No abstract

Laser Raman microspectroscopy was applied to quartz inclusions in coesite-and diamond-grade metapelites from the Kokchetav ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) complex, Northern Kazakhstan, and diamond-grade eclogite xenoliths from the Mir kimberlite pipe, Yakutiya, Russia to assess the quantitative correlation between the Raman frequency shift and metamorphic pressure. Quartz crystals sealed in garnets have a higher frequency shift than those in the matrix. Residual pressures retained by quartz inclusions depend on the metamorphic history of the garnet host. The Raman frequency shift of quartz inclusions in garnet from coesite-grade and diamond-grade metamorphic rocks shows no systematic change with increasing peak metamorphic pressures. The highest shifts of the main Raman bands of quartz were documented for monocrystalline quartz inclusions in garnets from a diamond-grade eclogite xenolith. Calibrations based on experimental work suggest that the measured Raman frequency shifts signify residual pressures of 0.1-0.6 GPa for quartz inclusions from coesite-grade metapelites from Kokchetav, 0.1-0.3 GPa for quartz inclusions from diamond-grade metapelites from Kokchetav, and 1.0-1.2 GPa for quartz inclusions from the diamondgrade eclogite xenoliths from the Mir kimberlite pipe. Normal stresses and internal (residual) pressures of quartz inclusions in garnet were numerically simulated with a 3-shell elastic model. Estimated values of residual pressures are inconsistent with the residual pressures estimated from the frequency shifts. Residual pressure slightly depends on P-T conditions at peak metamorphic stage. Laser Raman microspectroscopic analysis of quartz is a potentially powerful method for recovering an ultrahigh pressure metamorphic event. Monocrystalline quartz inclusions yielding a residual pressure greater than 2.5 GPa might indicate the presence of a former coesite.

Metamorphic rocks are the records of plate tectonic processes whose reconstruction relies on correct estimates of the pressures and temperatures (P-T) experienced by these rocks through time. Unlike chemical geothermobarometry, elastic geobarometry does not rely on chemical equilibrium between minerals, so it has the potential to provide information on overstepping of reaction boundaries and to identify other examples of non-equilibrium behavior in rocks. Here we introduce a method that exploits the anisotropy in elastic properties of minerals to determine the unique P and T of entrapment from a single inclusion in a mineral host. We apply it to preserved quartz inclusions in garnet from eclogite xenoliths hosted in Yakutian kimberlites (Russia). Our results demonstrate that quartz trapped in garnet can be preserved when the rock reaches the stability field of coesite (the high-pressure and high-temperature polymorph of quartz) at 3 GPa and 850 °C. This supports a metamorphic origin for these xenoliths and sheds light on the mechanisms of craton accretion from a subducted crustal protolith. Furthermore, we show that interpreting P and T conditions reached by a rock from the simple phase identification of key inclusion minerals can be misleading.

Deep carbon and nitrogen cycles played a critical role in the evolution of the Earth. Here we report on successful studying of speciation in C-O-H-N systems with low nitrogen contents at 6.3 GPa and 1100 to 1400 °C. At fO2 near Fe–FeO (IW) equilibrium, the synthesised fluids contain more than thirty species. Among them, CH4, C2H6, C3H8 and C4H10 are main carbon species. All carbon species, except for C1-C4 alkanes and alcohols, occur in negligible amounts in the fluids generated in systems with low H2O, but С15-С18 alkanes are slightly higher and oxygenated hydrocarbons are more diverse at higher temperatures and H2O concentrations. At a higher oxygen fugacity of +2.5 Δlog fO2 (IW), the fluids almost lack methane and contain about 1 rel.% C2-C4 alkanes, as well as fractions of percent of C15–18 alkanes and notable contents of alcohols and carboxylic acids. Methanimine (CH3N) is inferred to be the main nitrogen species in N-poor reduced fluids. Therefore, the behaviour of CH3N may control the nitrogen cycle in N-poor peridotitic mantle. Oxidation of fluids strongly reduces the concentration of CH4 and bulk carbon. However, higher alkanes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids can resist oxidation and should remain stable in mantle hydrous magmas.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract