Deformation microstructures in granulitic rocks, Cerro La Crespa, Tandilia, province of Buenos Aires

Abstract

This work deals with a petrographic- microstructural study in order to determine the modal composition and textural arrangement on a grain scale and the first geochemistry characterization of granulitic rocks on the NW of the cerro La Crespa, which is located about 1 km south of the Azul Megashear and forms part of the sierras de Azul in the Tandilia System. From these analyses we try to establish the prevailing deformation mechanisms, as well as the metamorphic conditions achieved. Rocks with granoblastic textures of basic and intermediate composition were recognized. Primitive textures and anhydride mineral assemblages would indicate that some of these rocks could be consider belonging to the granulite series. These rocks evidence heterogeneous fragile- ductile deformation after the metamorphic peak, generating mylonitic fabrics. Significant modal mineralogical changes are appreciated in the mylonites; as deformation increases the proportion of hydrate minerals rises, while the quantity of anhydride minerals is simultaneously reduced. These modifications lead us to the assumption that the deformation was produced under high-grade metamorphic conditions, in facies of upper amphibolite-lower granulite. The deformation mechanisms that support these hypotheses are: dynamic recrystallization of feldspars, pyroxenes, amphibolites, biotite and quartz; elongation of pyroxenes, and diffusion in the solid state, processes that produced elongated grains and microboudinage.