Emplacement and thermal metamorphism associated with the post-orogenic Strath Ossian Pluton, Grampian Highlands, Scotland

Abstract

AbstractThe multiphase Strath Ossian Pluton was intruded into metasedimentary rocks of the Neoproterozoic Grampian and Appin groups (Grampian Highlands, Scotland) during Silurian or early Devonian times. Emplacementfollowed the main ductile tectono-thermal history of the area and took place during post-orogenic regional uplift and cooling. Early emplacement of dioritic magma in the northern part of the pluton resulted in migmatization of its immediate country rocks with the generation of new ductile structures. The main granodiorite was then emplaced with magma migrating towards the southeast where wall-rock stoping took place. Elsewhere the pluton created its own space with little stoping or veining. Thermal metamorphism caused by granodiorite emplacement resulted in the progressive development of the assemblage quartz+ plagioclase + biotite+ cordierite +andalusite ± K-feldspar in the metapelitic country rocks. Six prograde mineral assemblage zones are identified in the aureole. Final emplacement of a marginal porphyritic microgranite was accompanied by the release of alkaline fluids into the thermal aureole. This produced sillimanite (fibrolite) in association with hydrous phases such as chlorite and white mica. The development of andalusite and cordierite-bearing assemblages is estimated to have occurred at temperatures of 650±50 °C at an estimated pressure of 3.2±0.5 kbars. An approximately isobaric temperature change of 300±50 °C across the width of the main aureole is deduced. The migmatization close to the plutons margins took place at temperatures of about 700 °C. An estimated depth of emplacement of about 11 km is obtained for the Strath Ossian Pluton. This implies considerable regional uplift both prior to, andimmediately after its emplacement. Thus it has been estimated that at the peak of regional metamorphism, probably during the Ordovician Period, the country rocks were at a depth of 15 to 18.5 km, whereas the early Devonian dykes of the Etive dyke swarm, which cut the Strath Ossian Pluton, were emplaced at, or near surface.