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On the causes of 18O-depletion and 18O/16O homogenization during regional metamorphism; the East Humboldt Range core complex, Nevada

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Abstract

Previous stable isotope studies at Lizzies Basin revealed that metasedimentary rocks are 18O-depleted relative to protolith values, particularly in the lower parts of the section (Lower Zone) where the rocks are also isotopically homogeneous on a scale of hundreds of meters (quartz δ18O=+9.0 to +9.6 per mil). In contrast, metasedimentary rocks at higher levels at Lizzies Basin (Upper Zone) are less 18O-depleted and more heterogeneous in δ18O. In order to understand more fully the isotopic evolution of this terrane, a series of detailed, meter-scale traverses across various metamorphic and igneous lithologies were completed at Lizzies Basin, and at the structurally higher Angel Lake locality. Traverses in the Lizzies Basin Lower Zone and in the lower parts of Angel Lake (Angel Lake Lower Sequence) across various silicate lithologies, including abundant granitoids, reveal similar degrees of homogeneity, although the average δ18O values are higher at Angel Lake. In contrast, traverses which include substantial thicknesses of marble and calc-silicate gneiss and very little granitoid have more heterogeneous quartz δ18O values (+11.9 to +13.4 per mil), and also have a higher average δ18O (+12.9 per mil), than observed elsewhere. The scale of 18O/16O homogeneity in quartz observed at Lizzies Basin and Angel Lake (meters to hundreds of meters) requires fluid-mediated isotope exchange, which accompanied Tertiary metamorphism. There is a correlation between the degree of 18O-depletion in metasedimentary rocks, 18O/16O homogenization between lithologies, and the proportion of granitoids (leucogranites in particular) within any part of the section, and a corresponding anticor-relation with the proportion of marble. This points to a causal relationship, whereby the leucogranites (as well as the Tertiary hornblende diorite and biotite monzogranite) acted as both a relatively low-18O reservoir and a source of fluids to enhance exchange, while the marbles hindered isotope deplction and homogenization by acting as relatively high-18O reservoirs and impermeable layers. Material balance calculations help delineate the plausible mechanisms of exchange between granitoids and metasediments. Single-pass infiltration of magmatic fluids from the granitoids is not capable of reproducing all of the observations. Fluidmediated exchange by convective recirculation of magmatic fluids on a scale of meters is the mechanism which explains all of the observations. The generalized model for the isotopic evolution of the East Humboldt Range core complex provides and excellent opportunity to establish the main causes and controlling factors of 18O-depletion and 18O/16O homogenization during regional metamorphism.

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  1. Mark T. Peters

    Present address: Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, 91125, Pasadena, CA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of the Geophysical Sciences, The University of Chicago, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA

    Mark T. Peters & Stephen M. Wickham

  2. Enrico Fermi Institute, The University of Chicago, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA

    Mark T. Peters & Stephen M. Wickham

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Peters, M.T., Wickham, S.M. On the causes of 18O-depletion and 18O/16O homogenization during regional metamorphism; the East Humboldt Range core complex, Nevada. Contr. Mineral. and Petrol. 119, 68–82 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00310718

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