ma, mesma idade dos estágios tardios da orogenia Santa Helena. Em três artigos, esta suíte foi estudada em escalas desde microscópicas a continentais. Primeiramente, a Suíte Figueira Branca foi analisada através de lâminas para determinar a influência da utilização de vínculos errados ou inadequados na modelagem de dados de campos magnéticos e gravimétricos. Em seguida, a extensão do magmatismo pertencente à suite foi delimitado, via campos potenciais e gamaespectrometria, a quatro corpos ao norte da cidade de Indiavaí, MT - Brasil. A modelagem dos dados de campos gravimétrico e magnético indicaram que as fontes dos sinais geofísicos se encontram em horizontes rasos ou aflorantes. Estas intrusões apresentam um alinhamento noroeste por mais de 8 Km, com magnetização remanente significativa consistentes direções publicadas em estudos paleomagnéticos. O crescente enriquecimento de Elementos de Terras-Raras leves em corpos gabróicos da suíte foi interpretado como evidência de fracionamento progressivo do magma. A instrusão, a mineralogia e a assinatura geoquímica indicaram um ambiente de extesão de retro-arco durante os estágios finais da orogenia Santa Helena. A terceira parte deste trabalho consistiu na avaliação de reconstruções através de dados de campo magnético do supercontinente paleo- a mesoproterozóico Nuna. O mapa global de anomalia magnética, EMAG2, permitiu observar continuidades de lineamentos e regimes magnéticos em domínios de idades similares em diferentes crátons (Amazônico, Báltico, Oeste Africano, do Norte da China). Estas propriedades magnéticas indicaram a teoria que melhor se adequava aos dados de campo magnético, e sugeriram o ambiente regional onde o Terreno Jauru se encontrava na época da intrusão da Suíte Figueira Branca. / The Figueira Branca Suite is a layered mafic-ultramafic complex in the Jauru Terrane, southwest Amazon Craton. New lithological, geochemical, gamma-ray and potential field data, integrated with geological, isotope and paleomagnetic data are used to characterize this pulse of Mesoproterozoic extension-related magmatism. The Figueira Branca Suite formed through juvenile magma emplacement into the crust at 1425 Ma, coeval with the later stages of the Santa Helena Orogen. In three papers, this suite was studied from microscopic to continental scales. First, the Figueira Branca suite was analysed through thin sections to determine the influence of inaccurate constraints in magnetic and gravity field modelling. Then, the extent of magmatism within the suite was delimited to four bodies to the north of Indiavaí city, MT - Brazil, with potential fields and gamma-ray data. Modelling gravity and magnetic field data indicated that the anomalous sources are close to the surface or outcropping. These intrusions trend northwest over 8 km, with significant remanent magnetization that is consistent with published direction obtained through paleomagnetic data. The increasing enrichment of LREE in the gabbroic bodies of the suite was interpreted as evidence of progressive fractionation of the magma. The emplacement, mineralogy and geochemical signature point towards a backarc extension tectonic framework in the later stages of the Santa Helena Orogen. The third part of the work consisted on evaluating reconstructions of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Nuna with magnetic field data. The global magnetic anomaly map, EMAG2, allowed to observe continuity of magnetic lineaments and regimes in domains of similar ages in different cratons (Amazon, Baltica, West Africa and North China). These magnetic features indicated the theory which the magnetic field best supported, and suggested the regional environment where the Jauru Terrane was inserted by the time of the intrusion of the Figueira Branca Suite.

