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Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies rocks, Hamilton Downs, Mt. Hay Block, central Australia Zachary P. Montes Senior Integrative Exercise December 7, 2009 Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota
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Page 1: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies rocks, Hamilton Downs, Mt. Hay Block, central Australia

Zachary P. Montes Senior Integrative Exercise

December 7, 2009

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota

Page 2: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………..……………………………….……1

Geologic Setting…………..……………………………………………………….……..2

Mt. Hay and Capricorn Ridge………………….……………………………………….4

Ceilidh Hill…………………………………..…………………………………………….6

Hamilton Downs……………………………………………………………………...…11

High Strain Zone……………………………………………………………………..…17

Microstructural and Mineralogical Characterization…………………………….….20

Hamilton Downs……………………………………………………………………….…21

High Strain Zone……………………………………………………………………..….24

Geothermobarometry………………………………………………………………….26

Discussion………………………………………………………………………………29

Conclusions…….………………………………………………………………………33

Acknowledgments.…………………………………………………………………….34

References Cited……………..………………………………………………………..35

Page 3: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies rocks, Hamilton Downs, Mt. Hay Block, central Australia

Zach Montes Senior Integrative Exercise December 7th, 2009 Carleton College Advisors: Dr. Seth Kruckenberg – University of Wisconsin – Madison Dr. Sarah Titus – Carleton College Dr. Cam Davidson – Carleton College Abstract

This study reports the field and microstructural observations of a well-exposed, unretrogressed section of the lower continental crust in the Mount Hay Block, Central Australia. The Mount Hay Granulites (Mafic, Anorthositic, Intermediate, Quartzofeldspathic) experienced penetrative ductile deformation in the lower crust at ~800°C, ~8 kbar during the 1780-1720 Ma Strangways event. These rocks were later uplifted in the 1590-1570 Ma Chewings Event and the 400-300 Ma Alice Springs Orogeny. I studied the anorthositic granulites of Hamilton Downs, located on the far eastern margin of the Mount Hay Block. Compositions of the anorthositic granulites are distinct from the mafic/felsic granulites of Ceilidh Hill. In these rocks, lineation is steeply plunging and well developed. Foliation is variable. Fabrics including L=S, L>S, L>>S and L-tectonites are expressed in the shape-preferred orientation of pyroxene clots and segregated layers. The distribution of fabric types may indicate that Hamilton Downs is part of a larger sheath fold. A 1 km wide zone of high strain separates the lower strain anorthositic granulites of Hamilton Downs from the mafic granulites of the southeastern tongue of Ceilidh Hill. Transposition of compositional layering and foliation from Ceilidh Hill and Hamilton Downs indicates that the high strain zone is younger than surrounding exposures. Within the high strain zone, quartz and plagioclase deformed by grain-boundary sliding as inferred from microstrucural observations including amoeboid grain boundaries and variable grain size.

Keywords: Granulite, central Australia, Mount Hay Block, Hamilton Downs

Page 4: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  1 Introduction

The Mount Hay Block is a particularly good place to study deformation of the

lower crust. Based on xenoliths (Chen et al., 2001) and seismic velocity analysis

(Christensen and Mooney, 1995; Rudnick and Fountain, 1995) we know the lower crust

is dominated by granulite facies rocks, consisting primarily of plagioclase and pyroxene.

Within the Mount Hay block, granulites with various compositions and structural fabrics

are preserved in a thick (~40 km laterally) nearly pristine structural section of the lower

continental crust. The Mount Hay block is therefore ideal for assessing the broad pattern

of deformation in the lower crust and for studying the variations in structural fabric as a

function of lithologic composition.

The Mount Hay Block has been the subject of many studies (Waters-Tormey, 2004;

Hallau, 2006; Waters-Tormey and Tikoff, 2007; Waters-Tormey et al., in press). Yet the

compatibility of structural elements, the localization of strain and the significance of

fabric variation continue to be poorly understood. In this study, I present preliminary

results from field and microstrucural observations of a largely unstudied exposure of

anorthositic granulites in the south and eastern portion of the Mount Hay Block just north

of the Hamilton Downs Cattle Station (Fig. 1C). Three important questions addressed in

this study include: (1) How is the degree and development of structural fabric (i.e.,

lineation and foliation) expressed in the rocks of Hamilton Downs which are primarily of

anorthositic composition? (2) How do the Hamilton Downs anorthositic granulites fit into

the larger geological context of the Mount Hay Block mafic granulites including what is

known of fabric formation on Ceilidh Hill just to the north (c.f., Hallau, 2006) (3) What

do microstructures in these rocks say about deformation mechanisms in the lower crust?

Page 5: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 2  In order to address these questions, structural and fabric domains were defined

and identified in the field using a modification of the fabric classification criteria defined

by Hallau (2006) on Ceilidh Hill but more applicable to the anorothositic compositions at

Hamilton Downs. Mesoscale fabric intensity maps were constructed to illustrate the

distribution and intensity of strain and the structural connections to the better-studied

Ceilidh Hill to the north. Finally, microstructural observations in plagioclase and quartz

are presented to assess the likely deformation mechanisms operating in the Hamilton

Downs rocks, thereby providing important information on the mechanical characteristics

of the lower crust.

Geologic Setting

The Mount Hay Block is located within the Arunta Inlier of central Australia (Fig.

1) and is part of a 160 x 50 km2 EW oriented belt of granulites. (Shaw et al., 1984).

Granulites within the Mount Hay Block experienced six major tectonothermal events

(Shaw and Black, 1991; Dunlap and Teyssier, 1995; Hoatson et al., 2005). The protoliths

of the Mount Hay Block granulites were gabbros and charnokites emplaced in the lower

crust during the Stafford event (1810-1790 Ma) and subsequently deformed at granulite

facies conditions during the Yambah and Strangeways events (1780-1745 Ma and 1730-

1690 Ma) (Hoatson et al., 2005). Detailed geothermobarometric and isotopic studies

(Collins and Shaw, 1995; Staffier, 2007; Waters-Tormey et al., in press) constrain peak

metamorphic conditions of the Mount Hay granulites to conditions typical of the lower

continental crust (>600°C, >7 MPa).

