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The structure and petrogenesis of the Trallval and Ruinsival areas of the Rhum ultrabasic complex

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2011

J. A. Volker  and
B. G. J. Upton
J. A. Volker
Affiliation:
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, Scotland, UK.
B. G. J. Upton
Affiliation:
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, Scotland, UK.
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Abstract

Detailed mapping of the Trallval-Ruinsival area of the ultrabasic complex of Rhum has revealed the relationship between the intrusive peridotites, which form a major part of the complex, and the layered ultrabasic rocks. The layered rocks on Trallval are correlated with Units 8 to 15 of the Eastern Layered Series as seen on Hallival and Askival, and part of an additional unit, Unit 16, has also been identified. The layered rocks of Ruinsival and the western part of Trallval form part of the Central Series and have been subdivided into six cyclic units. They are associated with four sets of intrusive breccia zones which converge towards a central region. Four cylindrical plugs of intrusive peridotite occur within the area of outcrop of the Central Series. Criteria are listed for the distinction of intrusive peridotite from conformable peridotites formed in situ. Distinctive textures and structures are described; these include vertical feldspathic streamers, which are interpreted as direct evidence for the upward expulsion of interstitial fluid, and loading structures at the contact between a peridotite layer and underlying allivalite are ascribed to the intrusion of a peridotite sill. A comparison of the Eastern Layered Series and the Central Series suggests that three stages were involved in the formation of the ultrabasic rocks: (i) the accretion of rhythmically layered unconsolidated olivine cumulates; (ii) the upward expulsion of intercumulus liquid; and (iii) the formation of either allivalite (as in the Eastern Layered Series) or ultrabasic breccia zones (as in the Central Series) from the expelled intercumulus liquid, depending on whether the tectonic environment was quiescent or extensional.

Keywords

allivalitebrecciascumulateslayeringperidotitetroctolite
Type
Research Article
Information
Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of The Royal Society of Edinburgh , Volume 81 , Issue 1 , 1990 , pp. 69 - 88
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1990

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