Alpine Metamorphism in the Betic Internal Zones

Abstract

Alpine metamorphism in the Betic Internal Zones was developed with different age and intensity depending on the affected complex. The Maláguide Complex shows mineral parageneses typical of very low metamorphic grade. In the lower Alpujárride Complex, the P–T conditions of metamorphism range between 0.8–1.4 GPa and 350–800 °C and record a HP-LT subduction event at ca. 50 Ma, and a subsequent LP-HT event at ca. 20 Ma that was likely related to the emplacement of the Ronda peridotites. The Nevado-Filábride Complex is characterized by an early HP event (1.8–2.4 GPa at 650–715 °C) followed by an essentially decompressive path. The age of the HP metamorphism, ranging between 17.3 ± 0.4 and 15.0 ± 0.6 Ma, is more recent than in the Alpujárride Complex and took place during subduction of the Nevado-Filábride Complex beneath the Alborán Domain terranes.