Articles | Volume 13, issue 11
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1803-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1803-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
22 Nov 2022
Research article |
| 22 Nov 2022
| 22 Nov 2022
Epidote dissolution–precipitation during viscous granular flow: a micro-chemical and isotope study
Veronica Peverelli
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
Alfons Berger
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
Martin Wille
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
Thomas Pettke
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
Pierre Lanari
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
Igor Maria Villa
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra, University of
Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Marco Herwegh
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
Related authors
Veronica Peverelli, Alfons Berger, Martin Wille, Thomas Pettke, Benita Putlitz, Andreas Mulch, Edwin Gnos, and Marco Herwegh
Eur. J. Mineral., 36, 879–898, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-879-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-879-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We used U–Pb dating and Pb–Sr–O–H isotopes of hydrothermal epidote to characterize fluid circulation in the Aar Massif (central Swiss Alps). Our data support the hypothesis that Permian fluids exploited syn-rift extensional faults. In the Miocene during the Alpine orogeny, fluid sources were meteoric, sedimentary, and/or metamorphic water. Likely, Miocene shear zones were exploited for fluid circulation, with implications for the Sr isotope budget of the granitoids.
Veronica Peverelli, Tanya Ewing, Daniela Rubatto, Martin Wille, Alfons Berger, Igor Maria Villa, Pierre Lanari, Thomas Pettke, and Marco Herwegh
Geochronology, 3, 123–147, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-123-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-123-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This work presents LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology of epidote in hydrothermal veins. The challenges of epidote dating are addressed, and a protocol is proposed allowing us to obtain epidote U–Pb ages with a precision as good as 5 % in addition to the initial Pb isotopic composition of the epidote-forming fluid. Epidote demonstrates its potential to be used as a U–Pb geochronometer and as a fluid tracer, allowing us to reconstruct the timing of hydrothermal activity and the origin of the fluid(s).
Sandro Truttmann, Tobias Diehl, Marco Herwegh, and Stefan Wiemer
Solid Earth, 16, 641–662, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-641-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-641-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study investigates the statistical relationship between geological fractures and earthquakes in the southwestern Swiss Alps. We analyze how the fracture size and earthquake rupture are related and find differences in how fractures at different depths rupture seismically. While shallow fractures tend to rupture only partially, deeper fractures are more likely to rupture along their entire length, potentially resulting in larger earthquakes.
James Gilgannon and Marco Herwegh
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1718, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1718, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Carbonate rocks can control how strong the Earth’s crust is in places. They are often described in simple terms as calcite or dolomite, but they are more complicated. At the atomistic level different amounts of elements, like magnesium and calcium, are incorporated at different temperatures and at the microscopic level carbonates can have different internal structures. We review 50 years of experimental data to provide equations that can describe the strength of most kinds of carbonates.
Natalia Nevskaya, Alfons Berger, Holger Stünitz, Markus Ohl, Oliver Plümper, and Marco Herwegh
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3970, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3970, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
To date, there remains a deficiency in rheological parameters for polymineralic rocks to be used in models for strain localization and seismicity in the Earth's continental middle crust. We calculated grain size and stress sensitivity of experimentally deformed natural, fine-grained, granitoid rocks. Extrapolation of these parameters predicts a switch in the weakest material as a function of grain size and deformation mechanism: from coarse monomineralic quartz to fine polymineralic rocks.
Natalia Nevskaya, Alfons Berger, Holger Stünitz, Weijia Zhan, Markus Ohl, Oliver Plümper, and Marco Herwegh
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3968, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3968, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Rheology of polymineralic rocks is crucial to unravel the strain and stress distribution in Earth’s middle crust with implications for e.g. seismicity or geothermal systems. Our experimental study of the viscous rheology of natural, fine-grained, granitoid rocks shows that dissolution-precipitation creep and pinning is active in extremely weak narrow zones. Due to the polymineralic character, strain localizes with and without a precursory fracture in zones weaker than monomineralic quartz.
Veronica Peverelli, Alfons Berger, Martin Wille, Thomas Pettke, Benita Putlitz, Andreas Mulch, Edwin Gnos, and Marco Herwegh
Eur. J. Mineral., 36, 879–898, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-879-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-879-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We used U–Pb dating and Pb–Sr–O–H isotopes of hydrothermal epidote to characterize fluid circulation in the Aar Massif (central Swiss Alps). Our data support the hypothesis that Permian fluids exploited syn-rift extensional faults. In the Miocene during the Alpine orogeny, fluid sources were meteoric, sedimentary, and/or metamorphic water. Likely, Miocene shear zones were exploited for fluid circulation, with implications for the Sr isotope budget of the granitoids.
