Two-stage exhumation of subducted Saxothuringian continental crust records underplating in the subduction channel and collisional forced folding (Krkonoše-Jizera Mts., Bohemian Massif)

Source:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2016.06.008The Krkonoše-Jizera Massif in the northern part of the Variscan Bohemian Massif provides insight into the exhumation mechanisms for subducted continental crust. The studied region exposes a relatively large portion of a flat-lying subduction-related complex that extends approximately 50 km away from the paleosuture. wide extent of HP-LT metamorphism has been confirmed by new P-T estimates indicating temperatures of 400–450 °C at 14–16 kbar and 450–520 °C at 14–18 kbar for the easternmost and westernmost parts of the studied area, respectively. A detailed study of metamorphic assemblages associated with individual deformation fabrics together with analysis of quartz deformation microstructures and textures allowed characterisation of the observed deformation structures in terms of their subduction-exhumation memory. An integration of the lithostratigraphic, metamorphic and structural data documents a subduction of distal and proximal parts of the Saxothuringian passive margin to high-pressure conditions and their subsequent exhumation during two distinct stages. The initial stage of exhumation has an adiabatic character interpreted as the buoyancy driven return of continental material from the subduction channel resulting in underplating and progressive nappe stacking at the base of the Teplá-Barrandian upper plate. With the transition from continental subduction to continental collision during later stages of the convergence, the underplated high-pressure rocks were further exhumed due to shortening in the accretionary wedge. This shortening is associated with the formation of large-scale recumbent forced folds extending across the entire studied area

Adamastor – an ocean that never existed?

Existing models of tectonic evolution of the Neoproterozoic orogenic system rimming the shores of the South Atlantic Ocean (the Araçuaí–Ribeira–Congo and Dom Feliciano–Kaoko–Gariep belts) interpret the belts as subduction-related orogens and emphasize the role of the “Adamastor Ocean” in their pre-collisional evolution. A critical problem in such an interpretation is the confined nature of the northern termination of the orogenic system, as well as a very short time span between the end of rifting and onset of convergence recognized in its southern part. In this contribution, we review the data for the pre- and synorogenic evolution of this system of orogens (here collectively called the South Atlantic Neoproterozoic Orogenic System) and show that the data speak against the presence of a large oceanic domain before the onset of its orogenic evolution. We propose a new and simple intracontinental model, suggesting that Neoproterozoic oceanic crust played only a minor role in the development of the South Atlantic Neoproterozoic Orogenic System and that its overall architecture and thermal evolution is the result of inversion of large-scale rift structures with a protracted, and probably episodic, extensional history. True oceanic crust probably developed only in the southern part of the rift system, but it must have been narrow, akin to the Red Sea–Gulf of Aden stage of the “Adamastor Rift” evolution just before the onset of convergent thickening

Calcium Influx Rescues Adenylate Cyclase-Hemolysin from Rapid Cell Membrane Removal and Enables Phagocyte Permeabilization by Toxin Pores

Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin (CyaA) penetrates the cytoplasmic membrane of phagocytes and employs two distinct conformers to exert its multiple activities. One conformer forms cation-selective pores that permeabilize phagocyte membrane for efflux of cytosolic potassium. The other conformer conducts extracellular calcium ions across cytoplasmic membrane of cells, relocates into lipid rafts, translocates the adenylate cyclase enzyme (AC) domain into cells and converts cytosolic ATP to cAMP. We show that the calcium-conducting activity of CyaA controls the path and kinetics of endocytic removal of toxin pores from phagocyte membrane. The enzymatically inactive but calcium-conducting CyaA-AC− toxoid was endocytosed via a clathrin-dependent pathway. In contrast, a doubly mutated (E570K+E581P) toxoid, unable to conduct Ca2+ into cells, was rapidly internalized by membrane macropinocytosis, unless rescued by Ca2+ influx promoted in trans by ionomycin or intact toxoid. Moreover, a fully pore-forming CyaA-ΔAC hemolysin failed to permeabilize phagocytes, unless endocytic removal of its pores from cell membrane was decelerated through Ca2+ influx promoted by molecules locked in a Ca2+-conducting conformation by the 3D1 antibody. Inhibition of endocytosis also enabled the native B. pertussis-produced CyaA to induce lysis of J774A.1 macrophages at concentrations starting from 100 ng/ml. Hence, by mediating calcium influx into cells, the translocating conformer of CyaA controls the removal of bystander toxin pores from phagocyte membrane. This triggers a positive feedback loop of exacerbated cell permeabilization, where the efflux of cellular potassium yields further decreased toxin pore removal from cell membrane and this further enhances cell permeabilization and potassium efflux

