Ph.D. / Preserved Archean crust dominantly recording lower temperature conditions (greenschist to amphibolites facies), the earliest widespread record of ultrahigh- temperature metamorphism occur in the Neoarchean. Considering that, collisional tectonic setting has been postulated as a possible tectonic scenario for the generation of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism, sites where Archean cratons underwent collision can be potential sites for preservation of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphic granulites. The Limpopo Complex is a high-grade metamorphic terrain considered to have formed by collision in Neoarchean time between the Archean Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe cratons.Detailed petrographic and mineral chemical characterization of representative high Mg-Al granulites from the Southern Marginal Zone, Central Zone and the Northern Marginal Zone – forming the three subzones of the Limpopo Complex – was carried out. Evidence for the preservation of mineral assemblages considered diagnostic of ultrahigh- temperature metamorphic conditions, such as orthopyroxene+sillimanite±quartz, high-Al/(MgTs) orthopyroxene, sapphirine+quartz, spinel+quartz, corundum+quartz and antiperthite, are shown from these high Mg-Al granulites. Most of these mineral assemblages are reported for the first time from the Limpopo Complex. In addition, two unique textures are also reported – one, the discovery of corundum lamellar intergrowth with orthopyroxene from a high Mg-Al granulite from the Southern Marginal Zone, and second, the rare occurrence of sapphirine+quartz post dating orthopyroxene+sillimanite±quartz from two Mg-Al granulites from the Central Zone. Pressure-temperature calculations including representative P-T phase diagrams computed for the bulk compositions of the granulites studied clearly indicate ultrahigh- temperature conditions for all the three subzones. In contrast to two previous studies, one each for the Southern Marginal Zone (~950°C) and the Central Zone (~930°C), this study presents higher temperature estimates of ~1050 to ~1100°C for the three subzones. Together with examples of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphic conditions reported by the two previous studies, this study shows that the ultrahigh-temperature event reported here has affected the length and breadth of the three subzones of the Limpopo Complex. Further, the high-pressure conditions inferred from the early composition of orthopyroxene from the unique orthopyroxene-corundum intergrowth and the P-T phase diagrams computed for representative granulites from the three zones suggest a common high pressure event in all the three sub zones of the Limpopo Complex.

The Kabul Block is a lenticular crustal fragment that, along with the Farah, Helmand, and Nuristan terranes, is situated within a tectonic zone known as the Afghan Central Blocks. The Afghan Cent- ral Blocks form within the collision zone between the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian plates. The Kabul Block consists of a highly-deformed crystalline basement overlain by weakly-deformed Late Paleozoic- Mesozoic sediments. U/Pb SHRIMP analysis of zircon cores from the lowermost basement formations (the Sherdarwaza and/or Khair Khana) indicates the presence of a Neoarchean component (~ 2700 Ma), while the majority of zircon cores yield a range of Early Paleoproterozoic ages (2200 - 2500 Ma). The Sherdarwaza and Khair Khana Formations are comprised of migmatite and orthogneiss with minor marble, quartzite, and amphibolite that reached granulite-facies conditions. Conventional geother- mobarometry and phase equilibria modelling on well preserved granulite-facies assemblages indicates that the rocks reached conditions of approximately 850 řC at up to 7 kbar of pressure. Textural relations indicate that this was a strongly temperature dominated event. U/Pb SHRIMP dating of zircon rims and U-Th-Pb dating of monazite inclusions in granulite-facies garnet suggest that this event occurred in the late...

