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HP pelitic granulites associated with eclogites from the Kharta Gneiss are found in the Thongmon area, central Himalaya, which provides significant constraints for the tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogeny. Three generations of garnets are identified in pelitic granulites (DR15P15). The first generation of garnet is core sections of euhedral to subhedral porphyroblasts (Grt-I core) followed by growth of Grt-I mantle during the heating stage. The third generation of garnet is represented by thin rims of Grt-I and small grains (Grt-II) in the matrix, which likely nucleated and grew in response to peritectic reaction during exhumation. Petrographic evidence and P–T pseudosection calculation reveal a four-stages metamorphic evolution: 1) a prograde metamorphic stage (M1) represented by Grt-I core and its mineral inclusions rutile, ilmenite and quartz with metamorphic conditions of 740–760 °C and 13–16 kbar; 2) a near isobaric heating stage with slightly decompression to HP granulite-facies (M2, 820–840 °C, 13–14 kbar) indicated by the composition of Grt-I mantle and the increase of Zr concentrations of rutile in it; 3) a heating decompression stage (M3) supported by a decrease in grossular content in the Grt-I rim and higher XAn in plagioclase, yielding T > 860 °C and P = 10–11 kbar in the sillimanite stability field; 4) a final decompression stage followed by cooling (M4, T ~ 800 °C and P = 6–8 kbar) indicated by biotite replacing sillimanite and lower Ti content in biotite in the matrix. Based on the zircon trace element geochemistry, zircon inclusions, and the REE partitioning between garnet and zircon, the metamorphic zircon rims with middle Miocene age (16–13 Ma) probably grew during Grt-I rim/Grt-II formation at granulite facies stage (M3). The P–T history of the pelitic granulites of the Kharta Gneiss indicates that they were subducted beneath the Asian plate and exhumed to middle-lower crustal depths prior to 14–13 Ma due to the activity of STDS.

Combined geochronology with phase equilibria modeling, the P-T-t evolution of metamorphic rocks can be deciphered. Four different representative samples, including retrogressed eclogite, garnetite, paragneiss and tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneiss have been selected for detailed petrography and U/Pb dating from the Belomorian Eclogite Province in Russia. Zircon cores yield Archean ages for the protoliths of these samples. Zircon rims of the TTG gneiss have recorded Neoarchean anataxis at ca 2.73 Ga, whereas 1.91–1.92 Ga zircon rims of the garnetite and the paragneiss have dated high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism. Titanite in the retrogressed eclogite has recorded amphibolite facies retrogression at ca 1.86 Ga. Phase equilibria modelings for retrogressed eclogite, garnetite, and paragneiss define P-T conditions of 17–18 kbar/below 790 °C for the peak eclogite facies metamorphism, 11–12 kbar/870–900 °C for the high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism, and 8–10 kbar/650–710 °C for titanite’s stability which corresponds to the amphibolite facies metamorphism. A clockwise P-T path is inferred for the Salma-type eclogite, which is characterized by thermal relaxation from the peak eclogite facies to the high-pressure granulite facies, and nearly isobaric cooling from the high-pressure granulite facies to the amphibolite facies.

the National Natural Science Foundation, Grant/Award Number: 41330210, 41702052; China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project, Grant/Award Number: 8201400768

