The Kharbei Amphibolite–Gneiss Complex (Polar Urals): P–T Evolution and Results of U–Pb LA-ICP-MS Isotopic Study of Metamorphic Zircon

Abstract

In the study of the Khanmeikhoi Formation of the central zone of the Kharbei amphibolite–gneiss complex, it was shown that the amphibolites, schists, and plagiogneisses common here form two primary igneous series: low-alumina tholeiitic metabasalts of normal alkalinity and a differentiated series of high-alumina rocks from metatrachybasalts to metarhyolites with high alkalinity. According to the zoning of garnets, progressive and regressive branches of metamorphism are recorded, the peak conditions of which, according to calculations using the winTWQ program, correspond to the high-temperature stage of the amphibolite facies at high pressures (T = 690–750°C, P = 8.1–9.4 kbar). For the first time, metamorphic zircon from Grt-Bi plagiogneiss with low Th/U ratios of 0.01–0.04 and weakly expressed positive cerium (Ce/Ce* = 1.4–1.7) and negative europium (Eu/Eu* = 0.7–0.9) has been identified in the anomalies, the age of which, according to the results of the U–Pb LA-ICP-MS isotope method, is estimated to be Early Carboniferous (359–341 Ma). This time apparently characterizes the transition from the peak of metamorphism to the regressive stage associated with the exhumation of rocks. The results obtained indicate the formation of the Kharbei amphibolite–gneiss complex during the formation of the Ural orogen and allow us to consider it as an indicator of Paleozoic collision processes.