Grain-scale pressure variations in metamorphic rocks: implications for the interpretation of petrographic observations

Abstract

Recent work on mineral reactions and microstructures in metamorphic rocks has focused on forward modelling of phase equilibria and on their description through chemical potential relationships which control mass transfer in rocks. The available thermodynamic databases and computer programs for phase equilibria modelling have significantly improved the quantification and understanding of geodynamic processes. Therefore, our current methodological framework seems to be satisfactory. However, the quantification approaches in petrology focus on chemical processes with oversimplified mechanics. A review of the recent literature shows that mechanical effects in rocks may result in the development of pressure variations even on a hand specimen or grain scale. Such variations are critical for interpreting microstructural and mineral composition observations in rocks. Mechanical effects may influence element transport and mineral assemblage in rocks. Considering the interplay of mechanical properties and metamorphic reactions is therefore crucial for a correct interpretation of microstructural observations in metamorphic rocks as well as for quantification of processes. In this contribution, arguments against pressure variations are inspected and disproved. The published quantification procedure for systems with grain-scale pressure variations is reviewed. We demonstrate the equivalence of using Gibbs and Helmholtz energy in an isobaric system and go on to suggest that Gibbs free energy is more convenient for systems with pressure variations. Furthermore, we outline the implications of the new quantification approach for phase equilibria modelling as well as diffusion modelling. The appropriate modification of a macroscopic flux for a system with a pressure variation is derived and a consequence of using mass or molar units in diffusional fluxes is discussed. The impact of ignoring grain-scale pressure variations on geodynamic modelling and our understanding of the processes in the Earth’s interior is assessed. We show that if a pressure variation is overlooked, the error in depth estimates from crustal metamorphic rocks could be as large as the thickness of the crust.