Linking the basement geology along the Africa-South America coasts in the South Atlantic

The match of geological units of the dissected Kaoko-Dom Feliciano-Gariep orogenic system exposed along the coasts of the South Atlantic is poorly understood. Two suites of intrusive rocks crop out in the Angra Fria Bay area, a part of the Coastal Terrane of the Kaoko Belt in Namibia. U–Pb zircon dating of three samples from the younger suite provided ages of 574 ± 6, 586 ± 3 and 584 ± 7 Ma, similar to the ages of the oldest syn-collisional granitoids in the area. Three samples of the older suite gave ages of 626 ± 5, 622 ± 5 and 620 ± 6 Ma respectively, which have not previously been recorded in intrusive rocks of the Kaoko Belt, but which coincide with those from the Florianópolis Batholith in the Dom Feliciano Belt in Brazil. Zircon ages, Sr–Nd isotopic composition and tectonic position of these granitoids suggest that this magmatic complex could be a continuation of the Florianópolis Batholith on the African side of the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, the Angra Fria intrusions and the Florianópolis Batholith may represent suitable localities for spatial reconstruction of the Gondwana supercontinent in the area, where the robust pre-Mesozoic connecting points are scarce

Adamastor – an ocean that never existed?

Existing models of tectonic evolution of the Neoproterozoic orogenic system rimming the shores of the South Atlantic Ocean (the Araçuaí–Ribeira–Congo and Dom Feliciano–Kaoko–Gariep belts) interpret the belts as subduction-related orogens and emphasize the role of the “Adamastor Ocean” in their pre-collisional evolution. A critical problem in such an interpretation is the confined nature of the northern termination of the orogenic system, as well as a very short time span between the end of rifting and onset of convergence recognized in its southern part. In this contribution, we review the data for the pre- and synorogenic evolution of this system of orogens (here collectively called the South Atlantic Neoproterozoic Orogenic System) and show that the data speak against the presence of a large oceanic domain before the onset of its orogenic evolution. We propose a new and simple intracontinental model, suggesting that Neoproterozoic oceanic crust played only a minor role in the development of the South Atlantic Neoproterozoic Orogenic System and that its overall architecture and thermal evolution is the result of inversion of large-scale rift structures with a protracted, and probably episodic, extensional history. True oceanic crust probably developed only in the southern part of the rift system, but it must have been narrow, akin to the Red Sea–Gulf of Aden stage of the “Adamastor Rift” evolution just before the onset of convergent thickening

Dissolution precipitation creep as a process for the strain localisation in gabbro

International audienceStrain localisation and fabric development in the lower crust is controlled by the active deformation mechanisms. Understanding the driving forces of such deformation aids in quantifying the stresses and rates of the deformation processes. Here we show that diffusion creep plays a major role in deformation of gabbro lenses at upper amphibolite facies conditions. The Kågen gabbro in the North Norwegian Caledonides intruded the Vaddas Nappe at 439 Ma at pressures of 7-9 kbar, temperatures of 650-900°C (depths of ∼26-34 km). The Kågen gabbro on south Arnøya is made up of undeformed gabbro lenses with sheared margins wrapping around them. This contribution analyses the evolution of the microstructures and fabric of the low strain gabbro to high strain margins. Microstructural and textural data indicate that preferential crystal growth of amphibole grains in the extension direction has produced the deformation microstructure and the CPO. Dissolution precipitation creep is inferred to be the dominant deformation mechanism, where dissolution of the gabbro took place in reacting phases of clinopyroxene and plagioclase, and precipitation took place in the form of new minerals: amphibole, garnet and zoisite. Synchronous deformation and mineral reactions of clinopyroxene suggests mafic rocks can become mechanically weak during the general transformation weakening process, i.e. the interaction of mineral reaction and deformation by diffusion creep. Deformation and metamorphic reaction were both important transformation processes during diffusion creep deformation of the margins of the gabbro lenses. The weakening is directly connected to a transformation process that facilitates diffusion creep deformation of strong minerals (pyroxene, garnet, zoisite) at far lower stresses than dislocation creep. Initially strong lithologies can become weak, provided that reactions can proceed during deformation, the transformation process itself is an important weakening mechanism in mafic (and other) rocks, facilitating deformation at low differential stresses

