Insights from elastic thermobarometry into exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks from Syros, Greece

Retrograde metamorphic rocks provide key insights into the pressure-temperature (P-T) evolution of exhumed material, and resultant P-T constraints have direct implications for the mechanical and thermal conditions of subduction interfaces. However, constraining P-T conditions of retrograde metamorphic rocks has historically been challenging and has resulted in debate about the conditions experienced by these rocks. In this work, we combine elastic thermobarometry with oxygen isotope thermometry to quantify the P-T evolution of retrograde metamorphic rocks of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit (CBU), an exhumed subduction complex exposed on Syros, Greece. We employ quartz-in-garnet and quartz-in-epidote barometry to constrain pressures of garnet and epidote growth near peak subduction conditions and during exhumation, respectively. Oxygen isotope thermometry of quartz and calcite within boudin necks was used to estimate temperatures during exhumation and to refine pressure estimates. Three distinct pressure groups are related to different metamorphic events and fabrics: high-pressure garnet growth at similar to 1.4-1.7 GPa between 500-550 degrees C, retrograde epidote growth at similar to 1.31.5 GPa between 400-500 degrees C, and a second stage of retrograde epidote growth at similar to 1.0 GPa and 400 degrees C. These results are consistent with different stages of deformation inferred from field and microstructural observations, recording prograde subduction to blueschist-eclogite facies and subsequent retrogression under blueschist-greenschist facies conditions. Our new results indicate that the CBU experienced cooling during decompression after reaching maximum high-pressure-low-temperature conditions. These P-T conditions and structural observations are consistent with exhumation and cooling within the subduction channel in proximity to the refrigerating subducting plate, prior to Miocene core-complex formation. This study also illustrates the potential of using elastic thermobarometry in combination with structural and microstructural constraints, to better understand the P-T -deformation conditions of retrograde mineral growth in high-pressure-low-temperature (HP/LT) metamorphic terranes.

Automated summary

This study quantified the P-T evolution of retrograde metamorphic rocks on Syros, Greece using elastic thermobarometry and oxygen isotope thermometry. Results showed different pressure groups related to different metamorphic events and fabrics, indicating cooling during decompression after reaching maximum high-pressure-low-temperature conditions.