The Shirokaya Salma eclogite-bearing complex is located in the Archean-Paleoproterozoic Belomorian Province (Russia). Its eclogites and eclogitic rocks show multiple clinopyroxene breakdown textures, characterized by quartz-amphibole, orthopyroxene, and plagioclase lamellae. Representative samples, a fresh eclogite, two partly retrograded eclogites, and a strongly retrograded eclogitic rock, were collected for this study. Two distinct mineral assemblages – (1) omphacite+garnet+quartz+rutile±amphibole and (2) clinopyroxene+garnet+amphibole+plagioclase +quartz+rutile+ilmenite±orthopyroxene – are described. Based on phase equilibria modelling, these assemblages correspond to the eclogite- and granulite-facies metamorphism that occurred at 16-18 kbar, 750-800 °C and 11-15 kbar, 820-850 °C, respectively. The quartz-amphibole lamellae in clinopyroxene formed during retrogression with water ingress, but do not imply UHP metamorphism. The superfine orthopyroxene lamellae developed due to breakdown of an antecedent clinopyroxene (omphacite) during retrogression that was triggered by decompression from the peak of metamorphism, while the coarser orthopyroxene grains and rods formed afterwards. The P-T path reconstructed for the Shirokaya Salma eclogites is comparable to that of the adjacent 1.9 Ga Uzkaya Salma eclogite (Belomorian Province), and those of several other Paleoproterozoic high-grade metamorphic terranes worldwide, facts allowing us to debate the exact timing of eclogite-facies metamorphism in the Belomorian Province. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The potassium (K) and water (H 2 O) cycles in subduction zones are predominately controlled by the stability of K- and H 2 O-bearing minerals, such as K-mica, lawsonite, and dense hydrous magnesium silicates (DHMS). K-micas (muscovite or phlogopite) are the principal H 2 O and K hosts in subduction zones and Earth’s upper mantle and play a significant role in the deep H 2 O and K cycles. The Mg-10 A phase, normally appearing in hydrated peridotite in high-pressure experiments, has been considered as an important water-carrier in subducted hydrated peridotite. In this study, we found a K-bearing Al-10 A phase in the MORB+H 2 O system (hydrated basalt) at high pressures according to X-ray diffraction and stoichiometry. We experimentally constrained its stability field at high pressure. By considering newly and previously documented compositions of the 10 A phase and micas, we confirmed a continuous solid solution or mixed layering between the 10 A phase and K-mica at the interlayer site, suggesting that the K cycle and the H 2 O cycle in subduction zones are coupled. From the discussion of the effect of f H 2 O on stability of the Al-10 A phase, we conclude that a cold subduction zone can host and carry more bulk H 2 O and K into Earth’s deep mantle than a hot one. This work expands the stability regions of the 10 A phase from the ultramafic system (Mg-10 A phase) to the mafic system (Al-10 A phase), and emphasizes the significance of the 10 A phase for the deep H 2 O and K cycle in subduction zone.

A TTG gneiss of Uzkaya Salma, Belomorian Province and retrogressed eclogites embedded in it have been thoroughly analyzed. The gneiss is made of plagioclase, K-feldspar, biotite, and quartz with accessory epidote, chlorite, titanite and zircon. The retrogressed eclogite is featured by garnet, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole, and quartz with subordinate orthopyroxene, muscovite, epidote, and melt phase exhibiting a typical symplectic texture. Diversity of compositional zonation in garnets depends on different garnet diameters and is related to ion diffusion between garnet and clinopyroxene/amphibole during retrogression. Clinopyroxene is mostly diopside, although a few Jd-enriched varieties (Na-rich clinopyroxene) have been found at some sites, indicating an omphacite precursor. Plagioclase formed in both symplectites and aggregates displays a wide compositional range, revealing alteration at certain PT conditions. K-bearing ternary feldspar casually occurs in association with muscovite, zoisite/epidote, and melt phase, denoting a partial melting product. Phase equilibria modeling, combined with mineralogical constrains yielded a clock-wise PT path with peak conditions of P ≥ 17–18 kbar, T = 700–750 °C, followed by granulite-facies at P = 13–15 kbar, T = 800–850 °C, and, eventually into the (upper) amphibolite-facies of T ≤ 700–750 °C at lower pressures. A geothermal gradient of ∼12–13 °C/km is inferred accordingly, rather common for the Belomorian eclogites and some other eclogite/high-pressure granulite belts (EHPG) on Earth. Zircon U-Pb dating shows that the TTG gneiss formed at 2.73–2.74 Ga, while the protolith of the eclogites may have experienced magmatism/anatexis at ≥2.77 Ga. There is no implication of any Archean eclogite-facies metamorphism in this work. Nevertheless, a granulite-facies metamorphism, featured by a diopside + plagioclase + amphibole ± garnet, orthopyroxene assemblage, has been determined at 2.7 Ga that also superimposed the host gneiss. Afterwards, due to regional plume activities, repeated thermal events of granulite-facies metamorphism, occurred at least locally at 2.4–2.5 Ga. An eclogite-facies metamorphism at 1.9–2.0 Ga was dated only that corresponds to the Lapland-Kola orogeny. Further retrogression into the (upper) amphibolite-facies was documented at 1.8 Ga. The proposed metamorphic PT path corresponds to the late Paleoproterozoic eclogite-facies event, while before that, only (repeated) granulite-facies metamorphism has been recorded by zircons.

