Structural evolution of the Horoman peridotite complex in conjunction with the formation of the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt, Hokkaido

Abstract

We conducted crystal-fabric analyses of peridotites within the Horoman peridotite complex in the Hidaka metamorphic belt, Hokkaido, Japan. Over fifty oriented peridotite samples were collected and analyzed for olivine fabric strength (J-index) and crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs). The peridotites contained four olivine CPOs: A, E, D, and AG types. We confirmed that olivine CPOs presented a transitional distribution from E to A to AG type from south to north. Previous experimental studies have demonstrated that E type CPO can merge under hydrous conditions. In addition, magnetotelluric observations suggested that the subducting oceanic plate supplies pore fluid to the basal thrust in the region (the Hidaka Main Thrust). Therefore, we infer that the E type CPO was originated from a local water infiltration event. AG type CPO, on the other hand, was considered as a secondary product enhanced by the synkinematic melts in the northern (geological upper) part, combined with the pressure-temperature path inferred by previous petrological studies. Furthermore, we reconstructed the senses of shear strain using the microstructure and olivine crystal-fabrics. Then we built the tectonic history of the Horoman peridotite complex integrating the structural development of the Hidaka metamorphic belt.