Mafic eruptions have been the dominant form of volcanic activity in central Oregon throughout the Holocene. These eruptions have produced cinder cones, extensive lava flows, and tephra blankets. In most cases, the extent and volume of the tephra blankets has not been determined, despite the fact that future tephra production would pose considerable hazards to transportation, infrastructure, and public health. The economy of the region, which is largely based in tourism, would also be negatively impacted. For this reason, developing a better understanding of the extent and dynamics of tephra production at recent mafic vents is critical, both in terms of mitigating the hazards associated with future eruptions and in improving our scientific understanding of explosive mafic activity. Here I present detailed field and laboratory studies of tephra from recent mafic vents at Newberry Volcano and in the central Oregon High Cascades. Studies of Newberry vents show that eruption style is strongly correlated with eruptive volume, that extensive magma storage and assimilation occurred prior to the eruption of these vents, and that minimum pre-magmatic water content as recorded by plagioclase was 2.5 wt.%. Detailed mapping and physical studies of tephra deposits from High Cascades vents show that several recent eruptions produced extensive tephra deposits. These deposits are physically similar to well-documented historic eruptions that have been characterized as violent strombolian. At least one Cascade cinder cone (Sand Mountain) produced a tephra deposit that is unusually large in volume and characterized by uniformly fine-grained clasts, which is interpreted as evidence for syn-eruptive interaction with external water. Microtextural characteristics of tephra, along with an evaluation of possible water sources, support this interpretation. These investigations demonstrate that magma storage and eruption style at mafic vents is both variable and complex. Additionally, these studies show that cinder cones in central Oregon have the potential to erupt much more explosively than previously assumed. The results of this study will be an important tool for developing comprehensive regional hazard assessments. This dissertation includes previously published and unpublished co-authored material.

ABSTRACT The Central Blue Ridge sub-province of the southern Appalachian Mountains preserves an unique and complex geologic history. The Cartoogechaye terrane is the westernmost terrane of the Central Blue Ridge sub-province, and is characterized by extensive olistostromal sequences, including mafic-ultramafic massifs, isolated mafic units, and block-in-matrix structures of varying scales. This study investigates the genetic and tectonic relationships, and regional chemical and metamorphic trends of the amphibolitic rocks entrained within units of the Cartoogechaye and nearby terranes, toward constraining the origins of these regional sequences, and examining the rationale for the current Blue Ridge terrane designations. A distinct compositional variation exists between the northern and southern portions of the Cartoogechaye terrane, evident in the mafic rocks of the terrane. The amphibolite blocks and mega-blocks of the Willets-Addie mafic unit, in the northeastern portion of the Cartoogechaye terrane, indicate igneous rock protoliths of a calc-alkaline composition that are different from the mafic-origin amphibolitic massifs of the southwestern Cartoogechaye terrane (Ryan et al., 2005). Amphibolitic blocks of the Tathams Creek/Sylva area, immediately southwest of the Willets-Addie study site, show rare earth element systematics indistinguishable from the more mafic rocks in the Willets-Addie area, albeit with some chemical variation related most likely to variable migmatization of the rocks regionally. Mafic rocks in the adjoining Mars Hill terrane to the northwest show similar chemical trends, even though the Mars Hill terrane is recognized as different from the Cartoogechaye terrane, based on dating results from enclosing granitiods and migmatitic segregations. In the southwestern Cartoogechaye terrane, the Carroll Knob mafic complex preserves chemical signatures suggestive of ocean crustal origins, similar to the Buck Creek mafic-ultramafic suite (Berger et al. 2001, Peterson et al., 2009). However, the amphibolites in the Carroll Knob complex indicate pyroxene-rich cumulate and gabbroic protoliths consistent with an active oceanic magma system undergoing continuous magmatic replenishment and crystallization. West of the Carroll Knob complex, the Kimsey Bald mafic body includes amphibolites with protoliths comparable to the MORB-like, high-Ti amphibolites of the Buck Creek suite. The few amphibolite samples from the Lake Chatuge complex examined in this study also shows ocean crustal affinities, similar to those in the Buck Creek, Kimsey Bald, and Carroll Knob complexes. The chemical distinctions among these amphibolite suites, and the differences in the inferred crustal ages among their enclosing crustal units point to a possible boundary between the northern and southern regions of the Cartoogechaye terrane, one related either to likely crustal protoliths, or to a change in tectonic environment. The varied types of blocks comprising the Tathams Creek and associated Cartoogechaye units may indicate a transitional zone between the upper plate-derived accretionary sequences observed to the northeast and dominantly lower oceanic plate lithologies exposed in the southwestern extent of the terrane.

