Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Metamorphism”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Stable isotope studies on granulites from the high grade terrain of Southern India

Fluid inclusion and petrologic characteristics of South India granulites and their bearing on the sources of metamorphic fluids are discussed. This paper served as a review and an introduction to the next paper by D. Jackson. Jackson presented carbon isotope data from gases extracted from fluid inclusions in South Indian granulites. The uniformly low Delta C-13 values (minus 10 plus or minus 2 per mil) and the greater abundance of CO2 in the incipient charnockites are suggestive of fluid influx from an externally buffered reservoir.

Jackson, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The geology and petrogenesis of the southern closepet granite

The Archaean Closepet Granite is a polyphase body intruding the Peninsular Gneiss Complex and the associated supracrustal rocks. The granite out-crop runs for nearly 500 km with an approximate width of 20 to 25 km and cut across the regional metamorphic structure passing from granulite facies in the South and green schist facies in the north. In the amphibolite-granulite facies transition zone the granite is intimately mixed with migmatites and charnockite. Field observations suggests that anatexis of Peninsular gneisses led to the formation of granite melt, and there is a space relationship between migmatite formation, charnockite development and production and emplacement of granite magma. Based on texture and cross cutting relationships four major granite phases are recognized: (1) Pyroxene bearing dark grey granite; (2) Porphyritec granite; (3) Equigranular grey granite; and (4) Equigranular pink granite. The granite is medium to coarse grained and exhibit hypidiomorphic granular to porphyritic texture. The modal composition varies from granite granodiorite to quartz monzonite. Geochemical variation of the granite suite is consistent with either fractional crystallization or partial melting, but in both the cases biotite plus feldspar must be involved as fractionating or residual phases during melting to account trace element chemistry. The trace element data has been plotted on discriminant diagrams, where majority of samples plot in volcanic arc and within plate, tectonic environments. The granite show distinct REE patterns with variable total REE content. The REE patterns and overall abundances suggests that the granite suite represents a product of partial melting of crustal source in which fractional crystallization operated in a limited number of cases.

Jayananda, M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Characterization of fluids involved in the Gneiss-Charnockite transformation in Southern Kerala (India)

The characterization of fluids involved in the gneiss-charnockite transformation in southern Kerala are discussed. Using a variety of techniques, including microthermometry, Raman laser probe analysis, and mass spectrometry, it was concluded that the CO2-rich, N2-bearing metamorphic fluids in these rocks were internally-derived rather than having been introduced by CO2-streaming.

Klatt, E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Comparison of Archean and Phanerozoic granulites: Southern India and North American Appalachians

Archean granulites at the southern end of the Dharwar craton of India and Phanerozoic granulites in the southern Appalachians of North America share an important characteristic: both show continuous transitions from amphibolite facies rocks to higher grade. This property is highly unusual for granulite terranes, which commonly are bounded by major shears or thrusts. These two terranes thus offer an ideal opportunity to compare petrogenetic models for deep crustal rocks formed in different time periods, which conventional wisdom suggests may have had different thermal profiles. The salient features of the Archean amphibolite-to-granulite transition in southern India have been recently summarized. The observed metamorphic progression reflects increasing temperature and pressure. Conditions for the Phanerozoic amphibolite-to-granulite transition in the southern Appalachians were documented. The following sequence of prograde reactions was observed: kyanite = sillimanite, muscovite = sillimanite + K-feldspar, partial melting of pelites, and hornblende = orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + garnet. The mineral compositions of low-variance assemblages in mafic and intermediate rocks are almost identical for the two granulite facies assemblages. In light of their different fluid regimes and possible mechanisms for heat flow augmentation, it seems surprising that these Archean and Phanerozoic granulite terranes were apparently metamorphosed under such similar conditions of pressure and temperature. Comparison with other terrains containing continuous amphibolite-to-granulite facies transitions will be necessary before this problem can be addressed.