The main objectives of this study are to determine how various physical and chemical properties of geologic samples can be investigated by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectral analyses, and determine how each of these individual properties uniquely alter the mid-infrared spectrum. Of particular interest is how extraterrestrial samples differ (spectrally) from terrestrial samples, and how such findings can be applied to current and future missions to airless planetary bodies (such as Diviner Lunar Radiometer, aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the Mercury Thermal Radiometer on BepiColombo). As such, a range of geological samples have been analysed including terrestrial rocks (anorthosite, granite, grabbro etc.), mineral standards (common rock-forming minerals), lunar meteorites (from Miller Range, Antarctica), and Apollo 14, 15, and 16 soils. A new technique to analyse such samples has been developed and implemented as part of this study: FTIR spectral imaging of unconsolidated samples (powders and soils) to obtain modal mineralogy estimates. Such estimates are comparable to QEMSCAN analyses and spot point counting of the same samples. This is particularly relevant for the non-destructive analysis of Apollo soil samples (bulk and sieved fractions). Individual spectra of polished terrestrial and extraterrestrial samples have been obtained in preparation for the creation of a spectral database. Such samples also have coupled chemical composition information via Electron Probe MicroAnalysis (EPMA). To have a spectrum and an associated chemical composition for each mineral in a database is unique compared to other spectral databases. Analyses of lunar meteorites resulted in an understanding of how shock (caused by hypervelocity impacts) alters the physical and spectral properties of lunar minerals. FTIR microscopy of individual minerals and phases in the meteorites were coupled with optical and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging to identify the level of shock obtained by each mineral and phase. The FTIR reflectance bands of plagioclase merge with increasing shock pressure until a single, low-reflectance broad peak is displayed by the most highly shocked plagioclase (>45 GPa), and a dark-red colour is present in CL images. FTIR and QEMSCAN analyses of Apollo regolith samples have provided an understanding of the spectral effects of bulk mineralogy, maturity (a measure of the time spent at the lunar surface), grain size, and mineral chemistry. Using such information, the modal mineralogy of each sample has been estimated, one of which had not previously been analysed for its modal mineralogy. Samples from the same Apollo missions present similar spectral features, meaning FTIR spectroscopy can be used to identify the origin of lunar soils. A weak correlation in maturity with a spectral feature termed the Christiansen Feature has been found for lunar samples. Related to maturity, FTIR spectra of individual agglutinates (a product of space weathering) have been obtained and the spectral properties of agglutinates (decreased %Reflectance values of the region sensitive to geological materials) resemble those of highly mature lunar soils.

The George Sound Shear Zone (GSSZ) exposed in Bligh Sound within Fiordland, New Zealand allowed us to reconstruct the kinematics of transpressive flow in >100 km2 of exhumed Cretaceous lower crust. We compare the three-dimensional characteristics of the deformation to theoretical models of transpression that assume steady-state flow in a homogeneous medium. This assumption is rarely the case for shear zones that experience metamorphism during deformation. We determined the three-dimensional kinematics of the GSSZ and evaluated the effects of metamorphism on strain accommodation and structural fabric evolution in the GSSZ to determine if metamorphism is an important parameter that transpressional models should account for. We found that metamorphism aided strain localization within the GSSZ and resulted in a style of structural fabric development that deviates from predictions made by theoretical models. We used foliation and lineation orientation data and field observations to determine GSSZ kinematics. Asymmetric pyroxene σ-porphyroclasts and hornblende fish show top-down-to-the-SW apparent normal shear sense with a sinistral component. The Z-axes of oblate SPO ellipsoids define the vorticity normal section and the moderately WNW-plunging vorticity vector. Foliation deflections relative to the shear zone boundaries yielded a vorticity magnitude (Wk) of ≥0.8. Our kinematic results suggest that the GSSZ records inclined, triclinic transpression with sinistral, top-down-to-the-SW simple shear-dominated flow. We used finite strain analysis and petrographic analysis to determine that metamorphism influences strain accommodation. Finite strain analyses were performed in 3D on 16 samples using the Rf/ɸ, Fry, and Intercept methods to determine the SPO fabric ellipsoids at different stages of deformation. Petrographic analysis was performed to identify metamorphic reactions using syn-kinematic minerals and constrain deformational temperatures using deformation mechanisms of plagioclase. Early deformation formed a ~13 km wide prolate fabric at granulite facies. Deformation later localized into a ~2-4.6 km wide oblate, mylonitic fabric at upper amphibolite facies. This fabric cross-cuts the prolate fabric and is characterized by metamorphic hornblende and biotite produced from retrogressive hydration reactions. Samples with syn-kinematic biotite contain more shear bands and display more grain size reduction of plagioclase than samples without this phase, suggesting these samples may have accommodated more strain. Changes in syn-kinematic metamorphic minerals were accompanied by steepening of stretching lineations and by changes in foliation orientation. Our analyses show that retrogressive hydration metamorphism aided strain localization within a cross-cutting oblate fabric, and the uneven distribution of biotite within this domain potentially influenced along strike variation in strain magnitude and fabric ellipsoid symmetry. Our results highlight the influence of fluid-induced metamorphism on shear zone evolution and call for new transpressional models to incorporate changes in rheology due to syn-kinematic metamorphism.

