Abstract
The end of an orogenic cycle is commonly associated with a general extensional regime, widespread magmatism and complex metamorphic overprints. The Austroalpine domain in SE Switzerland and N Italy preserves a polyphase tectonic history spanning the Carboniferous Variscan orogeny, the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian post-Variscan extension and the Jurassic rifting. In this study, the late- and post-Variscan evolution of the Austroalpine domain is explored by constraining the timing of intrusion of the Sondalo gabbroic complex in the Campo unit. U–Pb zircon dating on magmatic and metamorphic rocks and trace element geochemistry in zircon are performed using laser ablation coupled with mass spectrometry. The ages of both magmatic and metamorphic rocks range between 289 ± 4 and 285 ± 6 Ma. Trace elements in zircon from magmatic rocks indicate that zircon grew in two different chemical systems: an initial one devoid of garnet and with already crystallized plagioclase, and a second one with an increasing modal amount of garnet and lacking (initial) plagioclase. The second system probably reflects mixing of the initial magma with melt derived from the surrounding partially molten metapelites. New results, existing age data and P-T estimates allow to describe the late- to post-Variscan evolution of the Austroalpine domain. These data are compared and integrated in the framework of the Permian geodynamic setting in Western Europe. We present new arguments to consider the “Permian event” in Europe as a process which was temporally distinct from the collapse of the Variscan orogen. Late-Variscan re-equilibration of the crustal thickness occurred between 310 and 290 Ma (i.e. during the collapse phase). Permian mafic magmas emplaced from 290 to 270 Ma formed either during or even after the latest stages of the Variscan collapse.
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig1_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig2_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig3_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig4_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig5_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig6_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig7_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig8_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig9_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig10_HTML.gif)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1465-x/MediaObjects/531_2017_1465_Fig11_HTML.gif)
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aguilar C, Liesa M, Castiñeiras P, Navidad M (2014) Late Variscan metamorphic and magmatic evolution in the eastern Pyrenees revealed by U–Pb age zircon dating. J Geol Soc 171:181–192
Aguilar C, Liesa M, Štípská P, Schulmann K, Muñoz JA, Casas JM (2015) P–T–t–d evolution of orogenic middle crust of the Roc de Frausa Massif (Eastern Pyrenees): a result of horizontal crustal flow and Carboniferous doming? J Metamorph Geol 33:273–294
Arthaud F, Matte P (1977) Late Paleozoic strike-slip faulting in the southern Europe and northern Africa: result of a right-lateral shear zone between the Appalachians and the Urals. Geol Soc Am Bull 88:1305–1320
Bachmann G, Grauert B (1981) Radiometrische Alterbestimmungen des Gabbro von Sondalo. Oberes Velltlin, Italienische Alpen. Fortschritte der Miner 59:11–13
Baletti L, Zanoni D, Spalla MI, Gosso G (2012) Structural and petrographic map of the Sassa gabbro complex (Dent Blanche nappe, Austroalpine tectonic system, Western Alps, Italy). J Maps 8:413–430
Ballèvre M, Martínez Catalán JR, López-Carmona A et al. (2014) Correlation of the nappe stack in the Ibero-Armorican arc across the Bay of Biscay: a joint French–Spanish project. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ. 405(1):77-113. doi:10.1144/sp405.13
Barboza SA, Bergantz GW (2000) Metamorphism and anatexis in the mafic complex contact aureole, Ivrea Zone, Northern Italy. J Petrol 41:1307–1327. doi:10.1093/petrology/41.8.1307
Barboza SA, Bergantz GW, Brown M (1999) Regional granulite facies metamorphism in the Ivrea zone: is the Mafic Complex the smoking gun or a red herring? Geology 27:447–450. doi:10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027<0447:rgfmit>2.3.co;2
Bea F, Montero P (1999) Behavior of accessory phases and redistribution of Zr, REE, Y, Th, and U during metamorphism and partial melting of metapelites in the lower crust: an example from the Kinzigite Formation of Ivrea-Verbano, NW Italy. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 63:1133–1153. doi:10.1016/S0016-7037(98)00292-0
Bergomi MA, Boriani A (2012) Late Neoproterozoic - Early Paleozoic accretion of the Southalpine and Austroalpine basements of Central Alps (Italy). Géologie la Fr 1:69