Mafic magma is the most common magma erupted at the surface of the earth. It is generated from partial melting of the mantle, which has been subdivided into end-members based on unique geochemical signatures. One reason these end members, or heterogeneities, exist is subduction of lithospheric plates back into the mantle. The amount of elements, such as Cl and K, removed during subduction and recycled into the deep mantle, is poorly constrained. Additionally, the amount of volatiles, such as Cl, that are recycled into the deep mantle will strongly affect the behavior of the system. I have looked at Cl and K in HIMU source melts to see how it varies. Cl/Nb and K/Nb suggest that elevated Cl/K ratios are the result of depletion of K rather than increased Cl recycled into the deep mantle. After the mantle has partially melted and mafic melt has migrated to the surface, it usually erupts effusively or with low explosivity because of its low viscosity, but it is possible for larger eruptions to occur. These larger, Plinian eruptions, are not well understood in mafic systems. It is generally thought that basalt has a viscosity that is too low to allow for such an eruption to occur. Plinian eruptions require fragmentation to occur, which means the melt must undergo brittle failure. This may occur if the melt ascends rapidly enough to allow pressure to build in bubbles without the bubbles expanding. To test this, I have done decompression experiments to try to bracket the ascent rate for two Plinian eruptions. One eruption has a fast ascent, faster than those seen in more silicic melts, whereas the other eruption is unable to be reproduced in the lab, however it began with a increased viscosity in the partly crystallized magma. After fragmentation and eruption, it is generally thought that tephra do not continue to crystallize. We have found that crystallinity increases from rim to core in two basaltic pumice. Textural data along with a cooling model has allowed us to estimate growth rates in a natural system, which are similar to experimental data. / text

This study aims to reveal the geochemical signatures of the basic igneous rocks with well-determined age within the Karakaya Complex in Central and NW Anatolia and also exhibit the relationships between the studied units in terms of geological and petrographical features. The Karakaya Complex comprise a number of tectono-stratigraphic units in the studied regions (the Olukman Melange, the Bah&ccedil / ecik Formation, the Ortaoba Unit and the informally named pillow basalt-limestone association) and the pre-Karakaya basement unit (the Eymir Complex). The basic igneous rocks have been all intensely affected by hydrothermal metamorphism as reflected by the secondary products strongly overprinting the primary mineral phases and most of them exhibit vesicular structures which are filled by mainly calcite. The primary mineral assemblage dominating the basaltic rocks is clino-pyroxene, plagioclase and olivine, whereas secondary phases are characterized by actinolite, pistacite, zoisite/clinozoisite group and chlorite. Kaersutite, as a late stage magmatic mineral, is distinctive for Ti-augite bearing imrahor basalts / on the other hand, the diabase dykes include hornblende as an essential primary phase. The basic rocks are represented by three groups / sub-alkaline, alkaline and transitional. The alkaline samples from imrahor, Hasanoglan, Kadirler and Ortaoba are of Anisian age and akin to oceanic-island basalts (OIB). The sub-alkaline and transitional samples from imrahor and Ortaoba reflect P-MORB features and are younger than the first group. The diabase dykes cross-cutting the Eymir Complex, on the other hand, are too dissimilar, indicating back-arc basin signatures. Based on the data obtained from this study, the Karakaya Complex is characterized by a number of tectonic components (seamount, plume-related mid ocean ridge and back-arc basin) with different ages and origins, which were later amalgamated during the Cimmerian orogeny.

