Mechanisms of continental subduction and exhumation of HP and UHP rocks

We discuss possible scenarios of continental collision, and their relation to mechanisms of exhumation of HP and UHP rocks, inferred from thermo-mechanical numerical models accounting for thermo-rheological complexity of the continental lithosphere. Due to this complexity, mechanisms of continental convergence are versatile and different, in many aspects from those that control oceanic subduction. Elucidating these mechanisms from conventional observations is difficult, and requires additional constraints such as those derived from petrological data. Indeed, exhumation of HP/UHP rocks is an integral part of convergent processes, and burial/exhumation dynamics inferred from metamorphic P-T-t paths provides strong constraints on the collision scenarios. Metamorphic rocks also play an active role due to their contrasting physical properties (rheology, density, fluid transport capacity). Numerical thermo-mechanical experiments suggest that HP/UHP exhumation can only be produced in subduction contexts, as well as that long-lasting (>10Myr) continental subduction can only occur in case of cold strong lithospheres (TMoho50km) and of relatively high convergence rates (>3-5cm yr-1). In this case, high density UHP material in the crustal part of subduction interface provides additional pull on the slab and is not always exhumed to the surface. In case of slower convergence and/or weaker lithosphere (Te3-5cm yr-1). We suggest that most continental orogenic belts could have started their formation from continental subduction but this process has been generally limited in time

Rheological and geodynamic controls on the mechanisms of subduction and HP/UHP exhumation of crustal rocks during continental collision : Insights from numerical models

While subduction of crustal rocks is increasingly accepted as a common scenario inherent to convergent processes involving continental plates and micro-continents, its occurrence in each particular context, as well as its specific mechanisms and conditions is still debated. The presence of ultra-high pressure(UHP) terranes is often interpreted as a strong evidence for continental subduction (subduction of continental crust) since the latter is seen as the most viable mechanism of their burial to UHP depths, yet if one admits nearly lithostatic pressure conditions in the subduction interface (or "channel"). The presumed links of continental subduction to exhumation of high- and ultra-high-pressure (HP/UHP) units also remain a subject of controversy despite the fact that recent physically consistent thermo-mechanical numerical models of convergent processes suggest that subduction can create specific mechanisms for UHP exhumation. We hence review and explore possible scenarios of subduction of continental crust, and their relation to exhumation of HP and UHP rocks as inferred from last generation of thermo-mechanical numerical models accounting for thermo-rheological complexity and structural diversity of the continental lithosphere. The inferences from these models are matched with the petrology data, in particular, with P-T-t paths, allowing for better understanding of subtleties of both subduction and burial/exhumation mechanisms. Numerical models suggest that exhumation and continental subduction are widespread but usually transient processes that last for less than 5-10 Myr, while long-lasting (> 10-15 Myr) subduction can take place only in rare cases of fast convergence of cold strong lithospheres (e.g. India). The models also show that tectonic heritage can play a special role in subduction/exhumation processes. In particular, when thicker continental terrains are embedded in subducting oceanic plate, exhumation of UHP terranes results in the formation of versatile metamorphic belts and domes and in series of slab roll-back and exhumation events with remarkably different P-T-t records

Ascent and emplacement of buoyant magma bodies in brittle-ductile upper crust

International audienceThe emplacement of silicic magma bodies in the upper crust may be controlled by density (such that there is no buoyancy to drive further ascent) or temperature (such that surrounding rocks are too cold to deform significantly over geological timescales). Evidence for the latter control is provided by negative gravity anomalies over many granitic plutons. Conditions of diapir ascent and emplacement in this case are studied with a numerical model for deformation and heat transport allowing for ductile, elastic and brittle behavior. A large-strain formulation is used to solve for temperature, stress, strain, and strain rate fields as a function of time for a range of diapir sizes, density contrasts, and background geotherms. The method allows for large viscosity contrasts of more than 6 orders of magnitude and determines the dominant deformation mechanism depending on the local values of temperature, strain, and strain rate. Emplacement depth and final deformation characteristics depend on diapir size and buoyancy. Small diapirs (less than about 5 km in diameter) cannot reach shallow crustal levels and do not involve brittle deformation. In the ductile regime the diapir flattens significantly upon emplacement due to stiff roof rocks and to the free surface above. Late stage deformation proceeds by horizontal spreading, with little upward displacement of roof rocks and is likely to be interpreted as “ballooning.” Large diapirs (more than about 5 km in diameter) rapidly rise to shallow depths (1–5 km) and induce brittle faulting in the overlying rocks. In this regime, buoyancy forces may lead to faulting in roof rocks. In this case, late stage ascent proceeds by vertical intrusion of a plug of smaller horizontal dimensions than the main body. Buoyant diapirs keep on rising after solidification, long after the relatively short-lived high-temperature magmatic stage. This may account for some phases of late caldera resurgence in extinct volcanic systems

Variscan Metamorphism

Various segments of Variscan crust are currently exposed in Iberia in response to successive tectonic events during the Variscan orogeny itself and subsequent extensional and compressive events during the Alpine cycle, all accompanied by surface erosion, and collectively contributing to their exhumation. We review the main characteristics and geodynamic contexts of the metamorphic complexes developed in Iberia during the Variscan cycle, which include: (i) LP-HT complexes associated to the Cambrian-Early Ordovician rift stage; (ii) HP-LT complexes associated to subduction; and (iii) syn-to-post-collisional, MP and LP/HT complexes from the hinterland to the foreland fold-and thrust belts. All the above contexts are illustrated with case studies. Finally, a review of Variscan metamorphism in the Pyrenees and Catalan Coastal Ranges, located far away from the Rheic suture is also presented