Page 6: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

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Page 7: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 4 The Mount Hay Block was partially exhumed during the Chewings event (1590-

1570 Ma) and later during the Paleozoic Alice Springs orogeny (400-300 Ma) which

resulted in the uplift and rotation of the entire Mount Hay Block along the Redbank thrust

zone (Claoue-Long and Hoatson, 2005). Isotopic data suggests that the Mount Hay Block

experienced amphibolite facies conditions during these major exhumation events, but the

retrogression to lower metamorphic facies (eg. greenschist) is restricted to discrete shear

zones bounding the Mount Hay Block (Waters-Tormey et al., in press).

According to seismic reflection studies, tectonic motion along the Redbank thrust

zone likely displaced the Moho by as much as 25 km vertically and at least 40 km

laterally (Wright et al., 1990; Wright et al., 1993; Korsch et al., 1998; Biermeier et al.,

2003). Therefore, in its present configuration, the Mount Hay Block displays a large,

pristine structural section through the lower crust with depth increasing from northeast to

southwest (Staffier, 2007).

Broadly speaking, the Mount Hay Block can be divided into four geologically

distinct regions: Mount Hay, Capricorn Ridge, Ceilidh Hill, and Hamilton Downs (Fig

1C). The dominant lithologies in all four regions consist of mafic (pyroxenitic and

gabbroic) and felsic (charnockitic) granulite with subordinate anorthositic, calc-silicate,

quartzofeldspathic, and pelitic granulites also present.

Mount Hay and Capricorn Ridge

Mount Hay and Capricorn ridge are located in the west and north Portion of the

Mount Hay Block and form the majority of granulite exposures (Fig 1C). Previous

mapping of the Mount Hay Block relied on aerial photography, limiting structural

Page 8: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  5 relationship analysis to color contrast recognition. These geologic and petrologic

descriptions were compiled into the 1:250,000 Hermannsburg geologic map and notes

(Glikson, 1984; Watt, 1992; Warren and Shaw, 1995). Detailed ground-based mapping

and fieldwork of the study area is limited to Mount Hay and Capricorn Ridge (Waters-

Tormey, 2004; Staffier, 2007; Waters-Tormey and Tikoff, 2007). These workers defined

qualitative, field-based assessments of L versus S fabric development. Distinctions were

based on the strength of lineation and foliation based on consistency in linearity and

planarity respectively, and mesoscopic shape-preferred orientation in the defining phase

(most often plagioclase). With these data, it is possible to make interpretations of relative

strain in Mount Hay and Capricorn Ridge.

Mount Hay is inferred to be a low strain lens with lineation and foliation displaying

a 10 km scale fold (Fig. 1C). Fabric development and intensity is dominated by L>S

fabric, with less common L>>S, and L=S, and rare L-tectonites constrained to

topographic high points (Staffier, 2007).This large-scale structure with fold closures on

the east and west ends of the ridge, is interpreted to be a antiformal sheath like fold

(Glikson, 1984; Shaw et al., 1984; Staffier, 2007).

In contrast, Capricorn ridge displays discrete lithologic domains that are thinner,

laterally continuous and more planar than those found on Mount Hay. While there is

some heterogeneity in the fabric development across the discrete lithologic domains,

fabric is dominated by S>L tectonites (Waters-Tormey, 2004). Unlike fabric development

found throughout Mount Hay, the compositional layering displayed at Capricorn ridge is

everywhere parallel to a single primary east/west trending foliation. (Waters-Tormey et

Page 9: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 6 al., in press) show that the consistently parallel orientation of the compositional layering

reflects the transposition of older foliations in the Mount Hay block and thus, Capricorn

ridge is inferred to be a 6 km wide zone high strain relative to Mount Hay.

Evidence that deformation of the Mount Hay Block occurred in the lower crust is

abundant. Sheath folds, transposition of compositional domains into the foliation, the

presence of L-tectonites, local boudinage and undulose to patchy extinction of

plagioclase in thin section, all indicate high temperature ductile deformation typical of

the lower crust (Waters-Tormey, 2004; Staffier, 2007; Waters-Tormey and Tikoff, 2007;

Waters-Tormey et al., in press). Extensive thermobarometric analyses of samples

throughout the Mount Hay Block constrain peak deformation conditions from 700-900 C

and 6.9-8.2 MPa (Collins and Shaw, 1995; Staffier, 2007; Waters-Tormey et al., in

press). Despite the range in depth, there is no significant variation in temperature

recorded in samples throughout Mt Hay and Capricorn ridge. The lack of systematic

variation in temperature suggests that deformation in the lower crust occurred at

relatively constant temperatures or that the mineral assemblage of Mount Hay re-

equilibrated when the Capricorn Ridge shear zone was active. Assuming a lithostatic

gradient of 27 MPa/km, constrained by the pressure calculations from Staffier (2007) of

690-820, MPa, Waters-Tormey et al. (in press) estimates that deformation of the Mount

Hay Block occurred at a depth between 26 and 30 km, with a geothermal gradient of

roughly 27-30°C.

Ceilidh Hill

Previous study of Ceilidh Hill and the southeastern portion of the Mount Hay Block

Page 10: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  7 consists of structural mapping and a fabric study completed by Hallau (2006) as part of

an undergraduate thesis project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The lithology of

Ceilidh Hill is primarily fine-grained intermediate to mafic granulite, with a mineral

composition consisting of pyroxene, plagioclase, K-feldspar, and quartz. Compositional

layering is common and displayed as cm to m-scale compositional bands of charnockite

within fine-grained gabbro. These compositional bands are classified as the S0 fabric

(Fig. 2).

Hallau (2006) identifies four primary fabric domains on Ceilidh Hill: L-tectonites,

L>>S, L>S and L=S. Fabric is characterized by the shape-preferred orientation of the

plagioclase and quartz crystals found in the mm to cm-scale felsic segregations. Lineation

is consistently well developed and is most commonly defined by the long axes of

elongate quartz and plagioclase crystals of felsic segregations with up to 10:1 length to

width ratios. S1 foliation is defined by the consistency and planarity of shape-preferred

orientation of the felsic segregations in the plane perpendicular to lineation. L=S domains

display foliation and lineation that are approximately equally developed, with domains

between compositional layers showing sharp, well-defined margins. L>S domains retain

tabular margins between compositional layers, but display less well-developed flattening

in plane perpendicular to foliation. L>>S domains are characterized by a weak shape-

preferred orientation in foliation plane and non-tabular compositional banding.