The metamorphosed sedimentary sequence of the Precambrian Adelaide Supergroup in the eastern Mt. Lofty Ranges closely resembles its lower grade stratotype in the western Mt. Lofty Ranges. Although rocks have been metamorphosed from biotite to high andalusite grade, the nature of the original succession can still be deduced. Stratigraphic thicknesses in the eastern and western sequences differ, however. The thickness of the Torrens Group metasediments in the eastern sequence above the Stoneyfell Quartzite equivalent is over four times that found in its type area. In contrast, the overlying Sturt Group is less than half the thickness of the stratotype whilst the Marino Group is only slightly thinner in the eastern sequence. In the region between Birdwood and Mt. Barker Creek, the Lower Cambrian Kanmantoo Group is in fault contact with the Adelaide Supergroup, the lower levels of the basal unit of the Kanmantoo Group ( the Carrickalinga Head Formation ) being absent. A conformable succession of Kanmantoo Group strata, closely resembling the lithologies in the type area on the south coast of Fleurieu Peninsula, occurs to the east of this contact. Evidence for a fault contact disproves earlier interpretations that the Kanmantoo Group unconformably overlies older strata in parts of this region and confirms the existence of the Nairne Fault. Furthermore, it is doubtful whether the Kanmantoo Group unconformably overlies older strata elsewhere in the eastern Mt. Lofty Ranges. Where there is a break in the normal Kanmantoo Group succession ( which exhibits a remarkable constancy of facies ), faulting is probably the cause. A well developed penetrative schistosity ( S2 ) occurs throughout the Nairne - Mt. Barker Creek area, being related to a deformation phase F2 which produced tight assymetric folds with easterly - dipping axial planes ( paralleled by S2 ) during the Early Palaeozoic Delemarian Orogeny. An earlier deformation ( F1 ) with accompanying metamorphism, earlier than generally recognized in the Mt. Lofty Ranges is evident in the schists. Metadolerite dykes in the area were probably emplaced pre - S2 to early syn - S2. Petrological examination of the metasediments in the Nairne - Mt. Barker Creek area revealed that critical minerals present in metashales of appropriate bulk composition are andalusite, staurolite and almandine whereas cordierite is absent. The origin of andalusite and staurolite is unresolved. Fibrolite ( + minor coarse sillimanite ) is present in all andalu - site - bearing rocks. The sillimanite problem is examined through the well developed textures in peraluminous schists. Green hornblende, diopside and scapolite occur in calc - silicates. Green hornblende, high - An plagioclase and minor epidote are present in the metadolerite dykes. P - T conditions at the peak of metamorphism ( based on mineral assemblages and metamorphic textures ) were probably around 3.5 to 3.75 kb and 500 to 550 ° C ( close to the andalusite - sillimanite phase boundary and near the Al2 SiO5 triple - point ). Temperatures of metamorphism deduced from the garnet - biotite geothermometer and more generally from muscovite compositions are compatible with this range. Fibrolite probably formed just within the upper limits of the andalusite stability field. It is uncertain, however, if fibrolite formed as a stable mineral under these P - T conditions or whether it formed metastably, perhaps as a result of rapid reactions induced by sudden temperature increases. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Department of Geology and Mineralogy, 1977.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

Graduation date: 1991

Dark enclaves rich in amphibole and biotite are ubiquitous in granitoid rocks and generally thought to represent fragments of mafic magmas, cumulates or restites. However, magmatic assimilation of metamorphic or sedimentary country rock can also form dark enclaves. To develop criteria for identifying dark enclaves of non-magmatic origin, we investigated dark enclaves from a complete spectrum of light (carbonate- or feldspar-rich) to dark (amphibole-rich, biotite-rich, or composite) enclaves, reflecting progressive thermal and chemical equilibration with host tonalite from the Domenigoni Valley pluton in the Peninsular Ranges Batholith, California. Metasedimentary dark enclaves have a number of major and trace element characteristics that overlap those of literature-compiled igneous dark enclaves. Comparison to modeled igneous differentiation paths shows metasedimentary enclaves can have anomalous CaO and K2O contents for a given SiO2, but other major element systematics may not deviate noticeably from igneous differentiation trends. In addition, the fact that there are literature-compiled mafic enclaves trending towards high K2O and high CaO suggests that not all mafic enclaves are of igneous origin. While the majority of dark enclaves may not be metasedimentary, this work provides some criteria for identifying enclaves should a case of metasedimentary origin arise.

