Petrographic (thin section) notes on selected samples from hornblende-rich metamorphic terranes in the southernmost Sierra Nevada, California

Abstract

Medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks that are commonly hornblende-rich, and probably largely of 'oceanic' affinity, are widespread in the southernmost Sierra Nevada, California. These metamorphic rocks are largely amphibolite, mafic and felsic gneiss, granofels, and hypersthene granulite The mineral assemblages suggest that these rocks are at least in part of granulite grade, represent relatively deep crustal levels, and may be exposed parts of the root zone of the Sierra Nevada batholith. Access to the largest area of these rocks is relatively limited and for this reason petrographic data (textures and mineral content based on thin section study) are summarized here. Directions to readily accessible localities are presented, however, where the major metamorphic rock types can be examined and sampled.