[Truncated abstract] Many researchers have proposed the use of silicate rock fertilizers (SRFs) as alternatives to chemical fertilizers. However, the application of SRFs in modern agricultural practices is limited due mainly to the slow release of plant-nutrient elements from SRFs and consequently many tonnes/ha of SRFs may need to be applied. Simple and inexpensive methods of modifying the physicochemical properties of SRFs are needed to improve the agronomic effectiveness of SRFs. This thesis is focused on the evaluation of high-energy milling to produce superfine particles to improve the effectiveness of mafic (basalt and dolerite) and felsic (gneiss and K-feldspar) rocks for use as fertilizers. The ground mafic rocks are for use as Ca and Mg fertilizers and the ground felsic rocks as K fertilizers. Laboratory and glasshouse experiments were conducted with several potential SRFs. In laboratory experiments, initially milled rocks (Ø< 250 μm for basalt, dolerite, and gneiss; Ø < 150 μm for K-feldspar) were further milled with a ball mill (Spex-8000) for 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min under dry and wet (rock/water ratio = 1/3) conditions. To investigate possible reaction between constituents, other subsamples of initially milled basalt, dolerite, and gneiss were added to reagent grade NaCl or KCl (4.5 g rock + 0.5 g NaCl or KCl) and milled for 120 min under dry and wet conditions. Basalt and dolerite were also mixed with K-feldspar at a ratio of 1 : 1 and milled for 120 min under dry and wet conditions. For use in the glasshouse experiment, the initially milled rocks were further milled with a vertical stirred ball mill for 1 h in a dry condition. The elemental and mineralogical compositions of the SRFs were determined using XRF and XRD. Effects of milling on major physicochemical properties of milled rocks were determined, including particle size (Malvern Mastersizer), surface area (BET-N2), quantities of amorphous constituents (XRD, oxalic acid-oxalate extraction, TEM), extractable cations (1M CH3COONH4 pH 7), pHH2O, and electric conductivity. Dissolution kinetics in 0.01M acetic-citric acids (for 56 days) and soil (for 10 months) were determined. Based on the results of these laboratory experiments, a glasshouse experiment was carried out for 12 months to evaluate the effects of SRF application on growth and nutrient uptake of ryegrass grown on several soils. Milling reduced particle size, enhanced amorphism, and increased the release of structural cations from the rocks, with the effects due to dry milling being greater than for wet milling. The optimum milling times which produced maximum amounts of exchangeable cations (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) were 30 - 90 min, depending on rock type. The use of NaCl and KCl as milling additives did not enhance the properties of the SRF

A ambiência geotectônica das rochas máfico-ultramáficas do sudoeste do Cráton Amazônico é, de uma maneira geral, pouco conhecida. A maioria dos trabalhos desta porção cratônica está enfocada nos estudos geocronológicos em granitóides, de modo que pouco se sabe sobre a origem e significado tectônico destas rochas. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa buscou contribuir para o conhecimento da evolução geotectônica do sudoeste do Cráton Amazônico, através da caracterização de um complexo ofiolítico Mesoproterozóico, correspondente ao Complexo Trincheira, de idade Calimiana. Desta forma, uma nova proposta de modelo tectônico é aqui apresentada, a qual explica muitas das características anteriormente enigmáticas da história Pré-cambriana desta área-chave e possibilita outras alternativas para a reconstrução do supercontinente Columbia. O ofiolito Trincheira é composto de rochas extrusivas (anfibolitos derivados de basaltos maciços e almofadados), intrusivas máfico-ultramáficas, chert, formação ferrífera bandada, pelitos, psamitos e pequena proporção de rochas cálcio-silicáticas. A composição geoquímica das rochas extrusivas e intrusivas máfico-ultramáficas mostra semelhanças com os basaltos toleiíticos modernos, as quais possuem moderado a forte fracionamento de elementos terras-raras leves, padrão quase horizontal dos elementos terras-raras pesados e moderada a forte anomalia negativa dos elementos de alto campo de força (especialmente Nb), uma assinatura geoquímica típica de zona de subducção. As unidades basais do ofiolito Trincheira são quimicamente similares aos modernos basaltos de cadeia meso-oceânica (MORB). Esse comportamento químico muda para as unidades de topo as quais apresentam uma assinatura similar aos toleiítos de arco-de- ilha (IAT). Portanto, o ofiolito Trincheira deve ter sido originado em um ambiente intra-oceânico de supra-subducção composto de um sistema de arco/retro-arco. Os dados isotópicos de Sm, Nd e Sr para essas rochas indicam valores iniciais de Nd de moderados a altamente positivos (+2.6 a +8.8) e muito baixa razão inicial de 87Sr/86Sr (0,7013 – 0,7033), sugerindo que esses magmas foram originados a partir de uma fonte mantélica