The rare occurrence of Precambrian eclogite has been used to argue when plate tectonics initiated. Well-preserved kyanite-bearing eclogites were collected in the Kuru-Vaara quarry, northern Belomorian Province, Fennoscandian Shield. Textural observations and phase equilibria modeling were applied to constrain their P-T evolution. The eclogite is characterized by the peak pressure assemblage garnet + omphacite + kyanite + amphibole + quartz. The garnet has inclusions of zoisite, omphacite and kyanite. This omphacite with high jadeite (up to 33 mol%) and 5% Ca-Eskola content bears oriented rods of quartz, amphibole, and rutile. Omphacite was replaced by diopside + plagioclase ± orthopyroxene symplectites and garnet surrounded by plagioclase coronas. Kyanite was mantled by the assemblage sapphirine + spinel + plagioclase ± scapolite. The symplectites of diopside + plagioclase ± orthopyroxene are further replaced by amphibole. P-T estimates of peak eclogite facies conditions are c. 18–20 kbar and 720–820 °C. The granulite facies assemblages formed at c. 11–13 kbar and 870–915 °C. Zircon U-Pb dating reveals the protolith ages of 2802–2929 Ma for the eclogites. The c. 1896 Ma zircon ages correspond to the time of prograde metamorphism in eclogite facies. The age of 1885 ± 7 Ma for a corundum-bearing mica pegmatite vein that intruded into the eclogites reflects the infiltration of fluid at amphibolite facies conditions. Thus, the Kuru-Vaara eclogite was metamorphosed during the Paleoproterozoic, not the Archean. The P-T path of Kuru-Vaara eclogites was characterized by eclogite facies metamorphism overprinted by granulite facies and retrograde amphibolite facies metamorphism within c. 10 Ma. This process reflects the fast exhumation of the eclogites. The increase in temperature from eclogite to granulite facies in the HT-UHT domain suggests a hot Precambrian tectonic environment.

In order to study the behavior of high field strength elements (HFSE) during retrograde overprint of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) eclogites, analysis of Nb and Ta concentrations was carried out on bulk rock, rutile (in both veins and host rocks) and titanite in the host eclogite. The studied samples were collected from the UHP metamorphic belt of southwestern Tianshan, China. Petrographic observation and phase equilibria modeling show that the host eclogites have experienced UHP metamorphism and the rutile-bearing veins are thought to be originated from an internal fluid source, probably by lawsonite dehydration during exhumation. The presence of vein rutile indicates HFSE could be mobilized from host eclogites to veins, which is probably facilitated by complexation with dissolved Na–Al silicates and fluorine-rich fluids. Changes in fluid composition (e.g., F−1, X(CO2)) may trigger the precipitation of rutile. Rutile/fluid partitioning may be the key to fractionating Nb and Ta, with preference for Ta in the fluid, resulting in Nb/Ta ratio of rutile in the veins lower than that in the host eclogite. Besides, the transformation of rutile into titanite also might be an effective mechanism for fractionating Nb from Ta, resulting in the intra-grain Nb–Ta zonations in vein rutile. The Nb–Ta mobility and fractionation can happen during exhumation of the UHP eclogite, which should be very important for understanding the behavior of HFSE in subduction zone metamorphism.

Although numerous ages have been obtained for the Chinese southwestern Tianshan high pressure/ultrahigh pressure-low temperature (HP/UHP-LT) metamorphic belt in the past two decades, its exhumation history is still controversial. The poor age constraint was related to the appealing low metamorphic temperatures and excess Ar commonly present under HP/UHP conditions. This study aims to provide new age constraints on the orogen’s exhumation by obtaining 40Ar/39Ar mica ages using the conventional step-heating technique, with emphasis on the avoidance of excess Ar contamination. From a cross section along the Kekesu Valley, four samples, three from the HP-LT metamorphic belt (TK050, TK051, and TK081) and one from the southern margin of the low pressure metamorphic belt (TK097), were selected for 40Ar/39Ar dating. Phengites from garnet glaucophane schist TK050 and the surrounding rock garnet phengite schist TK051 yield comparable plateau ages of 321.4 ± 1.6 and 318.6 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively, while epidot...