Bois C, Pinet B, Roure F (1989) Dating lower crustal features in France and adjacent areas from deep seismic profiles. Prop. Process. Earth’s Low. Crust. AGU, Washington, DC, pp 17–31
Bonin B, Azzouni-Sekkal A, Bussy F, Ferrag S (1998) Alkali-calcic and alkaline post-orogenic (PO) granite magmatism: petrologic constraints and geodynamic settings. Lithos 45:45–70. doi:10.1016/S0024-4937(98)00025-5
Boriani A, Traversi G, Del Moro A, Notarpietro A (1982) Il “granito di Brusio” (Val Poschiavo - Svizzera): caratterizzazioni chimiche, petrologiche e radiometriche. Rend Soc Ital di Miner e Petrol 38:97–108
Braga R, Callegari A, Messiga B, Ottolini L, Renna MR, Tribuzio R (2003) Origin of prismatine from the Sondalo granulites (Central Alps, northern Italy). Eur J Miner 15:393–400
Braga R, Giacomini F, Messiga B, Tribuzio R (2001) The Sondalo Gabbroic Complex (Central Alps, Northern Italy): evidence for emplacement of mantle-derived melts into Amphibolite Facies Metapelites. Phys Chem Earth Part A 26:333–342
Braga R, Massonne HJ (2008) Mineralogy of inclusions in zircon from high-pressure crustal rocks from the Ulten Zone, Italian Alps. Period di Miner 77:43–64
Braga R, Massonne H-J, Morten L (2007) An early metamorphic stage for the Variscan Ulten Zone gneiss (NE Italy): evidence from mineral inclusions in kyanite. Miner Mag 71:691–702. doi:10.1180/minmag.2007.071.6.691
Buck WR (1991) Modes of continental lithospheric extension. J Geophys Res Solid Earth 96:20161–20178. doi:10.1029/91jb01485
Burg J-P, Van Den Drissche J, Brun J-P (1994) Syn- to post-thickening extension in the Variscan Belt of Western Europe: modes and structural consequences. Géologie la Fr 3:33–51.
Bussy F, Venturini G, Hunziker J, Martinotti G (1998) U-Pb ages of magmatic rocks of the western Austroalpine Dent-Blanche-Sesia Unit. Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 78:163–168
Büchi H (1994) Der variskiscke Magmatismus in der östlichen Bernina. Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 74:359–371
Büchi H (1987) Geologie und Petrographie der Bernina IX. Das Gebiet zwischen Pontresina und dem Morteratschgletscher. Unpubl. Diplomarbeit, Univ. Zürich
Caby R, Jacob C (2000) La transition croûte/manteau dans la nappe de Santa-Lucia-di-Mercurio (Corse alpine): les racines d’un rift permien. Géologie la Fr 1:21–34
Caggianelli A, Liotta D, Prosser G, Ranalli G (2007) Pressure–temperature evolution of the late Hercynian Calabria continental crust: compatibility with post-collisional extensional tectonics. Terra Nova 19:502–514. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3121.2007.00777.x
Caggianelli A, Prosser G, Festa V, Langone A, Spiess R (2013) From the upper to the lower continental crust exposed in Calabria. 86° Congresso Nazionale della Società Geologica Italiana - Arcavacata di Rende (CS). Geol. Fielt Trips 5:49
Capuzzo N, Wetzel A (2004) Facies and basin architecture of the Late Carboniferous Salvan-Dorénaz continental basin (Western Alps, Switzerland/France). Sedimentology 51:675–697. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3091.2004.00642.x
Cassinis G, Perotti CR (2007) A stratigraphic and tectonic review of the Italian Southern Alpine Permian. Palaeoworld 16:140–172. doi:10.1016/j.palwor.2007.05.004
Cassinis G, Perotti C, Ronchi A (2012) Permian continental basins in the Southern Alps (Italy) and peri-mediterranean correlations. Int J Earth Sci 101:129–157. doi:10.1007/s00531-011-0642-6
Cassinis G, Toutin-Morin N, Virgili C (1995) A general outline of the permian continental basins in Southwestern Europe. In: Scholle P, Peryt T, Ulmer-Scholle D (eds) The Permian of Northern Pangea. Springer Heidelberg, pp 137–157
Châteauneuf JJ (1989) Esquisse paléogéographique du Permien de l’Europe de l’Ouest. Synthèse Géologique des Bassins Permiens Français Mémoire du Bur. Rech. Géologiques Minières 128
Cocherie A, Rossi P, Fanning CM, Guerrot C (2005) Comparative use of TIMS and SHRIMP for U–Pb zircon dating of A-type granites and mafic tholeiitic layered complexes and dykes from the Corsican Batholith (France). Lithos 82:185–219. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2004.12.016
Cortesogno L, Cassinis G, Dallagiovanna G, Gaggero L, Oggiano G, Ronchi A, Seno S, Vanossi M (1998) The Variscan post-collisional volcanism in Late Carboniferous–Permian sequences of Ligurian Alps, Southern Alps and Sardinia (Italy): a synthesis. Lithos 45:305–328. doi:10.1016/S0024-4937(98)00037-1
Costa S, Rey P (1995) Lower crustal rejuvenation and growth during post-thickening collapse: insights from a crustal cross section through a Variscan metamorphic core complex. Geology 23:905–908. doi:10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0905:lcragd>2.3.co;2
