Unroofing of active metamorphic core complexes in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands, Papua New Guinea

E. J. Hill, S. L. Baldwin, G. S. Lister

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

Metamorphic core complexes in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands are forming as a result of active extension at the western end of the Woodlark Basin spreading centre. High-grade metamorphic rocks exist in the cores of gneissic domes, including eclogites formed at minimum depths of 45-75 km. The core-zone rocks were transected by kilometre-scale, amphibolite-facies ductile shear zones active at depths of 25-35 km. Extensive intrusion of granodiorite plutons occurred, and the age of granodiorite intrusions constrains late-stage shear-zone activity to ~2 Ma and younger. Unroofing was accomplished by faults and shear zones bounding the gneiss domes, juxtaposing them against ultramafic rocks and sedimentary deposits. Surface uplift continues today and has led to topographic elevations of up to 2.5 km. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)907-910
Number of pages4
JournalGeology
Volume20
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Unroofing of active metamorphic core complexes in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands, Papua New Guinea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this