Geochemistry of bimodal amphibolitic—felsic gneiss complexes from eastern Massif Central, France

Abstract

AbstractHigh-grade basic and acidic meta-igneous rocks are widespread in the bimodal amphibolitic—felsic gneiss complexes, which are characteristic formations of the ‘Middle Allochthonous Unit’ from eastern and southern French Massif Central. The metabasites from the Lyonnais and Doux complexes are chemically diverse and range from N-MORB type tholeiitic to transitional types. The two populations are not related by fractional crystallization or crustal contamination processes and their chemical characteristics reflect differences in their mantle sources. An ensialic setting is supported by the crustally-derived character of some of the associated felsic rocks, but the presence of N-MORB-type metabasites argues for an extensional environment. This bimodal association compares well with the magmatism of rifted continental margins and may reflect a transitional stage between continental rifting and oceanic crust formation during the Cambro-Ordovician spreading event.