Del Moro A, Martin S, Prosser G (1999) Migmatites of the Ulten Zone (NE Italy), a record of melt transfer in deep crust. J Petrol 40:1803–1826. doi:10.1093/petroj/40.12.1803
Del Moro A, Notarpietro A (1987) Rb-Sr Geochemistry of some Hercynian granitoids overprinted by eo-Alpine metamorphism in the Upper Valtellina, Central Alps. Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 67:295–306
Del Moro A, Notarpietro A, Potenza R (1981) Revisione del significato strutturale e geocronologico delle masse intrusive minori dell’Alta Valtellina: risultati preliminari. Rend Soc Ital di Mineral e Petrol 38:89–96
Denèle Y, Paquette J-L, Olivier P, Barbey P (2012) Permian granites in the Pyrenees: the Aya pluton (Basque Country). Terra Nova 24:105–113. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3121.2011.01043.x
Downes H, Kempton PD, Briot D, Harmon RS, Leyreloup AF (1991) Pb and O isotope systematics in granulite facies xenoliths, French Massif Central: implications for crustal processes. Earth Planet Sci Lett 102:342–357. doi:10.1016/0012-821X(91)90028-G
Dössegger R, Furrer H, Müller WH (1982) Die Sedimentserien der Engadiner Dolomiten und ihere lithostratigraphische Gliederung (Teil 2). Eclogae Geol Helv 75:330
Fernández-Suárez J, Arenas R, Jeffries TE, Whitehouse MJ, Villaseca C (2006) A U-Pb study of zircons from a lower crustal granulite xenolith of the Spanish Central System: a record of Iberian lithospheric evolution from the Neoproterozoic to the Triassic. J Geol 114:471–783
Feys R (1989) Introduction. Synthèse Géologique des Bassins Permiens Français Mémoire du Bur Rech Géologiques Minières 128:17–22.
Flisch M (1986) Die Hebungsgeschichte der oberostalpinen Silvretta-Decke seit der mittleren Kreide. Bull Ver Schweiz Pet-Geol Ing 53:23–49. doi:10.5169/seals-210052
Fountain DM (1989) Growth and modification of lower continental crust in extended terrains: the role of extension and magmatic underplating. Prop. Process. Earth’s Low. Crust. AGU, Washington, DC, pp 287–299
Fountain DM, Salisbury MH (1981) Exposed cross-sections through the continental crust: implications for crustal structure, petrology, and evolution. Earth Planet Sci Lett 56:263–277. doi:10.1016/0012-821X(81)90133-3
Frizon de Lamotte D, Fourdan B, Leleu S, Leparmentier F, de Clarens P (2015) Style of rifting and the stages of Pangea breakup. Tectonics 34:1009–1029. doi:10.1002/2014TC003760
Froitzheim N, Derks JF, Walter JM, Sciunnach D (2008) Evolution of an Early Permian extensional detachment fault from synintrusive, mylonitic flow to brittle faulting (Grassi Detachment Fault, Orobic Anticline, southern Alps, Italy). Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 298:69–82. doi:10.1144/sp298.4
Froitzheim N, Schmid SM, Conti P (1994) Repeated change from crustal shortening to orogen-parallel extension in the Austroalpine units of Graubünden. Eclogae Geol Helv 87:559–612
Furrer H (1993) Stratigraphie und Facies der Trias/Jura-Grenzschichten in den Oberostalpinen Decken Graubündens. Universität Zürich
Féménias O, Coussaert N, Bingen B, Whitehouse M, Mercier J-CC, Demaiffe D (2003) A Permian underplating event in late- to post-orogenic tectonic setting. Evidence from the mafic–ultramafic layered xenoliths from Beaunit (French Massif Central). Chem Geol 199:293–315. doi:10.1016/S0009-2541(03)00124-4
Galli A, Le Bayon B, Schmidt MW, Burg JP, Caddick MJ, Reusser E (2011) Granulites and charnockites of the Gruf Complex: evidence for Permian ultra-high temperature metamorphism in the Central Alps. Lithos 124:17–45. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2010.08.003
Galli A, Le Bayon B, Schmidt MW, Burg JP, Reusser E, Sergeev SA, Larionov A (2012) U–Pb zircon dating of the Gruf Complex: disclosing the late Variscan granulitic lower crust of Europe stranded in the Central Alps. Contrib Miner Petrol 163:353–378. doi:10.1007/s00410-011-0676-6
Galster F (2015) Accessory phases as a tool to investigate magmatic underplating in polymetamorphic metasediments: an example from a fossil lower crust: Ivrea Verbano zone, NW Italy. University of Lausanne
Gazzola D, Gosso G, Pulcrano E, Spalla MI (2000) Eo-Alpine HP metamorphism in the Permian intrusives from the steep belt of the central Alps (Languard-Campo nappe and Tonale Series). Geodin Acta 13:149–167
Gosso G, Salvi F, Spalla MI, Zucali M (2004) Map of deformation partitioning in the polydeformed and polymetamorphic Austroalpine basement of the Central Alps (Upper Valtellina and Val Camonica, Italy). In: Pasquarè G, Venturini C, Groppelli G (eds) Mapp. Geology Italy. APAT, Roma, pp 291–300
Guntli R, Liniger M (1989) Metamorphose in der Magma-Decke im Bereich Piz da la Margna und Piz Fedoz (Oberengadin). Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 69:289–301.