Mcsween, Harry Y., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Early Precambrian crustal evolution in Eastern India: The ages of the Singhbhum granite and included remnants of older gneiss

Geochronology of samples from the Indian Shield was discussed. New Sm-Nd data was given for the Singhbhum granite, which give model ages (T sub DM of 3.36 to 3.40 Ga, essentially equivalent to ages of included gneissic remnants of the older metamorphic group (OMG) (T sub DM = 3.35 to 3.41 Ga). Lead-lead and Rb-Sr ages of the granite and OMG range between 3.28 to 3.38 Ga. These results are considerably younger than the 3775 + or - 89 Ma Sm-Nd isochron of Basu et al., which Taylor and colleagues interpret as an artifact caused by regressing two suites of unrelated rock samples.

Moorbath, Stephen↗
NASA NTRS1988

Accretionary origin for the late Archean Ashuanipi Complex of Canada

The Ashuanipi complex is one of the largest massif granulite terrains of the Canadian Shield. It makes up the eastern end of the 2000 km long, lower-grade, east-west belts of the Archean Superior Province, permitting lithological, age and tectonic correlation. Numerous lithological, geochemical and metamorphic similarities to south Indian granulites suggest common processes and invite comparison of tectonic evolution. The Ashuanipi granulite terrain of the Cannadian Superior Province was studied in detail, and an origin through self-melting of a 55 km thick accretionary wedge seems possible.

Percival, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Electrical structure and its implication across the lower- and upper-crustal settings of South India

Measurements of a large scale MMA experiment covering both the granulite and greenstone terrains of Archeans in the southern part of India is re-visited and re-analyzed. The induced field variations contain the signatures of crustal and subcrustal electrical conductivities, although substantially distorted by the sea-land interfaces and cenozoic sediments. However, through a selection of some reconnaissance profiles and temporal variations, an attempt is made to deduce whether: (1) significant differences exist between the electrical structures of the high and low grade complexes (i.e., if the electrical conductivity of the lower crust is due to minerological composition or is intrinsic to the positioning at depths greater than 15 km); (2) the probable seaward extension of the continental crust and its transition to oceanic type may also contribute (through intracrustal DC-like telluric sheets) to the induction field in addition to or rather than the sharply localized zones; (3) the observed parameters are indicative of a formal anisotropy and/or undulations in the deep crust; and (4) the postulate of relatively hotter Indian shield is reflected particularly with regard to differential metamorphism. In the last case, the crust-mantle coupling in this region - unlike other similar areas - seems to be markedly affected by the evolution of Ne-plate velocity field.

Raval, U.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Characteristics and carbon stable isotopes of fluids in the Southern Kerala granulites and their bearing on the source of CO2

Carbon dioxide-rich inclusions commonly occur in the banded charnockites and khondalites of southern Kerala as well as in the incipient charnockites formed by desiccation of gneisses along oriented zones. The combined high density fluid inclusion isochores and the range of thermometric estimates from mineral assemblages indicate entrapment pressures in the range of 5.4 to 6.1 Kbar. The CO2 equation of state barometry closely compares with the 5 plus or minus 1 Kbar estimate from mineral phases for the region. The isochores for the high density fluid inclusions in all the three rock types pass through the P-T domain recorded by phase equilibria, implying that carbon dioxide was the dominating ambient fluid species during peak metamorphic conditions. In order to constrain the source of fluids and to evaluate the mechanism of desiccation, researchers undertook detailed investigations of the carbon stable isotope composition of entrapped fluids. Researchers report here the results of preliminary studies in some of the classic localities in southern Kerala namely, Ponmudi, Kottavattom, Manali and Kadakamon.

Santosh, M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Geochemistry and origin of gold mineralization in the Kolar Schist Belt

Geological, mineralogical, mineral-textural and geochemical data of the sulfide lodes in the belt indicate that the gold mineralization could be related to low temperature, low Eh and high pH rock-dominated geothermal systems set up in the submarine volcanic pile prior to amphibolite metamorphism. A relatively long-lived geothermal system produced an economic deposit, whereas short-lived ones, because of rapid burial by younger basalts throttled the geothermal system and diffused the discharge yielding low grade ore bodies. The source for gold and iron could be iron enriched tholeiites derived from source regions enriched in komatiitic melt components and komatiitic rocks derived by very low extents of melting of metasomatised mantle sources. On the other hand, the geographical restriction of the quartz-calcite lodes, their mineralogical and geochemical data and their estimated temperature of formation all seem to suggest that a major part of the hydrothermal fluids, and a significant portion of gold could have been derived from mantle derived intrusive, sanukitoid type magma sources, similar to the Champion Gneiss occurring on the eastern part of the belt. However, the possibility of some input by remobilization of a premetamorphic sulfide protore to quartz lodes cannot be ruled out completely.