Compositional layering and the shape-preferred orientation of felsic segregations are

often folded. L-tectonites are defined by rods of felsic segregation with a shape-preferred

orientation alignment almost exclusively in the direction of lineation. Compositional

layering in L-tectonites of Ceilidh Hill is largely absent.

Page 11: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 8  In general, the fabric type of Ceilidh Hill is dominated by L>S fabric, with less

common L>>S and rare L-tectonites constrained to two topographical high points

(Hallau, 2006). L=S fabric is found along the northern boundary with Capricorn Ridge

and on the southeastern tip of along the boundary with Hamilton Downs. Foliation is

generally NW-SE striking, but begins to swing to an E-W orientation towards the

boundary with Hamilton Downs (Fig. 3). Lineation consistently plunges nearly vertically

(an average of 84°). In contrast to Capricorn Ridge, changes in fabric type are most

commonly gradual. Abrupt structural contacts between boundaries are rare (Hallau,

2006).

In the following sections, I add to this foundation of work with important detailed

field mapping and both macro and microstructural observations of the South Eastern

portion of Ceilidh Hill and Hamilton Downs. I attempt to integrate these data into

previous work in order to provide a more detailed picture of this regions tectonic history.

I build on Hallau’s (2006) preliminary work, focusing on a much smaller area

encompassing the southeastern most tongue of Ceilidh Hill and a small 3.5 X 5 km

exposure called Hamilton Downs. Structural and lithologic geologic mapping of Ceilidh

Hill consisted of strike-perpendicular and strike-parallel traverses where significant fabric

and lithologic variations were recorded. Detailed measurements were collected,

documenting the orientation and degree of foliation, lineation, compositional layering and

various mesostructures. These measurements were compiled and overlaid on a

topographical map of the region (Fig. 2). Each site showing foliation and lineation was

classified on a spectrum of fabric intensity modified from Hallau (2006) (Fig. 3).

Page 12: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

Ham

ilton

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Figu

re 2

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ilton

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owns

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Page 13: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

A’

A

24

23

25

26

24

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25 26

00

01

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84 S0 - Compostional layering trend, dip

S1 - Foliation trend, dip

Lineation trend, plunge

Ultramylonite layer

L versus S Fabric Development

L = S

L > S

L >> S

L - Tectonite

Shear zone

6657

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Legend

Figure 3. A) Generalized map of L versus S fabric development adapted from Fig. 2. Fabric transitions gradual in Ceilidh Hill, abrupt in Hamilton Downs. Note concentration of L>>S and L-tectonite fabric in topographical highs of Hamilton Downs. B) Composite cross section after A) showing penetrative foliation inclination and boundary of high strain zone. No vertical exaggeration.

Contour interval: 10 m

A

B

Hamilton Downs

High Strain

Zone

Ceilidh Hill

NE SW

Hamilton DownsCeilidh Hill

A’A

High Strain Zone

0

Foliation inclination High strain zone boundary

0 10.5

Scale (km)

no fabric

no fabric

10

Page 14: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  11 Hamilton Downs

The composition of Hamilton Downs contrasts that of the largely interlayered

mafic and felsic granulites found on Ceilidh Hill to the north. Lithologies in Hamilton

Downs range from almost pure anorthosite (>15 percent pyroxene) to gabbronorite

(60/40 percent plagioclase/pyroxene) containing varying amounts of pyroxene but

consistently dominated by plagioclase. The Hamilton Downs exposure reflects the

weathering prone nature of plagioclase, exposing amphibole and orthopyroxene bearing

bands, rods, clots and aggregates that represent the regular to patchy cm to m-scale

compositional banding we define as the S0a fabric (Fig. 4). In addition to the S0a

compositional layering, local compositional bands of 10 cm to meter scale pure, fine-

grained anorthosites cut through pyroxene clotted anorthosites and gabbronorites. This

compositional layering has been designated as the S0b fabric, which is most often oblique

to the primary foliation (S1). Additional lithologic domains are represented by rare 1 to 3

mm seams of pyroxenite and 50 cm dikes of pure fine-grained gabbro (Fig. 4).

Exposures of mafic pyroxene clotted gabbro/anorthosite similar to Hamilton Downs

have been cited elsewhere within Mount. Hay Block, including the northern flank of

Capricorn Ridge and in discrete horizons and layers throughout the fault bound Amburla

Folds region between Mount Hay, Cap Ridge, and Ceilidh hill (Fig 1C). Both Glickson

(1984) and Waters-Tormey (2004, 2007) refer to this unit as the Mount Hay Anorthosite

(which Watt (1992) attempted to formally rename as the Amburla Meta-leuconorite). To

avoid further confusion, we shall refer to this unit simply as the anorthositic granulites.

Page 15: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

A)

B)

C)D

)

Ham

ilton Dow

nsH

amilton D

owns

Ham

ilton Dow

nsCeilidh H

ill

Figure 4. Photographs showing di�erent types of com

positional layering. A) O

riginal igneous compositional layering (S0a)

shown by m

eter thick anorthosite band containing an isolated tabular layer of pyroxene clots (pencil for scale). Shape-preferred orientation of pyroxene clots (S1) of a L>S fabric is oblique to S0a. B) 3-5 cm

�ne-grained, pure plagioclase band (S0b) cutting SO

a and L>S S1 fabric (pencil for scale, oriented parallel to lineation de�ned by shape-preferred orientation of pyroxene clots). C) 8 m

m seam

of pyroxenite (S0c) cutting through L>>S fabric de�ned by rod like pyroxene clots (aussie dollar for scale). D)

Compositional layering com

mon in Ceilidh H

ill, showing 2 m

m to 5 cm

bands of charnockite within �ne-grained gabbro (pencil

for scale). Strong shape-preferred orientation of felsic segrations perpendicular to lineation make this an L=S fabric.

