Bohemian Massif

Research studies, carried out in late 90's, on the evaluation of PGE potential in the Bohemian Massif showed several prosperous localities (e.g., Ransko, Rožany, Kunratice, Svitavy, Předbořice, Hromnice, Kamenec, Vestřev). A new research project aims at collecting more data on the distribution on PGEs in the Bohemian Massif.

We present the first results of a high-resolution teleseismic traveltime tomography and seismic anisotropy study of the lithosphere–asthenosphere system beneath the western Bohemian Massif. The initial high-resolution tomography down to a depth of 250 km did not image any columnar low-velocity anomaly which could be interpreted as a mantle plume anticipated beneath the Eger Rift, similar to recent findings of small plumes beneath the French Massif Central and the Eifel in Germany. Alternatively, we interpret the broad low-velocity anomaly beneath the Eger Rift by an upwelling of the lithosphere–asthenosphere transition. We also map lateral variations of seismic anisotropy of the mantle lithosphere from spatial variations of P-wave delay times and the shear wave splitting. Three major domains characterised by different orientations of seismic anisotropy correspond to the major tectonic units—Saxothuringian, Moldanubian and the Teplá-Barrandian—and their fabrics fit to those found in our previous studies of mantle anisotropy on large European scales.

Multiple equilibrium stages were identified from garnet-rich gneiss at Ktiš in the Lhenice shear zone of the southern Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic. The matrix of the rock mainly comprises cordierite (Crd), sillimanite (Sil), biotite (Bt), garnet (Grt), quartz (Qtz), K-feldspar (Kfs) and plagioclase (Pl) along with accessory minerals such as spinel (Spl), apatite (Ap), monazite (Mnz) and zircon (Zrn). Bt, Sil, kyanite (Ky) and Pl occur as inclusion phases in Grt. Crd occurs only in the matrix both as isolated grains and as reaction coronas developed around Grt. Spl is closely correlated with the Crd corona. Some coarse-grained (> 3 mm) Grts show chemical heterogeneity both in major and trace elements. Grossular (Grs)-content is homogeneous and high {Xgrs = Ca / (Ca + Mg + Fe + Mn) = 0.27} in a center of the grain and smoothly decreases towards the grain margin (Xgrs = 0.02). However, pyrope (Prp)-content shows an inverse pattern against Grs-content; i.e., Prp-content is low and constant {Xprp = Mg / (Ca + Mg + Fe + Mn) = 0.03} in the center of the grain and gradually increases towards the margin (up to Xprp = 0.28). The contours of Grs- and Prp-contents show symmetrical hexagonal shapes. The distribution pattern of phosphorus, however, shows a striking contrast against Grs-content. The core of the grain is characterized by low-phosphorus content almost below the detection limit of the EPMA analysis but it is armored by the high-phosphorus rim accompanying with local development of phosphorus-poor outermost rim. The outline of phosphorus-poor core shows a hexagonal shape, which is symmetrical to those of Grs- and Prp-content contours, but it is located outside of higher-Grs (Xgrs = 0.27)- and lower-Prp (Xprp = 0.03)-content contours. These observations suggest that the outline of phosphorus-poor core should indicate the original shape of Grs-rich garnet developed during an early stage of the metamorphism. The zoning pattern of major/trace elements in garnet and the mode of occurrence of constituent minerals suggest that the studied rock experienced three equilibrium stages represented by the following mineral assemblages with excess of Bt, Pl, Qtz and Kfs:Stage 1: Grs-rich (Xgrs = 0.24–0.27) and phosphorus-poor Grt inner core + Ky + Ap + MnzStage 2: Grs-poor (Xgrs = ca. 0.05) and phosphorus-rich Grt rim + Ky/SilStage 3: Grs-poor (Xgrs = 0.02) and phosphorus-poor Grt outermost rim + Sil + Crd ± Spl + MnzThe geothermobarometry gives the following P–T conditions for each stage: 1.5–2.3 GPa at 700–900 °C for Stage 1, 730–830 °C and 1.0–1.3 GPa for Stage 2, and 740–850 °C and 0.6–0.8 GPa for Stage 3. The P–T conditions for the Stage 2 are slightly higher than the peak P–T conditions for gneisses of the Varied/Monotonous Units in the literatures and the P-conditions for the Stage 1 are similar to those of HP-granulite in the Gföhl Unit. The inferred P–T conditions of the studied rock, a model petrogenetic grid, and a pseudosection analysis suggest that the studied rock experienced the isothermal decompression at least from the Grt rim stage (Stage 2, 1.0–1.3 GPa) to the matrix stage (Stage 3, 0.6–0.8 GPa). This decompression path would overstep the following dehydration melting reactions at different depths: Ms + Qtz = Grt + Bt + Sil + Kfs + liq at 1.0–1.2 GPa and Bt + Sil + Qtz = Grt + Crd + Kfs + liq at 0.3–0.6 GPa. The high-phosphorus Grt rim should be formed through these reactions; in other words, higher-phosphorus content of Grt can be used as an indicator of partial melting of the host rock.► Multiple equilibrium stages were identified from garnet-rich gneiss at Ktiš in the Lhenice shear zone of the southern Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic. ► A new criterion for the determined “Core” and “Rim” of garnet is proposed: using Phosphorus (P) distribution. ► Estimated P-T conditions suggest that studied rock recorded precursor HP conditions and then experienced the isothermal decompression, accompanying partial melting at the garnet rim-formation stage. ► The higher-phosphorus content of garnet can be used as an indicator of partial melting of the host rock.