empobrecida e nada ou fracamente contaminados por componentes de subducção. O complexo ofiolítico foi deformado, metassomatizado e metamorfisado durante o desenvolvimento da Faixa Móvel Guaporé, um orógeno acrescionário-colisional Mesoproterozóico (1,47-1,35 Ba), constituído pela zona de sutura Guaporé, a qual une o Cráton Amazônico com o Bloco Paraguá. A fase colisional que marca o encaixe final dessas duas massas continentais ocorreu por volta de 1,35 Ba, onde o metamorfismo atingiu temperaturas entre 780 a 853°C nos granulitos máficos e 680 a 720°C nos anfibolitos, com pressão média de 6,8 kbar. A sutura Guaporé foi reativada no final do Mesoproterozóico e evoluiu para a abertura de um rift intracontinental, com a sedimentação das rochas dos Grupos Nova Brasilândia e Aguapeí, o qual marca a fragmentação final do supercontinente Columbia, por volta de 1,3-1,2 Ba. Granulitos máficos, anfibolitos e trondhjemitos da porção meridional do Cinturão Nova Brasilândia, representativos da última fase compressional que afetou o sudoeste do Cráton Amazônico, forneceram idades U-Pb de 1110 Ma, as quais datam o metamorfismo de alto grau e o fechamento do rift, processo resultante da acresção do microcontinente Arequipa-Antofalla ao Cráton Amazônico. Portanto, a fragmentação do supercontinente Columbia foi seguida rapidamente pela aglomeração de outras massas continentais, formando o supercontinente Rodínia, por volta de 1100 Ma. / The tectonic framework of the ultramafic-mafic rocks of the southwestern Amazon Craton is generally little known. Most of work this cratonic portion is focused on the geochronological studies of granitoids, so that little is known about the origin and tectonic significance of these rocks. In this context, this study contributes to the knowledge of the tectonic evolution of the southwestern Amazon Craton, through the characterization of a Mesoproterozoic ophiolitic complex, corresponding to the Trincheira Complex of Calymmian age, and propose a tectonic model that explains many previously enigmatic features of the Precambrian history of this key craton, and discuss its role in the reconstruction of the Columbia supercontinent. The complex comprises extrusive rocks (fine-grained amphibolites derived from massive and pillowed basalts), mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks, chert, banded iron formation, pelites, psammitic and a smaller proportion of calc-silicate rocks. The geochemical composition of the extrusive and intrusive rocks indicates that all noncumulus mafic-ultramafic rocks are tholeiitic basalts. These rocks display moderately to strongly fractionation of light rare earth elements (LREE), near-flat heavy rare earth elements (HREE) patterns and moderate to strong negative high field strength elements (HFSE) anomalies (especially Nb), a geochemical signature typical of subduction zones. The lowest units of the Trincheira ophiolite are similar to the modern mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). This behavior changes to an island arc tholeiites (IAT) signature in the upper units of the Trincheira ophiolite. Therefore, the Trincheira ophiolite appears to have originated in an intraoceanic supra-subduction setting composed of an arc-back-arc system. Mafic-ultramafic rocks of the Trincheira ophiolites display moderate to highly positive initial Nd values of +2.6 to +8.8 and very low values for the initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.7013 - 0.7033). It is suggested that these magmas originated from a depleted mantle source, which experienced low degree of contamination by variable subduction components. The ophiolitic sequence was deformed, metasomatized and metamorphosed during the development of the Alto Guaporé Belt, a Mesoproterozoic accretionary-collisional orogen that represents the Guaporé suture zone. Metamorphism was pervasive and reached temperatures of 780-853°C in mafic granulites and 680-720°C in amphibolites under an overall pressure of 6.8 kbar. The Guaporé suture zone is defined by the ESE–WNW trending mafic-ultramafic belt formed during a Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.47-1.43 Ga) accretionary phase, and overprinted by upper amphibolite-granulite facies metamorphism during collisional phase in the Ectasian (~1.35 Ga), which mark the docking final of the Amazon craton and Paraguá Block. This suture was reactivated and evolved from the development of an intracontinental rift environment, represented by Nova Brasilândia and Aguapeí Groups, which mark the final breakup of the supercontinent Columbia in the late Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.3-1.2 Ga). Mafic granulites, amphibolites and trondhjemites in the northernmost portion of the Nova Brasilândia belt yield U-Pb zircon ages ca. 1110 Ma, which dates the high-grade metamorphism and the closure of the rift, due to the accretion of the Arequipa-Antofalla basement to the Amazon craton. Therefore, the breakup of supercontinent Columbia was followed in short sequence by the assembly of supercontinent Rodinia at ca. 1100 Ma.