Kilian Lecacheur, Olivier Fabbri, Francesca Piccoli, Pierre Lanari, Philippe Goncalves, and Henri Leclère
Eur. J. Mineral., 36, 767–795, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-767-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-767-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we analyze a peculiar eclogite from the Western Alps, which not only recorded a classical subduction-to-exhumation path but revealed evidence of Ca-rich fluid–rock interaction. Chemical composition and modeling show that the rock experienced peak metamorphic conditions followed by Ca-rich pulsed fluid influx occurring consistently under high-pressure conditions. This research enhances our understanding of fluid–rock interactions in subduction settings.
Hugo Dominguez, Nicolas Riel, and Pierre Lanari
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 6105–6122, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-6105-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-6105-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Predicting the behaviour of magmatic systems is important for understanding Earth's matter and heat transport. Numerical modelling is a technique that can predict complex systems at different scales of space and time by solving equations using various techniques. This study tests four algorithms to find the best way to transport the melt composition. The "weighted essentially non-oscillatory" algorithm emerges as the best choice, minimising errors and preserving system mass well.
Julien Reynes, Jörg Hermann, Pierre Lanari, and Thomas Bovay
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 679–701, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-679-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-679-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Garnet is a high-pressure mineral that may incorporate very small amounts of water in its structure (tens to hundreds of micrograms per gram H2O). In this study, we show, based on analysis and modelling, that it can transport up to several hundred micrograms per gram of H2O at depths over 80 km in a subduction zone. The analysis of garnet from the various rock types present in a subducted slab allowed us to estimate the contribution of garnet in the deep cycling of water in the earth.
Chiara Montemagni, Stefano Zanchetta, Martina Rocca, Igor M. Villa, Corrado Morelli, Volkmar Mair, and Andrea Zanchi
Solid Earth, 14, 551–570, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-551-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-551-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Vinschgau Shear Zone (VSZ) is one of the largest and most significant shear zones developed within the Late Cretaceous thrust stack in the Austroalpine domain of the eastern Alps. 40Ar / 39Ar geochronology constrains the activity of the VSZ between 97 and 80 Ma. The decreasing vorticity towards the core of the shear zone, coupled with the younging of mylonites, points to a shear thinning behavior. The deepest units of the Eo-Alpine orogenic wedge were exhumed along the VSZ.
Veronica Peverelli, Tanya Ewing, Daniela Rubatto, Martin Wille, Alfons Berger, Igor Maria Villa, Pierre Lanari, Thomas Pettke, and Marco Herwegh
Geochronology, 3, 123–147, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-123-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-123-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This work presents LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology of epidote in hydrothermal veins. The challenges of epidote dating are addressed, and a protocol is proposed allowing us to obtain epidote U–Pb ages with a precision as good as 5 % in addition to the initial Pb isotopic composition of the epidote-forming fluid. Epidote demonstrates its potential to be used as a U–Pb geochronometer and as a fluid tracer, allowing us to reconstruct the timing of hydrothermal activity and the origin of the fluid(s).
James Gilgannon, Marius Waldvogel, Thomas Poulet, Florian Fusseis, Alfons Berger, Auke Barnhoorn, and Marco Herwegh
Solid Earth, 12, 405–420, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-405-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-405-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Using experiments that simulate deep tectonic interfaces, known as viscous shear zones, we found that these zones spontaneously develop periodic sheets of small pores. The presence of porous layers in deep rocks undergoing tectonic deformation is significant because it requires a change to the current model of how the Earth deforms. Emergent porous layers in viscous rocks will focus mineralising fluids and could lead to the seismic failure of rocks that are never supposed to have this occur.
Felix Hentschel, Emilie Janots, Claudia A. Trepmann, Valerie Magnin, and Pierre Lanari
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 521–544, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-521-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-521-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We analysed apatite–allanite/epidote coronae around monazite and xenotime in deformed Permian pegmatites from the Austroalpine basement. Microscopy, chemical analysis and EBSD showed that these coronae formed by dissolution–precipitation processes during deformation of the host rocks. Dating of monazite and xenotime confirmed the magmatic origin of the corona cores, while LA-ICP-MS dating of allanite established a date of ~ 60 Ma for corona formation and deformation in the Austroalpine basement.