Halmes C (1991) Petrographische und geochemische Untersuchungen am Err-Kristallin zwischen St. Moritz und dem Val Bever (Engadin, Graubünden). University of Bern, Lizentiarbeit
Handy MR (1996) The transition from passive to active margin tectonics: a case study from the zone of Samedan (eastern Switzerland). Geol Rundschau 85:832–851. doi:10.1007/BF02440114
Hansmann W, Müntener O, Hermann J (2001) U-Pb zircon geochronology of a tholeiitic intrusion and associated migmatites at a continental crust-mantle transition, Val Malenco, Italy. Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 81:239–255.
Hanson GN, El Tahlawi MR, Weber W (1966) K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages of pegmatites in the South Central Alps. Earth Planet Sci Lett 1:407–413
Harley SL (1989) The origins of granulites: a metamorphic perspective. Geol Mag 126:215–247
Henk A (1999) Did the Variscides collapse or were they torn apart?: A quantitative evaluation of the driving forces for post-convergent extension in central Europe. Tectonics 18:774–792
Hermann J, Müntener O, Günther D (2001) Differentiation of Mafic magma in a continental crust-to-mantle transition zone. J Petrol 42:189–206. doi:10.1093/petrology/42.1.189
Hermann J, Müntener O, Trommsdorff V, Hansmann W, Piccardo GB (1997) Fossil crust-to-mantle transition, Val Malenco (Italian Alps). J Geophys Res Solid Earth 102:20123–20132. doi:10.1029/97jb01510
Hermann J, Rubatto D (2003) Relating zircon and monazite domains to garnet growth zones: age and duration of granulite facies metamorphism in the Val Malenco lower crust. J Metamorph Geol 21:833–852. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1314.2003.00484.x
Hoinkes G, Thöni M (1993) Evolution of the Ötztal-Stubai, Scarl-Campo and Ulten basement units. In: Raumer JF, Neubauer F (eds) Pre-Mesozoic geology Alps. Springer, Berlin, pp 485–494
Hoskin PWO, Schaltegger U (2003) The composition of zircon and igneous and metamorphic petrogenesis. Rev Mineral. Geochemistry 53:27–62
Kilzi MA, Grégoire M, Bosse V, Benoît M, Driouch Y, de Saint Blanquat M, Debat P (2016) Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb geochronology of the ultramafic and mafic rocks emplaced within the anatectic series of the Variscan Pyrenees: The example of the Gavarnie–Heas dome (France). Comptes Rendus Geosci 348:107–115. doi:10.1016/j.crte.2015.06.014
Koenig MA (1964) Geologisch-petrographische Untersuchungen im oberen Veltlin. PhD Thesis, Universität Zurich
Langone A, Braga R, Massonne H-J, Tiepolo M (2011) Preservation of old (prograde metamorphic) U–Th–Pb ages in unshielded monazite from the high-pressure paragneisses of the Variscan Ulten Zone (Italy). Lithos 127:68–85. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2011.08.007
Lardeaux JM, Spalla MI (1991) From granulites to eclogites in the Sesia zone (Italian Western Alps): a record of the opening and closure of the Piedmont ocean. J Metamorph Geol 9:35–59. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1314.1991.tb00503.x
Libourel G (1988) Le complexe de Santa-Lucia di Mercurio (Corse): un équivalent possible des complexes de la Zone d’Ivrée. Comptes Rendus l’Académie des Sci - Ser IIA 307:1225–1230
Libourel G (1985) Le complexe de Santa Lucia di Mercurio (Corse): Ultramafites mantelliques, intrusion basique stratifiée, paragneiss granulitique. Un équivalent possibe des complexes de la zone d’Ivrée. PhD Thesis, Université Paul Sabatier de Toulouse
Linnen RL, Keppler H (2002) Melt composition control of Zr/Hf fractionation in magmatic processes. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 66:3293–3301. doi:10.1016/S0016-7037(02)00924-9
Loock G, Stosch HG, Seck HA (1990) Granulite facies lower crustal xenoliths from the Eifel, West Germany: petrological and geochemical aspects. Contrib Miner Petrol 105:25–41. doi:10.1007/bf00320964
Lorenz V, Nicholls IA (1984) Plate and intraplate processes of Hercynian Europe during the late paleozoic. Tectonophysics 107:25–56. doi:10.1016/0040-1951(84)90027-1
Lorenz V, Nicholls IA (1976) The permocarboniferous basin and range province of Europe. An application op plate tectonics. In: Falke H (ed) The continental permian in central, West, and South Europe Springer, Berlin, pp 313–342
Ludwig KR (2012) Isoplot v. 3.75: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel.
