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A model for low‐pressure facies metamorphism during crustal thickening
Author(s) -
LOOSVELD R. J. H.,
ETHERIDGE M. A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of metamorphic geology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.639
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1525-1314
pISSN - 0263-4929
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1314.1990.tb00472.x
Subject(s) - metamorphism , geology , facies , thickening , geochemistry , petrology , metamorphic facies , geomorphology , materials science , polymer science , structural basin
Low‐pressure metamorphic facies (i.e. high T/P ratios) are widespread in a wide range of tectonic settings. Explanations offered for the occurrence of these facies include extensional and/or magmatic models. However, these fail to explain that the low‐ P facies metamorphism is commonly coeval with a phase of pervasive crustal thickening, with T/P ratios increasing during, or slightly lagging behind, the thickening. We propose an alternative explanation based on the approximate synchroneity of crustal thickening and erosion (thinning) of the mantle lithosphere.