Electron Backscatter Diffraction Study of Ultrahigh-Pressure Tso Morari Eclogites (Trans-Himalayan Collisional Zone): Implications for Strain Regime Transition from Constrictional to Plane Strain during Exhumation

The Tso Moran Crystalline Complex (TMCC) of trans-Himalaya (eastern Ladakh, India) contains enclaves of ultrahigh-pressure eclogites that underwent deep burial (>= 80 km) and subsequent rapid exhumation during continental subduction, collision, and final accretion of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate. We present an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) study of eight eclogite samples to investigate the deformation mechanism and strain regimes active during peak (HP) metamorphism and subsequent postpeak rapid exhumation of the TMCC. Our study shows that the least retrogressed eclogite exhibits strong linear fabric (L tectonite) characterized by omphacite, having [001] axes parallel to and (110) poles perpendicular to lineation. These features concur with constrictional strain during peak (HP) metamorphism. A transitional planolinear fabric (LS tectonite) is shown by other eclogites that show petrographic evidence of omphacite alteration to amphibole and the presence of lower metamorphic grade minerals like actinolite and chlorite. Characteristics of lattice preferred orientation (LPO) of omphacite and quartz, indicated, respectively, by the LS and B indices, also suggest variation in strain regime from pristine eclogites to their altered counterparts. Based on these results, it is suggested that a constrictional strain regime prevailed during peak (HP) metamorphism in the TMCC due to the buoyant rise of TMCC in response to slab break-off and reverse slab pull during and after the deepest continental subduction. This buoyant rise was also facilitated by compression related to the ongoing India-Eurasia collision. This regime evolved later to plane strain that was superimposed on the UHP rocks at a shallower depth. It is plausibly associated with foliation-parallel extension during exhumation at midcrustal depths. A high-temperature prism c-slip in quartz shown by few samples is interpreted to have formed due to a subsequent granulite facies metamorphic overprint on the eclogite during collisional thickening.

Automated summary

The ultrahigh-pressure eclogites in the Tso Moran Crystalline Complex (TMCC) of trans-Himalaya underwent deep burial and rapid exhumation during continental subduction, collision, and final accretion. The deformation mechanism and strain regimes during peak metamorphism and subsequent exhumation were investigated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The results suggest a constrictional strain regime during peak metamorphism, followed by a plane strain regime during exhumation. This study provides important insights into the tectonic evolution of the Himalayas.