Maggetti M, Flisch M (1993) Evolution of the Silvretta Nappe. In: von Raumer JF, Neubauer F (eds) Pre-Mesozoic geology Alps. Springer Berlin, pp 469–484
Manatschal G, Froitzheim N, Rubenach M, Turrin BD (2001) The role of detachment faulting in the formation of an ocean-continent transition: insights from the Iberia Abyssal Plain. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 187:405–428. doi:10.1144/gsl.sp.2001.187.01.20
Manzotti P, Zucali M (2013) The pre-Alpine tectonic history of the Austroalpine continental basement in the Valpelline unit (Western Italian Alps). Geol Mag 150:153–172. doi:10.1017/S0016756812000441
Marquer D, Challandes N, Schaltegger U (1998) Early Permian magmatism in Briançonnais terranes: Truzzo granite and Roffna rhyolite (eastern Penninic nappes, Swiss and Italian Alps). Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 78:397–414
Martínez Catalán JR (2011) Are the oroclines of the Variscan belt related to late Variscan strike-slip tectonics? Terra Nova 23:241–247
McCarthy A, Müntener O (2015) Ancient depletion and mantle heterogeneity: revisiting the Permian-Jurassic paradox of Alpine peridotites. Geology. doi:10.1130/G36340.1
Meier A (2003) The Periadriatic Fault System in Valtellina (N-Italy) and the Evolution of the Southwestern Segment of the Eastern Alps. PhD Thesis, ETH Zurich
Meli S, Montanini A, Thöni M, Frank W (1996) Age of mafic granulite blocks from the External Liguride Units (Northern Apennines, Italy). Mem di Sci Geol 48:65–72
Mohn G, Manatschal G, Beltrando M, Masini E, Kusznir N (2012) Necking of continental crust in magma-poor rifted margins: evidence from the fossil Alpine Tethys margins. Tectonics 31:1–28
Mohn G, Manatschal G, Masini E, Müntener O (2011) Rift-related inheritance in orogens: a case study from the Austroalpine nappes in Central Alps (SE-Switzerland and N-Italy). Int J Earth Sci 100:937–961. doi:10.1007/s00531-010-0630-2
Mohn G, Manatschal G, Müntener O, Beltrando M, Masini E (2010) Unravelling the interaction between tectonic and sedimentary processes during lithospheric thinning in the Alpine Tethys margins. Int J Earth Sci 99:75–101. doi:10.1007/s00531-010-0566-6
Monjoie P, Bussy F, Schaltegger U, Mulch A, Lapierre H, Pfeifer H-R (2007) Contrasting magma types and timing of intrusion in the Permian layered mafic complex of Mont Collon (Western Alps, Valais, Switzerland): evidence from U/Pb zircon and 40Ar/39Ar amphibole dating. Swiss J Geosci 100:125–135. doi:10.1007/s00015-007-1210-8
Murali AV, Parthasarathy R, Mahadevan TM, Das MS (1983) Trace element characteristics, REE patterns and partition coefficients of zircons from different geological environments—a case study on Indian zircons. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 47:2047–2052. doi:10.1016/0016-7037(83)90220-X
Müntener O, Hermann J (2001) The role of lower crust and continental upper mantle during formation of non-volcanic passive margins: evidence from the Alps. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 187:267–288. doi:10.1144/gsl.sp.2001.187.01.13
Müntener O, Hermann J, Trommsdorff V (2000) Cooling History and Exhumation of Lower-Crustal Granulite and Upper Mantle (Malenco, Eastern Central Alps). J Petrol 41:175–200. doi:10.1093/petrology/41.2.175
Müntener O, Pettke T, Desmurs L, Meier M, Schaltegger U (2004) Refertilization of mantle peridotite in embryonic ocean basins: trace element and Nd isotopic evidence and implications for crust–mantle relationships. Earth Planet Sci Lett 221:293–308. doi:10.1016/S0012-821X(04)00073-1
Paquette J-L, Ménot R-P, Pin C, Orsini J-B (2003) Episodic and short-lived granitic pulses in a post-collisional setting: evidence from precise U–Pb zircon dating through a crustal cross-section in Corsica. Chem Geol 198:1–20. doi:10.1016/S0009-2541(02)00401-1