L=SL>>S

Lineation

L>SLineation

L>S

Lineation

Lineation

12

Page 16: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  13 

Given the significant difference in composition between the anorthositic

granulites of Hamilton Downs and the mafic granulites of Ceilidh Hill, major changes to

the fabric classification method developed by Hallau (2006) are necessary to accurately

assess the degree and development of fabric throughout Hamilton Downs. Felsic

segregations and compositional layering of charnockite and are absent in Hamilton

Downs and the shape-preferred orientation of plagioclase grains, vital to fabric

classification in Ceilidh Hill, is often weak to non-existent. The degree and development

of the S1 foliation within Hamilton Downs is primarily based on the shape-preferred

orientation of pyroxene grains (Fig. 5). Lineation is likewise defined by shape-preferred

orientation in pyroxene grains (and occasionally, polycrystalline ribbons of plagioclase).

As shown in Figure 6, there is substantial range in texture across Hamilton Downs,

making it difficult to create a universal fabric classification scheme. We used the

following classification method to make field based decisions of fabric development

shown in Figure 3: L=S fabric are not found on Hamilton Downs. L>S fabrics are

characterized by well-defined margins within the S0a compositional layering and a clear

shape-preferred orientation of pyroxene clots perpendicular to the plane of lineation (Fig.

4B). L>>S fabrics are defined by weak shape-preferred orientation of pyroxene

perpendicular to plane of lineation. L-tectonites are difficult to classify, but are most

often characterized by highly elongate pyroxene clots in the direction of lineation with a

complete lack of shape-preferred orientation perpendicular to lineation (Fig. 5A and B,

Fig 6B).

Page 17: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

Figure 5. A) Photograph show

ing shape-preferred orientation of 6cm pyroxene clots parallel to lineation (rock ham

mer for scale).

B) Photograph showing sam

e pyroxene clots in the plane perpendicular to lineation (Aussie dollar for scale). Note com

plete lack of shape-preferred orientation, de�ning an L-tectonites fabric. C) Photograph of m

uch more strongly developed shape-preferred

orientation in felsic segregations parallel to lineation in L>S fabric on Ceilidh Hill (pencil for scale). D

) Photograph of same felsic

segregations in the plane perpendicular to lineation showing w

eaker shape-preferred orientation perpendicular to lineation (Aussie dollar for scale).

A)

B)

C)D

)

Ham

ilton Dow

nsH

amilton D

owns

Ceilidh Hill

LineationL-tectonite

L-tectoniteLineation

L>SLineation

Ceilidh Hill

L>SLineation

14

Page 18: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

A)

B)

C)D

)

Figu

re 6

. Var

ious

pyr

oxen

e an

d pl

agio

clas

e te

xtur

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und

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ugho

ut H

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om th

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wes

tern

kno

b sh

owin

g co

mpl

ete

lack

of f

abric

in b

oth

pyro

xene

and

pla

gioc

lase

(Aus

sie

dolla

r for

sca

le).

B) P

hoto

grap

h fr

om s

outh

east

ern

knob

sho

win

g la

rge

1-3

cm p

yrox

ene

clot

s w

ith s

tron

g sh

ape-

pref

erre

d or

ient

atio

n pa

ralle

l to

linea

tion

(bla

ck p

enci

l for

sca

le).

C) P

hoto

grap

h fr

om s

outh

wes

tern

kno

b sh

owin

g �n

e-gr

aine

d py

roxe

ne a

nd p

lagi

ocla

se c

ryst

als,

both

with

str

ong

shap

e-pr

e�er

ed o

rient

atio

n pa

ralle

l to

linea

tion

(pen

cil t

ip p

aral

lel t

o lin

eatio

n fo

r sca

le).

D) P

hoto

grap

h fr

om n

orth

ern

knob

sho

win

g py

roxe

ne c

lot s

eggr

egat

ion

into

pyr

oxen

e ric

h an

d py

roxe

ne p

oor l

ayer

s th

at d

e�ne

the

S0a

com

posi

tiona

l lay

erin

g (b

lack

pen

cil f

or s

cale

).

No

Fabr

icLi

neat

ion

L-te

cton

ite

Line

atio

nLi

neat

ion

L>S

L>>S

15

Page 19: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 16 

The degree and development of foliation and lineation varies substantially across

Hamilton Downs (Fig. 3, Fig 5A, B and C). In contrast to Ceilidh Hill, contacts between

fabric types are occasionally gradual, but more often abrupt. The most southeastern

portion of Hamilton Downs is defined by a weak L>>S fabric striking SW-NE and

dipping steeply an average of 80° (Fig. 3). Fabric changes abruptly from an anorthosite

rich L>S containing very limited, small <20mm pyroxene clots, to L-tectonite defined by

large pencil like rods of pyroxene that range in size from 0.5cm to 6 cm parallel to

lineation with no shape-preferred orientation perpendicular to lineation (Fig 4C). Further

west, pyroxene clots show less overall strain, but display a definite shape-preferred

orientation perpendicular to lineation, and are therefore classified as L>S. The primary

foliation trend changes from a SW-NE orientation (in the L>>S and L-tectonite fabrics)

to an EW orientation (in the L>S fabrics) with lineation plunging an average of 71°. As

shown in Figure 2, this region displays both S0a and S0b compositional banding that is

oblique to the S1 primary foliation.

Near the topographical high point on the southwestern knob of Hamilton Downs,

there are 5 m2 regions that display little to no fabric at all (Fig 3). Crystals of pyroxene

are not consolidated into clots and segregations, and are randomly oriented (Fig. 6A). Just

15 meters north of this knob, there is an abrupt change into course-grained gabbronorite

with a clear shape-preferred orientation parallel and perpendicular to lineation in

individual pyroxene crystals and plagioclase (Fig. 6C). This L>S fabric is cut by multiple

consistently oriented 6.5 cm S0b fine-grained anorthosite bands. The distribution and

Page 20: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  17 consolidation of pyroxene crystals is highly variable along the ridge towards Ceilidh

Hill. In a small area of 6m2, it is possible to find randomly oriented, 20 mm clots, as well

as substantially smaller 4-8 mm clots segregated into obvious layers defining the S0a

fabric.