Siddaiah, N. Siva↗
NASA NTRS1988

Geochemical characteristics of charnockite and high grade gneisses from Southern Peninsular Shield and their significance in crustal evolution

Presented here are the results of detailed investigations encompassing externsive structural mapping in the charnockite-high grade gneiss terrain of North Arcot district and the type area in Pallavaram in Tamil Nadu supported by petrography, mineral chemistry, major, minor and REE distribution patterns in various lithounits. This has helped in understanding the evolutionary history of the southern peninsular shield. A possible tectonic model is also suggested. The results of these studies are compared with similar rock types from parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Sri Lanka, Lapland and Nigeria which has brought about a well defined correlation in geochemical characteristics. The area investigated has an interbanded sequence of thick pile of charnockite and a supracrustal succession of shelf type sediments, layered igneous complex, basic and ultrabasic rocks involved in a complex structural, tectonic, igneous and metamorphic events.

Sugavanam, E. B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Underplating, anatexis and assimilation of metacarbonate: A possible source for large CO2 fluxes in the deep crust

Recent models for granulite petrogenesis have involved infiltrative streaming of CO2 derived from deep-seated sources, removal of H2O in locally generated silicate melts, or various combinations of these two processes. All these models require a heat source of some type to generate the high crustal temperatures associated with anatexis and granulite-grade metamorphism, and this most likely takes the form of mantle-derived basaltic magma that is either underplated or intruded into the lower continental crust. Huppert and Sparks have recently shown that such underplating is likely to cause rapid, very large-scale melting of the overlying crust (roof rock) over time scales of only a few hundred years. This model is readily applicable to the granulite terrane of Southern India where metacarbonates occur within the deeper parts of the section including the amphibolite-granulite transition zone. Furthermore, it obviates the need to remove low melt fractions from deep crustal rocks as a principal dehydration mechanism; compaction theory has shown this to be a very sluggish process that is unlikely to be important over typical geological time scales. It also avoids any mechanism involving the subduction of large volumes of sedimentary carbonate into the mantle to provide a CO2 source.

Wickham, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Earth's early fossil record: Why not look for similar fossils on Mars?

The oldest evidence of life on Earth is discussed with attention being given to the structure and formation of stromatolites and microfossils. Fossilization of microbes in calcium carbonate or chert media is discussed. In searching for fossil remains on Mars, some lessons learned from the study of Earth's earliest fossil record can be applied. Certain sedimentary rock types and sedimentary rock configurations should be targeted for investigation and returned by the Martian rover and ultimately by human explorers. Domical, columnar to wavy laminated stratiform sedimentary rocks that resemble stromatolites should be actively sought. Limestone, other carbonates, and chert are the favored lithology. Being macroscopic, stromatolites might be recognized by an intelligent unmanned rover. In addition, black, waxy chert with conchoidal fracture should be sought. Chert is by far the preferred lithology for the preservation of microbes and chemical fossils. Even under optimal geological conditions (little or no metamorphism or tectonic alteration, excellent outcrops, and good black chert) and using experienced field biogeologists, the chances of finding well preserved microbial remains in chert are very low.

