KYANITE DEFORMATION IN WHITESCHIST OF THE ULTRAHIGH-PRESSURE METAMORPHIC KOKCHETAV MASSIF, KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Microstructures in minerals from ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic (UHPM) terranes are keys to understanding the rheological properties and the exhumation mechanisms of rocks from subduction zones. Kyanite‐bearing whiteschist, associated with eclogite lenses, is part of UHPM unit II located south‐west of Lake Zheltau in the Kulet region of the Kokchetav Massif. The equilibrium assemblage is kyanite + garnet + talc + phengite + coesite/quartz. Previously reported peak pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions are ∼3.5 GPa at 750 °C. A strong foliation is defined by the talc and phengite, with a corresponding weak shape preferred alignment of kyanite. Crystallographic orientation maps and analysis of kyanite blades were performed using electron backscatter diffraction methods. The data are consistent with a (100)[001] slip system for the formation of undulose extinction and kink bands in kyanite. Rotations measured across individual kink bands are 10–50° about <010>, and rotations along kyanite with undulose extinction are up to 50° about <010> with variations between adjacent points typically <2°. The undulose extinction is interpreted to have developed through crystal plastic deformation by dislocation creep. Kink bands mark the development of high‐angle grain boundaries by dislocation climb. The deformation of kyanite occurred in the fault‐bounded terrane during the exhumation of the Kokchetav Massif.