Peressini G, Quick JE, Sinigoi S, Hofmann AW, Fanning M (2007) Duration of a large mafic intrusion and heat transfer in the lower crust: a SHRIMP U–Pb Zircon Study in the Ivrea–Verbano Zone (Western Alps, Italy). J Petrol 48:1185–1218. doi:10.1093/petrology/egm014
Petri B, Mohn G, Štípská P, Schulmann K, Manatschal G (2016) The Sondalo gabbro contact aureole (Campo unit, Eastern Alps): implications for mid-crustal mafic magma emplacement. Contrib Miner Petrol 171:52. doi:10.1007/s00410-016-1263-7
Petri B (2014) Formation and exhumation of Permian granulites: establishing the pre-rift conditions and determining the syn-rift exhumation history. PhD Thesis, University of Strasbourg
Pin C (1986) Datation U-Pb sur zircons à 285 M.a. du complexe gabbro-dioritique du Val Sesia-Val Mastallone et âge tardi-hercynien du métamorphisme granulitique de la zone Ivrea-Verbano (Italie). Comptes Rendus l’Académie des Sci Série 2 Sci la Terre des planètes 9:827–830
Quick JE, Sinigoi S, Snoke AW, Kalakay TJ, Mayer A, Peressini G (2003) Geologic map of the southern Ivrea-Verbano Zone, northwestern Italy: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Investigations Series Map I-2776, scale 1:25,000. 22 p.
Rageth R (1984) Intrusiva und Extrusiva der Bernina-Decke zwischen Morteratsch und Berninapass (Graubünden). Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 64:83–109
Rampone E, Hofmann AW, Raczek I (1998) Isotopic contrasts within the Internal Liguride ophiolite (N. Italy): the lack of a genetic mantle–crust link. Earth Planet Sci Lett 163:175–189. doi:10.1016/S0012-821X(98)00185-X
Redler C, White RW, Johnson TE (2013) Migmatites in the Ivrea Zone (NW Italy): Constraints on partial melting and melt loss in metasedimentary rocks from Val Strona di Omegna. Lithos 175–176:40–53. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2013.04.019
Rey P, Vanderhaeghe O, Teyssier C (2001) Gravitational collapse of the continental crust: definition, regimes and modes. Tectonophysics 342:435–449. doi:10.1016/S0040-1951(01)00174-3
Roberts MP, Pin C, Clemens JD, Paquette J-L (2000) Petrogenesis of Mafic to Felsic Plutonic Rock Associations: the Calc-alkaline Quérigut Complex, French Pyrenees. J Petrol 41:809–844
Rossi P, Cocherie A, Fanning CM, Deloule É (2006) Variscan to eo-Alpine events recorded in European lower-crust zircons sampled from the French Massif Central and Corsica, France. Lithos 87:235–260. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2005.06.009
Royden L, Keen CE (1980) Rifting process and thermal evolution of the continental margin of Eastern Canada determined from subsidence curves. Earth Planet Sci Lett 51:343–361. doi:10.1016/0012-821X(80)90216-2
Rubatto D (2002) Zircon trace element geochemistry: partitioning with garnet and the link between U–Pb ages and metamorphism. Chem Geol 184:123–138. doi:10.1016/S0009-2541(01)00355-2
Rudnick RL, Fountain DM (1995) Nature and composition of the continental crust: a lower crustal perspective. Rev Geophys 33:267–309
Schaltegger U, Brack P (2007) Crustal-scale magmatic systems during intracontinental strike-slip tectonics: U, Pb and Hf isotopic constraints from Permian magmatic rocks of the Southern Alps. Int J Earth Sci 96:1131–1151. doi:10.1007/s00531-006-0165-8
Schaltegger U, Fanning CM, Günther D, Maurin JC, Schulmann K, Gebauer D (1999) Growth, annealing and recrystallization of zircon and preservation of monazite in high-grade metamorphism: conventional and in-situ U-Pb isotope, cathodoluminescence and microchemical evidence. Contrib Miner Petrol 134:186–201. doi:10.1007/s004100050478
Schaltegger U, Gebauer D (1999) Pre-Alpine geochronology of the Central, Western and Southern Alps. Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 79:79–87
Schenk V (1980) U-Pb and Rb-Sr radiometric dates and their correlation with metamorphic events in the granulite-facies basement of the serre, Southern Calabria (Italy). Contrib Miner Petrol 73:23–38. doi:10.1007/BF00376258
