On the roles of deformation and fluid during rejuvenation of a polymetamorphic terrane: inferences on the geodynamic evolution of the Ruker Province, East Antarctica

Abstract

Evaluating pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions through mineral equilibria modelling within an amphibolite facies polymetamorphic terrane requires knowledge of the fluid content of the rocks. The Archean-Palaeoproterozoic basement rocks of the Ruker Province, East Antarctica, preserve evidence of three metamorphic events (M1-M3). Of particular interest is the M3 event, which is constrained to the early Palaeozoic (c. 550-480 Ma). Evaluation of the tectonic setting during this time is important because the Ruker Province is located within a critical region with respect to models of Gondwana assembly. Structural evidence of the early Palaeozoic event is preserved as large (up to ∼500 m wide) ..