The northernmost knob of Hamilton Downs is characterized by an L>>S fabric

defined most often by the shape-preferred orientation of large, 3-4 cm pyroxene clots

(parallel to lineation) in S0a segregated layers. The trend of the primary foliation is

oriented SW-NE, dipping steeply an average of 79°. Lineation is region is highly

variable, trending NW to NE and plunging an average of 65°.

High Strain Zone

On the western boundary of Hamilton Downs, towards the southeastern most

portion of Ceilidh Hill, S-fabric intensity begins to surpass lineation (Fig. 3). There is an

extensive 1 km wide L=S domain located between the boundary of the southeastern

portion of Ceilidh Hill and Hamilton Downs. This horizon of s-dominated fabric strikes

southwest and dips steeply towards the northwest an average of 78°. Lineation is

consistently well developed trending almost due east and plunging an average of 69°

(Fig. 3).

The lithology of this region differs from that of Hamilton Downs and Ceilidh Hill.

Composition abruptly changes from a heavily weathered course grained gabbronorite

(50/50 plagioclase/pyroxene) to a fine-grained (>1mm grain size) leucogranite, with no

visible pyroxene, but with abundant quartz and large 5mm subhedral garnets (Fig. 7). The

Page 21: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 18 steeply pitching lineation is defined by stretched quartz and plagioclase crystals. As

shown in Figure 7, the compositional layering between plagioclase layers and quartz and

k-spar layers is tabular and well defined, everywhere parallel to the primary foliation.

Page 22: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

A)

B)

Lineation

Folia

tion

Figu

re 7

. Pho

togr

aphs

from

the

high

str

ain

zone

sep

erat

ing

Ceili

dh H

ill fr

om H

amilt

on D

owns

. A) S

how

s st

rong

line

atio

n in

hig

hly

stre

tche

d qu

artz

and

pl

agio

clas

e po

lycr

ysta

lline

ribb

ons.

Not

e ab

senc

e of

pry

oxen

e an

d la

rge

8mm

euh

edra

l gar

net t

o th

e rig

ht o

f pen

cil.

B) P

lane

per

pind

icul

ar to

line

atio

n,

show

ing

stro

ng L

=S fa

bric

de�

ned

by h

ighl

y st

retc

hed

quar

tz a

nd p

lagi

ocla

se c

ryst

als

and

tabu

lar m

argi

ns o

f S0

com

posi

tiona

l ban

ding

par

alle

l to

prim

ary

folia

tion

(pen

cil f

or s

cale

). N

ote

extr

eme

redu

ctio

n in

gra

in s

ize

com

pare

d to

gra

in s

ize

with

in H

amilt

on D

owns

and

Cei

lidh

Hill

.

19

Page 23: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 20  Towards the topography of southeastern Ceilidh Hill, the lithology changes from

sillimanite bearing gneiss to fine-grained gabbro containing the same centimetric felsic

segregations and 3-5 cm charnockite layers that are found throughout Ceilidh Hill.

Despite the gradual change in composition, these rocks continue to be dominated by a

strong S-fabric, and are still classified as L=S. The shape preferred orientation of felsic

segregations and 4 cm layers of S0 charnockite are tabular, showing well defined margins

parallel to the primary S1 foliation. Orientation of foliation changes from southwest to

nearly due west, and begins to dip more shallowly, an average of 68°.

Microstructural and Mineralogical Characterization

To compliment outcrop-scale observations, thin sections were made for

microstructural and mineralogical analysis. Hand samples were collected from a variety

of locations and fabric types within Hamilton Downs and the high strain zone. All thin

sections were cut parallel to lineation and perpendicular to foliation so that the

microstructural elements could be evaluated within the kinematic reference frame.

Analysis of thin sections included detailed notes of mineral assemblage, grain shape and

size, deformation textures, and grain-boundary relationships.

Deformation microstructures of plagioclase are generally in agreement with high

temperature deformation textures described by (Lafrance et al., 1996). Undulose

extinction, tapered deformation twins and healed microfractures are the most common

microstructures indicative of deformation. The deformation twins, which follow the

pericline and albite twin laws, are often gently curved, and terminate at grain boundaries,

tapering to a fine point within the grain (Deer et al., 1992). Larger, primary plagioclase

Page 24: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  21 grains are commonly more deformed than smaller recrystalized grains. These

secondary recrystalized grains show straight extinction and are generally absent in

deformation twins (Fig. 8 and Fig. 9). Grain boundaries throughout the study area range

in texture, from very irregular (interlobate to amoeboid in HD09-27), to gently curved,

with common triple point junctions (Fig. 9A and B). The presence of dihedral 120°

anneals suggests that at a minimum, rocks in this region reached partial textural

equilibrium (Lafrance et al., 1996; Passchier and Trouw, 2005). The highly interlobate

grain boundaries and dissected recrystalized plagioclase grains shown in Figure 9 may be

indicative of grain boundary migration. In order to confirm the presence of grain

boundary migration, additional studies of lattice-preferred orientation are needed.

According to (Passchier and Trouw, 2005) the most conclusive evidence of grain

boundary migration is a complete lack of lattice-preferred orientation.

Hamilton Downs:

Field-based assessments of lithology are largely correct and are supported by the

microstructural observations. The composition of samples from Hamilton Downs is

largely anorthositic (containing 5-30% mafic materials), consistent with the field calls of

lithology. Typical mineralogy consists of plagioclase + orthopyroxene + hornblende +

illmenite (Fig. 8). In general, shape fabric in these samples is weak to nonexistent.

Extinction families (groups of grains that are extinct in the same position under cross

polarized light) are not observed (Waters-Tormey, 2004). The more abundant plagioclase

grains are approximately equal in size (0.8-1.2 mm), with grain boundaries that are gently

curved to interlobate. Shape-preferred orientation is weak to non-existent both

Page 25: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 22 perpendicular and parallel to lineation. Larger plagioclase grains display undulose to

sweeping extinction. Tapered deformation twins are ubiquitous and often smoothly bent.

Plagioclase grains occasionally exhibit 120° triple junctions (Fig. 8).