Samuel Mock, Christoph von Hagke, Fritz Schlunegger, István Dunkl, and Marco Herwegh
Solid Earth, 11, 1823–1847, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1823-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1823-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Based on thermochronological data, we infer thrusting along-strike the northern rim of the Central Alps between 12–4 Ma. While the lithology influences the pattern of thrusting at the local scale, we observe that thrusting in the foreland is a long-wavelength feature occurring between Lake Geneva and Salzburg. This coincides with the geometry and dynamics of the attached lithospheric slab at depth. Thus, thrusting in the foreland is at least partly linked to changes in slab dynamics.
Cited articles
Anenburg, M., Katzir, Y., Rhede, D., Jöns, N., and Bach, W.: Rare earth
element evolution and migration in plagiogranites: a record preserved in
epidote and allanite of the Troodos ophiolite, Contrib. Mineral. Petrol.,
169, 25, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-015-1114-y, 2015.
Bambauer, H. U., Herwegh, M., and Kroll, H.: Quartz as indicator mineral in
the Central Swiss Alps: The quartz recrystallization isograd in the rock
series of the northern Aar massif, Swiss J. Geosci., 102, 345–351,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00015-009-1319-z, 2009.
Bate, P.: The effect of deformation on grain growth in Zener pinned systems,
Acta Mater., 49, 1453–1461, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-6454(01)00033-7,
2001.
Belgrano, T. M., Herwegh, M., and Berger, A.: Inherited structural controls
on fault geometry, architecture and hydrothermal activity: an example from
Grimsel Pass, Switzerland, Swiss J. Geosci., 109, 345–364,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00015-016-0212-9, 2016.
Bergemann, C., Gnos, E., Berger, A., Whitehouse, M., Mullis, J., Wehrens,
P., Pettke, T., and Janots, E.: Th-Pb ion probe dating of zoned hydrothermal
monazite and its implications for repeated shear zone activity: An example
from the central alps, Switzerland, Tectonics, 36, 671–689,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2016TC004407, 2017.
Berger, A., Gnos, E., Janots, E., Whitehouse, M., Soom, M., Frei, R.,
and Waight, T. E.: Dating brittle tectonic movements with cleft monazite:
Fluid-rock interaction and formation of REE minerals, Tectonics, 32,
1176–1189, https://doi.org/10.1002/tect.20071, 2013.
Berger, A., Mercolli, I., Herwegh, M., and Gnos, E.: Geological Map of the Aar
Massif, Tavetsch and Gotthard Nappes, Geol. spec. Map 1:100000, explanatory
notes 129, Federal Office of Topogaphy swisstopo, Bern, Switzerland, 2017a.
Berger, A., Wehrens, P., Lanari, P., Zwingmann, H., and Herwegh, M.:
Microstructures, mineral chemistry and geochronology of white micas along a
retrograde evolution: An example from the Aar massif (Central Alps,
Switzerland), Tectonophysics, 721, 179–195,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2017.09.019, 2017b.
Berger, A., Egli, D., Glotzbach, C., Valla, P. G., Pettke, T., and Herwegh, M.:
Apatite low-temperature chronometry and microstructures across a
hydrothermally active fault zone, Chem. Geol., 588, 120633,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120633, 2022.
Bird, D. K. and Spieler, A. R.: Epidote in Geothermal Systems, Rev. Mineral.
Geochem., 56, 235–300, https://doi.org/10.2138/gsrmg.56.1.235, 2004.
Bons, P. D., Elburg, M. A., and Gomez-Rivas, E.: A review of the formation of
tectonic veins and their microstructures, J. Struct. Geol., 43, 33–62,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2012.07.005, 2012.
Bukovská, Z., Jeřábek, P., and Morales, F. G.: Major softening at
brittle-ductile transition due to interplay between chemical and deformation
processes: An insight from evolution of shear bands in the South Armorican
Shear Zone, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 121, 1158–1182,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012319, 2016.
Challandes, N., Marquer, D., and Villa, I. M.: P-T-t modelling, fluid
circulation, and 39Ar–40Ar and Rb-Sr mica ages in the Aar Massif shear zones
(Swiss Alps), Swiss J. Geosci., 101, 269–288,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00015-008-1260-6, 2008.
Choukroune, P. and Gapais, D.: Strain pattern in the Aar Granite (Central
Alps): orthogneiss developed by bulk inhomogeneous flattening, J. Struct. Geol., 5, 411–418,
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-030273-7.50019-7, 1983.
