Reconstruction of geological setting for the protolith of Gole-Gohar, Ruchun and Khabr metamorphic complex (South-west of Baft, Kerman province)

Gole-Gohar, Ruchun and Khabr metamorphic complexes (South-west of Baft, Kerman province), form a part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic zone and contain an alternation of metamorphosed impure limestone, sedimentary rocks and basic igneous rocks. Different studies show that the first metamorphic event has been associated with the first deformational phase and orientation of muscovite, garnet, quartz and feldspar in these rocks. At this stage, a foliation parallel to the primary bedding (S0) formed. The second metamorphic event which has accompanied with the second deformational phase, caused the formation of microfolds and preferred orientation of muscovite, biotite, garnet and amphibole in the second foliation (S2), but the third event has been acted as retrograde metamorphism that are corresponding to early Cimmerian orogenic phase. Geochemical characteristics of metamorphosed sedimentary rocks in the area suggest a shale origin for them. Correlations between units and lithological variations in stratigraphic columns from north-west to the south-east, indicate that in Gole-Gohar complex (western part of the area), metamorphosed detrital sedimentary rocks are frequent. This means that the primary sediments have been settled in a turbulent shallow environment and the basic magmas have been entered into the basin simultaneously. With the passing of time, toward the east and at the time of the formation of Ruchun complex protolith rocks, sedimentary basin has been deepened more and occasionally, limestone layers were formed between detritic sediments and igneous rocks. Then the basin became very deep and large volume of limestone precipitated during formation of Khabr protolith rocks. At this time, igneous activity had been ceased. Stratigraphic relationships in the studied complex suggest that Gole Gohar complex rocks formed first and placed at deeper levels at the time of the formation of their parental rocks. Therefore, the highest grade of metamorphism occurred at the western part of the area (Gole Gohar complex) and the lowest grade is observed at the eastern part (Khabr complex).