Orthopyroxene grains are generally smaller than plagioclase, and range in size from

0.1-0.3 mm, with grain boundaries that are gently curved to interlobate (especially in

contact with plagioclase grains). Rarely, there is a weak shape-preferred orientation of

pyroxene parallel to lineation in the form of football shaped grains. Pyroxene grains

exhibit 120° triple junctions but are less common than in plagioclase. Most pyroxene

grains exhibit characteristic weak pink to green pleochroism. Smaller orthopyroxene

grains commonly form subgrains within plagioclase and other, larger orthopyroxene

grains. These subgrains may be evidence of dynamic recrystalization, and more

specifically bulging recrystalization (BLG), or even high temperature grain boundary

migration (GBM) (micro-tectonics, 2005).

Hornblende grains, like orthopyroxene, are much smaller than the dominant

plagioclase crystals, ranging in size from 0.05-0.3 mm. Grain and phase boundaries are

most commonly straight to gently curved. Hornblende is distinguished from other phases

by its dark green pleochroism and high birefringence.

Page 26: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

hbl plag

opx

opx

AB

CD

Para

llel t

o lin

eatio

n

Perpendicular to foliation

plag

opx

Figu

re 8

. P

hoto

mic

rogr

aphs

of s

ampl

es H

D09

-11

and

HD

09-0

4 cu

t par

alle

l to

linea

tion

and

perp

endi

cula

r to

folia

tion.

A)

HD

09-1

1und

er c

ross

-pol

ariz

ed li

ght s

how

ing

inte

rloba

te g

rain

bou

ndar

ies

and

rare

120

° ann

eals

(red

arr

ow).

B) S

ame

area

as

sho

w in

A) u

nder

pla

in-p

olar

ized

ligh

t sho

win

g w

eak

shap

e-pr

efer

red

orie

ntat

ion

in fo

otba

ll sh

aped

ort

hopy

roxe

ne

para

llel t

o lin

eatio

n. C

) HD

09-0

4 un

der c

ross

-pol

ariz

ed li

ght s

how

ing

gent

ly c

urvi

ng ta

pere

d de

form

atio

n tw

ins

and

patc

hy

to u

ndul

ose

extin

ctio

n in

larg

e pl

agio

clas

e gr

ain

(cen

ter)

. Not

e su

bgra

ins

with

in la

rger

ort

hopy

roxe

ne g

rain

s. D

) Sam

e ar

ea

as s

how

n in

C) u

nder

pla

in p

olar

ized

ligh

t sho

win

g pl

eoch

rois

m in

ort

hopy

roxe

ne. M

iner

al a

bbre

viat

ions

from

Kre

tz (1

983)

.

23

Page 27: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 24 High Strain Zone:

Two hand samples were collected from the high strain zone separating Ceilidh Hill

from Hamilton Downs. HD09-29 was taken from the transitional fabric on the

southeastern boundary of Ceilidh Hill from what we designated a felsic segregated

gabbro with a strongly developed L=S fabric. As shown in Figure 8A and B, the sample

consists entirely of 50/50% plagioclase/pyroxene composition. Well-developed shape-

preferred orientation is present in both phases, defined by elongate plagioclase grains and

distinctive football shaped pyroxenes. Plagioclase crystals are largely equant size,

ranging from 0.8-1.4 mm. Orthopyroxene crystals are smaller, ranging in size from 0.2-

0.5 mm (lengthwise). Grain and phase boundaries are straight to gently curved, never

interlobate. Grain boundaries are dominated by foam texture (abundant 120° triple

junctions). In contrast to the samples from Hamilton Downs, patchy to undulose

extinction in plagioclase is not observed.

Sample HD09-27 was taken from the middle of the high strain zone, from an

exposure with a particularly well-developed s-fabric (L=S). As shown in Figure 9C and

D), the average grain size is extremely reduced, with the largest quartz and plagioclase

crystals rarely exceeding 0.05 mm. This sample is lithologically distinct from both

Ceilidh Hill and Hamilton Downs, with a composition of quartz + k-feldspar + biotite +

kyanite + (sillimanite) + orthopyroxene + plagioclase + garnet + illmenite. Grain

boundaries of quartz and plagioclase are interlobate to amoeboid, and exhibit patchy to

undulose extinction. Subhedral garnets are strongly associated with sillimanite and

biotite, and are most often found growing around stretched sillimanite and biotite grains.

Page 28: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

B

plag

opx

plag

Para

llel t

o Li

neat

ion

Perpendicular to foliation

A CD

opx

qtz

btgr

t

qtz

ky

Figu

re 9

. P

hoto

mic

rogr

aphs

of s

ampl

es H

D09

-29

and

HD

09-2

7, c

ut p

aral

lel t

o lin

eatio

n an

d pe

rpen

dicu

lar t

o fo

liatio

n. A

) HD

09-2

9 un

der c

ross

-pol

ariz

ed li

ght s

how

ing

equa

nt g

rain

siz

e an

d fo

am te

xtur

e (1

20° a

nnea

ls).

B) S

ame

area

sho

wn

in A

) und

er p

lain

-pol

ariz

ed

light

sho

win

g fo

otba

ll sh

ape

of o

rtho

pyro

xene

, ind

icat

ive

of s

hape

-pre

ferr

ed o

rient

atio

n pa

ralle

l to

linea

tion.

C) H

D09

-27

unde

r cr

oss-

pola

rized

ligh

t sho

win

g pa

tchy

to u

ndul

ose

extin

ctio

n in

qua

rtz

(upp

er ri

ght)

and

sha

pe-p

refe

rred

orie

ntat

ion

of q

uart

z pa

ralle

l to

line

atio

n. D

) sam

e ar

ea a

s C)

und

er p

lain

-pol

ariz

ed li

ght s

how

ing

elon

gate

bio

tite.

Not

e ex

trem

ely

redu

ced

grai

n si

ze a

nd in

terlo

-ba

te to

am

oebo

id g

rain

bou

ndar

y in

qua

rtz

and

plag

iocl

ase.

Not

e su

bhed

ral f

ace

of g

arne

t. M

iner

al a

bbre

viat

ions

from

Kre

tz (1

983)

.

