C. B. Baker

Monazite geochronology, magmatism, and extensional dynamics within the Menderes Massif, western Turkey

Geochemical and geochronological data were collected from S-type, peraluminous granites (Salihli and Turgutlu) that intrude a detachment that bounds the northern edge of the central Menderes Massif core complex (Aegean region, western Turkey). The granites may have been generated due to subduction of the Eastern Mediterranean floor along the Hellenic trench. In situ Th-Pb ion microprobe monazite ages from the rocks range from 21.7±4.5 Ma to 9.6±1.6 Ma (±1σ), which could record their exhumation history. Higher uncertainty in the ages is attributed to monazite common Pb, but the range is consistent with cathodoluminescence (CL) images that document complex textures within the granites. Salihli and Turgutlu granites share many similar characteristics, including multiple generations of plagioclase, plagioclase replacing K-feldspar and the development of myrmekite, evidence for fluid interaction, and multiple generations of microcracks. Ages reported here are similar to dates constraining extension reported elsewhere in the Aegean, but indicate additional complexities when linking movement within the Menderes Massif to large-scale geodynamic processes that created other metamorphic core complexes in the region. Difficulties exist in linking the ages obtained from the granites to specific tectonic events due to the presence of secondary alteration textures, generations of mineral growth and multiple episodes of deformation.

Whole rock major element influences on monazite growth: examples from igneous and metamorphic rocks in the Menderes Massif, western Turkey

Whole rock major element influences on monazite growth: examples from igneous and metamorphic rocks in the Menderes Massif, western Turkey Monazite (LREEPO4) is a radiogenic, rare-earth bearing mineral commonly used for geochronology. Here we examine the control of major element chemistry in influencing the crystallization of monazite in granites (Salihli and Turgutlu bodies) and garnet-bearing metamorphic assemblages (Bozdag and Bayindir nappes) from the Menderes Massif, western Turkey. In S-type granites from the massif, the presence of monazite correlates to the CaO and Al2O3 content of the whole rock. Granites with monazite only are low Ca (0.6-1.8 wt% CaO). As CaO increases (from 2.1-4.6 wt%), allanite [(Ce, Ca, Y)2(Al, Fe3+)3(SiO4)3 (OH)] is present. Higher Al2O3 (>15 wt%) rocks contain allanite and/or monazite, whereas those with lower Al2O3 contain monazite only. However, examining data reported elsewhere for A-type granites, the correlation between major element chemistry and presence of monazite is likely restricted to S-type lithologies. Pelitic schists of the Menderes Massif show no correlation between major element chemistry and presence of monazite. One Bayindir nappe sample contains both prograde garnets and those affected significantly by diffusion. These rocks have likely experienced a complicated multi-stage tectonic history, which influenced their current mineral assemblages. The presence of monazite in a metamorphic rock can be influenced by the number, duration, and nature of events that were experienced and the degree to which fluids were involved. The source of monazite in the Bayindir and Bozdag samples was likely reactions that involved allanite. These reactions may not have significantly changed the bulk composition of the rock.

Evidence for polymetamorphic garnet growth in the Çine (southern Menderes) Massif, Western Turkey

Garnet-based thermobarometry is often used to develop models for the evolution of the Menderes Massif, a key Aegean metamorphic core complex. Here we present X-ray element maps and high-contrast backscattered electron (BSE) and cathodoluminescence (CL) images from a garnet-bearing rock from the Cine (southern Menderes) Massif. The images document a polymetamorphic history as plagioclase and garnet grains show distinct cores and rims. The sample contains matrix monazite in reaction with allanite. The garnet in the sample is likely not in equilibrium with its matrix minerals. This is evidenced by BSE images that document compositional variability in both core and rim zoning and tracks of bright streaks extending from rim to core. We propose that some garnet that is now present in the Menderes Massif formed due to collision during Cambro-Ordovician and may have recrystallized during subsequent collisional and extensional events. These processes led to non-equilibrium compositions and can result in spurious pressure-temperature (P-T) calculations. To establish the feasibility of the P-T estimates of rocks from the Cine Massif for input into tectonic models for the region, more than one sample from single outcrops should be analyzed. Rocks within the Cine Massif have been suggested to display inverted metamorphism, an increase in T towards structurally higher levels. Based on the garnet documented here, we propose that the inverted metamorphism may be a consequence of apparent P-T rather than a real phenomenon.