Geochemistry, tectonic setting and geodynamic significance of late orogenic dikes in the Melibocus Massif, Bergsträsser Odenwald

The Melibocus Massif forms a tonalite pluton in the W’ Bergstrasser Odenwald, which is interpreted as part of a magmatic arc of Devonian to Carboniferous age. Dikes of various compositions intrude frequently this tonalite. Different dike-lithologies are associated with different strike directions. Most dikes show evidence of high-temperature shearing. A probable maximum paleostress direction of ca. 060° can be estimated, i.e. nearly parallel to the known Variscan subduction zone in the Northwest. Due to their ductile deformation under conditions around the Ar-closing temperature of amphibole, intrusion likely occurred during the Carboniferous (Mississippian). The gabbroic to dioritic dikes …