Garnet–omphacite–phengite thermobarometry of eclogites from the coesite-bearing unit of the southern Dora-Maira Massif, Western Alps

• Published in: Lithos 2000-04, Vol.52 (1), p.197-214
• Main Authors: Nowlan, E.U, Schertl, H.-P, Schreyer, W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dora-Maira Massif; Eclogite; Garnet; Geothermobarometry; Omphacite; Phengite
• ISSN: 0024-4937; 1872-6143
• DOI: 10.1016/S0024-4937(99)00091-2

Using relevant geothermobarometric methods, P– T-data were collected for the reconstruction of the metamorphic evolution of 34 eclogite samples taken from small lenses and boudins within the ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic coesite-bearing Brossasco-Isasca Unit (BIU) of the Dora-Maira Massif. The mineral phases used (clinopyroxene, garnet, phengite), or growth zones thereof, were identified as being coexistent for different stages of metamorphism on the basis of careful petrographic studies. Of several published geothermobarometers, the garnet–clinopyroxene thermometer of Powell [Powell, R., 1985. Regression diagnostics and robust regression in geothermometer/geobarometer calibration: the garnet–clinopyroxene geothermometer revisited. J. Metamorph. Geol., 3, pp. 231–243.] combined with the garnet–clinopyroxene–phengite barometer after Waters and Martin [Waters, D., Martin, H.N., 1993. The garnet–clinopyroxene–phengite barometer. Terra Abstr., 5, pp. 410–411.] was chosen here, because it provided the most reliable results. Nevertheless, the scatter of P– T-data points for the prograde (stage I), peak metamorphic (stage II), and retrograde (stage III) development of the eclogites is still considerable. Among the many possible reasons for this inconsistency discussed, a partial lack of equilibration of some of the eclogites during their metamorphic history should be taken into account. Despite the data scatter, an average P– T-path could be estimated, which includes the following coordinates: for stage I: 15 kbar/500°C; 25 kbar/570°C; 32 kbar/650°C; for stage II: 36 kbar/720°C; and for stage III: 24 kbar/680°C and 14 kbar/620°C. This is in fair agreement with P– T-paths derived earlier for other rock types of the BIU on the basis of other geothermobarometers.