Coupling forward modelling of garnet growth with monazite geochronology: an application to the Rappold Complex (Austroalpine crystalline basement)

Results from forward modelling of garnet growth and U–Th–Pb chemical dating suggest three periods of metamorphism that affected metapelitic rocks of the Rappold Complex (Eastern European Alps). Garnet first grew during Barrovian‐type metamorphism, possibly during the Carboniferous Variscan orogeny. The second period of metamorphism produced monazite and resulted in minor garnet growth in some samples. Variable garnet growth was controlled by changes to the effective bulk rock composition resulting from resorption of older garnet porphyroblasts. Monazite crystals have variable morphology, textures and composition, but all yield Permian ages (267 ± 12 to 274 ± 17 Ma). In samples in which there was Permian garnet growth, monazite forms isolated and randomly distributed grains. In other samples, monazite formed pseudomorphous clusters after allanite. This difference is attributed to higher transport rates of monazite‐forming elements in samples which underwent dehydration reactions during renewed garnet growth. The third and final period of garnet growth took place during Eo‐Alpine (Cretaceous) metamorphism. Garnet of this age displays a wart‐like texture. This may reflect transport‐limited growth, possibly as a result of repeated dehydration during polyphase metamorphism.