The complicated structural and rheologic properties of Western Carpathian lithosphere reflect the complex geodynamic history of the Carpathian orogen. Based on critical analysis of earlier models, new interpolation of existing geophysical data and results of integrated modelling, a new map of the lithosphere thickness for the Carpathian–Pannonian region has been constructed. The map allows for the distinction of a frontal orogen collision zone in the NE (from increased lithosphere thickness) as well as a zone of oblique collision with the Bohemian Massif in the West, where lithosphere is not significantly thickened. The MOHO discontinuity beneath the Western Carpathian hinterland (Danube and East Slovak Basins), as defined by deep reflection seismic profiling, is relatively shallow. This probably reflects recent crustal extension related to oblique collision between the European plate and the ALCAPA block and an increase of the asthenospheric updoming from the Middle Miocene onward....

U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons of metamagmatites from the Bayerischer Wald (Germany) reveals a complex evolution of this section of the Moldanubian Zone exposed in the western Bohemian Massif of the central European Variscan belt. In the south-western part of the Bayerischer Wald Upper Vendian magmatism is constrained by pooled 206Pb/ 238U mean ages of 555±12, 549±7 and 549±6 Ma from

Three major mineralization events are recorded at the Rožná uranium deposit (total mine production of 23,000 t U, average grade of 0.24% U): (1) pre-uranium quartz-sulfide and carbonate-sulfide mineralization, (2) uranium, and (3) post-uranium quartz-carbonate-sulfide mineralization. (1) K–Ar ages for white mica from wall rock alteration of the pre-uranium mineralization style range from 304.5 ± 5.8 to 307.6 ± 6.0 Ma coinciding with the post-orogenic exhumation of the Moldanubian orogenic root and retrograde-metamorphic equilibration of the high-grade metamorphic host rocks. The fluid inclusion record consists of low-salinity aqueous inclusions, together with H2O-CO2-CH4, CO2-CH4, and pure CH4 inclusions. The fluid inclusion, paragenetic, and isotope data suggest that the pre-uranium mineralization formed from a reduced low-salinity aqueous fluid at temperatures close to 300°C. (2) The uraniferous hydrothermal event is subdivided into the pre-ore, ore, and post-ore substages. K–Ar ages of pre-ore authigenic K-feldspar range from 296.3 ± 7.5 to 281.0 ± 5.4 Ma and coincide with the transcurrent reorganization of crustal blocks of the Bohemian Massif and with Late Stephanian to Early Permian rifting. Massive hematitization, albitization, and desilicification of the pre-ore altered rocks indicate an influx of oxidized basinal fluids to the crystalline rocks of the Moldanubian domain. The wide range of salinities of fluid inclusions is interpreted as a result of the large-scale mixing of basinal brines with meteoric water. The cationic composition of these fluids indicates extensive interaction with crystalline rocks. Chlorite thermometry yielded temperatures of 260°C to 310°C. During this substage, uranium was probably leached from the Moldanubian crystalline rocks. The hydrothermal alteration of the ore substage followed, or partly overlapped in time, the pre-ore substage alteration. K–Ar ages of illite from ore substage alteration range from 277.2 ± 5.5 to 264.0 ± 4.3 Ma and roughly correspond with the results of chemical U–Pb dating of authigenic monazite (268 ± 50 Ma). The uranium ore deposition was accompanied by large-scale decomposition of biotite and pre-ore chlorite to Fe-rich illite and iron hydrooxides. Therefore, it is proposed that the deposition of uranium ore was mostly in response to the reduction of the ore-bearing fluid by interaction with ferrous iron-bearing silicates (biotite and pre-ore chlorite). The Th data on primary, mostly aqueous, inclusions trapped in carbonates of the ore substage range between 152°C and 174°C and total salinity ranges over a relatively wide interval of 3.1 to 23.1 wt% NaCl eq. Gradual reduction of the fluid system during the post-ore substage is manifested by the appearance of a new generation of authigenic chlorite and pyrite. Chlorite thermometry yielded temperatures of 150°C to 170°C. Solid bitumens that post-date uranium mineralization indicate radiolytic polymerization of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons and their derivatives. The origin of the organic compounds can be related to the diagenetic and catagenetic transformation of organic matter in Upper Stephanian and Permian sediments. (3) K–Ar ages on illite from post-uranium quartz-carbonate-sulfide mineralization range from 233.7 ± 4.7 to 227.5 ± 4.6 Ma and are consistent with the early Tethys-Central Atlantic rifting and tectonic reactivation of the Variscan structures of the Bohemian Massif. A minor part of the late Variscan uranium mineralization was remobilized during this hydrothermal event.

