Deformation and structural evolution of mantle peridotites during exhumation on transform faults: A forced transition from ductile to brittle regime

Abstract The exhumation of peridotite rocks in oceanic transform zones passes by the rheological transition between the ductile and brittle deformation until the complete emplacement in the oceanic lithosphere. The Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo Archipelago (SPSPA), in the Equatorial Atlantic, records the deformational products of ductile, brittle and the rocks/fluid interaction generating specific structures in each domain. The deformational stages are related to the transpressional and transtensional geodynamics of Sao Paulo Transform Fault. Firstly, during transpression, exhumation occurs associated with the ductile domain causing intense mylonitization in temperatures between ∼700° and 800 °C, defined by olivine and orthopyroxene recrystallization. The interaction with fluids initially originated from the mantle generates amphibole and oxide-rich layers marking the passage to a semi-brittle deformation. The continuation of peridotite exhumation, associated with an NW-SE shortening and transpressional led to a higher availability of hydrothermal fluids. As a consequence, four serpentinization episodes are recorded, which are associated with semi-brittle to brittle transition under temperatures between 300° and 400 °C. Finally, the complete exhumation and establishment of brittle mechanisms led to carbonatation phase near the surface, with temperatures ranging from 300° to 150 °C. The active NW-SE tectonic stress generated E-W strike-slip faults that were filled by carbonates recording the final exhumation stage.