The intermediate–mafic–ultramafic rocks in the Jianzha Complex (JZC) at the northern margin of the West Qinling Orogenic Belt have been interpreted to be a part of an ophiolite suite. In this study, we present new geochronological, petrological, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data and provide a different interpretation. The JZC is composed of dunite, wehrlite, olivine clinopyroxenite, olivine gabbro, gabbro, and pyroxene diorite. The suite shows characteristics of Alaskan-type complexes, including (1) the low CaO concentrations in olivine; (2) evidence of crystal accumulation; (3) high calcic composition of clinopyroxene; and (4) negative correlation between FeOtot and Cr2O3 of spinels. Hornblende and phlogopite are ubiquitous in the wehrlites, but minor orthopyroxene is also present. Hornblende and biotite are abundant late crystallized phases in the gabbros and diorites. The two pyroxene-bearing diorite samples from JZC yield zircon U–Pb ages of 245.7 ± 1.3 Ma and 241.8 ± 1.3 Ma. The mafic and ultramafic rocks display slightly enriched LREE patterns. The wehrlites display moderate to weak negative Eu anomalies (0.74–0.94), whereas the olivine gabbros and gabbros have pronounced positive Eu anomalies. Diorites show slight LREE enrichment, with (La/Yb)N ratios ranging from 4.42 to 7.79, and moderate to weak negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu∗ = 0.64–0.86). The mafic and ultramafic rocks from this suite are characterized by negative Nb–Ta–Zr anomalies as well as positive Pb anomalies. Diorites show pronounced negative Ba, Nb–Ta and Ti spikes, and typical Th–U, K and Pb peaks. Combined with petrographic observations and chemical variations, we suggest that the magmatism was dominantly controlled by fractional crystallization and crystal accumulation, with limited crustal contamination. The arc-affinity signature and weekly negative to moderately positive eNd(t) values (−2.3 to 1.2) suggest that these rocks may have been generated by partial melting of the juvenile sub-continental lithospheric mantle that was metasomatized previously by slab-derived fluids. The lithologies in the JZC are related in space and time and originated from a common parental magma. Geochemical modeling suggests that their primitive parental magma had a basaltic composition. The ultramafic rocks were generated through olivine accumulation, and variable degrees of fractional crystallization with minor crustal contamination produced the diorites. The data presented here suggest that the subduction in West Qinling did not cease before the early stage of the Middle Triassic (∼242 Ma), a back-arc developed in the northern part of West Qinling during this period, and the JZC formed within the incipient back-arc.

How to identify ultrahigh-pressure (UH P ) metamorphism in the absence of coesite is a key problem to gain the correct P–T history for an orogenic belt. In this study, garnet composition combined with the pseudosection approach was used to identify ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism and to determine P–T paths for eclogites and metapelites from Chinese southwestern Tianshan. Porphyroblastic garnets from both eclogites and metapelites develop pronounced chemical core-rim textures: the relatively homogeneous core with low pyrope [Prp; Mg/(Ca + Mn + Mg + Fe 2+ ) × 100] and grossular [Grs; Ca/(Ca + Mn + Mg + Fe 2+ ) × 100] content is overgrown by a thin rim with sharply increased Prp and Grs. Phase equilibria modeling indicates that the ultrahigh-pressure rocks have undergone a clockwise P–T path characterized by heating during early exhumation with peak P–T at 31–33 kbar and 490–520 °C. The P–T pseudosections for eclogites show that isopleths of Prp and Grs strongly depend on temperature and pressure, respectively, especially in the stability fields of glaucophane–lawsonite-bearing eclogite facies assemblages. This indicates that garnet composition provides robust thermobarometric constraints. Consequently, we propose a Prp–Grs diagram which is subdivided into a high-pressure region and an ultrahigh-pressure region by the quartz–coesite–transition curve. Those garnet compositions which fall into the ultrahigh-pressure region are regarded to have experienced ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. This approach is expected to be a useful tool to qualitatively identify ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism for glaucophane–lawsonite-bearing eclogites and its particular strength is the quick examination of large datasets comprising samples with similar bulk composition. Using this method, garnet compositions of eclogites and mafic blueschists from Chinese southwestern Tianshan and lawsonite eclogites worldwide are plotted in the Prp–Grs diagram and several possible ultrahigh-pressure eclogite occurrences are newly identified.