25

Page 29: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 26 Geothermobarometry

Preliminary work on sample HD09-27 was performed on the Carleton College

Hitachi S-3000N Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with an acceleration voltage of

20 kV, and beam current of 98 µA equipped with an Oxford INCA microanalysis system.

Microprobe analysis allowed for detailed mineral identification, confirming the

assemblage identified in thin-section. The peak metamorphic mineral assemblage of

HD09-27 is qtz + kfs + bt + ky + (sil) + opx + plag + grt (Kretz, 1983). The positions in

P-T space of all calculated equilibria are made using the computer program TWQ 2.34

(Berman, 2007) and the thermodynamic database of (Berman, 1991) with revisions

through February, 2007. Reactions were considered in the seven-component system K 2O

-CaO-FeO-MgO- Al2O3- SiO2- H2O (KCaFMASH) (Table 1) allowing for the calculation

of seven reactions, three of which are independent (Fig. 10). Taken together, these

reactions suggest that peak metamorphic conditions recorded by sample HD09-27 range

from ~8-13 kbar and 880-980° C. However, the well documented GASP (Spear,

1993) and garnet-biotite (Ferry and Spear, 1978) geothermometers intersect at 980°C and

11.9 kbar (Fig. 10).

Page 30: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

Table 1. Representative mineral analyses for HD09-27

Grt Bt Pl Opx

SiO2 46.78 37.30 57.07 50.64

Al2O3 22.09 15.21 27.15 6.21

TiO2 0.00 5.39 0.00 0.00

FeO 18.55 12.64 0.00 20.71

MgO 10.85 14.67 0.00 22.44

MnO 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CaO 1.73 0.00 9.83 0.00

K2O 0.00 9.80 0.19 0.00

Na2O 0.00 0.00 5.76 0.00

total: 100.00 95.00 100.00 100.00

Basis: 12 O 11 O 8 O 6 O

Si 3.38 2.77 2.56 1.86

Al 1.88 1.33 1.44 0.27

Ti 0.00 0.30 0.00 0.00

Fe2+ 1.12 0.78 0.00 0.64

Mg 1.17 1.62 0.00 1.23

Mn 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Ca 0.13 0.00 0.47 0.00

K 0.00 0.93 0.01 0.00

Na 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.00

cations: 7.68 7.73 4.98 4.00

27

Page 31: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

8

10

12

14

2 Alm + Gr +

3 aQz

6 Fsl + 3 An

3 Ky + G

r + 3 Fsl

Alm + 3 An

Gr + 2 Ky + aQz

3 An

Alm

+ P

hl

Py

+ A

nn

2 Ann + Gr + 2 Py + 3 aQz

2 Phl + 6 Fsl + 3 An aQ

z + Py + Ann

3 Fsl + Ky + Phl

Temperature (°C)

2

4

6Pres

sure

(kba

r)

Figure 10. Geothermobarometry results for sample HD09-27. Mineral equilibria in the KCaF-MASH system calculated using TWQ (Berman, 1991). The yellow shaded area depicts the likely range of possible P-T conditions for this sample. Al2SiO5 phase diagram is shown for reference.

Phl +

3 K

y + G

r + 3

Fsl

Ann

+ 3

An +

Py

15

And

Sil

Ky

1100

28

Page 32: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  29 Discussion

The Hamilton Downs exposure is lithologically and structurally distinct from the

neighboring Ceilidh Hill. Composition is dominated by plagioclase with varying amounts

orthopyroxene (0-30%) and limited hornblend. In contrast to Ceilidh Hill, there is little to

no quartz and no observed felsic segregations or compositional layers of charnockite.

Shape fabric is defined most frequently by the shape-preferred orientation of

orthopyroxene clots. Unlike what we see in Ceilidh Hill, shape-preferred orientation in

plagioclase is weak to non-existent both in field observation and in thin section. Whereas

lineation is mostly consistent in orientation and magnitude throughout Ceilidh Hill, there

are 5 m2 regions within Hamilton Downs that lack a visible macroscopic fabric

measurable in the field. With this abundant evidence, it is reasonable to assert that the

rocks of Hamilton Downs have experienced less deformation than the nearby exposure of

Ceilidh Hill as well as the high-strain shear zone of Capricorn Ridge described by

Waters-Tormey (2004) and Waters-Tormey et al. (2007, in press) and the Mount Hay

sheath fold (Glikson, 1984; Shaw et al. 1984; Staffier, 2007).

The compositions and textures displayed at Hamilton Downs are most similar to

the anorthositic granulites found in the northeastern portion of Capricorn Ridge and

Amburla Folds region (Glickson, 1984; Watt, 1992; Waters-Tormey, 2004; Waters-

Tormey et al., 2007, 2008 in review). Similar to what has previously been documented at

Capricorn Ridge and Amburla Folds, Hamilton Downs displays no observable

migmatization and intrusion by charnockitic compositional layers. The presence of

distinct lithologies of anorthosite in the Mount Hay block that record different structural

Page 33: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 30 fabrics likely indicates that compositional differences between the mafic granulites and

the anorthosites also represent rheological differences between these rock types during

deformation and thereby affect the fabrics they record during deformation.

Similar to previous interpretations of Mount Hay and Ceilidh Hill, the fabric types

displayed throughout Hamilton Downs likely express different states and types of strain.

Domains of L-tectonite and L>>S typically imply unidirectional stretching and

constriction whereas L=S fabrics imply flattening and plain strain (Davis and Reynolds,

1996). The distribution of fabric types in the Hamilton Downs region suggests that plane

strains dominated near the boundary with Ceilidh Hill and constrictional strains

dominated the topographical highs found in the middle of Hamilton Downs. These spatial

variations in fabric type may indicate that Hamilton Downs is part of a large-scale sheath

fold.

