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Abstract. Retrograde metamorphic rocks provide key insights into the pressure–temperature (P–T) evolution of exhumed material, and resultant P–T constraints have direct implications for the mechanical and thermal conditions of subduction interfaces. However, constraining P–T conditions of retrograde metamorphic rocks has historically been challenging and has resulted in debate about the conditions experienced by these rocks. In this work, we combine elastic thermobarometry with oxygen isotope thermometry to quantify the P–T evolution of retrograde metamorphic rocks of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit (CBU), an exhumed subduction complex exposed on Syros, Greece. We employ quartz-in-garnet and quartz-in-epidote barometry to constrain pressures of garnet and epidote growth near peak subduction conditions and during exhumation, respectively. Oxygen isotope thermometry of quartz and calcite within boudin necks was used to estimate temperatures during exhumation and to refine pressure estimates. Three distinct pressure groups are related to different metamorphic events and fabrics: high-pressure garnet growth at ∼1.4–1.7 GPa between 500–550 ∘C, retrograde epidote growth at ∼1.3–1.5 GPa between 400–500 ∘C, and a second stage of retrograde epidote growth at ∼1.0 GPa and 400 ∘C. These results are consistent with different stages of deformation inferred from field and microstructural observations, recording prograde subduction to blueschist–eclogite facies and subsequent retrogression under blueschist–greenschist facies conditions. Our new results indicate that the CBU experienced cooling during decompression after reaching maximum high-pressure–low-temperature conditions. These P–T conditions and structural observations are consistent with exhumation and cooling within the subduction channel in proximity to the refrigerating subducting plate, prior to Miocene core-complex formation. This study also illustrates the potential of using elastic thermobarometry in combination with structural and microstructural constraints, to better understand the P–T-deformation conditions of retrograde mineral growth in high-pressure–low-temperature (HP/LT) metamorphic terranes.
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Subduction, Underplating, and Return Flow Recorded in the Cycladic Blueschist Unit Exposed on Syros, Greece
Abstract Exhumed high‐pressure/low‐temperature (HP/LT) metamorphic rocks provide insights into deep (∼20–70 km) subduction interface dynamics. On Syros Island (Cyclades, Greece), the Cycladic Blueschist Unit preserves blueschist‐to‐eclogite facies oceanic‐ and continental‐affinity rocks that record the structural and thermal evolution linked to Eocene subduction. Despite decades of research, the metamorphic and deformation history (P‐T‐D) and timing of subduction and exhumation are matters of ongoing discussion. We suggest that Syros comprises three coherent tectonic slices and that each slice underwent subduction, underplating, and syn‐subduction return flow along similar P‐T trajectories, but at progressively younger times. Subduction and exhumation are distinguished by lineations and ductile fold axis orientations, and are kinematically consistent with previous studies that document top‐to‐the‐S‐SW shear (prograde‐to‐peak subduction), top‐to‐the‐NE shear (blueschist facies exhumation), and then E‐W coaxial stretching (greenschist facies exhumation). Amphibole zonations record cooling during decompression, indicating return flow above a cold slab. Multi‐mineral Rb‐Sr isochrons and compiled metamorphic geochronology show that the three slices record distinct stages of peak subduction (53–52, ∼50, and 45 Ma) that young with structural depth. Retrograde blueschist and greenschist facies fabrics span ∼50–40 and ∼43–20 Ma, respectively, and also young with structural depth. Synthesized data sets support a revised tectonic framework for Syros, involving subduction of structurally distinct coherent slices and simultaneous return flow of previously accreted tectonic slices in the subduction channel shear zone. Distributed, ductile, dominantly coaxial return flow in an Eocene‐Oligocene subduction channel proceeded at rates of ∼1.5–5 mm/yr and accommodated ∼80% of the total exhumation of this HP/LT complex.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1725110
- PAR ID:
- 10445843
- Publisher / Repository:
- DOI PREFIX: 10.1029
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Tectonics
- Volume:
- 41
- Issue:
- 6
- ISSN:
- 0278-7407
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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