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Metamorphism in oceanic layer 3, Gorringe Bank, eastern Atlantic

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Abstract

Gorringe Bank is an anomalously high structure of the eastern part of the north Atlantic, which was known to be composed of mantle-derived peridotites (layer 4) and gabbros (layer 3). During the submersible cruise CYAGOR II in 1981, the contact between layer 4 and layer 3 was observed on Mount Gettysburg and interpreted as tectonic. The overlying series of gabbro was extensively sampled on both mounts composing the bank, Gettysburg and Ormonde. Coarse-grained to pegmatoid clinopyroxene gabbros predominate and are associated with differentiated rocks (ferrogabbros and diorites). Cumulate gabbros are missing. The gabbroic section sampled is therefore interpreted as the upper part of the plutonic section. Most samples were strongly recrystallized during two distinct events. Metamorphism occurred close to the ridge axis, from interaction of a seawater-derived fluid with still hot gabbros. High temperature shear zones favoured fluid circulation, but the water/rock ratio — estimated from the sodium input — was very small in undeformed rocks (<1). The low W/R ratio explains the strong evolution of the fluid phase and therefore some particular compositions of secondary minerals. Low temperature alteration occurred when the gabbros were tectonically emplaced close to the sea bottom.

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  1. Laboratoire de pétrologie Métamorphique, UA 727, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu, F-75252, Paris cedex, France

    Catherine Mevel

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Mevel, C. Metamorphism in oceanic layer 3, Gorringe Bank, eastern Atlantic. Contr. Mineral. and Petrol. 100, 496–509 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00371379

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