Cyprych, D., Piazolo, S., Wilson, C. J. L., Luzin, V., and Prior, D. J.: Rheology,
microstructure and crystallographic preferred orientation of matrix
containing a dispersed second phase: Insight from experimentally deformed
ice, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 449, 272–281,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.06.010, 2016.
Dahl, P. S.: A crystal-chemical basis for Pb retention and fission-track
annealing systematics in U-bearing mineral, with implications for
geochronology, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 150, 277–290,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-821X(97)00108-8, 1997.
Diamond, L. W., Wanner, C., and Waber, H. N.: Penetration depth of meteoric
water in orogenic geothermal systems, Geology, 46, 1083–1066,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G45394.1, 2018.
Egli, D., Baumann, R., Küng, S., Berger, A., Baron, L., and Herwegh, M.:
Structural characteristics, bulk porosity and evolution of an exhumed
long-lived hydrothermal system, Tectonophysics, 747/748, 239–258,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2018.10.008, 2018.
Enami, M., Liou, J. G., and Mattinson, C. G.: Epidote minerals in high P/T
metamorphic terranes: Subduction zone and high- to ultrahigh-pressure
metamorphism, Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 56, 347–398,
https://doi.org/10.2138/gsrmg.56.1.347, 2004.
Evans, B., Renner, J., and Hirth, G.: A few remarks on the kinetics of
static grain growth in rocks, Int. J. Earth Sci., 90, 88–103,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s005310000150, 2001.
Feineman, M. D., Ryerson, F. J., DePaolo, D. J., and Plank, T.:
Zoisite-aqueous fluid trace element partitioning with implications for
subduction zone fluid composition, Chem. Geol., 239, 250–265,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2007.01.008, 2007.
Ferreira, T. and Wayne, R.: ImageJ user guide, ImageJ/Fiji, 155–161, 2012
Fitz Gerald, J. D. and Stünitz, H.: Deformation of granitoids at low
metamorphic grade, I: Reactions and grain size reduction., Tectonophysics,
221, 269–297, https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(93)90163-E, 1993.
Franz, G. and Liebscher, A.: Physical and Chemical Properties of the Epidote
Minerals – An Introduction, Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 56, 1–81,
https://doi.org/10.2138/gsrmg.56.1.1, 2004.
Frei, D., Liebscher, A., Franz, G., and Dulski, P.: Trace element geochemistry
of epidote minerals, Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 56, 553–605,
https://doi.org/10.2138/gsrmg.56.1.553, 2004.
Fusseis, F., Regenauer-Lieb, K., Liu, J., Hough, R. M., and De Carlo, F.: Creep cavitation can establish a dynamic granular fluid pump in ductile shear zones, Nature, 459, 974–977, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature08051, 2009.
Gilgannon, J., Fusseis, F., Menegon, L., Regenauer-Lieb, K., and Buckman, J.: Hierarchical creep cavity formation in an ultramylonite and implications for phase mixing, Solid Earth, 8, 1193–1209, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-1193-2017, 2017.
Gilgannon, J., Waldvogel, M., Poulet, T., Fusseis, F., Berger, A., Barnhoorn, A., and Herwegh, M.: Experimental evidence that viscous shear zones generate periodic pore sheets, Solid Earth, 12, 405–420, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-405-2021, 2021.
Giuntoli, F., Menegon, L., and Warren, C. J.: Replacement reactions and
deformation by dissolution and precipitation processes in amphibolites, J.
Metamorph. Geol., 36, 1263–1286, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12445, 2018.
Goncalves, P., Oliot, E., Marquer, D., and Connolly, J. A. D.: Role of chemical
processes on shear zone formation: An example from the Grimsel
metagranodiorite (Aar massif, Central Alps), J. Metamorph. Geol., 30,
703–722, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1314.2012.00991.x, 2012.
Gottardi, R. and Hughes, B.: Role of fluids on deformation in mid-crustal shear
zones, Raft River Mountains, Utah, Geol. Mag., 159, 1–13,
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756822000231, 2022.
Götze, J., Plötze, M., and Habermann, D.: Origin, spectral
characteristics and practical applications of the cathodoluminescence (CL)
of quartz – A review, Mineral. Petrol., 71, 225–250,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s007100170040, 2001.
Grand'Homme, A., Janots, E., Seydoux-Guillaume, A. M., Guillaume, D., Magnin,
V., Hövelmann, J., Höschen, C., and Boiron, M. C.: Mass transport and
fractionation during monazite alteration by anisotropic replacement, Chem.
