Evolution of fluid compositions, migration scales, and redox state across an entire subduction complex

Fluids released in subduction zones play a key role in Earth dynamics, yet their compositions and migration scales remain poorly constrained. Here we present the first investigation of primary fluid inclusions across an entire exhumed subduction complex. These inclusions, trapped in high-pressure minerals, preserve small portions of subduction fluids likely unaffected by post-entrapment modifications. Distinct fluid compositions across lithologies point to a dominant closed-system behavior, with fluid transfer at a restricted scale. In blueschist-facies metasediments, a progressive salinity decrease from low to high grade is interpreted as reflecting a dilution of the rock chlorine content by local dehydration reactions. A suspected across-grade evolution of CO 2 CH 4 ratios in metasediment gas mixtures indicates decreasing f O 2 conditions relative to the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer, consistent with an internally graphite-carbonate buffered system. In contrast, metamafic rocks preserve high salinity fluids inherited from oceanic hydrothermal alteration, only slightly diluted by devolatilization reactions during burial. Major dehydration reactions occurring at the blueschist- to eclogite-facies transition in metamafic rocks release large volumes of saline fluids, and are likely responsible for the relatively high salinity values observed in the surrounding eclogitic metasediments. Locally, external fluid input is also detected in metasediments near evaporite-rich margin units. Overall, our data reveal restricted fluid circulation (up to the hm-scale) in the downgoing plate, except in zones that localized strain, where subsequent km-scale fluid channelization occurs.

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Publication Details

Journal
Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Published
2026-10-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2026.120420
Primary Topic
Geological and Geochemical Analysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Evolution of fluid compositions, migration scales, and redox state across an entire subduction complex

Benjamin Lefeuvre, Philippe Agard, Clément Herviou, B.P.R. Debret et al.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Geological and Geochemical Analysis
article

Evolution of fluid compositions, migration scales, and redox state across an entire subduction complex

Benjamin Lefeuvre, Philippe Agard, Clément Herviou, B.P.R. Debret, Anne Verlaguet
article en

Abstract

Fluids released in subduction zones play a key role in Earth dynamics, yet their compositions and migration scales remain poorly constrained. Here we present the first investigation of primary fluid inclusions across an entire exhumed subduction complex. These inclusions, trapped in high-pressure minerals, preserve small portions of subduction fluids likely unaffected by post-entrapment modifications. Distinct fluid compositions across lithologies point to a dominant closed-system behavior, with fluid transfer at a restricted scale. In blueschist-facies metasediments, a progressive salinity decrease from low to high grade is interpreted as reflecting a dilution of the rock chlorine content by local dehydration reactions. A suspected across-grade evolution of CO 2 CH 4 ratios in metasediment gas mixtures indicates decreasing f O 2 conditions relative to the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer, consistent with an internally graphite-carbonate buffered system. In contrast, metamafic rocks preserve high salinity fluids inherited from oceanic hydrothermal alteration, only slightly diluted by devolatilization reactions during burial. Major dehydration reactions occurring at the blueschist- to eclogite-facies transition in metamafic rocks release large volumes of saline fluids, and are likely responsible for the relatively high salinity values observed in the surrounding eclogitic metasediments. Locally, external fluid input is also detected in metasediments near evaporite-rich margin units. Overall, our data reveal restricted fluid circulation (up to the hm-scale) in the downgoing plate, except in zones that localized strain, where subsequent km-scale fluid channelization occurs.

Earth and Planetary Science LettersVol. 697
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR), Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (FR), Institut de physique du globe de Paris (FR), Institut Universitaire de France (FR), Université Clermont Auvergne (FR), Université Paris Cité (FR), Sorbonne Université (FR), Institut des Sciences de la Terre de Paris (FR), Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans (FR), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (FR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Geological and Geochemical Analysis
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