Metapelites of the Kanskiy granulite complex (Eastern Siberia): Kinked P-T paths and geodynamic model

Abstract

The Southern Yenisey Range (Eastern Siberia) consists of the granulite-facies Kanskiy complex bordered by the lower-grade Yeniseyskiy and Yukseevskiy complexes. Samples of metapelite of the Kanskiy complex typically show characteristic garnet-forming reaction textures and near-isobaric cooling P-T paths. An important new result of this study concerns the difference in shape of the P-T paths from different parts of the Kanskiy granulite complex: metapelites collected ∼8km from the boundary with the Yeniseyskiy complex followed a linear path with dP/dT ≈ 0·006 kbar/° C; metapelites collected ∼3km from this boundary reveal a kinked P T path with an interval of burial cooling (dP/dT ≈ -0·006kbar/° C). The difference in the shape of the P-T paths is supported by the chemical zoning of garnet studied in the second group of samples. A mechanism of buoyant exhumation of granulite is suggested by comparison with the results of numerical modelling, which indicate that such a diversity of P-T paths may result from a transient disturbance of the thermal structure by rapid differential movement of material from different crustal levels. To arrive at a correct tectonic interpretation, the whole assemblage of interrelated P-T paths of metamorphic rocks collected from different localities within the same complex must be studied. © Oxford University Press 2004; all rights reserved.