Schmid S, Fügenschuh B, Kissling E, Schuster R (2004) Tectonic map and overall architecture of the Alpine orogen. Eclogae Geol Helv 97:93–117. doi:10.1007/s00015-004-1113-x
Schmid SM, Haas R (1989) Transition from near-surface thrusting to Intrabasement Decollement, Schlinig Thrust, eastern Alps. Tectonics 8:697–718. doi:10.1029/TC008i004p00697
Schuster R, Scharbert S, Abart R, Frank W (2001) Permo-Triassic extension and related HT/LP metamorphism in the Austroalpine-Southalpine realm. Mitteilungen der Geol und Bergbau Studenten Österreichs 44:111–141
Schuster R, Stüwe K (2008) Permian metamorphic event in the Alps. Geology 36:603–606
Sinigoi S, Quick JE, Demarchi G, Klötzli US (2016) Production of hybrid granitic magma at the advancing front of basaltic underplating: Inferences from the Sesia Magmatic System (south-western Alps, Italy). Lithos 252–253:109–122. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2016.02.018
Spalla MI, Zanoni D, Marotta AM, Rebay G, Roda M, Zucali M, Gosso G (2014) The transition from Variscan collision to continental break-up in the Alps: insights from the comparison between natural data and numerical model predictions. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ. doi:10.1144/sp405.11
Spillmann P, Büchi HJ (1993) The Pre-Alpine basement of the lower Austro-Alpine Nappes in the bernina massif (Grisons, Switzerland; Valtellina, Italy). In: von Raumer JF, Neubauer F (eds) Pre-Mesozoic geology Alps. Springer Heidelberg, pp 457–467
Stacey JS, Kramers JD (1975) Approximation of terrestrial lead isotope evolution by a two-stage model. Earth Planet Sci Lett 26:207–221. doi:10.1016/0012-821X(75)90088-6
Stampfli GM (1996) The Intra-Alpine terrain: a Paleotethyan remnant in the Alpine Variscides. Eclogae Geol Helv 89:13–42
Staub R (1946) Geologische Karte der Berninagruppe und ihrer Umgebung im Oberengadin, Bergell, Val Malenco, Puschlav und Livigno, scale 1:50,000. Speziale Karte 118, Schweizerische Geol. Kommission
Stepanov AS, Hermann J (2013) Fractionation of Nb and Ta by biotite and phengite: Implications for the “missing Nb paradox”. Geology. doi:10.1130/g33781.1
Stipp M, Stünitz H, Heilbronner R, Schmid SM (2002) The eastern Tonale fault zone: a “natural laboratory” for crystal plastic deformation of quartz over a temperature range from 250 to 700 °C. J Struct Geol 24:1861–1884
Sun S-S, McDonough WF (1989) Chemical and isotopic systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 42:313–345. doi:10.1144/gsl.sp.1989.042.01.19
Sölva H, Thöni M, Habler G (2003) Dating a single garnet crystal with very high Sm/Nd ratios (Campo basement unit, Eastern Alps). Eur J Miner 15:35–42
Thybo H, Artemieva IM (2013) Moho and magmatic underplating in continental lithosphere. Tectonophysics 609:605–619. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2013.05.032
Thöni M (1981) Degree and evolution of the alpine metamorphism in the Austroalpine unit W of the Hohe Tauern in the light of K/Ar and Rb/Sr age determination on micas. Jahrb der Geol Bundesanstalt 124:111–174
Timmerman MJ (2004) Timing, geodynamic setting and character of Permo-Carboniferous magmatism in the foreland of the Variscan Orogen, NW Europe. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 223:41–74. doi:10.1144/gsl.sp.2004.223.01.03
Tribuzio R, Renna MR, Braga R, Dallai L (2009) Petrogenesis of Early Permian olivine-bearing cumulates and associated basalt dykes from Bocca di Tenda (Northern Corsica): implications for post-collisional Variscan evolution. Chem Geol 259:190–203. doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2008.10.045
Tribuzio R, Thirlwall MF, Messiga B (1999) Petrology, mineral and isotope geochemistry of the Sondalo gabbroic complex (Central Alps, Northern Italy): implications for the origin of post-Variscan magmatism. Contrib Miner Petrol 136:48–62. doi:10.1007/s004100050523
Trommsdorff V, Montrasio A, Hermann J, Müntener O, Spillmann P, Gieré R (2005) The geological map of valmalenco. Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 85:1–13
