Syntectonic infiltration by meteoric waters along the Sevier thrust front, southwest Montana

Abstract

Structural, petrographic, and isotopic data for calcite veins and carbonate host-rocks from the Sevier thrust front of SW Montana record syntectonic infiltration by H 2 O-rich fluids with meteoric oxygen isotope compositions. Multiple generations of calcite veins record protracted fluid flow associated with regional Cretaceous contraction and subsequent Eocene extension. Vein mineralization occurred during single and multiple mineralization events, at times under elevated fluid pressures. Low salinity (T m ¼ )0.6°C to +3.6°C, as NaCl equivalent salinities) and low temperature (estimated 50-80°C for Cretaceous veins, 60-80°C for Eocene veins) fluids interacted with wallrock carbonates at shallow depths (3-4 km in the Cretaceous, 2-3 km in the Eocene) during deformation. Shear and extensional veins of all ages show significant intra-and inter-vein variation in d 18 O and d 13 C. Carbonate host-rocks have a mean d 18 O V-SMOW value of +22.2 ± 3& (1r), and both the Cretaceous veins and Eocene veins have d 18 O ranging from values similar to those of the host-rocks to as low as +5 to +6&. The variation in vein d 13 C V-PDB of )1 to approximately +6& is attributed to original stratigraphic variation and C isotope exchange with hydrocarbons. Using the estimated temperature ranges for vein formation, fluid (as H 2 O) d 18 O calculated from Cretaceous vein compositions for the Tendoy and Four Eyes Canyon thrust sheets are )18.5 to )12.5&. For the Eocene veins within the Four Eyes Canyon thrust sheet, calculated H 2 O d 18 O values are )16.3 to )13.5&.Fluid-rock exchange was localized along fractures and was likely coincident with hydrocarbon migration. Paleotemperature determinations and stable isotope data for veins are consistent with the infiltration of the foreland thrust sheets by meteoric waters, throughout both Sevier orogenesis and subsequent orogenic collapse. The cessation of the Sevier orogeny was coincident with an evolving paleogeographic landscape associated with the retreat of the Western Interior Seaway and the emergence of the thrust front and foreland basin. Meteoric waters penetrated the foreland carbonate thrust sheets of the Sevier orogeny utilizing an evolving mesoscopic fracture network, which was kinematically related to regional thrust structures. The uncertainty in the temperature estimates for the Cretaceous and Eocene vein formation prevents a more detailed assessment of the temporal evolution in meteoric water d 18 O related to changing paleogeography. Meteoric water-influenced d 18 O values calculated here for Cretaceous to Eocene vein-forming fluids are similar to those previously proposed for surface waters in the Eocene, and those observed for modern-day precipitation, in this part of the Idaho-Montana thrust belt.

Litho-stratigraphic effect on Variscan fluid flow within the Prague synform, Barrandian: Evidence based on C, O, Sr isotopes and fluid inclusions

“…Some investigators have revealed meteoric waters penetrating the foreland thrust sheets in orogen (e.g. Rygel et al, 2006) or migrating along faults in rock environment with restricted permeability (Mathieu et al, 2000). Our model corroborates such interpretation for the KK3-X samples, which plot at w/r ratios in excess of 1000 (Fig.…”

Changes in fluid pathways in a calcite vein mesh (Natih Formation, Oman Mountains): insights from stable isotopes

“…) or in shallow settings (Rygel et al . ; see also Sibson ). Fluid pressures during formation of vein meshes can be near‐lithostatic (Rygel et al .…”

“…Fluid pressures during formation of vein meshes can be near‐lithostatic (Rygel et al . ; Van Noten et al . ) to hydrostatic (Eichhubl & Boles ; Wiltschko et al .…”

On the homogeneity of fluids forming bedding‐parallel veins

“…; Rygel et al . ). Petrographic studies constrain the kinematics of vein formation and cementation (e.g., Ferrill ; Jessell et al .…”

“…Structural studies provide information on fracturesystem architecture and the timing of fluid flow (Tobin, 2001;Aydin, 2000;Gudmundsson et al, 2000). Geochemical studies provide information on the sources and residence times of vein-forming fluids (Machel et al 1996;Rygel et al 2006). Petrographic studies constrain the kinematics of vein formation and cementation (e.g., Ferrill 1991;Jessell et al 1994;Fowler 1996), and microthermometric studies of fluid inclusions can constrain the compositions, temperatures, and pressures of the vein-forming fluids (e.g., Evans 1995;Evans & Battles 1999;Newton & Manning 2002;Fischer et al 2009).…”