Ultrahigh-Temperature Metamorphism in Cratonic Terranes
Summary
Ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism in cratonic terranes represents one of the most extreme regimes of continental crustal processing, with peak temperatures exceeding 900 °C at pressures of 6–15 kbar. Such conditions drive partial melting, promote the formation of refractory mineral assemblages and record fundamental heat sources in Earth’s deep crust. UHT events are documented in Archean and Paleoproterozoic shields worldwide, including segments of the North China Craton, the Bengal–Myanmar region, East Antarctica and the Guiana Shield. Geodynamically, UHT metamorphism in cratonic interiors may result from radiogenic heat accumulation, magmatic underplating and transient mantle upwelling or from heat advection during orogenic collision and subsequent extension. These processes influence crustal differentiation, the generation of felsic melts and the stabilization of ancient continents. Deciphering UHT fabrics and P–T paths illuminates the timing of crustal extraction, the role of volatiles such as CO2 and H2O and the mechanics of crustal exhumation. The global distribution of UHT terranes underpins models for early continental growth, mineral exploration (notably for refractory minerals and associated ore deposits) and geothermally driven resources.
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Ultrahigh-Temperature Metamorphism in Cratonic Terranes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism in cratonic terranes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism (UHT): Metamorphic processes operating at temperatures exceeding ~900 °C in the deep crust.
Cratonic terrane: A stable block of ancient continental lithosphere typically underlain by thick, cold lithospheric mantle.
Granulite facies: High-grade metamorphic mineral assemblages formed at temperatures >700 °C and pressures of 6–15 kbar.
P–T path: The pressure–temperature evolution that a rock follows during metamorphism.
Phase equilibria modelling: Computational method to delineate stable mineral assemblages as functions of pressure, temperature and bulk composition.
References
- Ultrahigh-Temperature Mafic Granulites in the Rauer Group, East Antarctica: Evidence from Conventional Thermobarometry, Phase Equilibria Modeling, and Rare Earth Element Thermometry. Journal of Petrology (2023).
- Mineralogical Constraints on the Pressure–Temperature Evolution of Granulites in the Bunger Hills, East Antarctica. Minerals (2024).
- Regional UHT metamorphism with widespread, primary CO2-rich cordierite in the Bakhuis Granulite Belt, Surinam: A feldspar thermometry study. Precambrian Research (2020).
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