A large-scale relict domain of granulite facies deformation fabrics has been identified within the Blanský les granulite body. The granulite facies mylonitic fabric is discordant to the dominant amphibolite facies structures of the surrounding retrograde granulite. The complex geometry of retrograde amphibolite facies fabric indicates a large-scale fold-like structure, which is interpreted to be a result of either crustal-scale buckling of an already exhumed granulite sheet or active rotation of a rigid granulite facies ellipsoidal domain in kinematic continuity with the regional amphibolite facies deformation. We argue that both concepts allow similar restoration of the original granulite facies fabrics prior to the amphibolite facies deformation and “folding”. The geometry of the granulite facies foliations coincides with the earliest fabrics in the nearby mid-crustal units suggesting complete mechanical coupling between the deep lower crust and the mid-crustal levels during the vertical movements of crustal materials. Microstructures indicate grain-size sensitive flow enhanced by the presence of silicate melts at deep crustal levels and a beginning of an exhumation process of low viscosity granulites through a vertical channel. The amphibolite facies fabrics developed at middle crustal levels and their microstructures indicate significant hardening of feldspar-made rigid skeleton of the retrograde granulite. Increase in the strength of the granulite allowed an active buckling or a rigid body rotation of the granulite sheet, which acted as a strong layer inside the weaker metasediments.

An illite separated from mylonites from the southern rim of the Bohemian massif was studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy at temperatures between 300 and 1.8 K. The iron is mainly contained in oxides associated with the illite. Only 13% of the iron are structural Fe3+ and Fe2+ within the clay mineral matrix. The transformations of the oxidic iron during heating at temperatures up to 1250°C were followed by Mössbauer measurements at 300 and 4.2 K.

Our objective is to look for deep paths of Cenozoic volcanism and migration routes of active mantle volatiles through the lithosphere of the western Bohemian Massif. We show that the rejuvenated junction of three mantle domains, delimited by different orientation of seismic anisotropy and belonging to originally separated microplates — the Saxothuringian (ST), Moldanubian (MD) and Teplá-Barrandian (TB) — can provide the easiest upward routes of fluids through the deep lithosphere. Geographic distribution of mantle-fluid escapes at the surface suggests fluid migration through the ductile lower crust and through partly open faults in the rigid upper crust, which is locally detached and shifted from its lower part and from the mantle lithosphere. Present-day escapes of mantle-derived helium and CO2 concentrate mainly in two tectonically different crust edifices — in the Cheb Basin (CHB) and in an allochtonous block called the Mariánské Lázně Complex (MLC). Crystalline basement of the CHB developed above the Variscan ‘triple junction’ of the mantle lithosphere domains. The basement was extended during the Cenozoic and dissected by systems of faults into small partly sunken blocks. Thanks to buoyancy the mantle fluids migrate upwards along the lithosphere junction into the faulted basement of the CHB. The highest CO2 flow and the highest 3He/4He ratios are observed at intersections of major normal faults and along the southern boundary of the Smrčiny (Fichtelgebirge) granite Pluton. The fluid escapes are separated from the earthquake swarm epicentres. Routes of the fluids to the MLC are longer and more complicated. Surface escapes tap the mantle fluids mainly from the Mariánské Lázně Fault (MLF) and from the tectonic boundaries along which the MLC block of the TB lower crust was thrust over the ST complexes. Hypocentres of earthquake swarms of the two major focal areas at Nový Kostel and Lazy, located mainly at depths of 6–13 km, reside either in granite or in underlying gneiss, while the escapes of mantle fluids follow major faults or boundaries of crystalline units outside the Smrčiny and Karlovy Vary granite Plutons. We suggest that primarily those parts of faults in the upper crust, which is strengthened by granite magmatism and rigid enough to selectively accumulate stresses, are seismoactive. On the other hand, other parts of the faults tapping ascending mantle volatiles are ‘lubricated’ by the fluids and secondary mineralogical changes, and thus they cannot accumulate sufficient stresses to be released by earthquakes. A comparison of the most probable paths of the mantle fluids with the space-time distribution of the Nový Kostel hypocentres does not seem to support the model of the earthquake swarms triggered by pressurized fluids of mantle origin.

Modal analysis, bulk-rock geochemistry and Fe-Ti mineral chemistry of the Late Triassic Carpathian Keuper sandstones indicate that their mineralogy being mainly quartz-dominated, with variable amounts of feldspars and rock fragments and are classified as quartz arenites, sub-litharenites and sub-arkoses, suggesting derivation mainly from acid igneous rocks, gneisses and older sandstones. These are common constituents of the basement rocks in the area studied and the surroundings. Their bulk-rock geochemistry supports the petrographic results and indicates that they are virtually Fe-rich, lithic sandstones/quartz arkosic sandstones. Fe-Ti oxide minerals chemistry suggests a metamorphic rather than igneous sources. Based on the mineralogical and geochemical indicators, the probable provenance of the Keuper sandstones was mainly the metamorphic and igneous rocks of the crystalline cores of the Western Carpathians and the foreland of the Bohemian Massif which were weathered and deposite...