Geol., 484, 51–68, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2017.10.008, 2018.
Grapes, R. H. and Hoskin, P. W. O.: Epidote group minerals in low-medium pressure
metamorphic terranes, Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 56, 301–345,
https://doi.org/10.2138/gsrmg.56.1.301, 2004.
Guillong, M., Meier, D. L., Allan, M. M., Heinrich, C. A., and Yardley, B. W. D.:
SILLS: A Matlab-Based Program for the Reduction of Laser Ablation
ICP–MS Data of Homogeneous Materials and Inclusions, Mineral. Assoc. Can.
Short Course, 40, 328–333, 2008.
Haeusler, M., Haas, C., Lösch, S., Moghaddam, N., Villa, I. M., Walsh, S.,
Kayser, M., Seiler, R., Ruehli, F., Janosa, M., and Papageorgopoulou, C.:
Multidisciplinary identification of the controversial freedom fighter
Jörg Jenatsch, assassinated 1639 in Chur, Switzerland, PLOS ONE, 11,
e0168014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0168014, 2016.
Halama, R., Konrad-Schmolke, M., Sudo, M., Marschall, H. R., and Wiedenbeck, M.:
Effects of fluid-rock interaction on 40Ar/39Ar geochronology in
high-pressure rocks (Sesia-Lanzo Zone, Western Alps), Geochim. Cosmochim.
Ac., 126, 475–494, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2013.10.023, 2014.
Halter, W. E., Pettke, T., Heinrich, C. A., and Rothen-Rutishauser, B.: Major to
trace element analysis of melt inclusions by laser-ablation ICP-MS: Methods
of quantification, Chem. Geol., 183, 63–86,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(01)00372-2, 2002.
Handy, M. R.: The solid-state flow of polymineralic rocks, J. Geophys.
Res.-Ea., 95, 8647–8661, https://doi.org/10.1029/JB095iB06p08647, 1990.
Handy, M. R.: Flow laws for rocks containing two non-linear viscous phases:
A phenomenological approach, J. Struct. Geol., 16, 287–301,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(94)90035-3, 1994.
Hentschel, F., Janots, E., Trepmann, C. A., Magnin, V., and Lanari, P.: Corona formation around monazite and xenotime during greenschist-facies metamorphism and deformation, Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 521–544, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-521-2020, 2020.
Herwegh, M. and Berger, A.: Deformation mechanisms in second-phase
affected microstructures and their energy balance, J. Struct.
Geol., 26, 1483–1498, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2003.10.006, 2004.
Herwegh, M. and Jenni, A.: Granular flow in polymineralic rocks bearing
sheet silicates: New evidence from natural examples, Tectonophysics, 332, 309–320,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1951(00)00288-2, 2001.
Herwegh, M., Linckens, J., Ebert, A., Berger, A., and Brodhag, S. H.: The role of
second phases for controlling microstructural evolution in polymineralic
rocks: A review, J. Struct. Geol., 33, 1728–1750,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2011.08.011, 2011.
Herwegh, M., Berger, A., Glotzbach, C., Wangenheim, C., Mock, S., Wehrens,
P., Baumberger, R., Egli, D., and Kissling, E.: Late stages of
continent-continent collision: Timing, kinematic evolution, and exhumation
of the Northern rim (Aar Massif) of the Alps, Earth-Sci. Rev., 200,
102959, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2019.102959, 2020.
Hobbs, B. E., Ord, A., Spalla, M. I., Gosso, G., and Zucali, M.: The interaction
of deformation and metamorphic reactions, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 332,
189–223, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP332.12, 2010.
Hofmann, B. A., Helfer, M., Diamond, L. W., Villa, I. M., Frei, R., and
Eikenberg, J.: Topography-driven hydrothermal breccia mineralization of
Pliocene age at Grimsel Pass, Aar massif, Central Swiss Alps, Schweizerische
Mineral. Petrogr. Mitt., 84, 271–302, 2004.
Horwitz, E. P., Dietz, M. L., and Chiarizia, R.: The application of novel
extraction chromatographic materials to the characterization of radioactive
waste solutions, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Ch., 161, 575–583,
https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02040504, 1992.
Humphreys, F. J. and Ardakani, M. G.: Grain boundary migration and zener pinning
in particle-containing copper crystals, Acta Mater., 44, 2717–2727,
https://doi.org/10.1016/1359-6454(95)00421-1, 1996.
