The metahyaloclastitic matrix of a unique metavolcanic block reveals subduction in the Somozas Mélange (Cabo Ortegal Complex, NW Iberia): tectonic implications for the assembly of Pangea

Abstract

The allochthonous Cabo Ortegal Complex (NW Iberian Massif) contains a ~ 500 m thick serpentinite-matrix mélange located in the lowest structural position, the Sómozas Mélange. The mélange occurs at the leading edge of a thick nappe pile constituted by a variety of terranes transported to the East (present-day coordinates; NW Iberian allochthonous complexes), with continental and oceanic affinities, and represents a Variscan suture. Among other types of metaigneous (calc-alkaline suite dated at 527-499 Ma) and metasedimentary blocks, it contains close-packed pillow lavas and broken pillow-breccias with a metahyaloclastitic matrix formed by muscovite – paragonite – margarite – garnet – chlorite – kyanite – hematite – epidote – quartz - rutile. Pseudosection modelling in the MnCNTKFMASHO system indicates metamorphic peak conditions of ~ 17.5-18 kbar and ~ 550 °C followed by near-isothermal decompression. This P-T evolution indicates subduction/accretion of an arc-derived section of peri-Gondwanan transitional crust. Subduction below the Variscan orogenic wedge evolved to continental collision with important dextral component. Closure of the remaining oceanic peri-Gondwanan domain and associated release of fluid led to hydration of the overlying mantle wedge and the formation of a low-viscosity subduction channel, where return flow formed the mélange. The submarine metavolcanic rocks were deformed and detached from the subducting transitional crust and eventually incorporated into the subduction channel, where they experienced fast exhumation. Due to the cryptic nature of the high-P metamorphism preserved in its tectonic blocks, the significance of the Somozas Mélange had remained elusive, but it is made clear here for the first time as an important tectonic boundary within the Variscan Orogen formed during the late stages of the continental convergence leading to the assembly of Pangea.convergence leading to the assembly of Pangea.