Trümpy R, Dössegger R (1972) Permian of Switzerland. In: Brill E (ed) Rotliegend; essays Eur. Low. Permian. Leiden, pp 189–215
Vanderhaeghe O, Teyssier C (2001) Partial melting and flow of orogens. Tectonophysics 342:451–472. doi:10.1016/S0040-1951(01)00175-5
Vavra G, Schmid R, Gebauer D (1999) Internal morphology, habit and U-Th-Pb microanalysis of amphibolite-to-granulite facies zircons: geochronology of the Ivrea Zone (Southern Alps). Contrib Miner Petrol 134:380–404. doi:10.1007/s004100050492
Vielzeuf D, Kornprobst J (1984) Crustal splitting and the emplacement of Pyrenean lherzolites and granulites. Earth Planet Sci Lett 67:87–96
Vielzeuf D, Pin C (1991) Granulites orthodérivées d’âge tardi-hercynien; exemple de la norite de Treilles, Corbières (Aude, France). Bull la société géologique Fr 162:1057–1066
Vielzeuf D (1984) Relations de phases dans le faciès granulite et implications géodynamiques. L’exemple des granulites des Pyrénées. PhD Thesis, Université de Clermont II
Villa IM, Hermann J, Müntener O, Trommsdorff V (2000) 39Ar–40Ar dating of multiply zoned amphibole generations (Malenco, Italian Alps). Contrib Miner Petrol 140:363–381. doi:10.1007/s004100000197
Villaseca C, Orejana D, Paterson BA, Billstrom K, Pérez-Soba C (2007) Metaluminous pyroxene-bearing granulite xenoliths from the lower continental crust in central Spain: their role in the genesis of Hercynian I-type granites. Eur J Miner 19:463–477. doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2007/0019-1746
Viola G, Mancktelow NS, Seward D, Meier A, Martin S (2003) The Pejo fault system: an example of multiple tectonic activity in the Italian Eastern Alps. Geol Soc Am Bull 115:515–532
Von Quadt A, Grünenfelder M, Büchi H (1994) U-Pb zircon ages from igneous rocks of the Bernina nappe system (Grisons, Switzerland). Schweiz Miner Petrogr Mitt 74:373–382
Voshage H, Hunziker JC, Hofmann AW, Zingg A (1987) A Nd and Sr isotopic study of the Ivrea zone, Southern Alps, N-Italy. Contrib Miner Petrol 97:31–42. doi:10.1007/bf00375212
Whitney DL, Teyssier C, Rey P, Buck WR (2012) Continental and oceanic core complexes. Geol Soc Am Bull. doi:10.1130/b30754.1
Wilson M, Neumann E-R, Davies GR, Timmerman MJ, Heeremans M, Larsen BT (2004) Permo-Carboniferous magmatism and rifting. Europe: introduction Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 223:1–10. doi:10.1144/gsl.sp.2004.223.01.01
**ong X, Keppler H, Audétat A, Ni H, Sun W, Li Y (2011) Partitioning of Nb and Ta between rutile and felsic melt and the fractionation of Nb/Ta during partial melting of hydrous metabasalt. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 75:1673–1692. doi:10.1016/j.gca.2010.06.039
Acknowledgements
B. Petri was supported by the University of Strasbourg. Fieldwork and analysis were financed by an ExxonMobil research grant to G. Manatschal. R. van Elsas and A. Aubert are thanked for the help with mineral separation, and P. Vonlanthen and G. Morvan for the BSE and CL imaging, A. Ulianov for the help with the LA-ICP-MS. A. Bouzeghaia is warmly thanked for her help with figures. O. Müntener is thanked for discussions. All authors acknowledge careful reviews from N. Froitzheim and A. Galli and W.-C. Dullo for editorial handling.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Funding
Field work and analyses have been financed by an ExxonMobil research grant to G. Manatschal.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Electronic supplementary material
Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Petri, B., Mohn, G., Skrzypek, E. et al. U–Pb geochronology of the Sondalo gabbroic complex (Central Alps) and its position within the Permian post-Variscan extension. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 106, 2873–2893 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-017-1465-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-017-1465-x