Janots, E., Berger, A., Gnos, E., Whitehouse, M., Lewin, E., and Pettke, T.:
Constraints on fluid evolution during metamorphism from U-Th-Pb systematics
in Alpine hydrothermal monazite, Chem. Geol., 326/327, 61–71,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.07.014, 2012.
Jessell, M. W.: Grain-boundary migration microstructures in a naturally
deformed quartzite, J. Struct. Geol., 9, 1007–1014,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(87)90008-3, 1987.
Karato, S.-I.: Deformation of Earth Materials: An Introduction to the
Rheology of Solid Earth, Cambridge University Press,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-009-0536-8, 2009.
Konrad-Schmolke, M., Halama, R., Wirth, R., Thomen, A., Klitscher, N.,
Morales, L., Schreiber, A., and Wilke, F. D. H.: Mineral dissolution and
reprecipitation mediated by an amorphous phase, Nat. Commun., 9, 1637,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03944-z, 2018.
Kruse, R. and Stünitz, H.: Deformation mechanisms and phase distribution in
mafic high-temperature mylonites from the Jotun Nappe, southern Norway,
Tectonophysics, 303, 223–249, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1951(98)00255-8,
1999.
Lanari, P. and Duesterhoeft, E.: Modeling Metamorphic Rocks Using Equilibrium
Thermodynamics and Internally Consistent Databases: Past Achievements,
Problems and Perspectives, J. Petrol., 60, 19–56,
https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egy105, 2019.
Lanari, P., Vidal, O., De Andrade, V., Dubacq, B., Lewin, E., Grosch, E. G., and
Schwartz, S.: XMapTools: A MATLAB©-based program for electron
microprobe X-ray image processing and geothermobarometry, Comput. Geosci.,
62, 227–240, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2013.08.010, 2014.
Lanari, P., Vho, A., Bovay, T., Airaghi, L., and Centrella, S.: Quantitative
compositional mapping of mineral phases by electron probe micro-analyser,
Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 478, 39–63, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP478.4, 2019.
Law, R. D.: Deformation thermometry based on quartz c-axis fabrics and recrystallization microstructures: A review, J. Struct. Geol., 66, 129–161, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2014.05.023, 2014.
Masuda, T., Shibutani, T., Kuriyama, M., and Igarashi, T.: Development of
microboudinage: an estimate of changing differential stress with increasing
strain, Tectonophysics, 178, 379–387,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(90)90160-A, 1990.
Masuda, T., Shibutani, T., and Yamaguchi, H.: Comparative rheological behaviour
of albite and quartz in siliceous schists revealed by the microboudinage of
piedmontite, J. Struct. Geol., 17, 1523–1533,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(95)00060-Q, 1995.
McDonough, W. F. and Sun, S. S.: The composition of the Earth, Chem. Geol., 120,
223–253, https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(94)00140-4, 1995.
Menegon, L., Fusseis, F., Stünitz, H., and Xiao, X.: Creep cavitation bands
control porosity and fluid flow in lower crustal shear zones, Geology, 43,
227–230, https://doi.org/10.1130/G36307.1, 2015.
Morad, S., El-Ghali, M. A. K., Caja, M. A., Sirat, M., Al-Ramadan, K., and
Manurberg, H.: Hydrothermal alteration of plagioclase in granitic rocks from
Proterozoic basement of SE Sweden, Geol. J., 45, 105–116,
https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.1178, 2010.
Mullis, J., Dubessy, J., Poty, B., and O'Neil, J.: Fluid regimes during late
stages of a continental collision: Physical, chemical, and stable isotope
measurements of fluid inclusions in fissure quartz from a geotraverse
through the Central Alps, Switzerland, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 58,
2239–2267, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(94)90008-6, 1994.
Nègre, L., Stünitz, H., Raimbourg, H., Lee, A., Précigout, J.,
Pongrac, P., and Jeřábek, P.: Effect of pressure on the deformation of
quartz aggregates in the presence of H2O, J. Struct. Geol., 148, 104351,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2021.104351, 2021.
Olgaard, D. L.: The role of second phase in localizing deformation, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ. 54, 175–181, https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1990.054.01.17, 1990.
Oliver, N. H. S. and Bons, P. D.: Mechanisms of fluid flow and fluid-rock
interaction in fossil metamorphic hydrothermal systems inferred from
vein-wall rock patterns, geometry and microstructure, Geofluids, 1, 137–162,
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-8123.2001.00013.x, 2001.
Passchier, C. W. and Trouw, R. A.: Microtectonics, Springer Science &
Business Media, ISBN: 978-3-540-29359-0, 2005.