In light of the recent increase of mineral exploration in the northern Cordillera, private, educational, and governmental agencies have been compelled to revisit and research areas of the Cordillera whose geologic evolution still remains enigmatic. The current study is concerned with better understanding how a region of the boundary zone separating the peri-Laurentian realm from the exotic, Insular realm evolved following deposition of the meta-sedimentary Kluane schist in the Late Cretaceous. The schist is a northwest striking 30 km wide and 160 km long belt of highly deformed greenschist to amphibolite facies meta-sedimentary rocks located east of Kluane Lake, southwestern Yukon Territory. These deformed sediments as well as numerous other deformed Jurassic-Cretaceous meta-sedimentary units present along the same boundary zone (north and south of the schist) represent important rocks that can help constrain how this part of the Cordillera has evolved since the mid-Mesozoic. To better understand how the Kluane schist evolved, detailed field mapping, petrography, and U-Pb geochronological studies were undertaken in the area encompassing the schist. This data is integrated with pre-existing and recently collected geologic databases from the region to propose a model for the tectonic and structural evolution of the Kluane schist. Conclusions drawn from this study indicate the Kluane sediments were likely deposited into a closing Late Cretaceous seaway from sources derived from Yukon-Tanana terrane (YTT) to the east. The basin into which the sediments were deposited represents a remnant ocean basin that was present between Insular terrane and YTT prior their amalgamation in the Jurassic. Thrusting of YTT over the Kluane schist basin resulted in burial, metamorphism, and ductile deformation of the schist. Contemporaneously, the early stages of the Ruby Range batholith (RRB) were intruding the schist as well as the schist/YTT contact. This batholith intruded syn- to post-tectonically from approximately ca. 77 Ma to 65 Ma and it is responsible for imparting a kilometer scale inverted contact metamophic aureole onto the Kluane schist wherein metamorphic grade decreases to the southwest. Subsequently, a gneissic sub-unit of the Kluane ‘schist’ was formed by partial melting of the RRB/Kluane schist contact. During this composite deformation event, the schist was transported to mid-crustal depths by an oblique sinistral shear zone. Shortly thereafter, the schist was exhumed and deformed by consistent northeast-over-southwest shearing. Regional scale, broad open folding of the schist ensued and likely occurred by flexural slip along foliation planes with low cohesion. Two syn- to post- tectonic igneous phases associated with Hayden Lake intrusive suite have been dated to ca. 55 Ma. This timing likely correlates with broad, open folding and a ‘late’ syn- to post-kinematic thermal overprint of the schist. The combined results of this study indicate that deformation and metamorphism of the Kluane schist was a long-lived event, extending from ca. 82 Ma to ca. 55 Ma.

Apatite is one of the accessory minerals in the UHP metamorphosed eclogites at Northern Dulan belt, North Qaidam. It appears in three kinds of occurrences: (1) included in garnet which often shows cracks along the apatite grains, (2) coexisting with omphacite, rutile and/or clinozoisite in matrix and often surrounded by garnet, and (3) coexisting with retrograded minerals. The three eclogite samples examined in the present study are enriched in garnet. Two of them contain up to 80 vol.% garnet and the other is a porphyry of medium-grained garnet. They commonly show cracks and features of retrograde metamorphism, such as fissure-filling of secondary minerals including calcite or greenschist facies minerals. There are two size-ranges of well-oriented sulfide minerals included in apatite. One is nanometer-sized sulfide needles (50 ¡Ñ 20 ~ 870 ¡Ñ 120 nm) and particles (55 ~ 370 nm). The other is micrometer-sized sulfide needles (~20 ¡Ñ 0.5 £gm) and rods (~2.5 ¡Ñ 0.5£gm). Fluid inclusions and the micrometer-sized sulfide minerals commonly occur in the apatite grains that are near the cracks. Both nanometer- and micrometer-sized sulfide minerals are elongated with their long axes being normal or parallel to the c axis of the apatite. We used SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS to analyze and found that the sulfide minerals are troilite, pyrrhotite, Cu-bearing pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. There are two sets of preferred crystallographic orientations for the dominated troilite and host apatite. The rod troilite is elongated along its a axis and <001>troilite // <001>apatite, <48-3>troilite ∡ <13-3>apatite = ~ 0.6º, (2-10)troilite // (3-10)apatite, <100>troilite ∡ <100>apatite = ~ 10º. The needle troilite is also elongated along its a axis and <001>troilite ¡æ <001>apatite, <-110>troilite ∡ <-12-2>apatite = ~ 1.3º, (11-2)troilite // (0-1-1)apatite. The preferred crystallographic orientation relationships, in terms of the c axis of troilite being parallel or normal to the c axis of host apatite, are similar to those for oriented quartz precipitates and omphacite hosts in the previous studies. According to the observations that only few sulfide minerals included in other minerals, the occurrences of apatites, and the microtextures of sulfide minerals, we suggest that the origin of sulfide minerals may relate to metasomatism during plate subduction. Metal ions such as iron, copper, cobalt and nickel were carried by chlorine- and sulfur-enriched fluids, which might be trapped as primary fluid inclusions in the apatite. The sulfide minerals then formed at the sites of fluid inclusions with the aid of fluids and available ions.