Eclogite formation and dynamics of crustal roots under continental collision zones

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Abstract
Field observations on deep parts of the root zone of the Caledonian orogen are combined with the geophysical data available for recent continental collision zones such as the Alps, to provide a model for dynamics of crustal root zones.Rocks descending into the root zone are locally infiltrated by fluids which cause eclogitization along shear zones and fluid pathways. The eclogite facies rocks vary in density from 3.1 to 3.6 g cm‐3, reflecting the compositional variation in their protoliths. Where the amount of highly ductile eclogitic material reaches about 40% the descending crustal segment loses its coherence and disintegrates into a breccia where blocks of granulite facies rocks float in a matrix of eclogite material. A density‐stratified root zone develops, where light unreacted or partly eclogitized material floats on an ‘ocean’ dominated by eclogite facies rocks, the top of which may correspond to the Moho. Catastrophic decent of this eclogitic layer may (1) transport blocks of light material to depths of > 90 km, which upon further disintegration due to eclogitization are released and return by buoyancy forces to the crust; (2) result in extension and uplift of the partly‐eclogitized lighter material.