In the Chinese southwestern Tianshan (U)HP belt, former lawsonite presence has been predicted for many (U)HP metamorphic eclogites, but only a very few lawsonite grains have been found so far. We discovered armoured lawsonite relicts included in quartz, which, on its part, is enclosed in porphyroblastic garnet in an epidote eclogite H711-14 and a paragonite eclogite H711-29. H711-14 is mainly composed of garnet, omphacite, epidote and titanite, with minor quartz, paragonite and secondary barroisite and glaucophane. Coarse-grained titanite occasionally occurs in millimetre-wide veins in equilibrium with epidote and omphacite, and relict rutile is only preserved as inclusions in matrix titanite and garnet. H711-29 shows the mineral assemblage of garnet, omphacite, glaucophane, paragonite, quartz, dolomite, rutile and minor epidote. Dolomite and rutile are commonly rimed by secondary calcite and titanite respectively. Porphyroblastic garnet in both eclogites is compositionally zoned and exhibits an inclusion-rich core overgrown by an inclusion-poor rim. Phase equilibria modelling predicts that garnet cores formed at the P-peak (490–505 °C and 23–25.5 kbar) and coexisted with the lawsonite eclogite facies assemblage of omphacite + glaucophane + lawsonite + quartz. Garnet rims (550–570 °C and ~20 kbar) grew subsequently during a post-peak epidote eclogite facies metamorphism and coexisted with omphacite + quartz ± glaucophane ± epidote ± paragonite. The results confirm the former presence of a cold subduction zone environment in the Chinese southwestern Tianshan. The P–T evolution of the eclogites is characterized by a clockwise P–T path with a heating stage during early exhumation (thermal relaxation). The preservation of lawsonite in these eclogites is attributed to isolation from the matrix by quartz and rigid garnet, which should be considered as a new type of lawsonite preservation in eclogites. The complete rutile–titanite transition in H711-14 took place in the epidote eclogite facies stage in the presence of an extremely CO2-poor fluid with X(CO2) [CO2/(CO2 + H2O) in the fluid] 0.01) in the coexisting fluid at the epidote eclogite facies stage.

This paper deals with the petrology and U–Pb dating of coesite-bearing garnet–phengite schist from the Kebuerte Valley, Chinese western Tianshan. It mainly consists of porphyroblastic garnet, phengite, quartz and chlorite with minor amounts of paragonite, albite, zoisite and chloritoid. The well preserved coesite inclusions (∼100 μm) in garnet are encircled by a narrow rim of quartz. They were identified by optical microscopy and confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Using the computer program THERMOCALC, the peak metamorphic conditions of 29 kbar and 565 °C were obtained via garnet isopleth geothermobarometry. The predicted UHP peak mineral assemblage comprises garnet + jadeite + lawsonite + carpholite + coesite + phengite. The metapelite records prograde quartz–eclogite-facies metamorphism, UHP coesite–eclogite-facies peak metamorphism, and a late greenschist-facies overprint. Phase equilibrium modeling predicts that garnet mainly grew in the mineral assemblages garnet + jadeite + lawsonite + chloritoid + glaucophane + quartz + phengite and garnet + jadeite + lawsonite + carpholite + glaucophane + quartz + phengite. SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating of the coesite-bearing metapelite yielded the peak metamorphic age 320.4 ± 3.7 Ma. For the first time, age data of coesite-bearing UHP metapelite from the Chinese western Tianshan are presented in this paper. They are in accord with published ages obtained from eclogite from other localities in the Chinese western Tianshan and the Kyrgyz South Tianshan and therefore prove a widespread occurrence of UHP metamorphism.

