Crustal Thickening Model
The homogeneous crustal thickening model in metamorphic petrology can be represented graphically using
pressure-temperature (P-T) paths. Here is a description of the P-T paths associated with this model:
Initial Conditions: The P-T path starts at relatively low pressure and temperature conditions, representing the initial
state of the continental crust before thickening. As the crust thickens, the P-T path follows a prograde path, meaning
both pressure and temperature increase. The rate of increase in pressure and temperature depends on the rate of
thickening and the geothermal gradient.
Metamorphic Reactions: During crustal thickening, the rocks undergo metamorphic reactions, resulting in the
formation of new minerals and textures. The P-T conditions at which these reactions occur are represented by
specific points or segments along the prograde path.
Metamorphic Facies: The metamorphic facies associated with crustal thickening, such as the greenschist,
amphibolite, and granulite facies, are represented by different regions of the P-T path. Each facies is characterized by
a distinct mineral assemblage and texture that reflect the specific P-T conditions experienced by the rocks.
Homogeneity: The homogeneous crustal thickening model assumes that the P-T path is relatively uniform across the
thickened crust, indicating that the metamorphic conditions are similar throughout the rock mass. After the crustal
thickening event, the thickened crust may undergo decompression and exhumation. The P-T path during
decompression and exhumation typically follows a retrograde path, meaning pressure decreases while temperature
may remain high or decrease more slowly. During decompression and exhumation, the rocks may undergo
retrograde metamorphism, which involves the breakdown of high-temperature minerals and the formation of lower-
temperature minerals. The P-T path during retrograde metamorphism is typically characterized by a decrease in
pressure and temperature.
In metamorphic rocks, the "peak metamorphic assemblage" and "peak metamorphic P-T conditions" are typically
observed near the maximum temperature (T max) reached by the rock during its metamorphic history. This is
because:
1. Dehydration reactions, which release water from the rock, typically occur close to T max. The point of maximum
dehydration is usually very close to, but slightly lower than, T max.
2. A significant portion of the total metamorphic evolution of a rock occurs within about 50 degrees Celsius of T max.
This means that the rocks spend a relatively long time at temperatures near T max, allowing for more time for
equilibration and the development of peak metamorphic mineral assemblages.
3. Cooling rates after T max are typically slower than heating rates before T max. This means that the rocks have
more time to re-equilibrate as they cool, preserving the peak metamorphic assemblage.
Therefore, petrologists often use the peak metamorphic assemblage and P-T conditions as a proxy for the maximum
temperature and pressure conditions experienced by the rock during metamorphism. However, it's important to
note that retrograde reactions and textures may also be present in metamorphic rocks, indicating that the rocks
have undergone cooling and decompression after reaching T max.
Conventional geothermometry methods, such as those based on the compositions of coexisting mineral pairs,
have certain limitations:
1. Equilibrium Assumption: Conventional geothermometry assumes that the minerals in the rock have reached
equilibrium with each other, meaning their compositions accurately reflect the temperature and pressure conditions
during metamorphism. However, in many cases, equilibrium may not be fully attained, leading to inaccurate
temperature estimates.
2. Chemical Heterogeneity: Rocks are often chemically heterogeneous, meaning different parts of the rock may have
slightly different compositions. This heterogeneity can lead to variations in mineral compositions and, consequently,
variations in geothermometry results.
3. Metamorphic Reactions: During metamorphism, rocks may undergo complex reactions that involve the formation
and breakdown of minerals. These reactions can affect the compositions of the minerals used for geothermometry,
potentially leading to erroneous temperature estimates.
4. Retrograde Metamorphism: Many metamorphic rocks have experienced retrograde metamorphism, meaning they
have undergone cooling and decompression after reaching peak metamorphic conditions. Retrograde reactions can
modify the mineral compositions, further complicating geothermometry.
Trace Element Thermometry:
Trace element thermometry addresses some of the limitations of conventional geothermometry by utilizing the
trace element compositions of minerals. Trace elements are elements that are present in very small concentrations
in minerals. Their behavior during metamorphism can provide valuable insights into the temperature and pressure
conditions experienced by the rock.
Advantages of Trace Element Thermometry:
1. Equilibrium Independence: Trace element thermometry is less sensitive to the attainment of equilibrium than
conventional geothermometry. This is because trace elements are typically incorporated into minerals during their
growth and are less affected by subsequent re-equilibration processes.
2. Chemical Homogeneity: Trace elements are often more evenly distributed within minerals compared to major
elements. This reduces the impact of chemical heterogeneity on geothermometry results.
3. Sensitivity to Temperature: The distribution of trace elements between coexisting minerals can be very sensitive
to temperature changes. This sensitivity allows trace element thermometry to provide more precise temperature
estimates.
4. Retrograde Metamorphism: Trace element thermometry can be applied to rocks that have experienced
retrograde metamorphism. This is because trace elements are less affected by retrograde reactions compared to
major elements.
By utilizing the trace element compositions of minerals, trace element thermometry can improve the quality of
geothermometry results and provide more accurate estimates of temperature and pressure conditions during
metamorphism.
