Metamorphic evolution and zircon U-Pb geochronology of the Mts. Huashan amphibolites: Insights into the Palaeoproterozoic amalgamation of the North China Craton

Exposed in the southernmost terminal of the Palaeoproterozoic Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), the garnet-bearing amphibolites in the Mts. Huashan metamorphic complex preserve three generations of mineral assemblages including the prograde, peak and retrograde metamorphic stages. The prograde metamorphic stage (M1) is recognized as inclusion-type mineral assemblages (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz +/- biotite +/- ilmenite) preserved in the garnet porphyroblasts. The peak metamorphic assemblages (M2) are represented by the garnet porphyroblasts and matrix minerals (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz biotite + ilmenite). The retrograde metamorphic assemblages (M3) are characterized by the symplectitic intergrowth minerals (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz +/- orthopyroxene +/- biotite +/- ilmenite) rimming decomposed, relict garnet porphyroblasts, known as the "white-eye socket" reaction textures. Calculated by geothermometers and geobarometers, the P-T conditions of these three metamorphic stages are estimated to be of 5.7-6.0 kbar/660-760 degrees C for the prograde stage (M1), 6.6-7.7 kbar/700-820 degrees C for the peak stage (M2) and 4.5-6.7 kbar/720-760 degrees C for the retrograde stage (M3), respectively. Therefore, these three metamorphic stages define clockwise P-T paths including nearly isothermal decompression (ITD) processes. Geochronological studies of zircons from the amphibolites indicate that the protolith of the amphibolites formed at similar to 2.3 Ga, and the metamorphism occurred at similar to 1.87-1.85 Ga, and the metamorphic period was further deciphered to be of 1.96-1.80 Ga when considering our previous reports. It is therefore proposed that the southernmost terminal of the TNCO was also involved in the subduction and collision processes between the Eastern and Western Blocks of the North China Craton at least as early as 1.96 Ga and continued as late as 1.80 Ga, followed by rapid uplift and exhumation. The available data suggest that the Palaeoproterozoic tectono-metamorphic event of the southernmost terminal of the Trans-North China Orogen not only started earlier but also continued longer than the other terranes in the middle and northern sections elsewhere in the orogen. (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.