Textural path of metamorphic rocks from central portion of the eastern side of Sierra de Comechingones, Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

The metamorphic basement on the eastern side of Sierra de Comechingones (Córdoba), consist mainly of Bt-Grt gneisses, stromatic migmatites and diatexites. Considering textural paths followed by metamorphic rocks a clockwise loop is established. It has been recognized a medium-grade metamorphic event M1-D1 preserved like relictic rocks, mineral paragenesis (Grt + Bt St Rt) and structures (S1 foliation). After overcome St + Bt stability and higher pressure conditions of Grt + Rt, these rocks reached metamorphic peak conditions M2-D2 producing high-grade paragenesis, partial melting of metapelitic rocks (stromatic migmatites with Sil + Kfs) and developing a pervasive metamorphic foliation S2. The dominant pelitic assemblage found in gneisses and migmatites is Qtz + Pl + Bt + Grt + Sil + Kfs. After the metamorphic peak, a dynamic event M3-D3 with high temperature shear deformation is produced. Later, a decompression + cooling event (M4) took place, producing plagioclase coronas around garnet in all rocks and a second anatexis with Crd + Kfs diatexites. A cooling + hydration event (M5) followed decompression is evidenced by biotite coronas around garnet. The path was closed during the M6 hydration event developed at lower temperatures producing mineral alterations. This high-grade metamorphic basement would form the internal zone of a Late Precambrian-Early Cambrian collision of Pampia terrane with the western Gondwana margin.