1. Tracing the Oxidizing State and Element‐Mobilizing Fluids in Continental Subduction Zones: Insights From the Granitic Melt‐Eclogite Interface.
- Author
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Lei, Jing, Tian, Ye, Xiao, Yilin, Tan, Dong‐Bo, Xu, Li‐Juan, Wang, Qinxia, and Li, Wangye
- Subjects
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RARE earth metals , *SUBDUCTION zones , *SUPERCRITICAL fluids , *PROPERTIES of fluids , *ISOTOPIC fractionation - Abstract
Fluids in subduction zones significantly influence element mobility, isotope fractionation, and mass transfer. However, unraveling the source, composition, and redox state of fluids in continental subduction zones poses a significant challenge. This study focuses on a granitic melt‐eclogite contact interface, along with adjacent granite and eclogite from the Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic belt in East China. The interface exhibits complex mineral assemblages, enriched rare earth elements (REEs), and high field strength elements (HFSEs). Zircon grains from the interface show an age of ∼217 ± 9 Ma, slightly later than peak metamorphism, along with the presence of coesite inclusions. These findings suggest that the interfacial fluid likely formed from the mixing of granitic anatectic melt and aqueous fluid from the eclogite during the initial exhumation of the Sulu terrane. The interaction resulted in the eclogite acquiring substantial REEs and HFSEs, suggesting the interfacial fluid's effective element‐transporting capability and potential supercritical fluid properties. Zircon Ce anomaly and Fe3+/Fe2+ oxybarometer data indicate a highly oxidizing interfacial fluid, analogous to arc magmas in oxygen fugacity. This led to the preferential loss of isotopically heavier Cr from the eclogite during fluid‐eclogite interaction, evidenced by heavier Cr isotopic compositions in the interface (δ53Cr = −0.04 to −0.05‰) compared to adjacent eclogite (δ53Cr as low as −0.11‰). In summary, our results highlight the presence of strong oxidizing and element‐mobilizing fluids in continental subduction zones, offering insights into supercritical fluid recognition and the genesis of oxidizing arc magmas in subduction zones. Plain Language Summary: Fluids are important agents for material migrations in subduction zones, yet the characteristics of fluids in continental subduction zones remain poorly understood, including their redox state, element‐carrying capacity, and isotopic features. In our study, we uncovered a unique interfacial fluid process occurring during the interaction of granitic melt and eclogite in continental subduction zones. This interfacial fluid transported significant amounts of insoluble trace elements into the eclogite, resulting in superchondritic Nb/Ta ratios. These characteristics indicate the interfacial fluid's exceptional element‐transporting capability distinct from silicate melts or aqueous fluids. Additionally, the interfacial fluid demonstrates a strong oxidizing property, comparable to or even exceeding that of arc magmas. This distinctive feature leads to the preferential loss of isotopically heavier Cr in the eclogite during fluid‐rock interaction. In summary, our study provides a compelling demonstration of the presence of strong oxidizing and element‐mobilizing fluids, carrying significant understanding for fluid properties in subduction zones. Key Points: Significant migrations of rare earth elements and high field strength elements are observed in granitic anatectic melt‐eclogite interfaceThe interfacial fluid is highly oxidizing, with oxygen fugacity equivalent to or even surpassing that of arc magmasThe strong oxidizing nature of the interfacial fluid resulted in the preferential loss of isotopically heavier Cr of the eclogite [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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