Paterson, M. S.: A theory for granular flow accommodated by material
transfer via an intergranular fluid, Tectonophysics, 245, 135–151,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(94)00231-W, 1995.
Pearce, M. A., Timms, N. E., Hough, R. M., and Cleverley, J. S.: Reaction mechanism
for the replacement of calcite by dolomite and siderite: Implications for
geochemistry, microstructure and porosity evolution during hydrothermal
mineralisation, Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 166, 995–1009,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-013-0905-2, 2013.
Pettke, T., Oberli, F., Audétat, A., Guillong, M., Simon, A. C., Hanley,
J. J., and Klemm, L. M.: Recent developments in element concentration and isotope
ratio analysis of individual fluid inclusions by laser ablation single and
multiple collector ICP-MS, Ore Geol. Rev., 44, 10–38,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2011.11.001, 2012.
Peverelli, V., Ewing, T., Rubatto, D., Wille, M., Berger, A., Villa, I. M.,
Lanari, P., Pettke, T., and Herwegh, M.: U-Pb geochronology of epidote by
laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as a
tool for dating hydrothermal-vein formation, Geochronology, 3, 123–147,
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-123-2021, 2021.
Peverelli, V., Berger, A., Mulch, A., Pettke, T., Piccoli, F., and Herwegh,
M.: Epidote U–Pb geochronology and H isotope geochemistry trace
pre-orogenic hydration of mid-crustal granitoids, Geology, 50, 1073–1077,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G50028.1, 2022.
Pongrac, P., Jeřábek, P., Stünitz, H., Raimbourg, H.,
Heilbronner, R., Racek, M., and Nègre, L.: Mechanical properties and
recrystallization of quartz in presence of H2O: Combination of cracking,
subgrain rotation and dissolution-precipitation processes, J. Struct. Geol.,
160, 104630, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2022.104630, 2022.
Putnis, A.: Mineral replacement reactions, Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 70,
87–124, https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2009.70.3, 2009.
Putnis, A. and Austrheim, H.: Fluid-induced processes: Metasomatism and
metamorphism, Geofluids, 10, 254–269,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-8123.2010.00285.x, 2010.
Putnis, A. and John, T.: Replacement processes in the earth's crust, Elements,
6, 159–164, https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.6.3.159, 2010.
Ramseyer, K., Baumann, J., Matter, A., and Mullis, J.: Cathodoluminescence
Colours of α-Quartz, Mineral. Mag., 52, 669–677,
https://doi.org/10.1180/minmag.1988.052.368.11, 1988.
Rehkämper, M. and Mezger, K.: Investigation of matrix effects for Pb
isotope ratio measurements by multiple collector ICP-MS: Verification and
application of optimized analytical protocols, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 15,
1451–1460, https://doi.org/10.1039/b005262k, 2000.
Ricchi, E., Bergemann, C. A., Gnos, E., Berger, A., Rubatto, D., and Whitehouse,
M. J.: Constraining deformation phases in the Aar Massif and the Gotthard
Nappe (Switzerland) using Th-Pb crystallization ages of fissure
monazite-(Ce), Lithos, 342/343, 223–238,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2019.04.014, 2019.
Rolland, Y., Cox, S. F., and Corsini, M.: Constraining deformation stages in
brittle-ductile shear zones from combined field mapping and 40Ar
Rossi, M. and Rolland, Y.: Stable isotope and Ar
Ruiz, M., Schaltegger, U., Gaynor, S. P., Chiaradia, M., Abrecht, J., Gisler,
C., Giovanoli, F., and Wiederkehr, M.: Reassessing the intrusive tempo and magma
genesis of the late Variscan Aar batholith: U-Pb geochronology, trace
element and initial Hf isotope composition of zircon, Swiss J. Geosci., 115,
1–24, https://doi.org/10.1186/s00015-022-00420-1, 2022.
Schaltegger, U. and Krähenbühl, U.: Heavy rare-earth element enrichment
in granites of the Aar Massif (Central Alps, Switzerland), Chem. Geol., 89,
49–63, https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(90)90059-G, 1990.
Schaltegger, U. and Corfu, F.: The age and source of late Hercynian magmatism
in the central Alps: evidence from precise U-Pb ages and initial Hf
isotopes, Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 111, 329–344,
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00311195, 1992.
Schmidt, M. W. and Poli, S.: Magmatic epidote, Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 56,
399–430, https://doi.org/10.2138/gsrmg.56.1.399, 2004.