Awramik, Stanley M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Petrology of brecciated ferroan noritic anorthosite 67215

A petrologic study of breccia 67215 is presented, showing that the rock has the bulk composition of a ferroan noritic anorthosite and is a polymict breccia containing several lithic clast types within a crushed, cataclastic matrix. The dominant lithic clasts contained in breccia 67215 are found to be igneous and metamorphic low- and high- Ca pyroxenes and olivine. Other clasts include granulated and sheared clasts, coarse-grained anorthosite with relatively Fe-rich augite, aphanitic, feldspathic microporphyritic melt breccias, and an impact-melt rock with strongly zoned relatively Mg-rich pyroxene. It is concluded that this rock type is relatively common in the highlands regolith excavated by the North Ray Crater.

Mcgee, James J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Apennine Front revisited - Diversity of Apollo 15 highland rock types

The Apollo 15 landing site is geologically the most complex of the Apollo sites, situated at a mare-highland interface within the rings of two of the last major basin-forming impacts. Few of the Apollo 15 samples are ancient highland rocks derived from the early differentiation of the moon, or impact melts from major basin impacts. Most of the samples are regolith breccias containing abundant clasts of younger volcanic mare and KREEP basalts. The early geologic evolution of the region can be understood only by examining the small fragments of highland rocks found in regolith breccias and soils. Geochemical and petrologic studies of clasts and matrices of three impact melt breccias and four regolith breccias are presented. Twelve igneous and metamorphic rocks show extreme diversity and include a new type of ferroan norite. Twenty-five samples of highland impact melt are divided into groups based on composition. These impact melts form nearly a continuum over more than an order of magnitude in REE concentrations. This continuum may result from both major basin impacts and younger local events. Highland rocks from the Apennine Front include most of the highland rock types found at all of the other sites. An extreme diversity of highland rocks is a fundamental characteristic of the Apennine Front and is a natural result of its complex geologic evolution.

Lindstrom, Marilyn M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A new kind of primitive chondrite, Allan Hills 85085

Allan Hills (ALH) 85085, a chemically and mineralogically unique chondrite whose components have suffered little metamorphism or alteration, is discussed. It is found that ALH 85085 has 4 wt pct chondrules (mean diameter 16 microns), 36 wt pct Fe, Ni, 56 wt pct lithic and mineral silicate fragments, and 2 wt pct trolite. It is suggested that, with the exception of matrix lumps, the components of ALH 85085 formed and accreted in the solar nebula. It is shown that ALH 85085 does not belong to any of the nine chondrite groups and is very different from Kakangari. Similarities between ALH 85085 and Bencubbin and Weatherford suggest that the latter two primitive meteorites may be chondrites with high metal abundances and very large, partly fragmented chondrules.

Scott, Edward R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Meteorite regolithic breccias

In addition to endogenic processes such as heating and aqueous activity, meteorite parent bodies were subjected also to exogenic processing brought about by the impact of the other solar-system objects. Such impacts can produce a variety of effects, ranging from shock metamorphism of individual mineral grains to production of breccias; i.e., rocks consisting of mixtures of disparate lithic units. The present paper reviews recent studies of such breccias, which have generated significant information about the accretional growth of parent bodies, as well as their evolution, composition, stratigraphy, and geological processing.

Bunch, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Highly labile elements

Certain elements of high lability are very responsive to thermal processes, being either highly volatile during primary nebular condensation or highly mobile by postaccretionary metamorphic or shock heating. Data for highly labile elements indicate that different thermal processes were important in the genesis of each of the chondritic groups and a discussion of each is given. Contents of highly labile elements in a given group of contemporary falls differ from those of the same group that fell in Antarctica more than 0.1 Myr ago. This difference is due either to a time-dependent change in meteorite sources or, less likely, orbital variation of the meteorite flux to Earth.

Lipschutz, Michael E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Oxidation state in chondrites

An evaluation is made of extant data on chondrite oxidation states and intrinsic O fugacities. A variety of oxidation states are exhibited by the chondritic meteorites; petrologic and chemical data may be used to arrange the major chondrite groups in order of oxidation state. The intrinsic O fugacity measurements on chondrite whole-rock samples are noted to display a corresponding ordering of oxidation states. Metamorphosed chondrites and igneous meteorites that were substantially altered by metamorphic reactions, outgassing, and igneous processes may preserve information on the oxidation state and size of their parent bodies.

Rubin, Alan E.↗