Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1348
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1348
02 Jan 2023
 | 02 Jan 2023

Melt-enhanced strain localization and phase mixing in a large-scale mantle shear zone (Ronda peridotite, Spain)

Sören Tholen, Jolien Linckens, and Gernold Zulauf

Abstract. Strain localization in upper mantle shear zones by grain size reduction and the activation of grain size sensitive deformation mechanisms (grain boundary sliding, diffusion creep) is closely linked to phase mixing. With its mylonitic grain sizes (50–100 µm) and well mixed phase assemblage, the km-scale shear zone at the northwestern boundary of the Ronda peridotite is in this respect no exception. In transects across the “mylonitic” into the less deformed “tectonic” part of this shear zone four dominant microstructural domains were identified: olivine-rich matrix, mixed matrix and neoblast tails of clino- and orthopyroxene. In these, phase mixing quantities, its formation processes and its impact on strain localization were analyzed by a combined microstructural (EBSD) and geochemical (EPMA) analysis. Dominant microstructure of all samples is the mixed matrix composed of olivine, ortho- and clinopyroxene. Its homogenous distribution of interstitial, and/or wedge-shaped pyroxenes contradicts mechanical mixing. In general, high (> 60 %) phase boundary percentages in all four microstructural domains indicate extensive phase mixing independent from microstructural domain and distance to the deformational center of the shear zone located at the NW boundary of the peridotite massif. The constant grain sizes with local variations independent on the distance the deformational center indicate a broad scale deformation with ± constant stresses in the entire mylonitic area. Decreasing Mg# and increasing Ti contents with increasing distance to the NW shear zone boundary, highly lobate phase boundaries, homogenous phase mixing and secondary phase distribution in all samples corroborate a metasomatic phase mixing by melt-rock reactions and crystallization of pyroxenes in the entire shear zone transect. Consistent geochemistry and phase assemblage in mylonites and tectonites but a change from equiaxial (tectonites) to wedge-shaped pyroxenes aligned in the foliation (mylonites) indicate a pre- to syn-deformational melt infiltration. Following the geochemical gradient, the potential source of melt is below a structurally deeper “melting” front which separates the sheared peridotites from coarse granular peridotites. The presence of mixed matrix in the entire shear zone, its microstructural and geochemical consistency indicate that the melt-infiltration was fundamental for the formation of and the strain localization in the major shear zone of the NW Ronda peridotite.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 Oct 2023
Melt-enhanced strain localization and phase mixing in a large-scale mantle shear zone (Ronda peridotite, Spain)
Sören Tholen, Jolien Linckens, and Gernold Zulauf
Solid Earth, 14, 1123–1154, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1123-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1123-2023, 2023
Short summary

Sören Tholen et al.

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1348', Jacques Précigout, 17 Feb 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Sören Tholen, 01 May 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Sören Tholen, 01 May 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1348', Andrea Tommasi, 06 Mar 2023
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Sören Tholen, 01 May 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1348', Jacques Précigout, 17 Feb 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Sören Tholen, 01 May 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Sören Tholen, 01 May 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1348', Andrea Tommasi, 06 Mar 2023
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Sören Tholen, 01 May 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Sören Tholen on behalf of the Authors (02 May 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (15 May 2023) by Florian Fusseis
RR by Jacques Précigout (08 Jun 2023)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (29 Jun 2023) by Florian Fusseis
AR by Sören Tholen on behalf of the Authors (16 Jul 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (27 Aug 2023) by Florian Fusseis
ED: Publish as is (02 Sep 2023) by Federico Rossetti (Executive editor)
AR by Sören Tholen on behalf of the Authors (06 Sep 2023)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 Oct 2023
Melt-enhanced strain localization and phase mixing in a large-scale mantle shear zone (Ronda peridotite, Spain)
Sören Tholen, Jolien Linckens, and Gernold Zulauf
Solid Earth, 14, 1123–1154, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1123-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1123-2023, 2023
Short summary

Sören Tholen et al.

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Short summary
Pre- to syn-deformational melts initiate shear localization in the km-scale shear zone of the northwestern Ronda peridotite. The crystallization of interstitial pyroxenes and melt-rock reactions at pyroxene porphyroclasts form a highly mixed assemblage (> 60 % phase boundaries). Strain localization in the melt-effected area is controlled by the activation of a grain-size-sensitive deformation mechanism under constant stress.