Schneeberger, R., Kober, F., Spillmann, T., Blechschmidt, I., Lanyon, G. W., and Mäder, U. K.: Grimsel Test Site: revisiting the site-specific geoscientific knowledge (NTB–19-01), Switzerland, 2019.
Seydoux-Guillaume, A., Montel, J., Bingen, B., Bosse, V., De Parseval, P.,
Paquette, J., Janots, E., and Wirth, R.: Low-temperature alteration of
monazite: Fluid mediated coupled dissolution – precipitation, irradiation
damage, and disturbance of the U–Pb and Th–Pb chronometers, Chem.
Geol., 330/331, 140–158, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.07.031,
2012.
Stipp, M., Stünitz, H., Heilbronner, R., and Schmid, S. M.: Dynamic
recrystallization of quartz: correlation between natural and experimental
conditions, Geol. Soc. Lond. Sp. Publ., 200,
171–190, https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.2001.200.01.11, 2002.
Stünitz, H. and Fitz Gerald, J. D. F.: Deformation of granitoids at low
metamorphic grade, II: Granular flow in albite-rich mylonites,
Tectonophysics, 221, 299–324, https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(93)90164-F,
1993.
Tartèse, R., Ruffet, G., Poujol, M., Boulvais, P., and Ireland, T. R.:
Simultaneous resetting of the muscovite K-Ar and monazite U-Pb
geochronometers: A story of fluids, Terra Nova, 23, 390–398,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3121.2011.01024.x, 2011.
Tera, F. and Wasserburg, G. J.: U-Th-Pb systematics in three Apollo 14 basalts
and the problem of initial Pb in lunar rocks, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 14,
281–304, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(72)90128-8,
1972.
Trincal, V., Lanari, P., Buatier, M., Lacroix, B., Charpentier, D., Labaume,
P., and Muñoz, M.: Temperature micro-mapping in oscillatory-zoned chlorite:
Application to study of a green-schist facies fault zone in the Pyrenean
Axial Zone (Spain), Am. Mineral., 100, 2468–2483,
https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2015-5217, 2015.
Tullis, J.: Deformation of granitic rocks: Experimental studies and natural
examples, Rev. Mineral. Geochem., 51, 51–95,
https://doi.org/10.2138/gsrmg.51.1.51, 2002.
Villa, I. M. and Hanchar, J. M.: K-feldspar hygrochronology, Geochim. Cosmochim.
Ac., 101, 24–33, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2012.09.047, 2013.
Wehrens, P., Berger, A., Peters, M., Spillmann, T., and Herwegh, M.:
Deformation at the frictional-viscous transition: Evidence for cycles of
fluid-assisted embrittlement and ductile deformation in the granitoid crust,
Tectonophysics, 693, 66–84, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2016.10.022,
2016.
Wehrens, P., Baumberger, R., Berger, A., and Herwegh, M.: How is strain
localized in a meta-granitoid, mid-crustal basement section? Spatial
distribution of deformation in the central Aar massif (Switzerland), J.
Struct. Geol., 94, 47–67, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2016.11.004, 2017.
Weis, D., Kieffer, B., Maerschalk, C., Barling, J., De Jong, J., Williams,
G. A., Hanano, D., Pretorius, W., Mattielli, N., Scoates, J. S., Goolaerts,
A., Friedman, R. M., and Mahoney, J. B.: High-precision isotopic characterization of USGS reference materials by TIMS and MC-ICP-MS, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 7, Q08006, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GC001283, 2006.
Williams, M. L., Jercinovic, M. J., Harlov, D. E., Budzyń, B.,
and Hetherington, C. J.: Resetting monazite ages during fluid-related alteration,
Chem. Geol., 283, 218–225, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2011.01.019,
2011.
Wintsch, R. P. and Yeh, M. W.: Oscillating brittle and viscous behavior through
the earthquake cycle in the Red River Shear Zone: Monitoring flips between
reaction and textural softening and hardening, Tectonophysics, 587, 46–62,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2012.09.019, 2013.
Short summary
This work studies the interplay of epidote dissolution–precipitation and quartz dynamic recrystallization during viscous granular flow in a deforming epidote–quartz vein. Pb and Sr isotope data indicate that epidote dissolution–precipitation is mediated by internal/recycled fluids with an additional external fluid component. Microstructures and geochemical data show that the epidote material is redistributed and chemically homogenized within the deforming vein via a dynamic granular fluid pump.
This work studies the interplay of epidote dissolution–precipitation and quartz dynamic...