Alternatively, fabric variation may be indicative of overprinting relationships of

varying strain intensity. Throughout the study area, with the exception of regions

showing little to no fabric, lineation is generally well developed. Relative strain is

therefore estimated by the development of foliation. Regions with strong S-fabrics can be

interpreted as zones of relative higher strain than L>>S and L-tectonite fabrics. The km

wide L=S domain that separates Hamilton Downs from the southeastern tongue of

Ceilidh Hill is therefore inferred to be the region of highest strain. Hallau (2006) suggests

that there is significant overprinting of three separate foliations within Ceilidh Hill. In our

focus area of the southeastern most tip of Ceilidh Hill, two of Hallau (2006) foliation

trends are observed, one striking NE-SW, and a second striking WNW-ESE. The L>>S

Page 34: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

  31 fabric in the northwestern portion of our study area displays the latter foliation trend

(Fig. 3). On the southeastern boundary of Ceilidh Hill, towards the high strain zone

separating Ceilidh Hill from Hamilton Downs, foliation and compositional layering are

transposed onto a single, strongly developed NE-SW trending S-dominated fabric. This

complete transposition may indicate that the zone of high strain is younger than the

surrounding exposures of Ceilidh Hill and Hamilton Downs.

The zone of high strain may be related to deformation structures of the (400-300

Ma) Alice Springs orogeny found elsewhere in the Mount Hay Block, including the

amphibolite and greenschist facies mylonite zones bounding the northern and southern

portions of Capricorn Ridge. It is important to note however that the mineral assemblage

and geothermobarometry work within this zone of high strain is indicative of much

higher-grade deformation.

Previous geothermobarometry work on the Mount Hay Granulites constrains peak

deformation conditions from 700-900° C and 6.9-8.2 kbar (Collins and Shaw, 1995;

Staffier, 2007; Waters-Tormey et al., in press). Preliminary geothermobarometric data on

sample HD09-27 from the high strain zone records a range from ~8-13 kbar and 880-

980° C, with the well-documented GASP and garnet-biotite geothermometer intersecting

at 980°C and 11.9 kbar (Fig. 10).

Berman (1991) suggests that it is possible to reasonably assess the state of

equilibrium given the convergence of all equilibria in a single P-T region. As shown in

Figure 10, mineral reactions do not intersect at a single point. The intersection of the

GASP and garnet-biotite geothermometer occurs at pressures and temperatures well

Page 35: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 32 above peak deformation conditions found elsewhere in the Mount Hay Block. Faulty

microprobe data may be to blame. As shown in Table 2, the mineral garnet in particular

displays unusual cation sums: Si cations should be about 3.0 as opposed to the 3.38, Al

should be 2.0 instead of 1.88, and total cations should add up to 8.0 instead of 7.68.

Scattered reactions may also indicate that the mineral assemblage in sample HD09-27 is

in a state of disequilibrium. Disequilibrium is supported by the presence of kyanite

coexisting with sillimanite, which is difficult to account for, given that the calculated

range of pressure and temperature conditions falls entirely within the sillimanite stability

field (Fig. 10).

The deformation microstructures of samples throughout Hamilton Downs and the

region of high strain are indicative of high-temperature, high pressure conditions present

in the lower crust (Lafrance et al., 1996). Undulose extinction, tapered deformation twins

and healed microfractures are the most common microstructures indicative of

deformation. Microstructures such as the highly interlobate grain boundaries and

dissected recrystalized plagioclase grains present in HD09-27 (Fig. 9C and D) have

previously been used to classify high-temperature grain boundary migration (Passchier

and Trouw, 2005; Staffier, 2007; Waters-Tormey et al., in press). If GBM is indeed the

primary deformation mechanism, it would be an important contribution to the growing

consensus that grain boundary sliding makes a more significant contribution to the bulk

rheology of the lower crust than previously thought (Waters-Tormey, 2004).

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  33 Conclusions

The primary goals of this research are to fit the Hamilton Downs exposure into the

larger geological context of the Mount Hay Block granulites, to explore how fabric

variation is expressed in the anorthositic granulites of Hamilton Downs and to

characterize the microstructural relationships in an attempt to better understand large-

scale rheology of the lower continental crust. The following results presented in this

paper provide valuable insight into this important question:

1. Hamilton Downs is more weakly deformed than Ceilidh Hill

2. Hamilton Downs is lithologically distinct from the neighboring Ceilidh Hill and is

most similar in composition texture to the northernmost exposure of Capricorn

Ridge, and the Amburla Folds region.

3. Based on the distribution of fabric types, with high strain S-fabrics on the outer

boundaries and constrictional L-tectonites near the central topographical highs,

Hamilton Downs may be part of a larger sheath fold.

4. Separating Hamilton Downs from Ceilidh Hill is a 1 km wide zone of solid state

deformation that we describe as a high strain shear zone

5. The shear zone is most likely younger than surrounding exposures given complete

transposition of both compositional layering and primary foliation from Ceilidh

Hill and Hamilton Downs onto a single L=S fabric trending SW-NE.

6. Preliminary geothermobarometry work on a sample within the shear zone

indicates peak metamorphic conditions in the range of ~8-13 kbar and 880-980°

C. However, presence of kyanite and interlobate grain boundaries is indicative of

Page 37: Field and microstrucural observations of granulite facies ...

 34 chemical disequilibrium, thus providing an inaccurate estimation of P-T

conditions. Further study on a professionally polished thin section is required.

7. Deformation microstructures such as interlobate to amoeboid grain boundaries

and dissected recrystalized plagioclase grains may be indicative of grain boundary

sliding, an important component in bulk rheology of the lower crust.

Acknowledgments

I offer my sincerest gratitude to my advisor Sarah Titus, without whom, I’d have never found my way to Australia. Despite being on leave, she couldn’t help but dispense wisdom and cheer. I thank Seth Kruckenberg for taking me on as a field assistant, preparing excellent meals, and telling great stories by the fire. Thank you Basil Tikoff for rustling up funding through the University of Wisconsin-Madison and for keeping me on track. To Bereket for patiently teaching me how to grind and polish thin sections, and perhaps more importantly, forever reminding of the important things in life. Thank you Cam Davidson for the five-minute questions turned to hour long, illuminating conversations. To Tim Vick for graciously putting up with late time cards and messy senior desks. And last but certainly not least, I am forever indebted to the entire Carleton Geology department and all of its students. Thank you for the backrubs, the fresh pressed cider, venison and the willingness to fruit golf. Truly, this experience has made me realize all that is good about Carleton College and it’s people.

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