PETROGENETIC STUDY ON ULTRAMAFIC–MAFIC SUITE OF SATHYAMANGALAM SCHIST COMPLEX (SOUTH INDIA)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst5774Keywords:
Bhavani Lineament Zone, Layered mafic-ultramafic suite, Fractional crystallization, Tholeiitic differentiation, High-grade metamorphismAbstract
The ultramafic–mafic suite exposed in the Gobichettipalayam region of Tamil Nadu, forming part of the Sathyamangalam Schist Complex (SSC), displays a well-layered stratiform structure aligned along the Bhavani Lineament Zone. Field evidence such as rhythmic layering, chromitite lenses, and preserved cumulate textures indicates an intrusive origin with co-magmatic relationships. The sequence comprises pyroxenite at the base, overlain by metagabbro and capped by meta-anorthosite, all emplaced into high-grade metamorphic terrain and later deformed under upper amphibolite to granulite facies. Petrographic analysis reveals adcumulate textures in anorthosites with calcic plagioclase, garnet-bearing metagabbros with relict pyroxenes, and clinopyroxene-rich pyroxenites, pointing to fractional crystallization and metamorphic overprinting. Major, trace, and REE geochemistry show a tholeiitic trend, with meta-anorthosites enriched in Al₂O₃ and CaO and depleted in TiO₂, K₂O, and P₂O₅. Tectonic discrimination diagrams and REE patterns suggest an arc-related, supra-subduction zone setting, marked by negative Eu anomalies and HREE enrichment, indicating plagioclase and pyroxene fractionation.
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