Low-pressure emplacement of epidote-bearing metaluminous granitoids in the Sierra de Chepes (Famatinian Orogen, Argentina) and relationships with the magma source

Abstract

A petrological and geochemical study of Lower Ordovician epidote-bearing granitoids of the Sierra de Chepes (Famatinian Orogen, Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina) indicates low-pressure emplacement of these extensive metaluminous suites. Textural relationships combined with major oxide and REE data support a magmatic origin for the ubiquitous epidote in hornblende-biotite granodiorite and tonalite plutons. Geothermobarometry using mineral assemblages in igneous rocks indicates a temperature interval from 780 to 850°C, and low emplacement pressures in the range of 2.2 to 4.1 kbar, consistent with those estimated from the metasedimentary envelope of the plutons. The widespread occurrence of primary epidote is a distinctive characteristic of the Lower Ordovician granitoids as opposed to the Andean Carboniferous granitoids emplaced at middle pressures (e.g., Santo Domingo Complex, 7 kbar), where magmatic epidote-granitoids are scarce and secondary epidote is commonly present. On the other hand, the pistacite value (Ps=[Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺+Al)] x 100, in %) in magmatic epidote of the Ordovician granitoids (average Ps=28) sharply contrasts with that of magmatic epidote in the Carboniferous Andean granitoids (average Ps=24). This strongly suggests that the occurrence of magmatic epidote-bearing granitoids might be related to different sources, the Famatinian Orogen granitoids being mainly derived by melting of old continental lithosphere with probable partial contribution from subcontinental lithospheric mantle, and the Carboniferous Andean granitoids mainly resulting from mixing of crustal- and mantle- derived magmas. If the relationship of epidote-bearing granitoids to the characteristics of the source is confirmed in future studies, this will constrain the geotectonic environment in which the epidote-bearing magmas occur.