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Fluid-induced breakdown of white mica controls nitrogen transfer during fluid-rock interaction in subduction zones

Halama, R; Bebout, GE; Marschall, HR; John, T

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Authors

R Halama

GE Bebout

HR Marschall

T John



Abstract

In order to determine the effects of fluid–rock interaction on nitrogen elemental and isotopic systematics in high-pressure metamorphic rocks, we investigated three different profiles representing three distinct scenarios of metasomatic overprinting. A profile from the Chinese Tianshan (ultra)high-pressure–low-temperature metamorphic belt represents a prograde, fluid-induced blueschist–eclogite transformation. This profile shows a systematic decrease in N concentrations from the host blueschist (~26 µg/g) via a blueschist–eclogite transition zone (19–23 µg/g) and an eclogitic selvage (12–16 µg/g) towards the former fluid pathway. Eclogites and blueschists show only a small variation in d15Nair (+2.1 ± 0.3‰), but the systematic trend with distance is consistent with a batch devolatilization process. A second profile from the Tianshan represents a retrograde eclogite–blueschist transition. It shows increasing, but more scattered, N concentrations from the eclogite towards the blueschist and an unsystematic variation in d15N values (d15N = + 1.0 to +5.4‰). A third profile from the high-P/T metamorphic basement complex of the Southern Armorican Massif (Vendée, France) comprises a sequence from an eclogite lens via retrogressed eclogite and amphibolite into metasedimentary country rock gneisses. Metasedimentary gneisses have high N contents (14–52 µg/g) and positive d15N values (+2.9 to +5.8‰), and N concentrations become lower away from the contact with 11–24 µg/g for the amphibolites, 10–14 µg/g for the retrogressed eclogite, and 2.1–3.6 µg/g for the pristine eclogite, which also has the lightest N isotopic compositions (d15N = + 2.1 to +3.6‰).

Overall, geochemical correlations demonstrate that phengitic white mica is the major host of N in metamorphosed mafic rocks. During fluid-induced metamorphic overprint, both abundances and isotopic composition of N are controlled by the stability and presence of white mica. Phengite breakdown in high-P/T metamorphic rocks can liberate significant amounts of N into the fluid. Due to the sensitivity of the N isotope system to a sedimentary signature, it can be used to trace the extent of N transport during metasomatic processes. The Vendée profile demonstrates that this process occurs over several tens of metres and affects both N concentrations and N isotopic compositions.

Citation

Halama, R., Bebout, G., Marschall, H., & John, T. (2016). Fluid-induced breakdown of white mica controls nitrogen transfer during fluid-rock interaction in subduction zones. International Geology Review, 702-720. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2016.1233834

Acceptance Date Sep 5, 2016
Publication Date Oct 10, 2016
Journal International Geology Review
Print ISSN 0020-6814
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Pages 702-720
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2016.1233834
Keywords nitrogen; N isotopes; white mica; fluid-rock interaction; subduction; high-pressure metamorphic rocks
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2016.1233834

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