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Shear heating reconciles thermal models with the metamorphic rock record of subduction.

ABSTRACT: Some commonly referenced thermal-mechanical models of current subduction zones imply temperatures that are 100-500 °C colder at 30-80-km depth than pressure-temperature conditions determined thermobarometrically from exhumed metamorphic rocks. Accurately inferring subduction zone thermal structure, whether from models or rocks, is crucial for predicting metamorphic reactions and associated fluid release, subarc melting conditions, rheologies, and fault-slip phenomena. Here, we compile surface heat flow data from subduction zones worldwide and show that values are higher than can be explained for a frictionless subduction interface often assumed for modeling. An additional heat source--likely shear heating--is required to explain these forearc heat flow values. A friction coefficient of at least 0.03 and possibly as high as 0.1 in some cases explains these data, and we recommend a provisional average value of 0.05 ± 0.015 for modeling. Even small coefficients of friction can contribute several hundred degrees of heating at depths of 30-80 km. Adding such shear stresses to thermal models quantitatively reproduces the pressure-temperature conditions recorded by exhumed metamorphic rocks. Comparatively higher temperatures generally drive rock dehydration and densification, so, at a given depth, hotter rocks are denser than colder rocks, and harder to exhume through buoyancy mechanisms. Consequently--conversely to previous proposals--exhumed metamorphic rocks might overrepresent old-cold subduction where rocks at the slab interface are wetter and more buoyant than in young-hot subduction zones.

SUBMITTER: Kohn MJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6243260 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Shear heating reconciles thermal models with the metamorphic rock record of subduction.

Kohn Matthew J MJ Castro Adrian E AE Kerswell Buchanan C BC Ranero César R CR Spear Frank S FS

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20181029 46

Some commonly referenced thermal-mechanical models of current subduction zones imply temperatures that are 100-500 °C colder at 30-80-km depth than pressure-temperature conditions determined thermobarometrically from exhumed metamorphic rocks. Accurately inferring subduction zone thermal structure, whether from models or rocks, is crucial for predicting metamorphic reactions and associated fluid release, subarc melting conditions, rheologies, and fault-slip phenomena. Here, we compile surface he ...[more]

PMID: 30373832

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Project description:This study presents boron (B) concentration and isotope data for white mica from (ultra)high-pressure (UHP), subduction-related metamorphic rocks from Lago di Cignana (Western Alps, Italy). These rocks are of specific geological interest, because they comprise the most deeply subducted rocks of oceanic origin worldwide. Boron geochemistry can track fluid-rock interaction during their metamorphic evolution and provide important insights into mass transfer processes in subduction zones. The highest B contents (up to 345 ?g/g B) occur in peak metamorphic phengite from a garnet-phengite quartzite. The B isotopic composition is variable (?11B?=?-?10.3 to?-?3.6%) and correlates positively with B concentrations. Based on similar textures and major element mica composition, neither textural differences, prograde growth zoning, diffusion nor a retrograde overprint can explain this correlation. Modelling shows that B devolatilization during metamorphism can explain the general trend, but fails to account for the wide compositional and isotopic variability in a single, well-equilibrated sample. We, therefore, argue that this trend represents fluid-rock interaction during peak metamorphic conditions. This interpretation is supported by fluid-rock interaction modelling of boron leaching and boron addition that can successfully reproduce the observed spread in ?11B and [B]. Taking into account the local availability of serpentinites as potential source rocks of the fluids, the temperatures reached during peak metamorphism that allow for serpentine dehydration, and the high positive ?11B values (?11B?=?20?±?5) modelled for the fluids, an influx of serpentinite-derived fluid appears likely. Paragonite in lawsonite pseudomorphs in an eclogite and phengite from a retrogressed metabasite have B contents between 12 and 68 ?g/g and ?11B values that cluster around 0% (?11B?=?-?5.0 to?+?3.5). White mica in both samples is related to distinct stages of retrograde metamorphism during exhumation of the rocks. The variable B geochemistry can be successfully modelled as fluid-rock interaction with low-to-moderate (<?3) fluid/rock ratios, where mica equilibrates with a fluid into which B preferentially partitions, causing leaching of B from the rock. The metamorphic rocks from Lago di Cignana show variable retention of B in white mica during subduction-related metamorphism and exhumation. The variability in the B geochemical signature in white mica is significant and enhances our understanding of metamorphic processes and their role in element transfer in subduction zones.

Dataset Information

Shear heating reconciles thermal models with the metamorphic rock record of subduction.

Publications

Shear heating reconciles thermal models with the metamorphic rock record of subduction.

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