Immiscible metamorphic water and methane fluids preserved in carbonated eclogite

Abstract

Subduction zones metamorphic fluids are pivotal in geological events such as volcanic eruptions, seismic activity, mineralization, and the deep carbon cycle. However, the mechanisms governing carbon mobility in subduction zones remain largely unresolved. Here we present the first observations of immiscible H2O-CH4 fluids coexisting in retrograde carbonated eclogite from the Western Tianshan subduction zone, China. We identified two types of fluid inclusions in host ankerite and amphibole, as well as in garnet and omphacite. Type-1 inclusions are water-rich with CH4 vapor, whereas Type-2 are CH4-rich, with minimal or no H2O. The coexistence of these fluid types indicates the presence of immiscible fluid phases under high-pressure conditions (P = 1.3-2.1 GPa). Carbonates in subduction zones can effectively decompose through reactions with silicates, leading to the generation of abiotic CH4. Our findings suggest that substantial amounts of carbon could be transferred from the slab to mantle wedge as immiscible CH4 fluids. This process significantly enhances decarbonation efficiency and may contribute to the formation of natural gas deposits. The metamorphic fluids in subduction zone play a crucial role in geological events such as volcanic eruptions, seismic activity, mineralization and the deep carbon cycle. Here, the authors report on the coexistence of immiscible water and methane fluids in retrograde carbonated eclogite and identify two types of fluid inclusions in different host minerals, advancing our understanding of immiscible C-O-H fluids and their upwards migration in subducting slabs.