International audience; The southwestern Tianshan (China) metamorphic belt records high-pressure (HP) to ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) conditions corresponding to a cold oceanic subduction-zone setting. Serpentinites enclosing retrogressed eclogite and rodingite occur as lenses within metapelites in the UHP unit, which also hosts coesite-bearing eclogites. Based on the petrology and petrography of these serpentinites, five events are recognized: (1) formation of a wehrlite–harzburgite–dunite association in the mantle; (2) retrograde metamorphism and partial hydration during exhumation of the mantle rocks close to the seafloor; (3) oceanic metamorphism leading to the first serpentinization and rodingitization; (4) UHP metamorphism during subduction; (5) retrograde metamorphism during exhumation together with a second serpentinization. The peak metamorphic mineral assemblage of the serpentinized wehrlite comprises Ti-chondrodite + olivine + antigorite + chlorite + magnetite + brucite. A computed pseudosection for this serpentinized wehrlite shows that the Al content in antigorite is mostly sensititive to temperature but can also be used to constrain pressure. The average XAl = 0·204 ± 0·026 of antigorite (XAl = Al (a.p.f.u.)/8, where Al is in atoms per formula unit for a structural formula M48T34O85(OH)62, and M and T are octahedral and tetrahedral sites, respectively) included in Ti-chondrodite and average XAl = 0·203 ± 0·019 of antigorite in the matrix result in a well-constrained peak metamorphic temperature of 510–530°C. Peak pressures are less precisely constrained at 37 ± 7 kbar. The Tianshan serpentinites thus record UHP metamorphic conditions and represent the deepest subducted serpentinites discovered so far. The retrograde evolution occurs within the stability field of brucite + antigorite + olivine + chlorite and formation of Ti-clinohumite at the expense of Ti-chondrodite has been observed, suggesting isothermal decompression. The resulting P–T path is in excellent agreement with the metamorphic evolution of country rocks, indicating that the UHP unit in Tianshan was subducted and exhumed as a coherent block. To refine the metamorphic path of the ultramafic rocks, we have investigated the stability fields of Ti-chondrodite and Ti-clinohumite using piston-cylinder experiments. A total of 11 experiments were conducted at 25–55 kbar and 600–750°C in a F-free natural system. Combined with previous experiments and information from natural rocks we constructed a petrogenetic grid for the stability of Ti-chondrodite and Ti-clinohumite in F-free peridotite compositions. The formation of Ti-chondrodite in serpentinites requires a minimum pressure of about 26 kbar, whereas in Ti-rich systems it can form at considerably lower pressures. A key finding is that at UHP conditions, F-free Ti-chondrodite or Ti-clinohumite breaks down in the presence of orthopyroxene between 700 and 750°C, at temperatures that are significantly lower than those of the terminal breakdown reactions of these humite minerals. These breakdown reactions are an additional source of fluid during prograde subduction of serpentinites.

In order to assist surgeons during surgery on moving organs, e.g. minimally invasive beating heart bypass surgery, a master-slave system which synchronizes surgical instruments with the organ's motion is desired. This synchronization requires reliable estimation of the organ's motion. In this paper, we present a new approach to motion estimation based on a state motion model for a partition of the heart's surface. Its motion behavior is described by a partial differential equation whose input function is assumed to be periodic. An estimator is used on one hand to predict future model states based on reconstruction of the input function and on the other hand to incorporate noisy spatially discrete measurements in order to improve state estimation. The model-based motion estimation is evaluated using a simple heart simulator. Measurements are obtained by reconstructing 3D position of markers on a pulsating membrane by means of a stereo camera system.

In 1996, the Laboratory for Process research (Labor für Prozessforschung = LPF) was founded as a collaboration between the University of Zurich and the pharmaceutical industry. This joint venture is based on the concept of providing a professional training platform in industrial process chemistry for Ph.D. graduates and performing highly sophisticated process research and development at the same time. The well-equipped LPF facilities, approved by swissmedic, operate according to the standards of Good manufacturing Practice (GmP). Chemical processes for manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) are developed from bench to production under GMP compliance. A large number of projects were successfully developed in the last decade, for which production was carried out at the LPF and/or after transfer of the whole technology to customers or contract manufacturers worldwide. In the course of these projects, the development of numerous innovative reactions and routes has resulted in several patents.