Diffusion creep and fabric development in eclogites - a case of transformation plasticity

International audienceThe deformation of eclogites and the processes of their fabric development in subduction zones involve mineral reactions and phase transformations. The identification of their interrelationships has been one of Harry Greeńs strong research interests aimed at the determination of deformation rates in subduction zones and in the upper mantle. Most previous studies have suggested dislocation creep to be the principal processes of deformation causing the development of a strong CPO in omphacite. We tested the viability of this process by studying the chemical zonation of garnet and omphacite as well as the texture and microstructure development of Variscan eclogites from the western Bohemian Massif (Czech Republic). These rocks show elongated garnet and omphacite grain shapes parallel to the rocḱs extension direction. A chemical zoning pattern in both minerals is congruent with the elongated shape of the grains and has developed as growth zonation during increasing pressure conditions. A later stage of retrogression observed locally along garnet and omphacite grain boundaries has produced mineral phases with an orientation parallel to that of the prograde fabric orientation. Thus, the elongation direction of the deforming rock has been the same throughout the whole prograde and through part of the retrograde reaction history. The CPO of garnet is random, whereas that of omphacite shows strong [001] maxima parallel to the extension direction, with incipient girdles of poles to (010) and (100). However, dislocation creep can be excluded in both cases based on the chemical zonation patterns and the lack of dynamic recrystallization. Rather the strong CPO of omphacite is due to an oriented growth of omphacite grains during deformation The spatial distribution of garnet and omphacite grains is random within the eclogite and with respect to one another, consistent with random nucleation sites of both minerals. Quartz is also randomly distributed in the eclogite, but highly ordered with respect to garnet, indicating preferred nucleation sites in the pressure shadows of garnet. Such diffusion creep microstructures suggest n-values of 1 to 2 for eclogite deformation. The correlation of mineral reactions with deformation throughout the whole eclogite P,T-history is a clear case of transformation plasticity and thus suggests a transient but long-lasting weakening of mafic rocks during subduction

Long-lasting Cadomian magmatic activity along an active northern Gondwana margin: U–Pb zircon and Sr–Nd isotopic evidence from the Brunovistulian Domain, eastern Bohemian Massif

Cadomian magmatic complexes of the Brunovistulian Domain crop out at the eastern termination of the Bohemian Massif. However, the age, nature and geotectonic affinity of some of pre-Variscan (meta-)igneous rock complexes from this domain are still unknown. Geochronological and geochemical study of the granitic rocks across the Brunovistulian Domain reveals new information about the timing and nature of this magmatic activity originally situated along the northern margin of Gondwana. Zircon U–Pb data (601 ± 3 Ma, Brno Massif; 634 ± 6 Ma, paraautochtonous core of the Svratka Dome; 568 ± 3 Ma, Bíteš orthogneiss) from the allochtonous Moravicum indicate the prolonged magmatic activity within the Brunovistulian Domain during the Ediacaran. The major- and trace-element and Sr–Nd isotopic signatures show heterogeneous geochemical characteristics of the granitic rocks and suggest a magmatic-arc geotectonic setting. The two-stage Depleted Mantle Nd model ages (c. 1.3–2.0 Ga) indicate derivation of the granitic rocks from a relatively primitive crustal source, as well as from an ancient and evolved continental crust of the Brunovistulian Domain. These results constrain the magmatic-arc activity to c. 635–570 Ma and provide a further evidence for a long-lived (at least c. 65 Myr) and likely episodic subduction-related magmatism at the northern margin of Gondwana. The presence of granitic intrusions derived from variously mature crustal sources at different times suggests heterogeneous crustal segments to having been involved in the magmatic-arc system during its multistage evolution

