Sm-Nd geochronology and petrologic investigation of sub-ophiolite metamorphic sole from the Dinarides (Krivaja-Konjuh, Ophiolite Complex, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Abstract

The Dinaridic segment of Neotethys was affected by a widespread shortening and related subduction-accretion-obduction processes that commenced in the middle Jurassic. In the Dinarides, the Krivaja-Konjuh Ophiolite Complex (KKOC) stands as the largest ophiolite complex with a well-exposed metamorphic sole which is the key to understanding the dynamics of intraoceanic subduction initiation in this part of Neotethys. In this contribution we present Sm-Nd geochronology on a granulite facies amphibolite from the KKOC, as well as a detailed petrological description. A five-point isochrone age calculated from clinopyroxene, plagioclase, garnet, amphibole and whole rock is 162 ± 14 Ma (MSWD = 6.2), whereas garnet and whole rock yield 160 ± 7 Ma. Ages calculated from all data points except clinopyroxene are 162 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 1.09). Petrographic investigations suggest that these ages date granulite facies metamorphic conditions (i.e. peak metamorphism of Grt-Cpx amphibolite) rather than post-peak exhumation or obduction processes. Phase textural relationships are in line with previous research, which indicated a peak metamorphism equilibration pressure and temperature of ~1 GPa and ~800 °C, respectively. Granulite facies conditions are elucidated for an igneous precursor, which underwent a multi-stage metamorphism that gave rise to recrystallization of igneous clinopyroxene and plagioclase, epitaxial growth of amphibole, and garnet blastosis. Taking into account the age of gabbronorite from the youngest segment of the KKOC oceanic crust (Taorcian to Bathonian) and ages of radiolarian assemblages from the KKOC melange (Bajocian to Bathonian), it may be inferred that within ~25 Ma the Dinaridic segment of Neotethys evolved rapidly from active ridge spreading through a stage of intraoceanic subduction and arc magmatism toward sub-ophioliteexhumation and further obduction along the Adria passive margin at the end of the Jurassic era.