Hydrous shear zones are sites of melt transfer in the lower arc crust: a case study from Fiordland, New Zealand

Recent studies of the Cretaceous lower arc crust exposed in Fiordland, New Zealand, conclude that shear zones are sites of melt migration and mass transfer through the deep crust. Here, we investigate the 4–10 km-wide George Sound Shear Zone, which cuts the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss, comprising two main rock types: two-pyroxene gneiss and hornblende gneiss. Previous studies infer a predominantly igneous origin for the two types of gneiss. However, this study finds that melt-rock interaction within the George Sound Shear Zone formed the hornblende gneiss from the precursor two-pyroxene gneiss. Petrographic analyses of samples collected in transects across the shear zone show hydration reaction textures ranging from rims of hornblende + quartz around pyroxene grains to complete replacement of pyroxene grains. Plagioclase is recrystallized and partially replaced by clinozoisite. Additionally, biotite mode increases towards the higher strain rocks in the shear zone. Backscatter images and polarized light microscopy show microstructures indicative of former melt-present deformation, including (a) interconnected mineral films of quartz and K-feldspar along grain boundaries, (b) grains that terminate with low apparent dihedral angles, (c) interstitial grains, with some (d) undulose extinction in plagioclase and (e) serrated grain boundaries. In addition, zircon microstructures are consistent with Zr mobility, further supporting the former presence of melt; geochemical data show enrichment of Zr in the hornblende gneiss as compared to the two-pyroxene gneiss. From the above observations, it is inferred that a felsic to intermediate hydrous melt migrated through the George Sound Shear Zone reacting with the host two-pyroxene gneiss of the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss. Melt migration along grain boundaries was deformation assisted, (i) causing hydration of pyroxene to hornblende + quartz, and plagioclase to clinozoisite, (ii) increasing proportions of biotite within the shear zone and (iii) causing depletion of Cr + Ni and Zr enrichment in the hydrated rock. Our interpretation is supported by published observations of pegmatite dyke swarms that intruded into the George Sound Shear Zone, the P-T conditions of deformation and characterization of microstructures that contrast sharply with those typically found in mylonitic rocks formed under solid-state metamorphic conditions. Our results confirm that hydrous shear zones within otherwise anhydrous country rock are retrogressive and may represent evidence of melt migration through zones of deformation.