P-T-t-d History of the Greater Himalaya Sequence metapelites in the Zanskar Shear Zone, NW India

Greater Himalaya Sequence (GHS) metapelites deformed in the Zanskar Shear Zone (ZSZ) record geochemical and structural evidence of a complex history. This study applies a multi-component approach to understanding the metamorphic and deformational evolution of the high-grade metapelites in western Himalaya. Samples collected from NE to SW from the ZSZ, along Malung Takpo, record increasing metamorphic grade and decreasing mylonitization with increased distance from the shear zone. Microscopic evidence for variable degrees of deformation includes: change in crystal size, foliation development, pressure shadows, and kink bands. The dominant mineralogy is Qz+Kfs+Pl+Bt+Ms+Grt+Ky×Sil×St+opaques. Advanced isochemical phase diagrams (pseudosections) are calculated in Perple_X using whole-rock geochemical (XRF) data for six samples. The pseudosection conditions range 3-15 kbar and 300-800°C and use the solution models Bio(TCC), Chl(HP), St(HP), hCrd, feldspar, Mica(CHA), and Gt(HP) with modifications made to increase the models' accuracy. The generated phase equilibria diagrams, in conjunction with observed mineral growth relationships, are used to determine the P-T paths and illustrate peak and retrograde metamorphic events. Three dating techniques [U-Pb, 40Ar/39Ar, and (U-Th)/He] are incorporated to constrain timing along the P-T paths. U-Pb SHRIMP dating of monazite constrains the timing of regional metamorphism to ~27 Ma. 40Ar/39Ar dating of muscovite and biotite yields ages of ~20-19 Ma and 15 Ma, respectively, for cooling and exhumation through the middle crust. Dates acquired from (U-Th)/He analyses of monazite and zircon will indicate the timing of the end of movement along the ZSZ. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps crystallographic orientation of minerals and is used to determine their responses to deformation. Crystallographic responses in quartz and feldspar are used to constrain the conditions during deformation. This will be supplemented by further investigation into the responses to deformation in alluminosilicates. Preliminary results from each of these components (P-T paths, timing, and deformation signature) suggest a progressive change in how the samples evolved (i.e., metamorphosed, exhumed, and sheared) and that this change is correlated to their relative distance from the ZSZ. The culmination of these elements in a P-T-t-d history results in a holistic understanding of the GHS metapelites deformed in the ZSZ. Having a comprehensive data set to compare to, or build from, provides a solid foundation for modeling the broader evolution of the GHS.