Diffusion creep and fabric development in eclogites - a case of transformation plasticity

International audienceThe deformation of eclogites and the processes of their fabric development in subduction zones involve mineral reactions and phase transformations. The identification of their interrelationships has been one of Harry Greeńs strong research interests aimed at the determination of deformation rates in subduction zones and in the upper mantle. Most previous studies have suggested dislocation creep to be the principal processes of deformation causing the development of a strong CPO in omphacite. We tested the viability of this process by studying the chemical zonation of garnet and omphacite as well as the texture and microstructure development of Variscan eclogites from the western Bohemian Massif (Czech Republic). These rocks show elongated garnet and omphacite grain shapes parallel to the rocḱs extension direction. A chemical zoning pattern in both minerals is congruent with the elongated shape of the grains and has developed as growth zonation during increasing pressure conditions. A later stage of retrogression observed locally along garnet and omphacite grain boundaries has produced mineral phases with an orientation parallel to that of the prograde fabric orientation. Thus, the elongation direction of the deforming rock has been the same throughout the whole prograde and through part of the retrograde reaction history. The CPO of garnet is random, whereas that of omphacite shows strong [001] maxima parallel to the extension direction, with incipient girdles of poles to (010) and (100). However, dislocation creep can be excluded in both cases based on the chemical zonation patterns and the lack of dynamic recrystallization. Rather the strong CPO of omphacite is due to an oriented growth of omphacite grains during deformation The spatial distribution of garnet and omphacite grains is random within the eclogite and with respect to one another, consistent with random nucleation sites of both minerals. Quartz is also randomly distributed in the eclogite, but highly ordered with respect to garnet, indicating preferred nucleation sites in the pressure shadows of garnet. Such diffusion creep microstructures suggest n-values of 1 to 2 for eclogite deformation. The correlation of mineral reactions with deformation throughout the whole eclogite P,T-history is a clear case of transformation plasticity and thus suggests a transient but long-lasting weakening of mafic rocks during subduction

Membrane Restructuring by Bordetella pertussis Adenylate Cyclase Toxin, a Member of the RTX Toxin Family

Adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) is secreted by Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium causing whooping cough. ACT is a member of the RTX (repeats in toxin) family of toxins, and like other members in the family, it may bind cell membranes and cause disruption of the permeability barrier, leading to efflux of cell contents. The present paper summarizes studies performed on cell and model membranes with the aim of understanding the mechanism of toxin insertion and membrane restructuring leading to release of contents. ACT does not necessarily require a protein receptor to bind the membrane bilayer, and this may explain its broad range of host cell types. In fact, red blood cells and liposomes (large unilamellar vesicles) display similar sensitivities to ACT. A varying liposomal bilayer composition leads to significant changes in ACT-induced membrane lysis, measured as efflux of fluorescent vesicle contents. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), a lipid that favors formation of nonlamellar (inverted hexagonal) phases, stimulated ACT-promoted efflux. Conversely, lysophosphatidylcholine, a micelle-forming lipid that opposes the formation of inverted nonlamellar phases, inhibited ACT-induced efflux in a dose-dependent manner and neutralized the stimulatory effect of PE. These results strongly suggest that ACT-induced efflux is mediated by transient inverted nonlamellar lipid structures. Cholesterol, a lipid that favors inverted nonlamellar phase formation and also increases the static order of phospholipid hydrocarbon chains, among other effects, also enhanced ACT-induced liposomal efflux. Moreover, the use of a recently developed fluorescence assay technique allowed the detection of trans-bilayer (flip-flop) lipid motion simultaneous with efflux. Lipid flip-flop further confirms the formation of transient nonlamellar lipid structures as a result of ACT insertion in bilayers