Evolution of microstructural heterogeneity in the deep arc lithosphere during delamination

Abstract

The microstructural properties of deep arc cumulates (arclogites) are poorly understood, but are essential in gaining a comprehensive picture of the rheology of continental lithosphere. Here, we analyze 16 arclogite xenoliths, comprising a low MgO and a high MgO suite, from Arizona, USA using electron backscatter diffraction to map microstructures, clinopyroxene shape preferred orientations (SPO), and clinopyroxene crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO). The lower pressure (∼1 GPa) low MgO arclogites show a variety of different clinopyroxene fabrics (S, L, and LS-type), whereas the high pressure (>2 GPa) high MgO arclogites show predominantly LS-type fabrics. Furthermore, clinopyroxenes in low MgO arclogites all show a pronounced correspondence between the long axis of their grain shape ellipsoids with the [001] crystal direction, indicating an SPO control on the CPO. In contrast, high MgO arclogite clinopyroxenes lack such a correspondence. We propose that both arclogite types originated as igneous cumulates, consistent with previous studies, but that the high MgO suite experienced substantial recrystallization which diminished the original igneous SPO-induced CPO. Using strain rates appropriate for arc settings, we calculate a strength profile for the lithosphere and argue that the deepest arclogite textures are consistent with lithospheric foundering through ductile deformation under high shear strain (10−14–10−12 s−1). Our study shows that there is a high degree of shear strain localization in deep arc roots while shallower portions are relatively undeformed.