H2O in metamorphism and unexpected behaviour in the preservation of metamorphc mineral assemblages

Abstract

The preservation of mineral assemblages that were fluid-present during their prograde history is primarily related to the consumption of the fluid by growth of more hydrous minerals as the retrograde history begins. The range of behaviour relating to the preservation of mineral assemblages is examined using calculated phase diagrams for fluid-saturated conditions, contoured for the H2O content of the mineral assemblage. At equilibrium, as a mineral assemblage crosses contours of decreasing H2O content along a pressure-temperature path, it dehydrates, the fluid being lost from the rock. If the assemblage crosses contours of increasing H2O content, the mineral assemblage starts to rehydrate us..